"Lillie..!"

Lillie stood center stage, her long, silvery hair shimmering under the dazzling lights. Her elegant posture and the ethereal beauty of her Alolan Ninetales captured the audience's attention, including Ash's. He leaned forward in his seat, unable to take his eyes off her arrival.

Serena, still sitting beside him, glanced at the stage before turning to Ash with curiosity. "Lillie?" she asked, her soft voice barely audible over the distant roar of applause.

Ash blinked and looked at her as if snapping out of his thoughts. "Oh! Right, sorry. You might not remember her. Lillie's a friend I made during my journey in Alola!" he explained, grinning sheepishly.

Serena tilted her head slightly, her honey-colored eyes narrowing in thought. "Oh.. so it's one of your Alola group of friends."

Ash nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! This is actually the first time I've seen her compete in a contest live. It's amazing to see her like this!" His gaze flicked back to the stage, where Lillie stood with her Ninetales, both shining under the bright stadium lights.

"Her Vulpix—uh, Ninetales now—is always with her," Ash added, his tone swelling with pride. "Look at how perfectly they're working together. Keep it up, Lillie!"

"Pika-pikachu!" Pikachu cheered, its tiny paws clapping excitedly..

The lights dimmed slightly, casting a shimmering spotlight onto Lillie and her Alolan Ninetales. With a graceful bow, she raised her hand, signaling her partner to begin. Ninetales moved with an otherworldly elegance, its pristine white fur glistening under the light as it stepped forward. The crowd grew silent, anticipation thick in the air.

Lillie's voice rang clear and confident as she called out, "Ninetales, let's dazzle them! Aurora Veil!"

A cascade of shimmering, multicolored light spread across the stage as Ninetales spun in place, its tails fanning outward like a blossoming flower. The effect was mesmerizing; the aurora danced around the Pokémon, creating the illusion of a protective dome. Each color swirled into the next, the hues of pink, blue, and green blending seamlessly like the natural northern lights.

The audience gasped collectively as tiny, glimmering snowflakes began to fall, refracting the light and turning the stage into a winter wonderland. Serena couldn't help but lean forward, her expression softening as the performance unfolded.

"Dazzling Gleam, Ninetales!" Lillie commanded.

Ninetales' eyes sparkled as it leaped into the air, twisting elegantly. A burst of radiant light exploded from its body, scattering through the aurora. The snowflakes caught the light, turning into glittering diamonds as they fell. Ninetales landed lightly on the stage, its movements as smooth and delicate as a dancer's.

"That's… beautiful!" Serena admitted, her gaze fixed on the stage.

Ash nodded vigorously. "Yeah! She's always been amazing with Ninetales. They've got this bond that just… glows!"

"I think I've read about her recently. She's one of the surprising youngest challengers in thiscontest."

Suddenly, a burst of noise erupted from the opposite side of the stands. A cacophony of familiar voices, laughter, and—was that drumming?—rose above the general hubbub of the crowd. Ash stiffened, recognizing the chaotic energy almost immediately.

"I think I know where that racket's coming from!" he said, standing abruptly.

Serena reached out instinctively. "Wait, Ash! What are you doing?"

"I'll be right back," he assured her with a grin. "Just need to say hi to some friends!"

"But—" Serena's protest was cut off as Ash darted into the crowd, Pikachu bounding after him. She sighed, crossing her arms as she muttered under her breath, "And what about your friend…?" She glanced at Brock, seated a few rows down, debating whether to follow or stay put. In the end, she decided to stay, sitting back with a resigned shake of her head.

Ash weaved through the bustling crowd, his excitement mounting with every step. It didn't take long to find the source of the commotion.

There they were—his Alola friends, as lively and animated as ever. Mallow stood in the center, her green hair tied up in a high ponytail, waving her arms wildly as she shouted encouragements toward the stage. Beside her, Kiawe was pounding away on a compact drum set, his fiery intensity drawing amused glances from the surrounding spectators. Lana sat nearby, cupping her hands around her mouth to cheer loudly, while Sophocles fiddled with a gadget on his lap, occasionally looking up to join the applause.

