As I walked through the hall, feeling the eyes of the gym leaders on my back, I couldn't help but let out a frustrated sigh. Sure, they meant well, but they just didn’t get it. Becoming Champion wasn’t all glory and applause—it was hard work, constant pressure, and endless expectations. I had to balance it all while keeping my Pokémon and myself in top form. So, yeah, maybe I had picked up some weird habits, but that was my choice, and they couldn’t tell me how to live my life.

Pikachu, always by my side, nuzzled my leg affectionately. "Pika pi," she said softly, as if trying to comfort me.

"Yeah, I know," I muttered, giving her a scratch behind the ears. "But they were so judgmental. They should’ve known what it takes to be Champion."

I turned the corner of the gym and bumped into Blue, who had been following me. He crossed his arms, that smug grin still on his face.

"Nice exit," he said sarcastically. "But you sure have a lot of anger for someone who's supposed to be the top of the league."

I shot him a look. "You try keeping this position at my age," I said, my voice rising just a little. "Every time I step out there, someone’s looking to knock me down. The expectations are insane. And don’t even get me started on the pressure."

He didn’t flinch. "You’re right. It’s not easy. But you don’t have to face it alone."

I frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Blue’s eyes softened just a bit. "I mean, I know you’re tough. You wouldn’t have made it this far if you weren’t. But you’re carrying the weight of a Champion, and sometimes, you don’t have to bear it all on your own."

I blinked, taken aback. Blue wasn't usually this... deep. "I didn’t ask for help. I can handle this."

"You sure about that?" He raised an eyebrow, his usual cocky demeanor slipping back. "Look, Mia, everyone has their breaking point. And I don’t think you’ve hit yours yet. But trust me, it’s coming."

I didn’t respond right away, my mind racing. He might have a point, but I wasn’t ready to admit that just yet. So, instead, I changed the subject.

"Whatever. I’ve got a gym to run. Later, Blue." I turned away, my Pokémon following closely behind.

"Yeah, good luck with that," Blue called after me, his voice more serious than usual. "Just don’t forget, being Champion isn’t just about winning battles. It’s about knowing when to take a step back and breathe."

I didn’t respond. Not because I didn’t hear him—because I did. I just didn’t want to admit he might be right.

As I made my way to the gym's entrance, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Maybe it was the gym leaders’ conversation. Maybe it was Blue’s words. But I was going to keep going. No one else could hold my position. I had worked too hard for this. I wasn’t about to back down now.

Still, the words lingered in my mind. I had my own habits, my own way of dealing with things. But was I really handling it all as well as I thought?