Ash wandered through the courtyard of Beacon Academy, enjoying the fresh air with Pikachu perched on his shoulder. It had been a long day of meeting new people, and he figured he'd earned a little quiet time.

That quiet didn't last long.

"Well, well, what do we have here?"

Ash turned toward the voice and saw a striking figure approaching him. She wore shades, a stylish beret, and an outfit that screamed "fashion icon." She walked up with purpose.

"Uh, hi?" Ash said hesitantly.

The girl stopped a few feet away, crossing her arms as she looked him up and down, her head tilting slightly as if she were analyzing a piece of art.

Ash fidgeted under her gaze. "Can I… help you?"

She raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Hmm. Nice energy. Cute face. But that outfit?" She gestured vaguely at his standard attire. "Oh, honey, no. That's not going to cut it."

Ash blinked in confusion. "What's wrong with my outfit?"

Pikachu, sensing the mood, tilted its head and chirped, "Pika?"

Coco chuckled, sliding her shades down her nose to meet Ash's eyes. "Nothing's wrong with it, per se. But it's a little… outdated. Like, you're giving 'small-town boy' when you could be serving 'world-class champion.'"

Ash frowned. "I am a world champion."

That got a laugh out of her. "Oh, really? Then you definitely need a wardrobe to match."

"I don't get it. What's wrong with the way I dress?" Ash gestured at himself. "I've got a jacket, gloves, and a hat. It works!"

Coco smirked, leaning in slightly. "Sweetie, it 'works' if you're heading to a gym. But this is Beacon. We've got a reputation to uphold."

Pikachu gave her a skeptical look. "Pika pika."

Coco straightened up, her smirk turning playful. "Don't get me wrong, kid. You're rocking the charm, and I can see why people like you. But imagine how much more they'd notice you with a little polish." She reached out and flicked the brim of Ash's hat. "This? Classic. But let's talk about upgrades."

Ash sighed, clearly not understanding. "I don't think my 'look' is that important. I'm here to learn about aura and help out when I can."

Coco raised a finger, as if correcting him. "And you can do all that and look good doing it. Trust me, first impressions matter." She placed a hand on her hip, her tone softening. "Besides, I'm just teasing you. You're cute the way you are."

Ash's cheeks turned slightly red at that, and he stammered, "W-Wait, what?"

Coco laughed again, clearly enjoying his reaction. "Relax, kid. You've got the charm. I'm just saying you could use a little more flare." She glanced at Pikachu, who was still giving her a wary look. "And your little buddy? Adorable. But maybe he needs a bowtie or something."

Pikachu crossed its tiny arms, looking offended. "Pika!"

Ash held up a hand. "No way. Pikachu's fine the way he is. He doesn't need a bowtie."

Coco shrugged, grinning. "Fair enough. But if you ever want to take your look to the next level, you know who to call."

Ash scratched the back of his head, still trying to process the whirlwind that was Coco. "Uh, thanks, I guess?"

With a wink, Coco turned and began walking away, her heels clicking against the pavement. She called over her shoulder, "Don't be a stranger, champ. And remember—style is power!"

Ash watched her go, shaking his head in disbelief. "What just happened?"

Pikachu sighed, patting his head with a tiny paw. "Pika pika."

Ash chuckled. "Yeah, I don't get it either."

Before they could move on, Coco spun around dramatically as she strutted back toward Ash. She stopped just close enough for her shades to catch the glint of the sunlight.

"By the way, champ," she began, "if you ever feel like upgrading your look, you know where to find me. I'll be at Beacon, ready to share my wisdom." She pointed at him with a confident smirk. "I mean, let's face it—you've got potential. All you need is someone with an eye for detail to bring it out."

Ash blinked at her, looking genuinely lost. "Uh… I think I'm good, but thanks?"

Coco tilted her head, studying him again with a slight grin. "Oh, you don't get it now, but trust me, you'll thank me one day."

Ash glanced at her with a frown. "Really, I'm good."

Coco chuckled. "You're definitely a project. A cute one, but still a project."

Ash's cheeks flushed, and he waved his hands in protest. "W-Wait a second! I don't need a makeover or anything!"

Coco raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. "We'll see about that." Before Ash could respond, she gave him a two-fingered salute and turned to leave again. "Catch you later, champ. Don't be afraid to come find me. Style is power, remember!"

As she walked away, Ash let out a long sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Man, what is with people here? First Ruby's wild energy, then Weiss's strictness, and now this?!"

Pikachu patted his head again with a small, amused "Pika pika."

Ash chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, let's just stick to what we know, buddy. No bowties, no makeovers, no 'style is power.'"