Cerulean City shimmered under the midday sun, its canals glinting like strands of glass. Alex waited near the small riverside café, sipping his tea while a gentle breeze ruffled his dark hair. He didn't have to wait long — a familiar, lively voice called from behind him.
"Hey, Professor Heartthrob! You kept me waiting, you know!"
He turned, smiling as Lily hurried toward him, her long blue hair bouncing with each step. Dressed in a sleeveless pink blouse and denim shorts, she looked effortlessly bright — like the kind of person who could make the world feel lighter just by being in it.
"Good morning, Lily," Alex greeted. "You look… cheerful as always."
"Cheerful?" she huffed playfully, hands on hips. "You're supposed to say beautiful!"
Alex chuckled. "Then — you look beautiful."
Her face lit up instantly, though she tried to cover her blush with a mock cough. "You're learning fast, Professor."
They decided to spend the afternoon exploring the Cerulean Riverwalk — a long stretch of scenic paths, food stalls, and little bridges that crossed over calm, clear water. Lily had planned the date herself, and it showed; she was radiant, constantly pulling him from one thing to another — a stall selling sweet poffins, a bridge perfect for selfies, and a wild Pokémon park where families played with Squirtles and Marills.
Everywhere she went, laughter followed. And Alex couldn't help but smile, watching how alive she was.
At one point, she tugged on his sleeve. "Come on, let's feed the Pokémon too!"
He raised an eyebrow but followed. Soon, they were surrounded by a small group of Magikarps and Goldeens. Lily knelt by the water, tossing food pellets with an easy grin.
"You're good with them," Alex noted, crouching beside her.
She looked up, eyes sparkling. "Of course! I used to sneak out of the gym just to play with the Water-types. Daisy always said I was too childish." She giggled softly. "Guess she wasn't wrong."
Alex shook his head. "No, I think that's what makes you special. You bring warmth wherever you go."
Her smile softened. "That's… sweet of you to say." She tossed another pellet into the water, her voice quieter now. "You know, when I first met you, I thought you were just some stoic genius type. But the more time I spend with you…" She glanced up, meeting his gaze. "You're actually really gentle."
Alex looked at her, amused. "Is that a compliment?"
"Maybe," she said with a teasing grin. "Or maybe it's my way of saying you're too hard to ignore."
The breeze picked up, carrying the scent of water lilies. Lily's hair brushed against his shoulder as she leaned closer to look at a curious Poliwag swimming near them. For a second, time seemed to slow — her laughter, the ripples on the surface, the warmth between them.
"Thank you for today," she said softly, still watching the water. "I know I joke a lot, but… this means something to me."
Alex tilted his head slightly. "What do you mean?"
She smiled faintly, her eyes meeting his. "I've always been the one who hides behind jokes. It's easier to make people laugh than to show what you feel, you know? But with you…" She took a quiet breath. "I don't feel like I have to pretend."
The sincerity in her voice surprised even herself. Alex said nothing at first, only reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. "Then don't pretend," he said softly. "Just be Lily."
Her cheeks turned pink, but she didn't look away. "You're really unfair, you know that?"
"Why?" he asked, amused.
"Because now I like you even more."
They both laughed quietly after that, the air light and warm. As the sun began to dip, they walked together along the riverbank, watching the reflections shimmer like liquid gold.
When they reached the café again, Lily stopped and turned toward him. "Hey, Alex?"
"Hmm?"
"Next time…" She smiled, tilting her head. "Let's make it a double date. Maybe with Misty — or Daisy. I think it'd be fun."
He chuckled. "You just want to keep me busy."
"Exactly." She winked. "Can't let the others have you all to themselves, right?"
Alex shook his head, laughing. "You really are something, Lily."
"And don't you forget it," she said, hands behind her back. Then, more quietly: "But seriously… thanks. For today. It was perfect."
He smiled. "You're welcome. And for the record — you were beautiful."
Her expression brightened instantly. "Now that's how you end a date!"
As she skipped away toward the gym, humming to herself, Alex watched her with a soft smile. Lily's energy was wild, unpredictable — but it had a purity that reminded him why he'd grown so fond of this world and the people in it.