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Jasmine took her place at the fountain in Celadon City, excitedly unboxing her lunch. Once a week, she would meet with her friend Erika for a meal. She would travel on the magnet train, eagerly awaiting their scheduled lunch date. Well...it wasn’t really a date, exactly. Just a get together. Not that she wouldn’t want to go on a date, but…Erika was her friend. Her very pretty friend. Who she admired very much.
In truth, Celadon could be a little overwhelming. The back streets could get really crowded, and she didn’t do too well with big groups. Olivine was busy, but more for its trade. She could handle that by just avoiding the port. But, she was willing to brave it for Erika. Especially since Erika suggested meeting near the fountain. It was in a big, open plaza where she had more room to breathe, and the sounds of the running water put her mind at ease. Erika was so kind and thoughtful...
“Sorry I’m late, Jasmine,” a gentle voice called. Erika gave a small wave as she made her way to their usual bench. “Couldn’t wait to get started?”
Jasmine’s face flushed. “Sorry,” she muttered between mouthfuls. “I was really hungry.”
“That’s alright,” Erika said. She was always so nice. “So, have you heard the latest about Sabrina?”
Well, okay, maybe she wasn’t always nice. Erika loved gossip, and did have a habit of teasing her. But she was usually very nice! “No, what happened?” Jasmine asked.
“She’s leaving, is what! Going to Unova of all places!”
“Wow, that’s really far away,” Jasmine mused. She had traveled to Sinnoh recently, to experience her first Contest, but Unova? “I don’t think I could do it.”
“Right? But get this! She says she’s going to an actress! A movie star!” Erika said excitedly. “Can you imagine? Monotone, stone-faced Sabrina, up on the big screen?”
“That is surprising,” Jasmine agreed. Sabrina didn’t seem the type.
Erika smiled her usual bright smile, but the mischievous glint in her eye told Jasmine she had stepped into another trap. “So, you don’t think Sabrina’s cut out for acting? Fascinating.”
Jasmine grumbled and bowed her head, trying to hide a soft smile. “That’s not what I meant!”
Erika just laughed. She loved to tease her like this. Sometimes it did make Jasmine feel a little uncomfortable, but she never actually told anyone else what they talked about, and she always stopped when Jasmine asked. It might seem a little mean, but…well, Erika was cute when she was being playful. She liked seeing Erika smile.
“Honestly, I don’t see it either,” Erika said, transitioning into her own thoughts. “I mean, she’s always been so gloomy. I guess maybe she could do well in horror or something. Maybe a drama. But I don’t think she really exudes that ‘big screen actor’ vibe. I know she’s trying to fit in a bit more, cutting her hair and wearing more casual outfits, but truth be told I don’t think it suits her, you know?”
“Mhm,” Jasmine hummed, focusing on her meal. She was listening, but Erika liked to just go off by herself sometimes.
“So you think Sabrina’s new look is bad?” Erika asked, turning another mischievous smile to her.
“N-no! I just mean she doesn’t look like herself as much anymore,” Jasmine said.
“Because of her clothes or her hair?” Erika pressed.
“Both?” Jasmine said uncertainly.
“Then, which do you think looks better, long or short hair?”
“I think it depends.”
“That’s boring. I’m asking what you like.”
“And I answered what I like. It depends. Sometimes long looks better, sometimes short.”
“Give me an example,” Erika insisted.
“You’ll just tease me,” Jasmine accused her.
“I would never,” Erika said, feigning as much indignation as she could without cracking a smile. “Alright, then how about I give an example? What do you think of my hair?”
“Y-yours?” Jasmine asked, turning to face Erika. She had gotten rather close, and her eyes were calm and serious.
“My hair is a little short. Do you think it looks nice?”
“Well…yes.”
“What about it looks nice?”
“Well, it, um…” Jasmine stumbled. She could feel herself turn a pale shade of pink under the pressure, and had to look away. She couldn’t talk about this while looking Erika in the eyes. “It…frames your face well, and…it looks really soft, and…you know.”
“So you think it suits me?”
She was burning up now, she knew it. “Yes?” she said, unable to meet Erika’s stare.
That mischievous smile again. “You’re bright red. I didn’t think you’d get so flustered,” she teased. “I guess you do like short hair. Or maybe you just think I’m pretty?”
Jasmine froze up, the color draining from her face. She stared at the ground, unable to move. “You can’t tease me like that,” she muttered seriously.
Erika fell silent. She couldn’t look, but she could tell Erika wasn’t smiling anymore. “I’m sorry,” she said solemnly. “I’ve been teasing too much.”
“N-no, that…that’s not it,” Jasmine said softly.
“Hmm?”
“You’re not allowed to tease me about…liking you.”
Silence fell over the two. Even the splashing of the fountain felt like a waterfall was crashing directly on her head. Did that count as confessing? Maybe she wouldn’t think anything of it. Jasmine chanced a look over at Erika. She was smiling still, but her eyes were wide, her entire face a bright pink. “Can you repeat that?”
“U-um, that’s not…what I mean is…” Jasmine cut off her words, burying her face in her hands and straining her voice in a low groan. “Please, forget I said anything!”
“I cannot possibly ignore that,” Erika said, sounding all too excited. “You do like me, then?” Jasmine squeaked in response. “I don’t have to be back to the gym for a while. I know you won’t last if I tease you that long, so you may as well admit it! You love me, right?” Erika’s voice had that same sing-song tone she always took when she was teasing.
