The evening air of Galar carried a crisp chill, prompting May to pull her coat tighter around her as she waited near the sleek glass doors of an upscale apartment building. Her breath formed small clouds as she glanced impatiently at her watch.

"Ugh, come on already…" she muttered, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Unlike the person she was waiting for, May had kept her usual attire beneath the heavy coat, prioritizing practicality over vanity. She glanced up as the building's door finally opened, revealing Drew stepping out with his usual air of self-assuredness.

"You took your sweet time—like always," May remarked, folding her arms and fixing him with a pointed look.

Drew, ever the picture of poise, smirked as he placed a hand over his chest in mock indignation. "Oh, come now. Did you miss me that much?"

His emerald-green hair glimmered faintly under the streetlights as he closed the distance between them. Before May could retort, he flicked her lightly on the forehead with a teasing chuckle. "Forgive me for wanting to look extra nice for tonight's outing."

May rolled her eyes, her lips curling into a reluctant smirk. "You already look extra nice all the time, Drew. Don't act like it's something new or important."

Her voice dripped with sarcasm, but the slight blush on her cheeks betrayed her. Drew's smirk widened as he reached out to adjust a stray lock of her chestnut-brown hair.

"Well, if that wasn't a compliment, then I don't know what is," he quipped, his voice carrying a playful lilt.

May swatted his hand away, though her smirk lingered. "And no, I didn't miss you that much."

Feigning hurt, Drew placed a dramatic hand over his heart. "Ouch. And here I was about to add how much I missed you."

"Uh-huh. Sure you were," May shot back, grabbing his wrist and tugging him along. "Come on. If we keep this up, my friends will think I ditched them for you."

As they made their way down the bustling streets of Wyndon, Drew kept pace beside her, his hand slipping into hers almost naturally.

The pair continued their lively banter as May hummed quietly to herself, her arm looping under Drew's as they navigated the throngs of pedestrians. She occasionally glanced at the location Brock had sent her, her stomach growling faintly in anticipation.

As they approached their destination, the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air. May's pace quickened, her excitement bubbling to the surface.

"Finally," she breathed, her eyes lighting up as the restaurant came into view. Pulling Drew along, she nearly broke into a jog. "Thank Arceus, we're here."

The cozy interior of the restaurant welcomed them with warm lighting and the comforting hum of conversation. May inhaled deeply, savoring the mouthwatering scents that filled the air. Her stomach growled audibly, and Drew raised an amused eyebrow.

"More than your friends, it seems you've been missing more a proper meal," he teased, his tone as smooth as ever.

"H-Hey! That's not true!" May stammered, her cheeks flushing pink. She gave him a light shove with her elbow, though a smirk tugged at her lips. "..Can you blame me? This smells way better than the instant ramen I had last night."

Drew chuckled softly, his emerald eyes sparkling with amusement. "Fair enough. But don't let your friends hear you ranking food above them."

Ignoring his quip, May's gaze swept across the bustling room until it landed back on a familiar trio seated at a booth near the back. Brock's composed demeanor contrasted with Goh's animated gestures, while Ash, ever exuberant, leaned forward with his characteristic grin.

"There they are!" she exclaimed, tugging Drew's arm as she darted toward the table.

As they approached, the chatter of her friends grew louder, and May's excitement bubbled over. For once, she forgot all about Drew's teasing, focusing instead on reuniting with her friends—and, of course, the delicious feast awaiting them.

Before she could call out, a flash of yellow darted from the table. Pikachu bounded through the air, landing squarely against her chest with an excited cry. "Pika..!"

"W-Whoa! Easy there, buddy!" May staggered back a step, clutching the energetic Pokémon as his tiny paws scrambled for balance. She broke into laughter, hugging him tightly. "Missed me, huh?"

Pikachu chirped in agreement, nuzzling her cheek before leaping back to the ground.

"Guys!" May greeted as she approached the table, her cheerful voice cutting through the lively chatter of the restaurant.

Ash shot to his feet, waving enthusiastically. "May! That was fast!"

"Well, duh. With food on the line, you think I'd waste any time?" she quipped, placing her hands on her hips before sliding into the seat beside Brock. Her bright smile faltered briefly as she noticed his unusually stoic expression.

"Yeah, we reserved a bunch of tables so everyone could fit," Ash explained, gesturing to the bustling room. "Lucky, huh, Brock?"

"Mm-hmm," Brock murmured, his tone distant.

