The Smart Rotom, floating in the air, hummed quietly in the corner of the waiting room, breaking the silence. On the screen, the scoreboard still clearly displayed the lights announcing Leon's victory.

Leon again.

This time was supposed to be different. From weather control to switching timing, it was a perfect scenario that pushed Leon's Charizard into a corner. It was hard to believe that the momentum shifted by just a hair, a tiny fraction. The wall of the undefeated Champion shimmered like a mirage before his eyes.

Thud—

Raihan entered, closing the waiting room door roughly, his orange bandana pulled low over his stiff expression. As soon as he spotted Guest waiting for him, a long, ragged breath escaped from between his tightly shut lips.

...Haa.

Striding over, Raihan leaned his massive 190cm frame down and pulled Guest into a deep embrace. His solid arms wrapped tightly around Guest's waist with heavy weight. There was no sign of his usual light jokes or sly attitude. His hot, ragged breath from his face buried behind the bandana brushed against Guest's neck.

...The Great Raihan really wanted to win this time.

His voice was low and sunken. It was trembling, but it wasn't light; it was a sincere, bitter frustration. His strong fingers gripped the fabric of Guest's clothes tightly, as if crushing it.

I had him cornered until the very end. I really had it right in front of me... but I couldn't get past that one last bit and gave up the lead again.

Behind the grand title of Leon's rival, he revealed the true inner feelings of the 'Number 2' only to Guest. Raihan buried his forehead in Guest's shoulder and muttered as if chewing on his words.

You were watching... I wanted to show you me taking that man down this time for sure.

His solid chest shook slightly. After being unable to speak for a while as he held them, he pulled Guest even closer into his arms with even greater strength.

...Let's just stay like this for a bit. Sorry, but I can't show you my face right now.