"Guys!" Ash called out, his voice cutting through the din.

The group turned in unison, their expressions lighting up with joy and surprise.

"Ash?!" Mallow exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement.

"Ash, you made it!" Lana added, standing up to wave him over.

Kiawe smirked, pointing a drumstick at him. "Late as usual, huh, slacker?"

Ash laughed as he reached them, Pikachu leaping onto his shoulder. "I'm not late—I've been here the whole time! I've been watching Lillie's performance. She's amazing!"

"Of course she is!" Mallow said, planting her hands on her hips. "Did you think we came all this way for anything less?"

"Pika pika!" Pikachu added, waving its paw at the group.

Kiawe's expression turned serious—well, as serious as he could muster with a drumstick in each hand. "Amazing? She's more than that—she's fabulous!"

Before Ash could respond, Kiawe launched into a ferocious drum solo, his hands as blur as the rhythm thundered across their section of the stands. Spectators nearby either laughed or winced, but Kiawe was too absorbed in his performance to notice.

"Kiawe, please.." Sophocles groaned, pressing his hands over his ears. "My eardrums are going to file a restraining order!"

"It's not about your ears!" Kiawe shot back, not missing a beat. "It's about the roaring spirit of competition! The blazing flame of victory!"

As the drum solo subsided, their attention turned back to the stage just in time for the grand finale. Lillie stood tall, her posture commanding yet serene. The aurora around Ninetales intensified, swirling faster and faster on the icy ground, the lights now accompanied by shimmering flecks of ice spinning in a mesmerizing vortex.

"Now, Ninetales, Blizzard into Freeze-Dry!"

The majestic fox Pokémon howled, its cry echoing through the stadium. A fierce gust of icy wind spiraled outward, enveloping even more the stage. The aurora shifted into sharper hues of icy blue, creating the appearance of a snowstorm trapped in time. As the Blizzard subsided, the Freeze-Dry effect crystallized the snowflakes midair, leaving them suspended like tiny stars.

"Whoa!" Mallow whispered, her wide eyes reflecting the shimmering lights.

Lillie wasn't finished. "Let's finish strong! Ninetales, Moonblast!"

The Alolan Ninetales reared back, gathering energy in front of its mouth. A radiant orb of light formed, glowing softly before intensifying into a blinding brilliance. The Moonblast shot upward, piercing through the suspended snowflakes. The force of the blast caused the crystallized snow to shatter into millions of tiny sparks, raining down like a celestial waterfall.

The entire stadium erupted in cheers as the light show reached its climax. Lillie struck a final pose, her arm extended toward Ninetales, who bowed gracefully to the crowd. The remaining lights of the aurora dimmed slowly, leaving the stage bathed in a soft, ethereal glow.

Kiawe jumped to his feet, pounding his drumsticks together. "Damn, it's..WONDERFUL! LEGENDARY!Did you see that?! The spirit of Alola is burning bright tonight!"

Ash beamed, his voice rising above the cheers. "That was incredible! Lillie's grown so much since we last saw her!"

"Yeah," Lana added, her smile gentle. "She really is something special."

Mallow nudged Kiawe with her elbow, grinning mischievously. "Still think you're the best performer in the group?"

Kiawe crossed his arms, feigning indignation. "What, I never said—"

"Guys!" Ash interrupted, his enthusiasm overflowing. "Lillie totally nailed it! We've got to let her know after this!"

Pikachu nodded eagerly. "Pika pika!"

Kiawe continued with Pikachu and Ash's scream, shouting louder with pride as the relentlessness on his drum! "Lilliiiiie! You make Alola proud! Do you hear me ?! We're so proud of youuu!"

"Kiawe…" Lana sighed, though her lips twitched with the hint of a smile. "I don't think Lillie can hear you from up here."

"Even so..!" Kiawe declared, finishing his solo with a dramatic flourish. "The world.. hears my support!"