May's brows furrowed, but before she could ask, Goh pointed toward a sectioned-off area of the restaurant. "Hey, May! There's a spot over there where your Pokémon can eat. I've already let mine out."

"Great idea, thanks!" May exclaimed, her spirits lifting as she reached for her Poké Balls. "They'll love stretching their legs—and their stomachs."

A few moment later, Drew sauntered up to the table, his confident stride as unmistakable as the smirk on his face. "Done." he suggested casually.

Ash's face lit up with recognition. "Yo, Drew! Long time no see! Didn't think I'd run into you here."

"Small world," Drew replied with a slight nod, taking the seat next to May as she stood. "How's life as a Champion treating you?"

Ash grinned, scratching the back of his head. "Pretty great. Can't complain I guess... And you?" Ash asked, stretching his arms.

"Not bad," Drew replied, leaning back in his chair. "Still climbing ranks, but hey, that's half the fun, right?"

While the conversation carried on by Drew, May moved finally toward the designated area for Pokémon. The enclosed space was lively, filled with various species enjoying a spread of treats. She released her team one by one, each Pokémon emerging with an eager cry.

"Alright, everyone. Go have fun—but behave, okay?" she said, watching them scamper off to mingle. Her gaze lingered briefly, scanning for familiar faces—or rather, familiar Pokémon—but she decided against lingering too long. A certain troublesome team member, she thought, might stir up chaos if awakened prematurely.

Returning to the table, she slid into her seat just as Drew was leaning back with a confident smirk.

"Okay mister high shining rankings, it's impressive.." May remarked with a playful glint in her eye. "Care to put that to the test against a real Champion like Ash?"

Drew tilted his head, his expression mock-thoughtful. "Why would I? Battling a Champion feels like a lose-lose for me," he teased, his smirk widening.

"Scared?" May shot back, leaning forward with a challenging smile.

"Me? Scared? Please.." Drew scoffed, his voice dripping with mock offense.

May raised a skeptical brow, her tone equally playful. "You talk big, but I bet you'd think twice if Ash challenged you."

Before Drew could retort, a loud growl interrupted their banter. May blinked, realizing the sound wasn't just her stomach—it was Ash's, too.

Drew's emerald eyes gleamed with amusement as he looked between them. "Wow, synchronized stomachs. That's a new level of connection," he teased, stifling a laugh.

May huffed, crossing her arms. "It's not a connection—it's called being hungry! My stomach needs food, like, yesterday!"

Ash laughed, patting his own rumbling belly. "Same here. Even if—my hunger's way more empty than yours."

"Oh, please." May scoffed, narrowing her eyes. "My stomach could out-eat yours any day."

"Is that a challenge?" Ash shot up from his seat, his fists clenched in determination.

May stood as well, her competitive spirit igniting. "You bet it is!"

"Deal!" Ash declared, pointing dramatically toward the menu. "You're about to witness the world's hungriest Champion in action!"

May smirked, her confidence unwavering. "Bring it on, Ash. I'll eat circles around you!"

"You two are something else." Drew leaned back in his chair, shaking his head with a smirk as laughter rumbled softly in his chest. The absurdity of the situation was too much. Two friends, passionately bickering over their hunger, made for an amusing spectacle.

"A competition between stomachs, huh? This I gotta see," Goh quipped, resting his chin on one hand. "Battle of burps incoming..."

May shot him a sidelong glance, though her playful grin betrayed her amusement.

"Oh, it's way more than that. This is a battle for food supremacy!" she declared, crossing her arms with mock seriousness. "My stomach is a precision-trained eating machine, while Ash's—"

She paused for dramatic effect, her lips curving into a teasing smirk.

"—has a black belt in appetite martial arts."

Before Ash could retort, Serena approached their table, her soft footfalls barely audible over the din of the restaurant. She tilted her head, curiosity shining in her eyes.

"Did I hear something about a... 'consumption competition'?" Serena asked, her voice a mix of bemusement and disbelief.

May turned to her, her smile widening as if caught in a glorious act of mischief.

"Serena! Perfect timing. You can be a witness to our grand food battle!"

Serena raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching with a smile. "A stomach battle?" She glanced at Ash knowingly. "I'm sorry May but.. I've never seen him lose an eating contest before."

Before May could protest, Ash puffed out his chest, his tone brimming with confidence. "And today won't be the first time!"

