With it being winter, construction is halted until spring. Therefore, the contest committee is using the time to plan out more of the new building. Mr. Otis's friend, Marina, had called May to ask her to come in on Saturday since May won't have school then. Marina wants to introduce May to the team as wella s give her a warm welcome for helping them. Since Kai is spending the day at Shay's, May agreed. Also because she's missed the contest scene and wants a distraction from her routine life.
Walking into the building, a bluenette excitedly greets her. "May Maple!" She runs over to shake May's hand. "I'm Marina! It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Sheepishly smiling at her, May says, "Hello, Marina! It's a pleasure to meet you too."
"I've been so busy that I forgot to tell you we got more help!" Marina enthusiastically tells the brunette. "This contest hall is going to be the best one in Johto for sure!"
"More help?" May asks curiously because Mr. Otis had told her that the contest committee didn't have anyone. That's why they asked her, even though she's busy being a full time teacher.
As if realizing what she said, Marina nods. "Yes! Champion Leaf just informed me last night, so I haven't had a chance to tell you yet. I figured telling you in person would be best! You might know him too. He's from Hoenn!"
Blinking in confusion as May wonders who she knows from Hoenn, she realizes she doesn't know many males from Hoenn. There's her brother Max, but Max wouldn't be here, would he? "What's his name?"
Before Marina can respond, something catches her eye and she grins past May towards the front doors. Following her gaze, May's jaw drops at the green haired man who also stops in his tracks. Fortunately, Marina breaks the silence. "Drew Hayden! It's so nice to see you again!" Knowing Leaf, Marina has seen Drew a few times, especially with them being leaders in the same region.
Her voice shakes Drew from his shock, and he flicks his hair while smirking. Approaching the women, Drew shakes Marina's hand before extending the same hand to May. "Drew Hayden."
May doesn't know why he's introducing himself to her. As if she could ever forget him. Fine. She'll play his game. Shaking the hand, May smiles sweetly at Drew. "May Maple."
"April Maple? That almost rhymes." Drew can't help teasing this brunette he hasn't seen in years. Although he isn't sure why she's here, a part of him is glad she is.
May's face heats up in anger at him for forgetting her name. She just told him too! While she's never forgotten him, it seems like he's forgotten her. What an arrogant grasshead. "You're still the same."
Chuckling, Drew pats her shoulder. "You are too, June."
"My name is May!"
Curiously watching the two argue, Marina asks, "So you guys do know each other?"
"Knew." May responds while narrowing her eyes at her former rival.
Shrugging, Drew says, "Let's get to work." He is slightly hurt by May saying they knew each other, but he sees why she's saying that. They haven't spoken or seen each other in almost 10 years. He's surprised that they were still able to playfully banter like they used to, though he wished he had his usual rose to get her to calm down.
Despite wanting to leave since the contest committee obviously doesn't need her help anymore, May already agreed to help. Maybe if they tell her she doesn't need to be here, then she can leave? However, it seems like Marina isn't going to let her leave since the bluenette is very excited about having both her and Drew helping. Sighing, May follows Marina into a meeting room where there are a few other people.
After a few hours, the group breaks for the weekend. Marina wants everyone to enjoy their weekend, but she only had them meet since both May and Drew would be coming today. As May bids the group farewell and walks out of the building, she's surprised to hear someone call her name. However, she recognizes that voice, so she quickens her pace.
He grabs her wrist to make her face him, and with that smirk plastered on his face, he asks, "Wanna get lunch?"
She pulls her arm out of his grasp. "Don't you have a girlfriend you've been with for a decade?"
Although Drew wants to frown at the thought of Brianna, who he's been enjoying not thinking about, he keeps his smirk. "Are you jealous, November?" Seeing her face heat up in anger makes him chuckle and he tells her, "C'mon. I'll treat."
"I don't wanna get involved with your drama, Drew." She hasn't said his name in so long that it aches her heart right now. This is also why she's been avoiding anything to do with her former rival.
Drew's smirk had disappeared as soon as she said his name. Groudon, he's missed her voice saying his name. With a slight pink tint on his face, he looks away from her. He has been curious about how he and her are on this island. Why is she in Johto? Obviously she's helping with the contest hall for the same reason as her, but then why did Leaf tell him he needs to come here too? The contest hall committee should have enough help with just May while Drew could've stayed back to help Olivine City rebuild. However, Drew is glad to be here because he's away from Brianna and he's met May again.
Stepping away from her, Drew scratches the back of his head awkwardly. "You're right." Of course the media would have a field day if May and him are seen together. Even if it is a harmless lunch in a public restaurant, Drew knows the media can do some easy digging and find out that he and May used to travel together. That they used to be competitive rivals, and at some point, there were news stories about how they would be the perfect power couple for coordinating; although, Drew and May were never in a romantic relationship.
"See ya on Monday." with that, Drew walks away.
