The next morning.
Sunlight spilled through the gaps in the curtains, shining on Aimi's face.
Her eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes.
What met her eyes was a familiar face, Roy.
He was still asleep, his breathing steady, the lines of his profile appearing exceptionally soft in the morning light.
Aimi's face flushed slightly, then she carefully moved Roy's arm from her waist and gently sat up from the bed.
A wave of soreness washed over her body.
Her face turned red, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl upward.
Then she turned to look at the window.
The sunlight coming through the gaps in the curtains was already quite bright.
It was broad daylight.
Aimi's expression instantly froze.
"Oh no! Oh no!"
She leaped out of bed; as her feet hit the floor, her legs gave way, and she nearly fell.
She quickly steadied herself against the edge of the bed and hurriedly began to dress.
She pulled them on quickly.
Then she picked up the bra from the nightstand and quickly fastened it.
Then she put on the light blue T-shirt and jeans.
The whole process took less than two minutes.
While dressing, she walked toward the door, muttering to herself.
"It's over, it's over. It's so late, Mom must have been up for ages."
"Sister Delia and Misty must be up too."
"I actually slept in this late..."
She pulled open the bedroom door and walked out quickly.
Then she froze.
The scene in the living room left her rooted to the spot.
A steaming breakfast was already laid out on the table.
White Porridge, side dishes, fried eggs, Steamed Buns, and a pot of hot tea.
Every dish was steaming, clearly freshly made.
Ayano was wiping the table with a cloth, her movements brisk, her face glowing, looking in particularly high spirits.
Seeing Aimi come out of Roy's room, she wasn't surprised at all; instead, she greeted her with a smile.
"You're up? Go wash your face and brush your teeth; breakfast is almost ready."
Aimi opened her mouth to say something, but her gaze was drawn to the scene in the yard.
In the yard, Delia was squatting on the ground, holding some Pokemon food, feeding Pikachu and Eevee.
Pikachu was eating with great relish, the corners of its mouth covered in food crumbs.
"Pika Pika~"
Eevee was also eating happily, its tail wagging like a small fan.
"Vui vui~"
Misty stood nearby, holding a basin of water, giving Primeape a bath.
Primeape sat in the basin with a look of enjoyment, occasionally shaking the water off its body, splashing it all over Misty.
"Hey! Stop shaking!"
"Hahaha, that tickles!"
Misty's laughter drifted in from the yard, crisp and pleasant.
Then Aimi saw Hitmonchan.
That Hitmonchan was standing in a corner of the yard, next to Pikachu and Eevee, also having been given a portion of food and eating quietly.
The injuries on its body were mostly healed, and it looked to be in good spirits.
Delia occasionally stroked its head, and it didn't resist; instead, it showed a gentle expression.
Aimi stood at the door, completely dazed.
In this moment, it suddenly dawned on her that she was no longer the only one struggling to support this home.
Before, every morning when she woke up, there were too many things to do.
First, check on her mother's condition, take her blood pressure, give her medicine, and prepare breakfast.
Then go to the Gym to clean, organize equipment, and wait for challengers.
Coming back at night, she still had to cook, do laundry, and tidy the house.
All the burdens were pressed onto her shoulders alone.
She didn't dare say she was tired, didn't dare complain, didn't dare collapse.
Because if she collapsed, this home would be finished.
But now...
Her mother's condition had improved; she could cook and tidy the house herself.
Sister Delia and Misty were also there, helping to take care of the Pokemon.
And...
Her gaze fell on Roy, who had just walked out of the room.
Roy held a coat in his hand, walked to her side, and draped it over her shoulders.
"The morning is chilly; don't catch a cold."
His voice was calm, but it carried a reassuring warmth.
Aimi's lips curled up as she gave a slight response.
"Mm."
Ayano poked her head out from the kitchen.
"Alright, alright, don't just stand at the door. Come in and eat."
"The porridge won't taste good once it gets cold."
Aimi took a deep breath and turned to walk into the house.
Delia and Misty also came in from the yard, bringing Pikachu and the others.
The family sat down around the table.
Ayano served a bowl of porridge for everyone.
"Come, come, eat while it's hot."
Aimi picked up her bowl and took a sip.
"It's delicious."
She said softly.
Then she took another sip.
Ayano sat nearby, watching her daughter drink the porridge, a satisfied smile appearing on her face.
Then her gaze fell on Roy.
Roy was quietly drinking his porridge, his movements unhurried, but taking every bite seriously.
The more Ayano looked, the more satisfied she became.
When everyone was almost finished eating, Ayano put down her bowl and chopsticks and glanced at Aimi.
Then she stood up, pretending to go to the kitchen to get something. As she passed Aimi, she lowered her voice and said,
"Aimi, come help Mom get something."
Aimi didn't think much of it and followed Ayano into the kitchen.
Ayano stood in the kitchen, turned around, and looked at her daughter.
There was a gossipy glint in her eyes, and the corners of her mouth curled up slightly.
"So, Aimi?"
"Was last night... enough to get pregnant?"
Aimi was drinking milk. Hearing this, she spat it out with a 'pfft'.
Milk sprayed all over the floor.
Then she choked and began to cough violently.
"Cough, cough, cough... Oh, Mom! What are you talking about?"
Aimi's face turned so red it looked like it was about to bleed; she was completely flustered.
Ayano looked at her daughter with an innocent expression.
"Hmm? Why? Don't tell me you two just chatted under the covers all night?"
Her expression became a bit worried.
"Or did you not let Roy stay?"
Aimi's face grew even redder, and she felt like she was about to start smoking.
"Oh, Mom!"
She lowered her head, her voice as small as a mosquito's buzz.
"We did..."
Her voice grew smaller and smaller.
"But it's not those two days for me..."
Ayano's expression softened, but she still stared at her daughter.
"Besides, I need to focus on organizing the Fighting Spirit Gym's affairs... how would I have time to think about that?"
Aimi's voice grew smaller and smaller until it was almost inaudible.
Ayano nodded, her smile deepening.
"Organizing the Gym, huh..."
She thought for a moment.
"Don't I have time? I can help you raise the child..."
"Anyway, my health is better now, and I'd just be idle otherwise."
Aimi stamped her feet in frustration.
"Oh, Mom! Just... go mind your own business!"
She reached out and pushed Ayano out of the kitchen.
Ayano was pushed forward, laughing uncontrollably.
"Alright, alright, I'll stop, I'll stop."
"But if you really are pregnant, you must tell me."
"Mom will prepare Supplements for you."
"Mom!"
Aimi's voice even changed pitch.
Ayano burst out laughing; this was the first time she had seen her daughter so shy.
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