Serena chuckled softly, though concern flickered in her gaze. "I hope you both know what you're getting into. So... what's the challenge? First to finish a massive plate wins?"

May's eyes gleamed, her enthusiasm rivaling the intensity of a coordinator before a contest match.

"Exactly! And whoever gives up first pays the bill!" She grinned, already scanning the menu. "Let's make it legendary. How about the restaurant's signature dish? Whoever clears it first gets the ultimate title!"

Drew leaned forward, his emerald eyes locking with hers as he rested his elbows on the table.

"Hey, Gluttony, are you sure about this? Doesn't seem like the smartest bet."

May shot him a defiant look. "O-oh, hush, Drew. I know exactly what I'm doing. Besides, if I win, I get a free giga meal! You should be rooting for me!" She pointed accusingly at Serena, who was quietly cheering Ash on from the sidelines. "Unlike her !"

Serena blinked innocently, a playful glint in her eyes. "What? I'm just being honest." She turned toward Ash, catching his gaze. "Mind if I sit here?"

Ash slid the chair out for her with a casual motion. "Of course. Take a seat!"

Serena settled in beside him, her cheeks faintly pink as she murmured, "Thanks." She glanced at him.. for a while before diverting her attention to Goh, who was seated on Ash's other side.

"Y-You're betting on Ash too, right, Goh?" she asked, her voice quickening slightly as she sought to mask her nerves.

Goh blinked, surprised by her sudden question. He nodded. "Yeah, I am. He's got a good track record with this kind of stuff." His tone grew softer as his eyes lingered on her. "But... you're okay now, right? You seemed pretty upset earlier."

Serena stiffened briefly before forcing a bright smile. "I'm fine now. Just a little overwhelmed earlier, that's all. Thanks for asking."

Ash leaned closer, his brow furrowed with concern. "Again? Is it the real good, or the ' pretending it's good ' kind of good?"

Caught off guard, Serena's smile wavered for a moment. "W-What do you mean by that? I'm perfectly fine!" Her voice wavered slightly, and she quickly gestured toward May. "How could I not be? I'm surrounded by my best friends, right, May?"

May crossed her arms, still mock-pouting. "Don't think I've forgiven you, traitor." Her lips twitched, betraying a grin. "Now, someone cheer for me already!"

Her gaze fell on Brock, who had remained silent, his shoulders hunched and eyes distant.

"Brock?" May's voice softened as she patted his shoulder. "You've been awfully quiet. What's going on?"

Brock lifted his gaze slightly, his expression unreadable. "Kinda."

May frowned, leaning closer. "Kinda ? That's not like you at all. Come on, what's wrong? You know you can talk to me."

Still, he said nothing. May bit her lip, then leaned in with a sly grin, her voice dropping to a playful whisper.

"Hey, there are some cute waitresses here. One of them might be looking at you!"

But Brock didn't even flinch. His gaze fixed on the overhead lights as he muttered, "What's the point? My heart... my eyes... they're blind now."

May froze, the playful glint in her eyes fading as his cryptic words sank in. "Brock... that doesn't sound like you at all."

She studied him intently, worry beginning to seep into her features. Brock remained still, his silence heavier than any words he could have spoken.

Ash ran a hand through his untamed hair, stealing a brief glance at Serena. The awkwardness between them lingered, both unsure how to broach the bizarre event they had witnessed with Brock. After a moment of fidgeting, Ash finally spoke, his tone hesitant and tinged with disbelief.

"Uh... So, there was an accident earlier, and, well... Brock's not interested in girls anymore."

The declaration hung in the air like a thunderclap.

May's eyes widened in sheer disbelief as her head whipped toward Ash. Her lively demeanor faltered, replaced by an expression of pure incredulity. "Uh.. What?! Not attracted to girls anymore? That's like saying Pikachu doesn't like ketchup! What kind of accident could even cause that? And—wait—does that mean it's... permanent?"

Her gaze darted between Ash and Serena, searching their faces for some sign of a joke. But the gravity in their expressions was undeniable, leaving her scrambling for an explanation. A bizarre thought struck her, and she voiced it before she could think better.

"Hold on... does this mean he's into boys now?"

Across the table, Drew smirked, his emerald eyes gleaming with mischief as he leaned back in his chair. "If that were the case, I think he would already be affected by my mere presence."

May rolled her eyes with playful irritation, though Drew's quip lightened the tension just a little. She rested her chin on her hand, her brow furrowing in thought. "Still… Brock not being interested in girls is like—like the sun not rising. If you're not into girls, Brock, then… what are you into now?"