Ash doubled over, laughing so hard he had to clutch his stomach. "Kiawe, you're as fired up as ever! I gotta admit, though, those drums are pretty cool."

"Right?!" Kiawe beamed, holding up the drumsticks triumphantly. "Lillie's gonna blow everyone away with that ice tornado combo!"

Mallow rolled her eyes, though her smile betrayed her affection for the group. "He's been like this all morning. I think the drums are permanently fused to his hands."

As if on cue, Kiawe struck a triumphant pose, his drumsticks held aloft. "And I won't stop until the finals!"

Sophocles chuckled, setting his gadget aside. "You've gotta hand it to Lillie, though. The way she's commanding moves like Aurora Veil andBlizzard? It's like she was born for this."

Ash nodded, his expression softening. "She's worked so hard. I'm so proud of her." Then, a thought struck him. "By the way, where are Professor Kukui and Gladion? Are they watching from somewhere else?"

Mallow shook her head. "The Professor wanted to be here, but he's tied up with some big research project with his wife. He's watching on TV, though."

"And Gladion?" Ash asked, frowning slightly.

The group exchanged glances. Lana's smile faltered as she spoke. "It's strange, isn't it? He wouldn't miss this for the world..."

"I might know why.." Sophocles interjected, his fingers flying over his device as he searched for information. "There was a big storm this morning. Some flights got diverted to other areas. He might've been caught up in it."

Mallow's brow furrowed. "Really ? I hope he's okay..."

Kiawe's eyes blazed with indignation. "Storm or no storm, there's no excuse for missing his sister's big day! UNFORGIVABLE!"

"Shush, I'm sure Lillie prefers that to watching her big brother jump headfirst into a storm like some hotheads.." Lana hissed, tugging on Kiawe's arm as Sophocles chuckled. "Well, at least we got here early. Gladion's probably fuming about not being in our place right now."

Mallow grinned in a sadistic way. "Yeah, I can just imagine him pacing angrily in some airport terminal and scary everyone around with his glares."

Ash laughed, the image of a flustered Gladion briefly flashing through his mind.

As the group settled back into their seats, the booming voice of the announcer filled the stadium who questionned Lille about her performance. The girl from Alola tried to respond, despite the overwhelming shyness which didn't help the understanding of her words throughout the stadium even with the microphone.

Ash turned to his friends, a spark of curiosity lighting his features. "So, what about you guys? What's everyone been up to?" he asked, leaning forward slightly.

Mallow's eyes brightened instantly, the enthusiasm in her voice unmistakable. "Oh! I opened another branch of my family's restaurant in Hau'oli City!" Her hands flew expressively as she spoke, illustrating her words. "It's been so busy—non-stop orders, endless new recipes—but I absolutely love it! Ash, you have to come by the next time you're in Alola."

Ash grinned, his excitement matching hers. "That's awesome, Mallow! You're amazing. I'd love to try your cooking again—it's been way too long!"

"Pika pika!" Pikachu chirped in agreement, its small paws clapping together.

Sophocles adjusted his glasses, their reflection catching the light as he joined the conversation. "As for me, I've been diving into tech projects at the Hokulani Observatory. They've even started using some of my inventions for star mapping." He leaned back, crossing his arms with a satisfied smile. "It's pretty cool seeing my work being used like that."

Ash's eyes widened in admiration. "Of course they're using your stuff! You've always been a genius with technology." A thought seemed to strike him, and he snapped his fingers. "I think I know someone I should introduce you to—he'd be so impressed! And what about you, Kiawe?" Ash asked, turning to his fiery friend with an eager grin. "Still training hard on Akala Island?"

Kiawe crossed his arms and tilted his chin upward, his pride radiating in his posture. "You bet I am. Turtonator and I have been helping Olivia with the island trials. We've also been working on some new techniques." His expression shifted to a competitive smirk as he locked eyes with Ash. "So, if you're ever up for a rematch, just say the word."

