Kieran looked himself over in the mirror, making sure his jinbei looked all right. It was white with mask print of the Loyal Three. To top it off, he had his beloved ogre mask on the side of his head. Carmine was in a similar style jinbei, but hers was a dark blue color. Their grandparents had made them, and the siblings wore them every year.

"No time to waste, Kiki. You should get going before Florian gets here."

He looked over at his sister. "R-Right. Um...you're sure you're gonna be nice to him? I mean...you can be pretty mean sometimes."

"Excuse me?!" Carmine was seething. "I know how to be nice! Just go meet your date and stop worrying about it!"

"What's this?" Their grandfather, Yukito, stopped in the open doorway to Kieran's room. "Kieran's going out with someone tonight?" He was smiling knowingly. "Let me guess, is it that young lady that visits every year?"

Kieran was a blushing mess, leaving Carmine to reply, "Yep, that's the one."

"S-Sis!" Kieran cried in embarrassment.

Yukito laughed. "I see. Ah, to be young again. You kids have fun tonight, but don't stay out too late."

"We won't," Carmine answered. As soon as he was gone, she looked at her brother and lowered her voice. "You've got the Love Ball, right?"

Kieran reached into his bag, showing it to her briefly. "Yeah."

"Good. Now get going. And you'd better give it to her or else."

Kieran left as quick as he could, partially out of excitement, but also to escape his sister before she humiliated him further. Along the little road toward the Community Center, he passed by Florian, giving a little smile and wave to the Paldean. Fortunately, Florian had already been told that Kieran had plans for the festival, so he politely agreed to go with Carmine. Upon approaching the Community Center, Kieran slowed his pace, his nerves starting to get to him. Trying his best to ignore his restless thoughts, he went inside and proceeded to wait there for Elodie, distracting himself with the TV in the meantime.

"Kieran! Sorry if I made you wait!"

The boy was already smiling when he heard her voice. "No worries, I haven't been here that...long..." Kieran trailed off when he looked at her, his mind going blank. "Wowzers..."

Elodie had come out in her own festival attire. It consisted of a short pink and green kimono dress with striped tights and green flats. A large ribbon on her back looked like four flower petals sprouting from her back. Her sleeves started as cuffs on her upper arms, then flowed into dark pink petal shaped sleeves. Green antenna-like hair accessories held up the pigtails her hair was in. Kieran couldn't take his wide eyes off her. His mouth was hanging open and his face felt hot.

"Well?" Elodie said, a slightly teasing smile on her lips at the way he seemed so entranced by her. "Can you guess what pokemon I am?" She posed with her long sleeves up in front of her face.

Despite knowing the answer, it took the boy a moment to find his voice. "L...Lurantis..."

"That's correct! It took so long to get this cosplay right, so I'm glad it paid off." She looked herself over before realizing he was still staring at her. "So, uh, let's get going, shall we?"

Kieran was quick to nod. "Yeah...o-okay."

They left together, taking the path leading toward Kitakami Hall. "By the way, I still love your ogre mask," the girl spoke up.

"Oh, thanks..." That had Kieran grinning with joy. "You wanna wear it? C-Cause you don't have a mask...so..."

Elodie gasped. "I could never! You love that mask! You wear it every year!" She shook her head. "No, if I want a mask, I can buy one at the festival. I won't take yours."

"I-I really don't mind, but all right." Kieran inwardly gushed over how sweet she was. "Oh, a-and your costume is...really...p-pretty..." He timidly turned his head away.

"Thank you." Though Kieran didn't notice it, Elodie was smiling wide with a tint of pink dusting her cheeks. "You're sweeter than a Candy Apple, Kiki." When they climbed the stairs up to Kitakami Hall, Elodie fished her phone from her bag. "You really okay with letting me do a small vlog stream?"

Kieran was quick to nod, smiling with enthusiasm. "Of course! It's cool seeing you stream anyway! I'll just...uh, follow behind and out of the way..."

"Thanks, Kieran. I promise it won't take long." She got her partner's poke ball. "Time to stream, Candy!"

"Lopun!" Candy got right into position, prepared from the moment she was called out.