Brock's reply was chilling in its simplicity. His voice was devoid of emotion, his expression eerily neutral. "Nothingness."

May's mouth fell open slightly, the answer leaving her more unsettled than she cared to admit. She leaned closer to him, her usually bright eyes shadowed with concern. "Nothing at all? Come on, Brock… don't give up now!"

She turned toward the others, her unspoken plea for support evident in her gaze. But Ash, Serena, and the rest wore the same expressions of quiet confusion. No one had the answers she desperately sought.

"Somebody! I don't know—call Nurse Joy!"

As if summoned by fate itself, a familiar, slightly exasperated voice spoke from a nearby table. "Someone called me?"

May spun around, her jaw dropping at the sight of Nurse Joy. Dressed casually, her signature pink hair tied back, she was clearly enjoying a rare moment of personal time.

"Nurse Joy!" May's voice rose with a mix of relief and urgency as she all but jumped to her feet. "I'm so sorry to bother you, but—"

The nurse raised a hand, stopping May mid-sentence. Her tone was polite but firm, her gaze betraying a flicker of annoyance. "I am on my free time, you know. Thank you for not disturbing us." She sighed, her companion at the table shooting a sympathetic glance her way. "Honestly, can't even enjoy a date in peace..."

May flushed with embarrassment, stammering an apology, but Brock's voice cut through the air like a knife.

"The worst part," he said, staring blankly at the ceiling light, "is that I don't even feel disappointed."

Goh, who had been silently observing, tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. "Isn't that… kind of a good thing?"

May frowned at the cryptic remark, her concern deepening. Brock's indifference wasn't just strange—it was unnerving. She glanced back at Nurse Joy, hoping for some kind of reassurance, but the nurse simply gave a small shrug before turning her attention back to her companion.

Before anyone could delve deeper into the mystery, an abrupt burst of sound shattered the uneasy atmosphere.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Serena flinched, her hands flying to her ears as Kiawe's enthusiastic drumming filled the restaurant. The rhythmic pounding was deafening, and her patience snapped as she spun to face him, her usually composed expression darkened with irritation.

"Hey ! This isn't the stadium! Can't you take a break?!"

Kiawe, unfazed, grinned at her, his fiery personality shining through as he hit the drum harder. "A break? Come on ! We're celebrating!"

"Celebrating what? Ruining everyone's meal?!" Serena snapped, her fists clenching at her sides.

Ash couldn't help but chuckle, his voice carrying a teasing lilt as he saluted Kiawe from his seat. "Nice going, Kiawe. You've managed to annoy someone as calm as Serena!"

Serena shot him a sharp glare, her frustration momentarily redirected. "Don't encourage him, Ash!"

May, meanwhile, rubbed her temples, the relentless drumming threatening to give her a headache. She slammed her hands on the table, her eyes blazing with fury. "That's it, already ! Ten more seconds of this, and I'm smashing that drum myself!"

Kiawe smirked, unfazed by her threat. He drummed even louder, his confidence bordering on arrogance. "Go ahead and try. I'd like to see you keep up."

Before May could make good on her threat, the Alola gang arrived in a whirlwind of chaos. Mallow wasted no time, marching up behind Kiawe and yanking him by his waistband. Her Tsareena loomed beside her, arms crossed, radiating an intimidating aura.

"Dude, cut it out! You're going to get us all thrown out!"

Sophocles chimed in, his tone exasperated. "And you're scaring off the other customers. Seriously, Kiawe."

Even Lana, typically reserved, gave him a warning glare. "Next time, listen when we tell you to stop. Nobody's going to invite us out if you keep this up."

But it was Lillie's icy stare that froze Kiawe in his tracks. Her usually gentle eyes were steely with resolve as she spoke in a low, firm voice.

"Enough. Stop picking fights with everyone."

Kiawe huffed, his bravado deflated. Crossing his arms, he slumped onto a chair at the far end of the table, muttering under his breath. "I wasn't picking a fight. I was celebrating..."

Ash waved energetically, his signature enthusiasm lighting up his face as he called out to his Alola friends, breaking the tension as if nothing had happened.

"Hey, guys! Come join us!"

The group eagerly approached, their varied personalities already apparent in their distinct responses.

