For all her skill and prowess in Pokémon battles, her genuine heart, and her quick wit, Hilda was rather oblivious when it came to her own admirers. She had no idea her best friend and the stranger she had ran into in Accumula Town were both interested in her. She herself was focused on her goal; nothing would get in the way of her dream. Hilda would become Unova's Champion, and her mind was relatively clear of any thoughts of romance.

Of course, she wasn't entirely free of passing fancies. She wouldn't admit it, but she'd always considered Cheren quite handsome, even though she often teased him for his tousled hair. She had done her best to put aside her feelings for her childhood friend, in an attempt to preserve the friendship between her, Cheren, and Bianca she was so fond of.

It was no surprise to a bystander that Hilda was popular with many trainers. There was always someone waiting for her at the Ferris Wheel, hoping the pretty Champion would spare a moment of her time. She always did, too. Not because she was interested in them, but because she would never hurt anyone who didn't deserve it. The guys in Nimbasa didn't necessarily see her inner kindness and strength all the time. Hilda's beauty was quite apparent. She had a mane of brown hair past her shoulders, usually tucked under her hat. She had fair skin that rarely broke out, and she was in shape after her journeys. One of her most defining features was her bright blue eyes that seemed to always glint with challenge. Cheren and N, while agreeing she was beautiful, noticed something else in her. Hilda was kind, strong, and smart. She gave people second chances when they were deserved. She also had an unwavering sense of justice. If one's actions didn't merit her charity, then she would not give it. Cheren saw this early on as her friend. N realized this after he had met her.

For Cheren, there had never been any doubt that he felt something for Hilda. As a child, he had loved spending time with her. As time progressed, his emotions grew more and more complex. He had never been great at expressing his affections, but he and Hilda had remained best friends, along with Bianca. He never knew why she always seemed so pleased to see him, but he never questioned it, either. The fact that she wanted to see him was enough. Cheren would be the first to admit he was never the most outgoing trainer. He would find Hilda at points in their journey, sometimes ahead, sometimes behind. He wouldn't say much, only warn her of something or challenge her to a battle. Cheren knew he seemed aloof and distanced, but that wasn't the case at all. He didn't know how to act around her. Did she want a nice guy who would ask her how she was and make plans with her? Or did she want a tough trainer to match her own skill? So instead of the excited reunions Hilda and Bianca shared at the various points when they met, Cheren behaved more reserved. Hilda never minded, though. She looked forward to seeing Cheren whenever she could, and Cheren felt the same way. He would frown in silence as N appeared out of nowhere to speak to Hilda. He had never liked how keen the other trainer seemed every time he saw her.

Bianca had played an important role in maintaining the friendship between the three trainers. Before they had set off on their fateful journey together, it had been her who arranged to meet when Hilda and Cheren were busy with their studies. During their travels, Bianca had been the one to call the three together to battle and catch up. Even after Hilda had become Champion and Cheren had taken up training on Victory Road, she visited her friends and pestered them to meet up. They were both grateful; for despite Hilda and Cheren's constant responsibilities, neither had lost the fondness for each other. Cheren's fondness for Hilda might have been somewhat stronger than Hilda had known, however.

N, on the other hand, did not have the pleasure of knowing Hilda from such a young age. He met her as Ghetsis had been appealing to a crowd in Accumula Town. Her Pokémon had been voicing something from their Poke Balls, something N couldn't comprehend but was curious about. He had approached her as she stood with that dark haired young man and talked to her. He had disliked that young man from the start. He had seen how close Cheren stood to Hilda and how his serious face broke into slight smiles when she spoke. He had ignored Cheren and battled with Hilda. Her team had been crying out against Ghetsis's speech for the liberation of Pokémon. They had been adamant as N conversed with them; they insisted, time and time again, that Hilda was their friend, and they could not be happier with her as their trainer. From there on, he had not been able to get Hilda out of his thoughts. How happy her Pokémon seemed, like they were truly her friends, her equals. How lovely she appeared when she battled, her eyes alight with joy, her curls bouncing as she shifted each time she called out an order. N grew to love her, though he didn't have much of a grasp on the feeling. Even as he left to explore with Zekrom, to further his bonds and understanding of the world, he could not forget her. He vowed to himself that one day, he would meet her once again. She would be proud of the progress he had made with his team, he hoped. She would smile that flashing smile at him. Perhaps they could ride a Ferris Wheel together.

Hilda was not aware of the two young men who harbored feelings for her. She left on yet another journey when the excitement of her role of Champion had began to wane. Many thought she was seeking N, the elusive trainer who roamed around with a powerful dragon type Pokémon, but in reality, that wasn't the case. Hilda told only Bianca, her closest friend, and Professor Juniper the true cause for her trip.