Kieran stepped back to be sure he wasn't in frame, watching the girl smile as her Rotom Phone buzzed to signal the stream starting. "Hello, everyone! Elodie and Candy here! Tonight is a big night in Kitakami. Like every year, I'm here to bring you the fun, the food and the sights of the Festival of Masks!" The chat was already filling up with fans eager to see more. "To kick off this stream, let's play a quick game." She stepped back and twirled, showing off her outfit. "Who's That Pokemon Cosplay? Can you figure it out?" While posing, she watched several guesses pop up in the chat. "Not Lilligant, but close. Leavanny is a good guess. I'll give you a hint. It's a pure grass type. No bug typing." She did a happy hop when someone got it. "Ding ding ding! Correct, Miascarada! I'm a Lurantis! A flowery and elegant pokemon perfect for Kitakami's beautiful scenery."

Kieran was beaming from behind the phone, his golden gaze fixated on the girl. So pretty... He thought, admiring her and wishing he was brave enough to do what she did on a regular basis.

"Okay, everyone! Let's have some fun!" Elodie started walking, her phone following her and keeping her in frame. Candy went over to a stall while her trainer stopped at another one. "Like every year, the masks they sell are awesome! Check these out! There's the Loyal Three, the ogre of legend, and Pikachu and Eevee! They're all so cool!" Candy returned with a sweet treat, handing it to Elodie. "And here's one of the best parts about the Festival of Masks: Candy Apples!" She took a bite, humming happily. "So good! Kitakami has the sweetest apples I've ever tasted. Coat them in syrupy goodness and you get the tastiest of snacks. Seriously, if you've never tried these, come to Kitakami at least once in your life."

Kieran loved the way she did that. Elodie didn't just stream herself at these destinations, she gave them more publicity. There were small restaurants that made it big because of Elodie recommending them. Small towns would have an influx of tourists because she showed off the beautiful sights. And it worked for Kitakami too. Each year, they received more and more tourists and visitors to attend the festival and just enjoy Kitakami for what it offered. This year was no exception, for Kieran caught sight of quite a few onlookers. Clearly fans of hers.

Elodie showed her viewers around, making explanations brief since she'd done this in past years. She took the time to play a game of Ogre Oustin' that the chat insisted she try. Sampling quite a bit of food was also on her list. Kieran began to wonder if that was always how it would be. He really liked Elodie, but all he did for at least an hour was follow her around like a lost Lillipup. If only he had the courage to be on camera with her.

"Alright, that wraps up this year's Festival of Masks tour! See you next time!"

"Lo lopun!"

The stream ended and Elodie tucked her phone away. "That was a little longer than I anticipated, but I got a lotta views on that one." She gave her partner a smile. "You can take a break now, Candy." Candy immediately went back into her ball to rest. That left Elodie and Kieran alone at last. "I am so sorry, Kieran! I got carried away and took up way too much time!"

Kieran managed a timid smile at her apology. "It's o-okay... I mean, I know your streams are super important. It helps Kitakami...with what you do."

"Still, I didn't mean to waste so much of our time." Elodie was genuinely upset with herself, but since he was so understanding, she decided to bury that guilt for the time being. "We can do whatever you want for the rest of the night. Promise."

"Well...I could go for a snack."

It was Elodie's turn to follow as Kieran led the way. He weaved around people and passed by stalls and vendors. Finally, he stopped at one. Seemed he was in the mood for a Flower Ice Cream. To the girl's surprise, he got a cup instead of a cone, and he asked for an extra spoon.

"I figured...you might want some," he said, looking at Elodie standing beside him. "I-If you're not too full from sampling food earlier." He chuckled in the softest, cutest way possible.

Elodie ended up smiling. "Thank you. I'd love some, actually." She slid her hand into his free one, causing him to flinch in surprise. "Wanna find somewhere to eat it?"

With his eyes briefly darting down to their connected hands, the boy nodded. "Y-Yeah..."

Kieran led the way, looking around for a less populated area. He spotted his sister with Florian over at Ogre Oustin', so he promptly hurried Elodie along. There was only one place Kieran found that was completely devoid of people, and that was the stairs just behind the large shrine building at the heart of Kitakami Hall.