"Ash and everyone! How's it going?" Mallow greeted warmly, her vibrant smile a beacon of cheer. Her gaze shifted to Kiawe, who sat nearby with his arms crossed, still visibly sulking. "Sorry about the racket earlier. Our wonderful friend here can be a bit... impulsive," she added, her tone both apologetic and teasing.

Lillie stepped forward, her movements graceful and measured as she offered a polite bow. "I'm really sorry about Kiawe's behavior. I should've kept a closer eye on him."

Kiawe bristled at her words, his fiery pride surfacing. "I'm not a child, Lillie," he muttered, looking away with a faint scowl.

Lillie didn't so much as glance at him, continuing instead to address the group. "Even so, would it be alright if we joined you all?" she asked, her tone as poised as ever.

Serena, still recovering from Kiawe's earlier drumming antics, sighed softly. "You're all lifesavers for stopping him," she said, her expression relaxing into a small, genuine smile. "And of course, you're welcome to join us."

May nodded in agreement, her earlier irritation melting into relief. "Yeah, thanks for that! It was about to get real loud in here."

Mallow and Lillie exchanged knowing looks before taking their seats on the opposite side of the table, settling in next to Drew. Sophocles and Lana found spots beside Goh and Kiawe, who continued to sulk, arms crossed like a defiant child.

"Thanks! We promise not to cause any more trouble," Mallow said, her usual sunny demeanor tinged with a hint of guilt.

Sophocles chuckled nervously, adjusting his glasses. "Yeah, we'll keep a tighter leash on him this time."

Kiawe groaned, slouching in his seat. "I don't need a babysitter…" he grumbled, the flicker of annoyance in his voice earning him a chuckle from Serena.

"If you don't want to be treated like a kid, maybe don't act like one," The Kalos performer quipped from her seat, her tone light and playful.

As the conversation softened into casual chatter, the restaurant staff brought out a round of velouté as the appetizer, each bowl showcasing a unique blend inspired by many regions. The creamy soups, served in bowls adorned with designs of graceful pokemons influenced by contest trends, and their warm, inviting aroma wafted across the table, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

Serena's velouté shimmered with a pale pink hue, infused with Roseli Berry and topped with a delicate drizzle of Whipped Combee Honey. Ash's bowl held a warm, earthy green shade, a blend of Oran Berry and Leppa Root, its subtle sweetness balanced by a sprinkle of finely chopped Tamato leaves.

Serena, seated beside Ash, decided to take a playful approach. She picked up her spoon, scooped a small amount of velouté, and turned to him with a mischievous smile.

"Here, say 'ahh,'" she said, her voice soft yet teasing as she held the spoon close to his lips.

Ash blinked, his brows furrowing slightly in confusion before his mouth instinctively opened. "Ahhh—Mmm!" he murmured as the spoon entered, his eyes lighting up at the taste.

Serena's smile deepened as she carefully withdrew the spoon, using a napkin to dab a tiny speck of soup from the corner of his mouth. "How is it?" she asked, her voice tender.

"Good!" Ash replied with unguarded sincerity, his simple response enough to draw a faint blush to Serena's cheeks.

Everyone at the table froze, their eyes collectively widening at the scene unfolding before them.

Goh stared, his fork hovering mid-air as he glanced at Drew beside him. "Uh... is this normal?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Drew leaned back in his chair, an amused smirk tugging at his lips. "Depends. Define 'normal'."

Kiawe exchanged a look with Mallow, his expression one of pure confusion. "What the hell is happening right now?" his face seemed to scream (of jealousy?).

Lillie, ever composed, tilted her head thoughtfully. "That's... unexpectedly sweet," she murmured, though her tone hinted at her bemusement.

Mallow, meanwhile, pressed a hand to her mouth, trying and failing to stifle her laughter. "Sweet and embarrassing," she whispered to Lana, who nodded in agreement.

May, however, leaned forward with unabashed interest, her brows raised. "Looks like Ash has already his own babysitter," she teased. "But don't overdo it, or you'll regret it when the main course comes around!"

Serena, now fully aware of the attention she and Ash had drawn, stammered slightly, her blush deepening. She laughed nervously, waving a hand as if brushing off the moment. "Um... sorry about that. I didn't mean to cause a scene," she said, trying to maintain her composure. "We used to taste different things together when we traveled to Kalos and..."

"Yeah, and I tasted a lot of her amazing pastries too!"

Pikachu, ever the opportunist, seized the moment. As Ash turned his attention back to his green velouté, Pikachu darted forward, extending his paw to swipe a taste from the spoon. With a delighted "Pikaaa~!" he licked the creamy soup, his tail wagging in approval.

Across the table, Drew decided to follow Serena's lead. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he scooped a spoonful of his own velouté and turned to May. "Your turn, sweetheart. Open wide~"

May's eyes widened, and a vivid blush spread across her cheeks. "Oh, no, you don't!" she exclaimed, grabbing the spoon from him before he could finish.

Drew barely had time to react before May shoved the spoon back toward him, her smirk triumphant. "Here we go, together now. Say 'ahh,' Drew!"

Caught off guard, Drew's eyes widened as the spoon was unceremoniously forced into his mouth. "Aaar—mmph?!" he choked, his usual suave demeanor crumbling in the face of May's playful vengeance.

May leaned back with a satisfied grin. "There you go! How's it taste, pretty boy? Good, huh?" she teased, watching with relish as Drew struggled to regain his composure.

Dawn and Chloe had been wandering through the bustling restaurant, following the faint yet unmistakable sound of drums that had caught their attention earlier. As they weaved through the maze of tables, the duo stumbled upon a rather peculiar scene at their friends' table.

Dawn's sharp navy eyes immediately locked onto May, who was forcefully shoving a spoonful of velouté into Drew's mouth. Drew, visibly struggling, coughed and sputtered as he tried to regain his composure, his face a mix of surprise and mild panic.

Both girls froze for a moment, processing the chaotic tableau before them. Chloe's eyebrows shot up in alarm, her mouth hanging slightly agape, while Dawn's lips twitched in amused disbelief.

"Wow, wow, hold on! We barely get here, and there's already an attempted murder-by-food happening?" Dawn's tone dripped with mock curiosity as she exchanged a knowing glance with Chloe. "I think we found the right table."

The chatter at the table died down as the group noticed the new arrivals. May glanced up, still holding the spoon triumphantly in hand as Drew, finally recovering, wiped his mouth with a napkin. A mischievous grin tugged at her lips as she greeted them.

"Oh, hey, girls! Yeah, you're just in time. Things are really heating up over here." She gestured theatrically to Drew, who was glaring at her through narrowed eyes.

"What on earth is going on here?" Chloe asked, her voice tinged with both concern and bemusement as her gaze flickered between Drew's flushed face and May's unapologetic smirk.

May shrugged, twirling the spoon between her fingers as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. "Oh, just a friendly little contest of feeding skills." She grinned slyly.

Chloe raised a skeptical eyebrow, then leaned closer to Dawn, muttering under her breath, "Please tell me this isn't how she feeds her Pokémon…"

Before Dawn could respond, her attention was pulled by Ash, who had been sitting cluelessly throughout the spectacle. His wide, innocent eyes blinked at the girls. "What's the big deal? We're just eating good food." His tone was genuinely confused, as if oblivious to the absurdity of the scene.

"Yeah, and apparently choking Drew is part of the 'dinner' experience," Chloe quipped, shaking her head.

Goh, seated beside Ash, chuckled and nudged him lightly. "You might wanna sit this one out, buddy. Just saying."

Brock, ever the peacemaker, leaned forward with a placating smile. "Nothing to worry about, just a little playful chaos at the table. Happens all the time."

Ash, missing the sarcasm entirely, perked up. "Oh, but the real chaos is just getting started! The main event is about to begin!" He slapped his hands on the table with a boyish grin, his energy infectious.

Goh smirked and announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 'Total Diner Show!' Starring the two biggest and most grotesque stomachs in this room: Ash and May!"

May pointed a finger at Goh with mock indignation. "Hey, I heard that!"

Dawn folded her arms, feigning deep contemplation as she surveyed both Ash and May. Her expression was playful but calculated. "Hmm… if I had to pick the winner…" She turned toward Ash first, then May, and with a dramatic flourish, pointed at the latter. "May is going to emerge victorious!"

Ash's jaw dropped in exaggerated offense. "What?! Are you serious, Dawn?!"

May beamed at the unexpected endorsement, patting Dawn on the back. "Smart choice, Dawn! Welcome to Team May!"

Dawn leaned into the theatrics, plopping down between May and Brock. "No hard feelings, Ash."

However, her glare on Ash gave the contrary.. showing she hadn't forgotten her previous words about the contest favorite this morning. In a sense, even playfully, she had taken it personally that he didn't consider her for a second as favorites.

"It's just basic logic—experience and track record, you know?"

Ash groaned, crossing his arms. "You're completely forgetting what I'm capable of! You'll see—you'll regret that choice!"

Meanwhile, Serena, who had been quietly observing the antics, exchanged an exasperated yet amused glance with Chloe. With a small sigh, she leaned toward Ash. "Don't worry, Ash. I believe in you!" Her words were warm, a subtle encouragement amidst the chaos.

"Me too!" Goh added with a smirk, clapping Ash on the shoulder. "C'mon, champ, show us what you're made of when that dish gets here."

"Thanks, guys!" Ash's grin widened, his resolve bolstered.

From across the table, May impatiently tapped her fingers. "Ugh, what's taking so long? I'm starving to death over here!"

"Calm down, May," Dawn teased, waving a hand dismissively. "You'll need all your strength if you want to beat Ash."

May rolled her eyes dramatically, her hunger getting the better of her. "I don't care about strength—I just want food! Now!"

Before the conversation could escalate further, a young, energetic voice rang out from behind them. "Not yet! Nevertheless, I have a better dish that I am presenting to you for tasting!"

The table turned in unison to see Bonnie bounding toward them, her bright yellow dress swishing as she moved. "More than incoming food.. Let's kick off this evening with an important question that could change one of your lives..! ..Have you met my brother, Clemont? He's a genius inventor!"

Clemont trailed behind her, his face already burning with embarrassment. "Bonnie, please. You don't have to introduce me like this every single time."

The group stared at Bonnie in a mix of surprise and amusement. Dawn leaned back in her chair, a curious smile forming. "No, we haven't. But I guess we're about to?"

May chuckled, resting her chin in her palm. "A genius inventor, huh? Sounds pretty cool to me."

Bonnie ignored Clemont's protests entirely. "And lucky for you all, he's single and ready to mingle!"

Clemont groaned audibly, covering his face with one hand while the table erupted into laughter. Chloe struggled to keep a straight face, her lips twitching as she glanced at the poor brother.

"Oh, how cute!" May cooed, her tone dripping with teasing sweetness. "Don't worry, Clemont. Your little sis just looking out for you."

The poor boy looked ready to disappear into the floor, but his sister's unfiltered enthusiasm was oddly endearing.

Serena watched the unfolding scene with growing discomfort, her delicate features betraying a tinge of embarrassment for Clemont. Bonnie, ever the spirited and shameless matchmaker, was charging ahead with her bold declarations, blissfully unaware of her brother's growing humiliation. Clemont's cheeks were flushed a deep crimson, his glasses slipping slightly down his nose as he stammered protests that went entirely ignored by his overzealous sister.

Unable to bear the awkwardness any longer, Serena stood gracefully, brushing a strand of honey-brown hair behind her ear. Her soft blue eyes met Bonnie's, and she offered the younger girl a gentle, albeit firm, smile.

"Bonnie, please," she said, her voice soothing yet authoritative, "not in front of all of Ash's friends..."

Bonnie, unperturbed, waved a dismissive hand and began to circle the table, her blonde ponytail bouncing with each step. "Oh, come on, Serena, this is the perfect opportunity! How often do we get such a big audience?" She stopped abruptly and pointed decisively at Mallow.

"You! Kimono snack girl! Let's start with you!"

Mallow, who had been sipping her drink peacefully, nearly choked in surprise. "Wait—what?! I didn't agree to this!" She leaned back in her chair, hands raised defensively, her emerald eyes wide with alarm.

Bonnie clasped her hands together dramatically. "Listen, my brother is smart, talented, and he can fix anything—even your heart! You'll regret it if you miss this chance!"

Before anyone could respond, Brock, seated at the far end of the table, let out a melodramatic sigh, his expression a picture of tragic despair. "He can't fix mine…"

The group erupted in a mix of reactions.

"W-What?!" Dawn and May exclaimed in unison, their voices laced with equal parts shock and disbelief.

"Don't interpret it like that!" Serena interjected quickly, her cheeks flushing as she waved her hands in a futile attempt to calm the chaos.

Mallow chuckled nervously, her initial shock giving way to a mischievous grin. "Anyway, long-distance relationships never work out. I think I'll pass on this matchmaking, kiddo."

Bonnie, undeterred, spun on her heel to face her next target. She fixed her determined gaze on Lillie, who immediately froze, her pale cheeks flushing pink.

"Alright, now the blonde pretty princess! You're up next!"

