Sabrina looked slightly confused.
"Didn't you go shopping with your little girlfriend?"
Even though she tried to sound calm, there was obvious awkwardness in her expression.
"No," Sam replied. "She went shopping with her best friend."
"Oh…"
Sabrina lowered her gaze slightly.
"Are you shopping alone too?" Sam asked.
"Yes. I wanted to visit the Pokémon supply store and see if there are any rations or training materials my Pokémon might like."
As she spoke, Sabrina suddenly seemed a little embarrassed.
"If you're busy, you can head back first. I can look around alone."
Her face was slightly red.
Although Sabrina always acted cold and distant, Sam could still sense the nervousness she was trying to hide.
Without hesitation, Sam reached out and grabbed her hand.
Sometimes, being shameless was the best strategy.
"Why don't I go with you?" Sam said with a smile.
"N-No need…"
Sabrina lowered her head, her cheeks growing even redder.
But Sam ignored the refusal and naturally held onto her hand.
"Let's go together."
This time, Sabrina obediently followed beside him.
The two soon arrived at the largest Pokémon supply mall in the city.
The moment they entered, countless products appeared before them.
Sam sighed inwardly.
This really was a place only rich people could afford to shop in.
Only then did he let go of Sabrina's hand.
But surprisingly, Sabrina simply stood there blankly, not moving at all.
She neither left nor spoke.
Sam looked at her strangely.
Was this girl really stunned silly from emotional overload?
"Why are you standing there like an idiot?"
"Ah!"
Sabrina finally snapped back to reality.
Only then did she realize Sam had already released her hand.
For a moment, she actually looked a little disappointed.
Sam reminded her casually:
"Go pick what you want. Didn't you come here to buy things?"
Since there were many people around, Sam leaned close and whispered near her ear.
The warm breath brushed against Sabrina's neck.
Instantly, the blush spread from her face all the way to her ears.
She hurriedly walked forward, almost like she was trying to escape him.
When someone is in love, even the smallest movements can make them feel dizzy and flustered.
Sam followed behind her leisurely.
Soon, the two arrived at a toy section.
A store clerk immediately walked over.
"Welcome! What would you like to buy?"
Sabrina answered softly,
"I want to buy some toys for Alakazam."
Although she noticed Sam following her, this time she didn't reject him.
In fact, she even slowed her pace slightly, worried that he might lose sight of her.
She clearly wanted to run away from him—
But also didn't want him to leave.
That was exactly what falling in love felt like.
"Of course!" the clerk said enthusiastically. "We have simulated bones, training sticks, boomerangs, and many toys Pokémon like Alakazam enjoy playing with."
While Sabrina hesitated, Sam suddenly spoke up.
"Let's get the simulated boomerang."
He understood Alakazam pretty well.
That Pokémon really liked things like boomerangs.
Sabrina didn't object at all and silently accepted Sam's suggestion.
Soon, the clerk finished wrapping the toy and smiled warmly.
"Miss, your boyfriend is so considerate. He even understands your Pokémon so well!"
The moment she heard the word "boyfriend," Sabrina's face turned bright red again.
She lowered her head and stayed silent.
"Why are you standing there? Let's go."
Sam picked up the wrapped boomerang and boldly grabbed Sabrina's hand again.
This time—
She didn't resist at all.
The two continued walking side by side through the mall.
Meanwhile, Sam secretly felt rather proud.
Sure enough, when pursuing girls, confidence and initiative were unbeatable weapons.
Holding Sabrina's soft little hand honestly felt pretty nice too.
At the same time, Sabrina felt a strange warmth inside her chest.
Today, Sam's boldness had completely caught her off guard.
"…Hey," Sabrina suddenly spoke softly while being led along.
"You performed really well during the Gym Exchange Tournament."
Sam smiled helplessly.
"Claire was really strong. I just got lucky."
Then he turned toward her and grinned.
"You were amazing too. As expected of Alakazam. That battle was basically one-sided."
Sabrina became shy again.
At this moment, she no longer looked like the cold Psychic Queen everyone feared.
She was just an awkward teenage girl walking beside the boy she liked.
She nodded quietly.
"Don't be so stiff," Sam suddenly teased. "Relax a little."
Only then did Sabrina realize how unnatural she had been acting.
After calming herself down, she looked at him and finally asked in a more normal tone:
"So… where are you planning to go next?"
After the Gym Exchange Tournament, Trainers finally had a rare vacation period.
Sam thought for a moment before answering:
"If nothing unexpected happens, I'll probably head to the Seafoam Islands next."