"Well, this sure is a...secluded spot," Elodie said, looking around.

Kieran released her hand and hung his head. "Sorry, I just...wanted peace and quiet...where no one will bother us."

Understanding, Elodie sat along the steps, patting the space next to her. "No need to apologize. I needed to get away from the noise and crowds anyway."

Kieran sat beside her. "Really?"

"Yeah. Believe it or not, even I enjoy solitude sometimes." Kieran offered her some ice cream, to which she took a greedy bite. "Don't get me wrong, I love streaming. I adore my fans. Traveling is great. But it can get exhausting, especially when so many people don't realize how much work I put into it all."

"I never really thought about it like that...and I love your streams." Kieran ate several spoonfuls of the delicious, cold treat. "I kinda wish I could be like you and get in front of the camera. But I freeze up even just for simple photos."

"Aw, that's too bad. I bet you'd be a great partner to stream with."

The boy looked stunned and unsure. "No way... Y-You're just sayin' that."

"No, I mean it. You're sweet and honest, plus you'd be super cute cosplaying with me. I'm sure the viewers would love you."

"Hehe, thanks. Maybe...maybe one day."

They talked idly about anything and everything. Elodie told the fascinated boy all about the places she'd visited. He, in turn, told her about his experience so far at Blueberry Academy, along with his love for the fearsome ogre of legend. Kieran even began to relax and talk openly with her about all kinds of things. And that was where the current conversation began.

"Would you ever consider staying here in Kitakami?"

Elodie found his question a bit strange and sudden. "I don't know. Maybe. It is one of my favorite places. Why do you ask?"

"Just...curious. I wouldn't mind having more friends close by."

That response made her wonder if he got lonely with only his sister and grandparents for company. "You'll always have me, Kieran. We'll always be friends. And once you get your own phone, we can stay in touch and talk every day."

The smile on her face was contagious, causing Kieran to grin. "That sounds nice...especially the talking every day part." He sincerely hoped she got his subtle hint. Knowing he needed to act now, he took a deep breath and pulled his bag around, digging through it. "By the way...I, um...h-have somethin' I wanna...give you..."

When he presented a Love Ball to her, Elodie was a little confused at first. "Oh, I can't trade with you. Candy's my only pokemon."

"No, I'm not proposing a trade!" the boy swiftly clarified. "This is just...for you." He called out the pokemon inside. "I c-caught it for you..."

A loud gasp escaped Elodie upon seeing the tiny pokemon gazing up at her. "Wait...does this mean what I think it means?"

"There's an old tradition with Applin." Kieran avoided her gaze, his face red. He picked up the little pokemon and held it in his palm, holding it out to her. "I'm s-sure you know it..."

"Giving an Applin to someone is a sign of affection...and that you want...to be with that person forever." Elodie slowly took the Applin from him, rubbing where its belly would be to earn a happy cry from it. "I...I had a hunch, but I wasn't sure until now."

Kieran kept his head down, embarrassed. "I-I've had a...c-crush on you for y-years..." His voice was quiet, and that was all he managed to say.

Elodie took the ball and returned the Applin. A smile spread across her lips, happy to welcome the pokemon. After tucking the ball into her bag, she launched herself at Kieran. Her arms wound around him, and it surprised him so much that he nearly fell back across the stairs.

"You're the sweetest, Kiki! I like you too! That's why I look forward to attending the festival every year!"

"R-Really?" Kieran hesitantly returned her hug, his body finally beginning to fully relax for the first time that evening. "Wowzers! I'm...I'm so happy right now!"

Elodie giggled, catching him off guard with a peck on the cheek. It left the boy in a daze, though she felt his arms tighten slightly. She never imagined he'd actually make that much of an effort to reveal his feelings. Through all her travels, Kieran was her favorite person to see again. He and Kitakami were always like a home away from home - a break from her journeys.

"This'll make me wanna visit Kitakami more often."

Kieran froze. "Huh?"

Elodie pulled away with that bright, pretty smile of hers. "And I'll take good care of Applin. I bet it'll love seeing the world as much as Candy."

The boy forced a little smile. "Oh...right... I bet..."

