Pokemon: Master of tactics

Steven and Flannery returned to the waiting room together.

Flannery wore a relaxed expression, as though the defeat hadn't bothered her much at all.

Alex could understand that feeling. He had felt something similar after losing to Koga during the Kanto Champion Tournament. When a loss was expected, it was difficult to be too upset about it.

Flannery dropped into the seat beside him and smiled. "I'm going to watch your match, and then I'll head home."

Alex immediately ignored the subtle hint behind her words and replied, "You'll be surprised by how easily I win this match."

Flannery rolled her eyes. "Your confidence somehow gets worse every time I see you."

Alex shrugged. "Maybe."

Flannery laughed.

As she did, Alex found himself briefly noticing something he usually tried not to think about.