Ash's grin widened into a challenging smile. "Oh, it's on for sure! But let's wait until after the contest!"

Lana, who had been quietly listening, nodded softly, her blue eyes carrying a glimmer of nostalgia. "It's incredible how much she's grown. Watching her perform today… it feels like she's a completely different person from the Lillie we first met."

Ash's expression softened as his gaze drifted back toward the stage where Lillie had been moments ago. "Yeah," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "She's come so far. From being afraid of Pokémon to commanding the spotlight like this—it's amazing."

Mallow placed a hand over her chest, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "It's enough to make you emotional, isn't it? She's living proof that hard work really does pay off."

"Hard work?" Kiawe interjected, his drumsticks already in his hands. His fiery eyes sparkled as he leaped to his feet. "She's proof that passion is unstoppable! She's got the fire of a true champion!" With that, he launched into another thunderous drumroll, the rapid beat reverberating through the stands.

Sophocles threw his hands up in defeat. "Kiawe! If you break those drums, I'm not fixing them!"

The pounding abruptly stopped as Kiawe spun around dramatically, pointing a drumstick at Sophocles. "You don't need to fix them because Lillie's going to smash through this contest before I break every drums of the stadium! You'll see!"

The group laughed, though their laughter was interrupted by the drums who erupted again, each beat underscoring Kiawe's fire. "Everyone here felt the fire burning inside her!"

Sophocles groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Kiawe, once again, you're not a judge."

Mallow crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "And let's be real—you're hardly an expert when it comes to contests."

Kiawe gasped as if her words were a personal attack. "I hope you're not implying she's going to get disqualified!"

"Of course not," Lana interjected, her tone calm but firm. "We'll believe in her until the very last second."

"It's not about belief—it's about certainty!" Kiawe declared, his fist clenched dramatically.

Ash stood up, his fists pumped in determination. "I feel it ! I can't wait to hear the results so I can explode with joy, too!"

Suddenly, Marian's voice boomed through the stadium speakers, drawing everyone's attention back to the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, the scores for Lillie's dazzling performance with her Alolan Ninetales are in!"

The camera zoomed in on the judges, who each revealed their paddles one by one.

"An 8!" Marian announced as the first judge held up their score.

The audience erupted in applause, the sound nearly drowning out Kiawe's exclamation. "Just an 8? That's way too low for that ice combo!"

The second judge revealed their score: a 9.

"Okay, that's more like it!" Mallow cheered, pumping her fist.

Kiawe grumbled, his drumsticks clacking against each other in frustration. "Still not high enough!"

The third judge's paddle displayed an 8, followed by another 9 from the fourth.

"Come on, come on!" Sophocles muttered, his eyes glued to the screen displaying the cumulative total.

"And finally…" Marian's voice reached a crescendo as the fifth judge held up their paddle, revealing the last score: a 9.

"Lillie's total score is… 43 points!"

The audience cheered loudly, though Kiawe leaped to his feet in disbelief. "43?! Are they blind? That should've been a 50!"

This line sounded oddly very familiar to Ash.

"Kiawe, sit down before you give everyone a headache.. I mean, if it hadn't alreadyhappened." Lana sighed, tugging on his arm.

Mallow smiled but had a thoughtful look on her face. "It's a good score, though. She's got a real shot!"

"I hope you're both right," Sophocles muttered, glancing warily at the stage.

Ash, now standing beside the group, put his hands on his hips, a contemplative expression crossing his face. "You know, my friend told me something before this contest. Last year, the minimal score to qualify for the next round was 45 points."

The group collectively froze, their expressions shifting from excitement to apprehension.

"Wait… 45?!" Kiawe exclaimed, his fiery determination faltering for a brief second before he slammed his drumsticks into the air. "Then the judges better adjust their standards, because Lillie deserves way more than that!"

Mallow tilted her head, her brows furrowing. "But that was last year, right? Maybe the cutoff will be lower this time."