Elodie checked the time on her phone before taking hold of his hand. "This has been the best night ever, but it's getting a bit late. Mind walking me back? I need to start getting Applin adjusted to the way Candy and I do things. I bet it'll be a great addition to the streams."

"S...Sure..."

Kieran kept his head down, hiding the tears forming in his eyes. He didn't know how to voice his needs, or even if he should. Elodie had a career in streaming, he didn't want to mess that up. But he'd be lying if he said he didn't want her to stay in Kitakami. Did he have any right to tell her what to do just because of how he felt? No, of course not. Besides, he could only imagine how much her fans would hate him for keeping the beloved streamer from making new content. But maybe if he just had the courage to speak openly and honestly with her, things would be different.

What should've been a romantic walk to the Community Center was silent and depressing. Elodie noticed the boy's mood drop, and she felt guilty again over the thoughts she knew he was also having. She stopped before the building and turned to face him.

"Kieran." She took his face in her hands, seeing his misty eyes. "Please don't cry or be sad. I really do like you a lot. But my streams are important too." She hugged him tightly. "I promise I'll visit as much as possible. Like, every few months or so."

Kieran held her, holding back his urge to cry. "Okay...I...I understand. I'll miss you, Elodie. I always...miss you."

"Don't say that. I'm not going yet. I'm staying for at least a few more days of the festival. So I'll...see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah...all right..."

Despite the urge to stay there in his arms, Elodie finally pulled away and went inside, confident they'd spend time together again the following day. Kieran headed home, dragging his feet. When he got there, he hid behind the wall upon seeing Carmine and Florian. He didn't want them seeing him like that. But that's when he heard it.

"See, Kiki really likes the ogre. Like, really, really, really likes it. So, if he found out we'd seen the ogre without him..."

Kieran covered his mouth to silence the gasp that left him. Was he hearing that right? His sister and Florian saw the ogre?

"Besides, he's busy with a friend tonight. I don't want him feeling left out when he should just focus on Elodie anyway. Let's keep this whole thing our little secret, okay?"

Florian nodded, a small frown on his face. "Okay, if you think it's for the best."

The tears he'd been holding back could no longer be contained. Silently, they flowed down his face. He ran, not looking back until he left Mossui and ended up at Loyalty Plaza. At that time of night and with the festival going on, there was no one there. Through his blurry vision, he stared at the shrine dedicated to the Loyal Three, until he ultimately broke down. He fell to his knees, repeatedly hitting his fist on the ground.

"It's 'cause I'm too weak... If I were stronger like Sis...like Florian...then maybe I'd get to meet the ogre...and maybe...maybe Elodie wouldn't leave me..." After getting a lot of his crying out, a new determination burned in his eyes. "I have to become...a lot stronger. Stronger. Stronger!"

~~~~~

Elodie paused when she saw Carmine exiting her house. "Carmine! Where's Kieran? I wanted to hang out with him before the festival tonight."

Carmine frowned. "Kiki... He hasn't come out of his room since last night. And he hasn't said a word to me either. What's his problem? Did your date not go well?"

Elodie blushed at the fact that Carmine called it that, realizing that it was, in fact, a date. "It went great. Kieran gave me an adorable Applin and I adore him for it. But I think he's just upset that my streaming's gonna take me away from Kitakami again."

"It's your literal career!" the older girl shouted. "It can't be helped! I mean, I guess I kinda understand his perspective. It would suck if the person I liked most had to leave without me all the time."

Elodie clutched her chest, tears welling up in her eyes. Thinking that way, she knew the poor boy must be hurting because of her. "I think it would be best...if I go." She turned away to hide the tears escaping her eyes.

"Huh? You're not staying for the rest of the festival?"

"No. I'm sorry, Carmine. It was great seeing you again. We'll hang out more next time. Tell Kieran I said bye."

Carmine slowly nodded, hanging her head sadly. "I will. See you soon, Elodie."

Elodie left and got on the first bus out of Kitakami. She cried for most of the ride, Candy and Applin comforting her as best as they could. It hurt to leave without telling Kieran directly, but if he was hurting the same way she was, then it was best to take the time to calm down and think. She was sure to return before long though, she'd make sure of it.