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You weren’t sure when you realized your feelings. There were any number of times throughout the last few weeks that could have triggered them.
Perhaps it started right there in the Slumbering Weald, when the two of you had fainted in front of that strange Pokemon.
Maybe it happened when he grabbed your hand for the first time and you felt a spark like nothing you’d ever known, when he dragged you towards the Motostoke stadium to register for the gym challenge.
Or every time you parted ways, you were left with an emptiness in your gut, the space where Hop had been standing leaving the world a bit darker and you couldn’t understand why.
Whenever or however it happened, or a combination of everything in between, you found yourself on the pitch with Hop, your heart breaking into a million pieces at the look on his face when he lost the match. His golden eyes glazed over as you watched his dream crumble, and despite the roar of the crowd, you heard him.
“I’m glad it was you who could be here with me.” You almost burst into tears, seeing your best friend so defeated, and you having been the one to finish him off. It had been an intense battle, both sides not giving in, but at last, you barely managed to win, and any joy you might have had at winning, at continuing on in the tournament, was ripped from you as you saw the look on Hop’s face.
-.-.-
“Hop wait!” you cried, running to catch up to your friend. He turned, his golden eyes shining in the sunlight and yet somehow dark. His smile was forced as you caught up to him, out of breath. “Hop…waitasecond…” since when did you lose your breath so easily? Whatever, Hop was in front of you and to anyone else, wouldn’t appear annoyed, but you could see through him.
“C’mon mate, I’m pretty wiped from our match.” I want to be alone right now. When Leon had greeted you both afterwards, it took everything in you to not look at Hop as Leon focused his attention on you. Before you could say anything though a pair of reporters shoved a microphone in your faces and started firing the questions at you. Hop is standing awkwardly next to you, and before you knew it, he stepped in between you and the reporters.
“Hey, she’s tired from her matches today! Besides, you’re asking some rude questions and we’re supposed to have dinner with my brother.” Even in defeat Hop has your back, and your heart skips as he grabs your hand and he pulls you through the hotel lobby and into the elevator. With the elevator doors shut and the lift going up, the silence was a bit much for you.
“Hop-“
“Y/n-“ you both started talking at the same time, and you both chuckled a bit. You were still holding hands and you really weren’t about to bring it up if he wasn’t.
“Hop…” you wanted to go first. You hadn’t felt this vulnerable in who knows how long, and with Hop’s hand holding yours, and the look in his eyes seeming to grow in intensity with each second, you weren’t sure how you were going to do this.
“Those reporters were jerks, ignore them.” He seemed content to not talk about what had happened earlier, his smile growing cheeky as the elevator dinged and the doors opened.
“I-That’s not-“
“This is our floor, let’s go.” He pulls you along and out into the hallway. It was eerily quiet after the noise of the day.
“Hop I’m so sorry.” It tumbled out of you before you could stop it and he turned to look at you, a bit surprised.
“What for?” oh you hated this guy so much sometimes. Your eyes began to burn as you tried to not cry, and your grip on Hop’s hand grew a bit tighter.
“I beat you today.” Hop said nothing, he only stared down at you as you began to talk. “I know how badly you wanted to win and I knew if I just let you win you wouldn’t forgive me s-so I went all out and I’m so sorry because this was your dream and it feels like I’ve stolen it and I don’t want you to hate me I don’t know what I’d do if you hated me I don’t think I could live with myself because you’re my bestest best friend in the whole world and Hop please say something, anything.” Tears were tumbling down your cheeks, and Hop hadn’t said a word. You hiccupped, trying to not ugly cry but these feelings were almost too much for you. You were about to turn away from him when you felt a soft touch on your cheek, and you jolted, your eyes shooting up to meet his.
“I couldn’t ever hate my best friend.” Hop’s voice was almost too quiet, his mouth turned up in a ghost of a smile. He was cupping your face, using his thumb to wipe away some fresh tears that were falling. “Hey now I’m the one who lost, it’s me who should be crying.” You choked on a laugh, and Hop laughed a bit, and you looked down, leaning your forehead against his chest, unable to meet his gaze. When had he gotten so mature? Was his chest always so broad and solid? Had he always been this strong, this loving to you?
“Oh Hop…” you started crying all over again and this time Hop wrapped his arms around your shoulders, pulling you into a tight hug. You were so relieved he didn’t hate you. You subtly wiped your face on your sleeve, hoping he wouldn’t notice, and you pulled back a bit so you could look up at him again, your hands balled up on his chest with his arms around you still. He had the softest look on his face, and despite everything you felt yourself blush as he looked at you.
“You’re still my rival, I just have to get better than you to really beat you into the dust.” You both laughed a little, seemingly neither of you willing to leave the position you were in.
“I can’t wait.” Your voice was quiet, a small smile on your face. His face was awfully close to yours. It was almost as if the air had stilled around you two; the small undercurrent of tension building as you gazed into each other’s eyes, neither one of you saying anything for fear of breaking the moment. Hop’s hands slid down to your waist, and you swallowed nervously, your eyes searching his. Was this going to happen? You bit your lip, unsure of what to do, not really sure of his feelings or lack thereof. He glanced at your lips, and as he tilted his head down you began to tilt your head up-
The elevator doors binged again and the two of you practically jumped apart at the intrusion. You were clutching your jacket, your face probably the darkest shade of red you could imagine, your stomach in knots. Hop had his back to you, his head in his hands, muttering something to himself.
“Here you two are.” Piers’ low, gravelly voice got both of your attentions. As always he seemed completely unthrilled to be where he was. “The Champion wanted me to let you know he’d be late to dinner. Something came up with the Chairman.”
And just like that, the magic in air was gone and you and Hop were hanging onto everything Piers said. As you left the hotel a few minutes later, you couldn’t help but stare at Hop’s back as he ran off after the League member.
At least now you realized your feelings. Shit.
to be continued-maybe