Sophocles adjusted his glasses, his fingers rapidly tapping at his gadget. "Or it could be higher, depending on how strong the other contestants are this year."

Lana nodded, her voice steady but concerned. "She might be in a tough spot. It all depends on how the other scores turn out."

Ash clenched his fists, his voice resolute. "Lillie's got this. She gave it her all, and that's what counts. Besides, her performance stood out—there's no way the audience and the judges didn't feel it!"

Pikachu echoed his sentiment with an encouraging "Pika-pika!"

"Mallow smiled warmly, her confidence unwavering. 'I believe in her no matter what.'

The group settled back into their seats, though a quiet tension lingered in the air. As the next contestant was introduced, Ash glanced at his friends, a determined glint in his eyes.

"No matter what the score is, Lillie's performance was incredible. And even if the cutoff is 45 again, I know she'll find a way to shine through," he said, his voice filled with unwavering faith.

Mallow reached over, giving his arm a reassuring squeeze. "You're right, Ash. Let's just focus on cheering her on, no matter what happens."

Kiawe huffed, his fiery spirit returning. "Yeah, and if the judges don't see it, well.. I'll make them see it by force! No one can ignore the wrath of Alola!"

The group laughed despite their nerves, their faith in Lillie stronger than ever.

Kiawe turned to Ash, a familiar gleam of competitive energy in his eyes as he repeated hisprevious question with more insistence this time. "Anyway, Ash… how about a battle to pass the time while we wait?!"

Ash's eyes lit up, but he hesitated, glancing back toward the stage. "Later, Kiawe. I've still got performances to watch. After that, I'm all yours!"

"Fine.." Kiawe said, crossing his arms, though his smirk didn't falter. "But I want a burning battle to celebrate Lillie's qualification!"

Ash grinned. "You've got it!"

Mallow clapped her hands together, her face lighting up with an idea. "Speaking of celebrations… How about we throw a party tonight at a nearby restaurant?"

Sophocles frowned. "But what if Lillie doesn't qualify?"

"Even so," Lana chimed in, her tone gentle, "I think it'd cheer her up. She could use a distraction, and we could remind her how proud we are."

Mallow nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! Ash, you can invite your friends, too. Let's make it a big celebration!"

Ash beamed. "Sounds like a plan! I'll ask them—starting with…"His eyes widened as he realized the time. "Ah, I should head back. Serena's waiting for me."

"Already?" Lana asked, acurious glint in her eye.

"Yeah, I don't want tokeep her waiting too long." Ash said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

"Ooooh," Mallow said, leaning closer to Lana with a mischievous smirk. "Serena, huh? Looks like someone's got plans! Sorry for boring our sweetheart Monarch with our simple company!"

Ash flushed, waving his hands defensively. "It's not like that! We're just catching up!"

"Sure, sure." Mallow said, her wink exaggerated as Lana stifled asighs.

As Ash turned to leave, Kiawe thrust his drums toward him. "And don't forget about our battle!"

"I won't," Ash promised, laughing. "But save me a seat for the celebration!"

Pikachu chirped happily from his shoulder as Ash began making his way back. But halfway through the crowd, he paused and turned back.

"Kiawe!" he called out, his expression earnest. "Can I ask you something?"

Serena glanced around the arena once more, her blue eyes scanning the crowd. The stands were alive with noise and movement with the beautiful climax of the Alolan girl's performance, but the one face she was looking for was nowhere to be found. With a soft sigh, she slumped back into her seat beside Brock, letting her shoulders relax as she folded her hands in her lap.

What's Ash doing?She thought to herself, her brow knitting in frustration.And... what am I doing?

Brock, seated calmly beside her, stirred from his thoughtful silence. "He's taking his time." he remarked, his deep voice breaking her reverie.

Startled, Serena turned toward him. "Wait—you're awake?"

A small smile tugged at the corner of Brock's lips. "I've been awake for a while now."

Serena blinked in surprise. "I-I didn't notice! Your face was so... I thought you were asleep."