Despite being grateful for him leaving, May can't help but feel an ache in her heart. Why is Drew at this contest hall? Wasn't he supposed to be in Olivine City helping with the relief efforts there? Besides, there are other contest halls across the region he didn't help with, so why is he here? Brianna must be here too then, though why wasn't she at the meeting too? She is a coordinator too.
Shaking her head, May decides none of this information matters to her. Why should she care about Drew's life? They're just old friends who lost connection for a reason. They were never meant to be anything else but childhood rivals. If May could keep a relationship with Brenden, despite the lack of communication, then their friendship was strong. However, she and Drew lost connection as soon as they won the grand festival in separate regions. Her and Drew are a thing of the past. Now, it's just her and Kai. Plus, she needs to go meet Kai and Shay because the Enbars invited them to lunch at their place.
Once May arrives at the Enbar house, she is excitedly greeted by Shay. Kai greets her with less excitement, but that's just how Kai is. May then follows them inside to greet Shay's parents, Pam and George. Shane is still traveling around Kanto, so he isn't here.
As they eat lunch, Shay exclaims, "Drew Hayden is here!" She had watched a news segment earlier today about his arrival on the island.
Kai rolls his eyes at his friend's celebrity crush. "He should've stayed at Olivine City." He knowingly tells her.
"No way! Now I'll have a chance to see him in person!" Shay grins and then looks over at the uncomfortable May. "He's working on the contest hall! Have you seen him yet?" Kai had told Shay about May spending the morning with the contest hall committee, so the girl figures May will most likely run into Drew.
Seeing May shift in her seat, Pam comes to her rescue. "Shay, finish your food."
Pouting, Shay eats a bite. "Why am I the only excited about the Top Coordinator being here? You were all excited when the Kanto champion was here!"
"Because we're battlers, Shay." Kai mutters. Why should they care about a coordinator when they admire top trainers.
"May was a coordinator though!" Shay returns her attention to the brunette who had stopped eating. "So you care, right? Drew is from Hoenn, like you too!"
"Shay!" George sternly snaps at his daughter who now quiets down.
Feeling bad for getting the girl in trouble, May smiles at her. "Yes, I saw him today." The brunette then resumes eating as Shay grins at her.
"Can I come with you next time?" Shay's puppy green eyes plead with May, making her laugh.
Maybe having Shay there will help May avoid Drew? Plus, it'll make Shay's day meeting him. "Sure. You can come with me after school on Monday." She then looks at Shay's parents. "If your parents say it's okay." Sighing, the parents agree if Shay will be quiet and finish her food.
"Then I'm coming too!" Kai determinedly says. Even though he had met Drew years ago, he doesn't like being left out. Also, Shay's crush on Drew Hayden is really annoying, so Kai wants to keep an eye on her.
May fights the frown threatening to show on her face. It's one thing to bring Shay, but bringing Kai will cause a lot of questions if Drew finds out she adopted him. If she only brings Shay, then May can introduce the girl as a student. However, with Kai, she isn't sure how to introduce him. She won't say anything unless someone asks. Besides, it's only a one time thing just for Shay to cross off her bucket list.
When Monday afternoon rolls around, May, Shay, and Kai make their way to the meeting. Since May works as a teacher, she joins the meetings late while everyone else on the committee is there all day. Because of this, May will only be in the meetings for 2 or 3 hours before heading home. She knows it'll be exhausting, but she already agreed to help.
"I can't wait to meet him!" squeals the girl as they walk down the hall.
"You can talk to him after the meeting, Shay." reminds May while Kai has his arms crossed over his chest.
Nodding, Shay says, "I know, May! I'll be good! I promise!" She and Kai will be doing their homework during the meeting. Marina had welcomed May bringing them, which May had hoped she'd decline.
Once the three walk into the room, everyone smiles and greets them. May spots the green hair at the front of the room, but he avoids looking at her. Shay gasps with delight, though she doesn't speak, like she had promised May. Soon, everyone gets to their places to continue the meeting.
A few hours later, the meeting ends, and May notices the green haired man making his way out of the room. When Shay's eyes gaze up at her with hope, May swallows her pride and fear. "Drew."
Hearing her say his name again surprises him, especially since she's calling out to him. He thought she hated him? It seemed like that the last time they talked. Moreover, he's been confused about who these kids are, but Marina did say May was bringing two of her students. Why would May bring these kids here? And why would Marina agree to it? This is a meeting that will be too boring for them.
However, Drew just turns to face May with a smirk on his face. "Yes, September?"
Glaring at him, May chooses to ignore him calling her the wrong name. She can't be getting angry in front of the kids and the few people left in the room. "This is Shay." She motions to the starstruck girl.
When Drew flicks his hair, it makes Shay's jaw drop as hearts appear in her eyes. Kai frowns while watching this and from Drew calling May the wrong name. "You met him. Now let's go." huffs out the boy. Although May agrees with Kai, she knows she shouldn't rush Shay's meeting with her idol.
