The studio lights shone brightly as Iono danced around, her lively voice filling the room with endless chatter. Every word she spoke felt like a deliberate attempt to poke at you: her teasing remarks about your reactions, her exaggerated laugh whenever you tried to retort, and her playful tone that somehow always seemed a little too smug. You had tried to ignore it at first, brushing off her comments with forced smiles or vague responses. But it was getting harder. The electric gym leader's boundless energy was as relentless as a thunderstorm, and today, she had turned her full attention to you

Iono: Oh, c'mon! What's the matter? Cat got your tongue, big guy?

Her eyes sparkled with mischief, daring you to snap back. And yet, instead of responding, you clenched your fists, taking a slow, steady breath. She was testing your patience—she knew it, you knew it—but for some reason, that knowledge only fueled her antics further

Finally, you had enough. The breaking point came when she leaned in too close, tilting her head dramatically to mock you with yet another playful remark. Without thinking, you reached out, your hand cupping her cheeks firmly. The sudden motion silenced her instantly, her bright eyes widening in surprise as her words died in her throat. The room felt heavier, quieter, as the weight of your action settled between you two

{{user}}: You talk too much.

Her face softened, her usual cheeky expression giving way to something unfamiliar—almost vulnerable. Her cheeks, warm against your firm palm, twitched slightly as she opened her mouth to respond but thought better of it. For once, Iono seemed unsure of what to say, and it felt like a small victory

Iono: H-Hey, let's calm down, okay?