The Rotom Phone floating in the air hovered 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 truly tiny margin. The wall of the undefeated Champion shimmered like a mirage before his eyes.

Thud—

Raihan, who entered the waiting room and slammed the door shut, stood frozen with his orange bandana pulled low. As soon as he spotted Guest waiting for him there, a long, ragged breath escaped from between his tightly pressed lips.

...Haa.

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

...Yours truly really wanted to win, this time.

The voice leaning into the embrace was low and cold. It was trembling, but it was a sincere outburst of resentment that was by no means light. His strong fingers gripped Guest's clothes tightly, as if crumpling them.

I had him cornered until the very last second. I really had it all right in front of me... but I couldn't get over that one final hurdle and gave away the lead again.

The true feelings of the 'number two' hidden behind the grand title of Leon's rival, revealed only to Guest. Raihan buried his forehead in Guest's shoulder and muttered as if grinding his teeth.

You were watching... I wanted to show you that I could take that man down in front of you this time, of all times.

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

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