Drew extends a hand to the girl. "Nice to meet you, Shay."
She quickly takes his hand to vigorously shake it. "I'm a huge fan!"
Chuckling, Drew replies, "I love meeting fans. Are you gonna be a coordinator?"
"I'm gonna be a trainer!" Shay proudly proclaims. "But I still appreciate you too!"
Drew smiles at her, which makes Shay's heart swoon again. "I was on my way to get some dinner. Did you guys wanna join?"
Before May can decline, Shay enthusiastically exclaims, "Yes!"
Sighing, May knows she can't tell the girl differently. Plus, with the children there, it won't look like a date. It'll look like Drew Hayden eating with a young fan. Also, Drew has been nice to May, so she has no reason to be so awkward and cold around him. Why isn't she happy to see him though? Why does she want to avoid him? Why does she dread coming to these meetings?
Once at the restaurant, Shay and Drew have been talking nonstop. Kai begrudgingly watches them, but May has been keeping him company. "I don't get what she sees in him. We're gonna be trainers! Not coordinators!"
"She has a crush on him." May knowingly tells him.
"Yeah, but he's too old." Kai pouts.
Giggling, May replies, "She can still have a crush on him, even if nothing comes out of it." May reflects on her young crush on Drew years ago. It's why she followed him to Johto and then traveled around Kanto and Unova with him. May knows crushes can do that to people. She returns her attention to her food to hide the faint pink tint on her cheeks.
"Are you and Brianna gonna get married soon?" Shay's question causes May to look up curiously where her eyes meet Drew's. Why is he looking at her? SHouldn't he be focused on Shay and their conversation?
At the mention of his relationship, Drew couldn't help but gaze at the brunette who had his heart when he was younger. Seeing those sapphire blue eyes again is causing his face to heat up as his heart beats quicker. Groudon, Drew! Get a grip. Looking back at Shay, Drew replies, "I'm not thinking about that until this region is rebuilt from the hurricane." It's the same answer he told Brianna and the news too, so he'll stick with it.
Nevertheless, Shay knew this answer was coming because she watches the news. Thus, she's prepared a followup if he responded like usual. "Can't you tell me something I don't know?" They've only been talking about Pokemon and contests, which Shay knows from her own research on the man. With her meeting him, she wants to learn something no one else can find out online.
Chuckling, Drew gazes back at the brunette who has resumed eating. "My toughest rival was May." May starts coughing as food gets caught in her throat, causing Kai to pat her back.
Shay's wide eyes look at May, and she exclaims, "You know Drew?" How come May never said anything all the times Shay would bring him up? There aren't any news articles about May and Drew together, unless they dated before Drew got famous?
Glaring at the green haired man, May replies, "I knew Drew."
He smirks and puts his elbows on the table to lean across slightly. "You should tell Shay about our travels together, July."
"You know my name!" He had just said it to Shay earlier, so May knows he knows it.
"You two traveled together?" Shay's eyes grow large with amazement again, causing Kai to groan.
With Shay being starstruck, she doesn't notice how uncomfortable May has been, but Kai has. This explains a lot of things if what Drew is saying is true. No wonder why May always turns the channel when Drew is on TV. Or why she goes silent when Shay brings him up. It seems like May and Drew have a bad relationship. Coming to the woman's rescue, Kai says, "I'm tired, May."
Because May has also finished her food, she nods in acknowledgment towards Kai. Why should she entertain this conversation with this man who continues to torment her? He's in a relationship, so he shouldn't even be talking to her with this much familiarity. "We should go, Shay."
Frowning, the girl reluctantly agrees. It is a school night. As she says goodbye to Drew, he asks, "Are you guys coming by tomorrow too?"
May ignores Shay's hopeful gaze and coldly says, "No." She takes out her wallet, but a large warm hand on hers stops her from rifling through her cash. Obviously she knows whose hand this is, but she still looks up to see those sad emerald eyes.
Instead of a smirk, there's a warm smile on his lips. "I got it. I invited you guys."
Pulling her hands away, May can only nod from his gaze. Normally, she'd put up more of a fight for paying a bill, but she wants to get away from Drew already. Plus, he's very rich, so she knows he can handle the bill. "Thanks." mutters the woman before she ushers the children out of the restaurant.
Once the three are gone, Drew sits back down in his seat where he looks at the hand that just touched her. Her hands are still very soft, but they were shaking. Why were they shaking? Does she hate seeing him that much? What did he do? Yes, he didn't call, but she didn't call him either! They both didn't visit or even try to contact each other, so she can't just be mad at him!
Groaning, Drew feels his pokenav vibrate. When he looks at it, he sees that Brianna is calling. He's been ignoring her calls because under the rouse of saying he's busy. Whenever he'd be away for business trips, he'd ignore Brianna's calls, so this is nothing new. She knows it too, but she still calls him. Silencing the device, Drew slips it back in his pocket and pays the bill.