Jasmine groaned, curling up. Erika was being mean again. Of course she loved her. Erika was so pretty and kind, and so capable as a gym leader and talented as a trainer, and she always listened and helped her. But saying all of that…Jasmine recoiled with embarrassment just thinking it. She couldn’t possibly tell her how much she admired her. But…Erika was asking. She didn’t have to say anything. Instead, she just nodded furiously, as if trying to shake the thoughts from her head.
An uncomfortable silence. And then: “I see,” Erika said gently, in the same tone she always used when she’d pushed too far. Jasmine relaxed slightly. If she was speaking like that, she wasn’t angry. “That must have been difficult for you. Thank you for telling me.” Jasmine just nodded slowly. “Jasmine, can you please look at me? There’s something I need to say.”
Jasmine reflexively started to move, but hesitated with her fingers just barely touching her face. She took a deep breath in, lowering her shaky hands. She lifted her head, eyes averted, and tried to force herself to look Erika in the eyes. She was sitting patiently, a tranquil smile on her face. Whatever she had to say, she definitely wasn’t mad. Steeling her nerves, Jasmine sat up, turning fully to face Erika.
A sudden flash of movement, and a soft pressure against her lips. Jasmine blinked, and found Erika right where she had been, a playful sparkle in her eyes. “Love you too,” she trilled.
Thought finally caught up to feeling, and Jasmine’s entire body began to burn. A high-pitched squeal seemed to force its way out of her body, and every part of her being felt like it was about to pull her apart. She stamped her feet, quickly rising from her seat and squeaking “E-E-Erika!”
“Yes?”
“You can’t...we’re in public!” Jasmine shouted. She could feel the red-hot tears of embarrassment burning in her eyes.
“I don’t think anyone minds,” Erika said calmly. “Though you’re making quite a scene. Come, sit back down and try to relax.”
Jasmine sputtered, looking around nervously. A few faced had turned to look in her direction, but thankfully they all quickly seemed to lose interest. No one noticed what had happened. She was safe, at least for now. She took a few deep breaths, then shakily sat next to Erika. Keeping proper distance, of course.
“My, you’re so shaky all of a sudden,” Erika said, reaching out to place her hand on Jasmine’s forehead. Jasmine recoiled under her touch, though her hands were delightfully cool against her burning skin.
“Who’s fault is that?” Jasmine muttered.
“I wonder,” Erika mused absently. She was being mean again. “Perhaps you’d like to lie down?” Jasmine was ready to ask where, when Erika pat her hands in her lap, then extended her arms toward her.
“N-no! That’s okay! I’m fine, really!” Jasmine said in a panic. She couldn’t...in her lap?! In front of everyone?!
Erika just laughed it off, seemingly unconcerned with the crowd around them. “Alright, I won’t push you anymore,” she said, sliding closer. Jasmine could practically feel the warmth of her body, and the scent of her floral perfume filled her lungs. “We’ll take it slow. No more pressure until you’re ready. Okay?”
Jasmine nodded. “Okay.”
The two fell into a comfortable silence, as Jasmine focused on the sounds of the falling water to calm her nerves. Erika had always liked teasing her, but now she was relentless. As her breathing slowed, her heartbeat calmed, Erika spoke again. “So, you really love me?”
“Um...yes.”
“You don’t need to sound so embarrassed of it.”
“I’m not, it’s just...hard to say?”
“Even if I said it’s fine? Even if I say it back?” Jasmine nodded. “I see,” Erika sighed. “Well, luckily, you’re very cute. So I guess I forgive you.” Jasmine grumbled. Forgive her for what? “I’ll ease up on teasing you. At least until you’re more comfortable with things. But can you do something for me, too?”
“Of course,” Jasmine said certainly. That was only fair.
“Try being assertive,” Erika said. “It feels nice, hearing you say you care, but I want you to show it too. In whatever way you can.”
Jasmine’s face flushed. “I’ll try,” she muttered.
“Good girl,” Erika said, bumping her shoulder into hers. Jasmine shuddered at the unexpected praise. It felt nice. Erika had always made her heart flutter, but never quite so strongly. She wanted to do the same for her, but Erika was far more open than she could be. Jasmine was still just so...unsure, of everything.
Still, it wasn’t like she hadn’t thought about things. There had to be something she could work up the courage to do. But it all felt so...forward! No, Erika kissed her earlier! She had to be brave! She had to show Erika she could be serious, too!
Jasmine sat rigid, wringing her fingers for a moment, before turning away. Slowly, shakily, she reached out, gently running her fingers along the back of Erika’s hand. She turned back to look, taking care to delicately weave their fingers together. Erika’s skin was so delicate and smooth, she couldn’t help but run her fingertips along her palm. Erika gave a gentle laugh. Maybe she was ticklish? But before Jasmine could finish that thought, Erika suddenly raised their hands up, and placed a light kiss on the back of Jasmine’s hand.
Steam must have billowed from her ears, her body heated so strongly. “You said you wouldn’t tease me anymore!” she squeaked.
“I lied~” Erika said in a sing-song, giving another kiss before rubbing her cheek against Jasmine’s hand. “You’re so cute when you’re flustered,” she said with a mischievous smile.
Erika was being mean again. But that, too, was part of her that Jasmine loved. She just hoped, some day, she could make her heart flutter, just like Erika could for her.