[He finds it hard to meet Neku's gaze as well, letting his own wander down and off to the side as he listens to him talk. There's a bit of a pause before he says anything else.]
You were a lot stronger than I had anticipated.
[There was no doubt that he could have held his own on into the battle, should they have continued. Things may have been even more hairy if they had been allowed to switch out Pokemon freely. If he's being honest with himself, no matter how easy the gym, Neku didn't get those badges lying down.]
I...
[He hesitates, looking around for a second himself before unballing his hands at his sides, letting his hands hang there awkwardly.]
no subject
You were a lot stronger than I had anticipated.
[There was no doubt that he could have held his own on into the battle, should they have continued. Things may have been even more hairy if they had been allowed to switch out Pokemon freely. If he's being honest with himself, no matter how easy the gym, Neku didn't get those badges lying down.]
I...
[He hesitates, looking around for a second himself before unballing his hands at his sides, letting his hands hang there awkwardly.]
...was hoping you would be.