Chapter 68: Lighthouse Encounter Drama

The sea breeze slapped my face as we stood outside the gate of the lighthouse, high on the cliff's edge. The rhythmic crash of waves below filled the awkward silence that stretched longer than it needed to. I shifted Erin in my arms, her oversized green hoodie draping over me like a blanket. Her hazel eyes met mine—calm, unreadable, as usual. 

I sighed, feeling the weight of everyone's stares. "Ash, knock the door. What are you waiting for?" I threw the command out lazily, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Ash, already red in the face, stepped up to the gate hesitantly. "Right. Yeah, yeah." He lifted a hand and knocked, but the wooden door didn't so much as shudder. Behind me, Misty was fidgeting, and Brock's eyes scanned the horizon like something interesting was going to suddenly pop up. Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, looked about as excited as a rock. 

Nothing. No response.

I took a step forward, adjusting Erin again. She didn't seem to notice—or care—that I was carrying her for absolutely no reason. Not a wince, not a word. Typical Erin. 

The gate was massive, adorned with engravings of various Pokémon in intricate poses. Gyarados twisted its massive body around the frame, and a Charizard spread its wings across the top. It should've been intimidating, but right now it was just an obstacle. I tilted my head, lips curling into a mock grin. 

"Sir! Please!" I called out in a mock-crying tone, squeezing Erin closer for effect. "My girlfriend is hurt! She needs urgent medical treatment!" 

Misty's jaw nearly hit the floor. Brock stopped scanning the horizon and looked at me, completely bewildered. Even Pikachu blinked, the little guy visibly confused. 

Erin, calm as always, spoke up from my arms, her voice soft yet straightforward. "I'm fine."

Before she could finish the sentence, I planted a kiss on her lips. Everyone froze. It wasn't a long kiss—just enough to leave them stunned. Erin blinked up at me, expression unchanging, though her eyes held the faintest flicker of confusion.

"Please, sir," I continued, still in my over-dramatic tone, ignoring the stares. "She can't even walk! I've been carrying her all this time!"

"I'm fine," Erin repeated, not bothering to raise her voice. 

I kissed her again. This time, I could almost see a twitch at the corner of her mouth. Almost.

Everyone else was speechless. Even Brock, ever the level-headed one, looked like he was struggling to process what just happened. Then, as if caught up in the act, he raised his hands and joined in. 

"Sir, please open the gate!" Brock added, playing along. "Our friend really needs help, and I can cook for you if you want! Great food, I promise!"

Misty, always competitive, couldn't help but add her bit. "Yes, she needs a bed! A good bed to rest in!"

Now we were all staring at Misty. Her face flushed a deep crimson, realizing how it sounded. Pikachu clapped his tiny paws, completely oblivious to the awkwardness.

I put on my best crying face. "Sir, please!"

Erin, ever unfazed, reached up from my arms and rubbed the corner of my eye as if wiping an imaginary tear. "Don't cry," she said, her calm honesty blending into the absurdity of the situation. 

I kissed her again, this time flashing a mischievous grin. Erin blinked, finally looking a little lost. 

Suddenly, the gate creaked open, and a voice boomed from the other side. "What are you all talking about before? I was busy! Can you repeat that again?"

We all stood frozen for a moment. The absurdity of it sank in. 

Brock recovered first. "Sir, we really need help! And I can cook for you! Whatever you like!"

There was a brief pause before the voice responded, this time sounding a little more interested. "Oh, well, why didn't you say so? My cook's on holiday. Come inside."

The gate slowly swung open, and we all filed in one by one. Erin still in my arms, because why not? The interior was just as grand as the outside—wide marble floors, grand pillars, the whole deal. On our left, a video phone hung on the wall. Ash, ever the scatterbrained, made a beeline for it, almost knocking over Pikachu in the process.

"Hey, let's talk to your grandfather," I whispered to Erin, still holding her as if I hadn't heard her say she was fine multiple times. "I have a lot of complaints about you."

Erin turned her head slowly, her voice as calm as ever. "I'll complain about you."

I chuckled and ignored her, watching as Ash began his call with Professor Oak. As I approached, leaning against the wall with Erin still in my arms, I waved lazily at Ash. "Ash, when you're done, let me talk."

Ash nodded, but Professor Oak's voice cut through the static before I could get another word in. "Punit, is that you? Let me talk to him." 

Ash's eyes widened as he hurriedly stepped aside, but not before pleading, "Please, Professor, don't eat my Krabby!"

Professor Oak chuckled darkly. "If you don't leave soon, I'll have a party with your mother and we'll feast on your Krabby."

Ash bolted.

As I stepped up to the video phone with Erin still in my arms, Professor Oak's face appeared on the screen, and the moment his eyes landed on Erin, his jaw dropped. 

"What the—why are you carrying my lovely granddaughter?!"

I smirked, leaning into the moment. "She told me to."

Professor Oak looked dumbfounded. "Erin...?"

Erin, ever the honest one, spoke before he could finish. "I like him."

The professor's expression darkened instantly, a vein pulsing at his temple. "I sent you to fix her fear, not make her fall in love with you!"

I shrugged, casual as ever. "I didn't do anything."

Erin, unbothered, chimed in again. "He's nice. And he kisses very well."

Before Oak could process that little gem, I casually slammed the phone down, cutting the connection. The device shattered on impact.

I turned to find Ash, Misty, and Brock all with their hands on their heads, as if trying to make sense of the madness. Pikachu mirrored their expression, tiny hands pressed to his little cheeks.

I looked down at Erin, still in my arms. She blinked up at me with that same serene expression, like nothing had just happened. I smirked. She remained... utterly calm.