Chapter 113: Boys Will Always Have Their Quirks

"Well, what exactly are you trying to say?" Tang Yi took the initiative, determined to clear up the misunderstanding once and for all.

Ralts blinked, looking hesitant and conflicted. There was no sign of genuine anger, however, and she eventually seemed to make up her mind.

"Don't worry, I won't tell Mom and Dad. And, well, I won't tell anyone else either."

Tang Yi’s first reaction was a wave of relief. If this got out, it would be social suicide—Ralts at least knew how to keep things discreet. But then he reconsidered: why was he relieved? This was a misunderstanding, after all.

Tang Yi hurriedly cautioned, "Don't jump to conclusions just yet. It’s not a matter of telling people or not—this really is a misunderstanding."

Ralts offered a subtle smile. "You don't need to explain. I understand."

She didn't seem angry, but Tang Yi felt something was off. He asked, "What exactly do you think you understand?"

Ralts looked troubled and sniffled. "I... I know. Boys, especially boys your age, having a few... unique habits is perfectly normal."

Tang Yi: "???"

As he feared, things were spiraling in an unpredictable direction.

Ralts finally gathered the courage to look Tang Yi in the eye. Her gaze was gentle, almost radiating a saintly glow. "I shouldn't have scolded you like that earlier. I should try to understand you, so please, don't feel burdened by it."

Tang Yi interrupted her, expressionless. "Did you look this up on Baidu?"

Ralts stayed silent, looking sheepish. He didn't even need to ask; one look at her behavior confirmed it. This was nothing like her usual way of speaking. The internet was a dangerous place!

"Honestly, it’s not what you think."

"Mhm, I understand."

"No! You don't!"

"Mhm, I suppose I don't really understand human boys."

...

This conversation was going nowhere.

Tang Yi sighed, rubbing his forehead. He decided to give up. It wasn't a big deal anyway; if neither of them spoke of it, the whole thing would eventually blow over.

Tang Yi shifted the topic. "Let's talk about Draining Kiss. Do you have any other ideas?"

Ralts turned her head slightly to hide her blush. "Well, I think I need you present for the practice. I’ve been thinking: if I can use the move with you here, then it shouldn't be a problem when I’m facing others."

He wasn't entirely sure he followed that logic, but it was good that she was determined. For the sake of future matches, mastering Draining Kiss was crucial.

Because Ralts was still too shy to practice the move in public, Tang Yi began leaving school two hours early each day to practice with her in his room.

The first step was condensing Fairy-type energy into a Draining Kiss. This wasn't difficult; Ralts mastered the basics in three days.

The next step was the real challenge: firing the kiss while maintaining control over the energy. This constant precision was required to successfully drain stamina upon impact.

Sticking to a gradual approach, Tang Yi started by having her blow kisses at a stuffed doll. Ralts had no psychological barrier with that. However, since it was a draining move, it had no effect on the doll. After over a dozen hits, there were only faint marks on the toy.

By the fifth day, seeing no progress, Tang Yi volunteered. "How about you use me as the practice target? I’ve looked it up—as long as you control the Fairy energy, Draining Kiss won't cause much damage. As for the draining effect, it’ll just make me a bit tired. It’s nothing serious."

"That won't do!"

"It's fine. It's not like I haven't been hit by your Psychic before. Don't worry about hurting me." Tang Yi smiled to reassure her. Since it was a low-power move, he wasn't afraid of any real danger.

His real goal was to help Ralts let go of her hesitation. In a real match, if she was shy or hesitant while using a move, her opponent wouldn't just stand there waiting for her.

Ralts was annoyed. *Who's worried about you getting hurt? Is that what you think I'm worried about?*

After hesitating for a long time, she begrudgingly agreed. She knew this move was important for future competitions. It was already the second week, and the third round of the main tournament was only a month away. Time was tight.

"Then... then sit on the edge of the bed, close your eyes, and don't open them! And no weird movements!" Ralts began to issue commands.

Tang Yi wanted to laugh. Opponents in a match wouldn't close their eyes, but he couldn't rush her. He followed her instructions, sat perfectly still, and closed his eyes.

"I'm ready. Go ahead!"

Tang Yi called out, feeling a bit nervous. Even if it was a low-power move, getting hit would still sting.

*Just endure it,* he thought.

Two minutes passed.

Tang Yi, tense and rigid, was starting to feel exhausted. Hearing nothing, he couldn't help but open his eyes. He saw Ralts standing a short distance away, blinking her large, bright eyes at him.

Tang Yi asked, "Why haven't you started?"

Ralts looked embarrassed. "I already used the move."

Tang Yi checked himself. "Uh, I didn't feel anything."

The attempt was a failure.

Ralts looked dejected. It seemed practicing against thin air really was different. Tang Yi didn't mind; few Pokémon mastered moves on the first try. Failure was normal. After discussing it with her, they quickly identified the problem: Ralts was so worried about hurting Tang Yi that she had reduced the Fairy energy to almost nothing. At her current level, she couldn't control the move with such a trace amount of energy.

Tang Yi suggested, "Next time, try adding a bit more energy."

Ralts hesitated, then nodded.

As they prepared to start again, Tang Yi watched carefully and suddenly said, "Aren't you standing a bit too far away? If you miss and hit something else, that wouldn't be good. Maybe we should go outside to practice?"

"No!" Ralts shook her head like a rattle. The thought of blowing kisses in public was too much.

"Fine, then stand closer. I'm afraid you'll miss." Tang Yi retreated, remembering how many things she’d broken when she first started practicing Psychic.

Ralts took two small steps forward.

"Uh, still a bit far."

Tang Yi looked at the distance. They were standing at opposite ends of the bedroom, several meters apart. Without any proficiency in the move, he couldn't guarantee her accuracy.