"P-Pretty princess?" Lillie stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. She fidgeted with the hem of her dress, her green eyes darting nervously around the table. "I… I don't think…"

From beside her, Sophocles leaned toward Kiawe, cupping a hand around his mouth to whisper, "Lillie's really caught off guard!"

Bonnie, completely ignoring the exasperated groans around her, pressed on with unrelenting enthusiasm. Her eyes sparkled as she leaned toward Lillie, her voice sweet but insistent. "Oh, that's such a beautiful name, little flower! Don't be shy! You and my big bro would be adorable together!"

Lillie's hands fluttered nervously, her fingers lightly gripping the edge of the table as she tried to muster a response. Her face flushed a deep pink, and her voice trembled when she finally managed to stammer, "I-I'm sorry, but… I don't think I can take this chance…"

Bonnie let out a dramatic sigh, throwing her head back as if Lillie had just passed up the opportunity of a lifetime. She shook her head with exaggerated disappointment, her golden hair bouncing. "Oh, Lillie, you're missing out!"

From across the table, Clemont groaned audibly, his glasses slipping slightly down his nose as he buried his face in his hands. His voice cracked with embarrassment as he pleaded, "Bonnie, please! You're embarrassing me!"

Completely unfazed by her brother's reaction, Bonnie's attention snapped to another target. She pointed confidently at Lana, her enthusiasm as radiant as ever. "Alright, how about you, mermaid-lass ? You're next!"

Lana blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the abrupt shift in focus. She hesitated, her usual calm demeanor faltering. "Uh… Bonnie, right? I really appreciate the thought, but I'm not—"

"Yeah, forget it," Bonnie interrupted, waving a dismissive hand as if Lana's words were irrelevant. "My brother wouldn't date a kid, anyway."

Lana's jaw dropped, her serene expression replaced by a rare flicker of indignation. "Excuse me?!" she retorted, her voice sharper than usual.

Bonnie merely shrugged, utterly nonchalant. "Sorry, but it's true. Dating isn't for you yet, grow up!"

Mallow, ever the peacemaker, leaned over to pat Lana's shoulder sympathetically. Her grin was teasing but kind. "Don't take it personally. She's just being a kid herself."

"That's the problem!" Lana huffed, crossing her arms and glowering. "Kids always speak the truth…"

As the tension simmered, Bonnie's attention flitted to her next unsuspecting target. Her gaze locked onto Dawn, who had been sitting quietly, watching the chaos with a bemused smirk. Bonnie's energy didn't falter as she pointed dramatically. "Alright, beanie girl, your turn!"

Dawn raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a half-smile. She tilted her head slightly, her tone laced with playful sarcasm. "Can I help you?"

Bonnie struck a confident pose, planting her hands on her hips and grinning as if she'd just solved the ultimate puzzle.

"How about a romantic adventure with my amazing big brother, Clemont?"

Dawn didn't miss a beat. Her smirk widened as she deadpanned,

"...Who are you again?"

Bonnie froze for a split second, her grin faltering. A nervous laugh escaped her as she raised her hands in mock surrender, backing away from Dawn like she'd been burned. "Okay, okay! Got it. No wholesome happy ending for you!"

"Enough already!" Clemont finally snapped, his voice uncharacteristically firm as he grabbed Bonnie's arm to stop her antics. "Seriously, Bonnie, you're out of control!"

"But Clemont!" Bonnie whined, attempting to wriggle free. "There's just one more pretender left! Come on, let me interrogate the most attractive one here!"

May, sitting near the middle of the group, watched with a bemused expression. Her sapphire eyes sparkled with a mixture of humor and curiosity as Bonnie's increasingly outrageous matchmaking attempts unraveled. But when the conversation turned her way, her amusement shifted into something more poised and calculated.

"You're talking about me?" May's voice broke through Bonnie's rapid-fire chatter, her tone playful yet tinged with a deliberate edge. She leaned back slightly, her gaze sweeping the table as everyone turned their attention to her. "Because I hate to break it to you, but…" She paused for dramatic effect.

The pause was brief but deliberate. Bonnie froze mid-step, her wide blue eyes blinking up at May as if sensing a twist in the air.

"I'm already in a relationship."

Hello~ I'm grateful for your patience!

Next chapter, the dinner chaos will intensify with a larger one, which will also conclude this first day.A big day, we can say, to introduce most of the characters~!

Have fun until next time!