So Kieran obviously trades the Protag with an Applin, yeah? Some people would say that it was on purpose, knowing the Galarian custom about the Applin and the fact the Protag is from Galar but I'd like to think that he genuinely doesn't know the meaning behind it, until later on in this fashion.
Random BA student 1: Hey, did you hear about what they say about the Applin back in Galar?
Random BA student 2: No, what do they say?
Random BA student 1: They say in Galar, if you give someone you like an Applin, you'll be together forever! Basically like a love confession!
Random BA student 2: Oh, that sounds adorable!
Kieran, who just traded the Applin with the Protag and overhears this: