"Atlast school reopened," Ash said happily as he hopped into Gary's car and wished him,"Good morning Gary. Morning Leafy!"

Leaf smiled and waved,"Morning Ash. You look happy."

The raven haired boy grinned widely,"You bet I am!"

Gary passed the two of them looks, confused,"Am I missing anything?"

Ash shook his head. He just couldn't control his excitement to see Dawn again! It has been more than a month since he last saw her and it was running him crazy. He grinned widely again,"No Gary, you are not missing anything." The boy just shrugged and focused on the road.

"Aren't you planning anything for your birthday?" Leaf asked, turning to Ash.

"Oh, it's in a week huh. Ashy-boy is going to be sixteen huh?" Gary teased. Ash rolled his eyes at his comment, saying,"What's so great about that?"

"How about throwing a small party?" Leaf suggested,"Like every year?"

"Hey, that's not a bad idea but... Anyways, I'll talk over with Mom about it," Ash said,"Come on Gary. Move fast.''

"Come on Ashy, there is no need to rush, right. Its just school," Gary said and rolled his eyes. Ash sighed and shrugged. He was just so excited to see her again.

As soon as they reached school, Ash quickly waved the other two goodbye and rushed towards his classroom. Gary, who had no idea why Ash was acting that way, turned to Leaf to find her smiling.

Confused, he nudged her, asking,"What happened?"

She shook her head,"Ash is in love."

His eyebrows crooked. She liked Ash, didn't she? Then why did she look happy while saying that? Didn't it bother her? Wasn't she hurt? She really was weird.

Unable to keep it within himself, he asked,"And it doesn't bother you, at all?"

She, surprised, looked at him, with confused glance,"No? Should it?"

Unable to say anything, he just shook his head, deviating the topic,"Let me walk you to class."

"Its fine," she looked away, blushing,"You've classes too, right. You'll be late.''

"Its okay, I'll just charm the teacher to escape," he boasted, rubbing his nose and making Leaf laugh.

"What if its Volkner?" Leaf asked, giggling. Gary's face instantly turned pale on hearing his name,"Then I will use you to charm him and then escape I guess."

If she wasn't in love with Ash, then did it mean he still had a chance? Or its someone else she was in love with?

Either way, Gary had decided what he had to do.


.


Ash couldn't stop smiling when he saw her, sitting on her desk, typing something on her phone. Nothing had changed. She looked the same, she was even sitting in the same way she always did. Nonetheless, he was happy to be near her again.

"How was your trip?" He asked as he sat down on his seat. Dawn turned to him and said,"Oh, it's just you."

He deadpanned,"Sorry for being just me. Seriously."

She rolled her eyes at his childish behaviour,"You're never going to change are you."

He couldn't understand what she meant. Was he changing or was he not? Was he supposed to change? "Heh?"

"Its nothing," she put away her phone and turned to face him, "So.."

"So?"

"You woke me up at 4 a.m. once. Are you ready for punishment?"

He looked away embarrassed, "Sorry."

"Well sorry won't save you," She said getting up and Ash could feel his heartbeat rising. Almost in a strict tone, she said,"Give me your hand."

"What?"

"Your right hand. Stupid. I'm not telling you to cut it, am I? Just extend your arm."

"You're not going to bite, right?" He joked but received a small punch on his head instead. Grinning sightly, he extended his arm and waited for her to do her thing.

"Here," she placed a small keychain in his palm,"A souvenir."

She brought him a gift! He couldn't stop that smile creeping up his face as his heart started doing somersaults. She got him something!

"Ehh.." His smile fell on seeing the keyring she gave her. This wasn't what he had expected.

"Why a purple monkey?" He asked, holding up the keyring, eyeing it in a strange manner. The monkey had two tails with what seemed like hands on the ends of the tails. It was grinning widely with its eyes closed. Dawn sure had weird taste.

She smirked as she sat down on her seat,"It annoyingly reminded me of you. So I bought it. Don't be picky. Say thank you."

"Heh," he sighed and sat down on his seat, eyeing the keyring in his hand,"T-thanks?"

"So you got the monkey huh?" Lyra said, giggling as she showed her cute penguin keyring,"Isn't this just cute?"

Ash glared at Dawn who was trying not to laugh, "You're so mean."

"Nothing new in that," she rolled her eyes,"I got one for Drew, May, Leaf and Gary too."

"What designs?"

"Umm.. A cute cat for May. For Leaf, I got a cute panda. For Gary and Drew, bear and fox ones. Isn't your monkey cute too?"

"Your choice of cute is disastrous!" He whispered.

"What did you say?" She asked, raising her eyebrows.

"You are not fair," Ash sulked, making Dawn giggle again,"You got me a monkey."

"I told you, right. It annoyingly reminded me of you," She laughed again. He crossed his arms over his chest and pouted.

"Don't laugh. As punishment, I'm inviting you to my birthday party next tuesday. And you have to come," he said, narrowing his eyes at her.

Dawn crooked her head, trying to hide her smile,"Then I'll get a five feet monkey plush for you."

Ash rolled his eyes again at her. This girl was surely enjoying this. "Devil. You're a devil."

"So you're okay with a monkey plush?"

"Hell no!"


.


As soon as he reached home, the first thing he did was tie that keyring to his bag. Maybe it wasn't the best thing she got for him or it wasn't the most charming one ever but nonetheless it made him happy. It made him happy that he was on her thoughts when she was in a different place. It made him happy to imagine that he had something which would remind him of her.

Not that he needed something to remember her.

"I feel so happy," he murmured and buried his face in the pillow.

"Are you home Ash?"

"Yes, Mom!"

"Then atleast come down and have something," Delia yelled. Ash quickly got up and changed into normal clothes.

As soon as he was done, he rushed downstairs.

"Easy boy," Delia laughed as she placed a plate on the table,"One day you're gonna break your bones if you run like that."

"Naaah, I'm a strong boy! I'm hungry Mom!" He grinned.

"Here," Delia passed him the plate,"So, for your upcoming birthday.."

"Can I invite some friends over?" Ash asked, his mouth filled with food.

"Okay," Delia laughed,"First chew then speak, it's gross."

"Hmmm," he hummed.

"So, I guess its gonna be Gary, Drew, May and Leaf huh?"

"I'm inviting Dawn too. Is that okay?"

Delia smiled,"Oh, right. She is your girlfriend."

Ash felt his cheeks getting hotter at the sentence,"She was my girlfriend for a day Mom. Don't make it sound like that. Weren't you the one who forced me to get a girlfriend?"

"As you say," Delia giggled again,"So it's gonna be just seven of us."

"I don't want to make a big deal out of anything. They are my closest friends so I am not inviting more," He said and got up, finishing his food,"Well, I'll be in my room. Call me if you need anything."

"Okay."

"Hey, Mom?" Ash stopped and turned to face his mother,"Will Dad be home on my birthday?"

Delia smiled sadly,"I guess not. He is b..."

"Yeah," Ash cut her off,"He is busy. I get that a lot."


.


Ash was rolling on his bed, waiting for sleep to overpower him. However, it was turning futile for whatever reason. "I guess I should just invite everyone officially," he mumbled and reached out for his phone.

Opening his whatsapp, he quickly created a group and added everyone.

"Hey guys," He typed,"Anyone online?"

Drew: I'm here. Ssup?

Ash: Well, I asked my Mom and she said yes for the birthday party!

May: OMG! FOOD!

Drew: You'll get fat.

May: And you're a big meanie.

Leaf: Cool! I'm in!

Dawn: Why the hell is this group spamming my inbox?

Ash sighed. Well, at least she participated in the messages.

Ash: Welcome Dawn.

Dawn: I'll kill you Ketchum! Its midnight and we have school tomorrow! Stop spamming my inbox!

Leaf: Yes Ash! Stop disturbing Dawn!

Ash sweatdropped, why was he put to blame! And knowing Leaf, she was surely enjoying it!

Ash: I'm not the only one sending messages here! Why is everyone blaming me?

Dawn: Urrgh! Fine I'll be there at the party! Let me sleep now!

May: Don't keep her awake all night long Naughty Ash!

Ash: What the!

Drew: Oh dear! Ash grew up!

Ash: Shut up Drew!

Dawn: What the hell May? *.*

Gary: Were you all waiting for me?

Leaf: Babies shouldn't be awake so late at night, Gary.

Gary: Then sing me a lullaby.

May: I bet you want to hold a teddy while you sleep, right Gary?

Gary: I want to hold Leaf while I sleep.

Leaf: What the hell? This is sexual harassment!

Dawn: I am going to sleep. Goodnight everyone, except Ash. I hope he gets nightmares.

Ash: Don't haunt my lovely sleep!

Drew: I hope Dawn's wish comes true!

Ash: And I hope your hair turns yellow and then falls!

May: Oh my God! I just imagined Drew as a bald man!

Leaf: Me too!

Gary: Me too and he looks gross!

Dawn: Drew, need a wig?

Drew: Stop ganging up on me!

Ash: Anyways, see you all at school tomorrow!

He quickly put down his phone while laughing the whole time.


Dawn placed her phone down and sighed. What was she supposed to get him as a gift? She couldn't buy him a monkey plush as she said in the morning obviously!

"What should I get the little monkey?" She asked herself and rolled on her bed,"Books? But I don't know what genres he prefes!"

She bit her lower lip and tried thinking harder. What would he like? "Chocolates? If I get him those Gary and Drew are going to tease him again."

Why the hell was deciding a boy's gift so difficult?

"Urrgh," She rolled on her bed again, facing the wall,"Now I'm in a bad mood again."

She picked her phone and stared at it blankly,"Should I ask him what he wants? Naah.. That wouldn't be a surprise then."

She quickly opened google and typed,"Gifts for boys" in the search option. Her face heated up on seeing the results.

'25 Perfect gifts for your boyfriend...'

'Things to get your man on his special day...'

"He isn't my boyfriend, urrgh," Dawn mumbled as she put down her phone. She had to rely on herself for this.

"Hmph! I give up!"


.


A week later

Dawn put on an off shoulder white top with golden embroidery and along with it put on a white skirt which just reached her knees. Letting her hair free, she quickly put on some kohl and eyeliner and a little bit of lipgloss.

Taking a final look in the mirror, she smiled and picked up her purse and put her phone into it. She then picked up the small wrapped gift which was lying on her dressing table and smiled. She was excited to meet everyone!

.


It wasn't as if Ash was over excited for his birthday. He was on cloud nine because Dawn wished him in the morning, and she was coming in the evening. The clock was slowly turning and it was hardly five in the evening.

"Calm down Ash, they will be here soon," Delia said from the kitchen as she was preparing some meat.

"I know Mom," he said, embarrassed.

"You look like a little kid waiting for his chocolates," Delia chuckled. Being a sunday, she had spend her whole day with Ash and devoted her time in preparing for his birthday.

"Mom!" Ash yelled, flushed. He was wearing a formal creamish shirt with black jeans. He tried controlling his messed up hair but after a while it was back to normal.

"So Ash, tell me one thing," Delia said as she brought some plates out into the table,"Have you decided anything for your future?"

"Why are you asking this sudden question, Mom?" He was confused.

"Its just..." Delia smiled, hiding her worries,"I want you to do something to be able to support yourself. That's it."

"I'll manage," he gave her a thumbs up,"I'm Ash afterall!"

"That's the most concerning part," Delia joked.

"Mom!"

They heard the doorbell ring and Delia stopped the conversation. Ash quickly opened the door to find Gary, Leaf, Drew and May standing there.

"Happy birthday!" They said in unison and hugged Ash, who almost fell due to the sudden hug.

"Thanks guys!" He grinned widely,"Come in!"

"Finally sixteen!" Leaf said and pushed a packet into his hand,"Happy birthday and before you open it like a baby, let me tell you there is wireless headphone in it!"

"Wow!" Ash grinned widely as he opened it up,"Thanks a lot!"

"All of us got this for you," Gary said as he threw his arms over Ash's shoulder,"Like it?"

"Love it!" Ash grinned.

"Well wait in Ash's room, okay?" Delia said,"Dawn isn't here yet."

The five of them sped up to Ash's room and May and Leaf quickly marked the bed as their territory. Defeated, the boys pulled up chairs and sat beside the bed. May was wearing a black short shorts with a pink tank top with black cardigan. Leaf was wearing a yellow onepiece which reached her midthigh with frills decorating her collar area. Gary simply showed up in a white shirt and blue jeans while Drew had put on a black T-shirt with matching khaki jeans.

"You won't believe what happened while we were in the shop," Gary said, hiding his amusement.

Intrigued, Ash asked,"What!"

"The boy at the counter was hitting on May and Drew, like the protective boyfriend he is, walked out with her while poking his tongue at the boy," Leaf narrated and laughed, making Ash laugh too. Drew just sat there with his arms crossed, sulking.

"It was so embarrassing," May said, her face red,"He shouted 'She is my girlfriend!' and pulled me out. I can never visit that place again!"

"You don't have to, there are plenty of other stores around here," Drew muttered.

"See," Leaf pointed at Drew,"He is still sulking."

"He was calling her sweetheart! What was I supposed to do?" Drew asked.

May sighed,"You were not supposed to get jealous Drew."

"Hmph. Well I got jealous!"

The group laughed and Gary said,"His name is Harley and he kind of, you know, overattentive towards female customers."

"I was there too you know," Leaf said, raising her eyebrows.

"My bad," Gary said, grinning,"Cute female customers."

Leaf picked up Ash's pillow and threw it on his face, yelling,"Shut up Gary."

"Ouch," Gary winced and pulled out his cellphone and quickly typed a message,"You're sexy. Harley is after cute girls not sexy ones." He quickly send it to Leaf and slid his phone back in his pocket, waiting for Leaf to read it.

Leaf pulled out her phone on receiving the text and her face burned crimson on reading it,"Stupid Gary!"

"I didn't say anything!" Gary grinned as he put his arms up in air.

"What happened?" May asked, looking at Leaf then Gary,"Did we miss anything?"

Leaf blushed and stayed quiet. Gary, grinning, said,"Yes Leaf, tell us what happened!"

Leaf shot him a dirty glare which he just ignored with a smirk, making her even more flustered. 'What's with him?' She thought and put her phone away. Shaking her head, she said,"It's nothing. I just saw a stupid post which reminded me of Gary." Recently it seemed like he was texting her a lot often. Not that she minded it but his texts often left her a blushing mess.

"O-key?" May shot her a look, unsatisfied.

"Ash!" Drew suddenly spoke,"W-What is up with this wallpaper?" Drew was holding Ash's phone in his hand and was grinning, while Ash's complexion turned red. May took a look and giggled,"You both look cute!"

Leaf laughed and patted Ash on his shoulder,"You look so stiff in it!"

"Shut up Leaf," Ash groaned. He had completely forgotten to change his wallpaper. It was still a picture of him and Dawn, who was wearing glasses that time, when they were working on the project at her house.

"Wait," Gary realized,"You've a crush on Dawn?"

"No way!" May said, surprised.

"Really?" Drew was shocked too.

Only Leaf was grinning since she knew the truth. Ash shifted uncomfortably on his seat, mumbling,"Kind of. Yes."

"Why didn't you tell us!" Drew said, shaking Ash by his shoulder,"Ash!"

"It never came up," Ash mumbled,"And it was kind of embarrassing too."

"Oh my God!" Gary slapped his forehead. This whole time he had the idea that Ash and Leaf liked each other! Now when he came to know the truth, he could only laugh in relief and content.

If his imagination would have been true, he would have lost both Leaf and Ash, he knew it. Seeing the girl you love with your bestfriend is the worst type of torture a man could go through and it really relieved him that he was wrong.

"Don't tell her," Ash said, blushing,"Its not like.. A crush anymore. I really like her. A lot."

Drew finally spoke,"Wow. I am sure she feels the same! Go tell her!''

"It's not that easy!" Ash murmured,"When I realized I liked her, I was almost breathless. I couldn't think straight. Confessing to her out of the blue will just kill me. And whatever little friendship we have."

Leaf could understand why Ash wasn't willing to risk his friendship with her. Afterall if one's feelings aren't returned, things are bound to get ugly at one point or the other. Her eyes unconsciously met Gary's and they both quickly looked away.

"I hope things turn out best for you Ash," May said with a warm smile.

"Oh man!" Drew punched Ash slightly on his back,"Just get down on your knees with roses in your hands and tell her. No way can a girl turn down an offer like that!"

"Stop ruining his mind with such romantic notions Drew," May yelled,"Just think how embarrassing it will be for Dawn!"

"But.."

"May is right," Leaf said,"We don't know how Dawn feels nor do we know about her love life. We don't even know if she is single."

"Yes. And doing things impulsively won't help. Proposing her that way would only work if you're sure about her mutual feelings. Otherwise she would feel trapped, she would feel cornered," May explained.

"You're right," Drew nodded,"I didn't think that way."

"And knowing Dawn, she would not accept a proposal that way either," Gary said.

"Relax guys," Ash tried to lighten the mood,"Its not like I'm proposing her anytime soon. We shouldn't worry about it."

Ash stopped talking as he heard the doorbell ring and then Delia opening the door. Just a moment later, he heard Delia's voice,"Dawn is here Ash."

Ash joined his hands, whispering,"No more of this conversation in her presence, okay?"

Everyone nodded and just then Dawn entered the room. She looked at them and quizzically asked,"Why are you all so silent?"

May grinned as she beckoned the blue haired girl to come closer,"Take a seat Dawn. We were waiting!"

"I'm sorry I'm late," Dawn apologized as she sat down,"Here, Ash." She handed him a small packet with a soft smile on her face,"Happy Birthday."

Ash's eyes lit up as he slowly took the nicely decorated box in his hands and his lips curved into a wide smile. He said,"Thank god its not a giant monkey plush!"

Dawn glared at him, hissing,"Idiot."

He grinned widely,"Thanks! Can I open it?"

Everyone was watching them silently while passing each other looks. Leaf was just smiling widely and felt really happy for Ash. Ash, on the other hand, slowly unwrapped the packet and was amazed at its contents. "A watch!" He exclaimed,"Its so cool!"

"I know right," She smiled too,"I guess you liked it huh!"

"Hell yeah!" He quickly put it on,"Thanks a lot Dawn!"

"You're welcome!" She said,"What did you guys get him?"

"We got him headphones," Gary said,"Well, how about we play some games?"

"I'm in!" May said happily. Drew slowly hid Ash's phone in his pocket and acted like nothing was wrong. "I am using the bathroom," Drew said, getting up.

As he went to the bathroom, everyone sat in a neat circle, with Dawn and Ash sitting side by side and an open space left for Drew to sit beside May.

"What are we playing?" Gary asked, tilting his head.

"Not truth and dare please," Leaf said with her arms crossed,"Anything else!"

"Ne'er have I ever?" May suggested.

"We can do that, but we don't have anything to drink or you know," Ash sheepishly said, rubbing his nose.

"We are going to drink water," Dawn said,"All of us are underage to be drinking you know."

"Right," Leaf said and reached for the water bottle on the table,"Ash fetch some cups from kitchen."

Ash hurriedly went downstairs and Drew came out of the bathroom and took his seat beside May, saying,"What are we playing?"

"Never have I ever!" May chirped.

"I see," he said and quickly put Ash's phone back in its place, making sure no one saw him.

Dawn felt her phone vibrate but decided to ignore it. She was with her friends and right now, she didn't want any distraction. She noticed Ash running towards the bed with some plastic cups in his hand and a coke bottle held between his arm and body. She quickly reached out and took the cups from his hand.

Her sudden help surprised him and he blushed,"Thanks Dawn."

"So you got coke?" Leaf asked, eyeing the bottle as he poured it on their cups.

"Mom said she had this and so," Ash explained as he closed the cap,"We can have a sip of coke instead of water now."

Everyone agreed and Gary said,"Well, I'll go first! Never have I ever spent three days without bathing!"

Everyone laughed as Drew took a sip, muttering,"I had no choice. It was so cold that I couldn't even brush my teeth."

Leaf waved her hands in front of her face, as if trying to get rid of the stench,"That's why it's smelly out here."

May giggled as she patted her boyfriend's head,"Well, I'm next! Never have I ever...umm...dyed my hair!"

To her shock, everyone took a sip.

Even Dawn.

Leaf said,"I dyed my hair black for some drama I was a part of."

"My niece dyed my hair black because she hated my hair colour," Drew groaned again,"The stupid colour stayed for a month."

"I dyed my hair red when I saw some footballer I admire did it," Gary confessed and took a sip.

"I.." Ash rubbed the underside of his nose,"Dyed my hair blond because I wanted to be one."

Dawn slapped her forehead,"I dyed it pink. I think I was watching some anime with a pink haired girl in it. My Mom was furious and well it didn't end on a happy note."

Ash was curious,"What happened?"

"She confiscated my phone and laptop for a week and I had to help with household chores. Moreover the dye was you know, kind of expensive so it took a long while to get rid of it," Dawn narrated,"I even had to cut my hair because the stupid colour was not coming off."

"Everyone has something stupid to share," May laughed.

"I'm next," Drew grinned,"I never had dirty thoughts about anyone except my girlfriend." May's face heated up as she pushed Drew, making him fall in Gary's lap.

"Hey!" Ash blushed deeply,"This is biased! Only you have a girlfriend here!"

Dawn's face was flushed as she coughed and said,"I am sure Drew needs a good beating."

"Hey no one made any rules prior playing," Drew grinned,"Chickens."

"I don't have a girlfriend but yes I had dirty dreams," Gary took a sip,"It was about me helping some people clean blood after an operation. Its was disturbing and dirty."

Drew glared at him,"I didn't mean that dirty!"

"Hey, you didn't make it clear what dirty you were referring to," Ash laughed,"Dirty like May covered in mud or.." Dawn slapped her hand over Ash's mouth, saying,"That's as far as your imagination goes, Gorilla boy."

"Moving on," Ash said, getting rid of her hand as he tried to stop a smile creeping up on his face,"Never have I ever met a celebrity."

Everyone passed each other looks and sighed. "You are boring," Drew deadpanned,"Say something exciting!"

"Whatever," Ash pouted,"You're next Dawn!"

"Umm... Never have I ever kissed someone of the opposite gender?"

Drew and May took a sip and didn't bother explaining. Ash stayed silent and noticed how Leaf took a sip but Gary didn't.

"You kissed someone before?" Gary asked Leaf, shocked. He was pissed too but didn't let it show on his face.

Leaf blushed,"It was Alain who passed out from school this year. It happened at the farewell party."

Gary crossed his hands over his chest, clearly pissed. "How?"

Leaf stared at him,"What do you mean by how?"

"I mean you and he never even talked. He just kissed you out of the blue?" Gary questioned. Leaf was glaring at him.

Ash quickly placed his hands over Dawn's mouth to prevent her from interfering. Dawn looked at him with questioning eyes as he whispered,"Don't butt in. They need to clear it out themselves."

"I told you," Leaf scowled,"He proposed me when he was in second year. We were still in middle school back then. When he graduated from highschool this year, he just kissed me on the farewell party. That is it!"

"And you didn't tell anyone?"

"Come on Gary! It happened so quickly and suddenly that I couldn't respond. Moreover I had already turned him down twice that day so I had no idea he was going to kiss me!"

"You should have told me!"

"Stop acting like a brat," Leaf hissed,"Moreover you flirt with anyone and everyone. I never ask about them, do I?"

Gary shut up immediately,"Fine."

Turning back, Leaf found the other four staring at them intensely and sighed,"I'm next it seems. Well never have I ever smoked."

The boys took a sip and May sighed,"Drew..."

"It was just once," he grinned, rubbing his head.

"I never smoked," Dawn said,"But I sure want to try it once."

"No," Ash said with a serious look,"Don't."

"You smoked," Dawn pointed out.

"It was just because everyone was doing it and I got caught in the moment."

"I think trying is okay but making it a habit is not," Leaf mumbled,"Afterall we are underage as well as its unhealthy."

"Exactly."

"Ash!" Delia knocked on the door and opened it,"Its getting late. We should cut the cake!"

The group quickly emptied the cup and placed it on the table. Dawn remembered she had received a text and quickly opened it. Her face heated up on seeing the text and her eyes went wide.

"Wait," Dawn whispered and held Ash's sleeve to stop him from leaving,"We have to talk."

Everyone else went outside but May stopped and asked,"Aren't you two coming?"

"I need to use the bathroom. We will head downstairs as soon as I'm done," Dawn said.

Once May was gone, Ash turned to Dawn to see her facing the wall. What had gotten into her? Why was she sulking all of a sudden?

"What happened?" Ash asked, standing beside her.

"Check your whatsapp. Our group," Dawn mumbled.

Confused, Ash pulled out his phone and quickly did as she said. His eyes widened when he saw it.

Someone had sent a text from his number. The message read : I am in love with you Dawn.

"T-t-this isn't me!" He screamed, panicking,"I swear! I didn't sent this text! I swear!"

"Really?" Dawn asked, biting her lower lip.

"Of course! I..." Ash searched for the correct words,"Its them! They must have gotten hold of my phone when I was downstairs!"

"Ohh." Ash sneaked a glance. Was she disappointed? He saw a faint smile playing on her lips and it confused him beyond limits. Was she happy that Ash wasn't the one who sent the text? This thought was enough to put him in a foul mood.

"Everyone must be waiting down stairs," He said, turning towards the door,"Lets go."

"Ash," She said,"You like someone else, right? This text was just a prank so don't think too much. They are just messing with you."

"Yeah," he muttered. Had anyone ever told her how insensitive she sounded at times?

"Ash..." Dawn said again, stopping him. When he turned to face her, he saw she was looking in opposite direction, with a far away look on her face.

"What happened?" Ash asked.

"It's just that.. You don't... I mean," She mumbled. Ash was confused. Was she trying to say anything? It was rare to see her mumbling and looking for correct words.

"Don't worry," Ash didn't know why he said that,"If that text is troubling you, you've nothing to worry. Okay?"

She sighed and nodded,"Okay!"

Regardless, Ash tried his best to enjoy the night. He cut the cake, ate till his stomach couldn't accommodate a single grain of rice, shouted at Drew for sending the text (He admitted that he was the one who sent the text from Ash's phone).

And before he knew, he was waving everyone goodbye.

Dawn was putting on her shoes when Ash suddenly said,"Your house is just ten minute walk away. Let me walk you home."

"But," she hesitated,"It will be a bother. Let me just call Erica."

Delia, who was in the kitchen cleaning dishes, said,"Dawn it's his birthday. He wishes to walk you home, so if it's not a big deal to you, let him."

"Okay!" Dawn agreed then turned to Ash,"You have a bicycle, right?"

"Yes," he nodded,"Why?"

"Then take it along," She stepped out,"That way you can come back home quicker."

"O-okay," he blushed. Was she worried about him? The thought made him feel all giddy on the inside and he smiled widely. Quickly putting on his shoes, he rushed outside to join her.

Maybe he had a little chance.

.


.


Hello guys! How are you all holding up? And how was the chapter? Next chapter is going to focus on OldrivalShipping and I am so excited to type it out!

When Dawn gave Ash the keyring, Can anyone guess what Pokemon I was referring to? Well this chapter would've gotten out sooner but I got kinda busy with my life. Anyways, do tell me your thoughts about this chapter!

So what do you think Dawn wanted to tell him but stopped? Are you curious? I sure am... Well, see you sooooooon!

~ DarkestLightOfHope