"I've just been thinking about my owncondition." Brock's tone was reflective, as though he'd been lost in a memory.

"Ah, I see." Serena hesitated before continuing, her tone softening. "Are you feeling any better? You know, about your... 'feelings problem'?"

Brock sighed, running a hand through his spiky brown hair. "Unfortunately, not yet. But I'm working on it."

"It'll pass," Serena offered, her voice warm with reassurance. "If it doesn't, maybe I could even recommend a good doctor if you'd like. I just don't know if it will be really useful..."

Brock glanced at her, his dark eyes reflecting a quiet gratitude. "Your name's Serena, right?"

She tilted her head, puzzled. "Yes, why?"

"Thank you," he said simply. "for watching out for a stranger like me."

Serena waved her hand dismissively, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. "You're not a stranger! You're one of Ash's closest friends. He talks about you all the time—you're like a big brother to him."

Brock chuckled, the sound deep and genuine. "Really? That's nice to hearfrom him. Maybe all those years of traveling with him brought out my older-brother instincts. Having so many little siblings at home probably helped, too."

Serena giggled softly, her expression brightening. "Though... he did call you 'the perverted big brother.'"

Brock's face turned an amusing shade of red. "Romantic.." he corrected firmly, raising a finger for emphasis. "Not perverted."

"Ah! My mistake.." Serena said quickly, stifling another laugh. "What a drastic misunderstanding."

Brock laughed too, the tension in his shoulders easing. Then, as if struck by an idea, he leaned slightly toward her. "To make up for staying here and invading your quiet time, maybe I can help you withyourfeelings problem.. even if I cannot feel anything for my own right now."

Serena froze, her blush deepening. "W-What?" she stammered, her voice an octave higher than normal. "What makes you think I have that kind of problem?"

Brock gave her a knowing look, his smile turning sly. "I haven't watched you much, but the way you're always looking around for him doesn't fool anyone. Well... anyone except Ash himself, maybe. You seemuneasy when he's nearby. Am I wrong?"

Her lips parted as if to respond, but no words came. She dropped her gaze, her hands twisting the edge of her skirt.

Brock held up a hand. "If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine. I understand."

"No, it's not that.." Serena murmured after a moment of silence. Her voice wavered, a quiet vulnerability in her tone. "It's just... complicated. Even I don't know what to do anymore."

Brock tilted his head, encouraging her to continue.

"I thought I was clear about my feelings in the past." Serena admitted, her hands tightening into fists. "But despite that..."

"You told him how you feel? Directly?" Brock asked, his eyebrows rising in surprise.

"N-No," Serena confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "..not in words. But I showed him, as clearly as I could."

"What did he answered?"

"Nothing." she said, her voice cracking slightly. She swallowed hard and forced herself to meet Brock's gaze. "That's the problem. He acted like nothing ever happened, even when we're sending messages. Like it didn't mean anything."

Brock leaned back, crossing his arms thoughtfully. "That... does sound tough."

"I don't know what to think anymore." Serena continued, her frustration spilling out in a rush of words. "Should I take it as a polite rejection? Or maybe Ash is just... shy about this sort of thing? Or worse—what if he doesn't care at all?" Her voice softened, filled with doubt. "I've rarely seen him really interested in anything outside of Pokémon battles and food."

Brock didn't respond right away, his brow furrowed in contemplation.

Serena let out a shaky sigh, glancing toward the stage where the performances continued, vibrant and lively. But she wasn't seeing any of it. "I know how much he values his friends and his Pokémon, and I've always admired that about him. But when it comes to… us, or the idea of there being an 'us'... it's like it was the only thing he wasn't curious to experiment with me.. or even with anyone." She hesitated, her voice softening. "Maybe it's selfish, but now I wonder if I even fit into his life the way he fits into mine."

Brock crossed his arms, leaning back slightly as he chose his words carefully. "I don't think it's selfish. It's natural to want to understand the people you care about."

The rock gym leader sighed, his tone empathetic as he continued. "Ash isn't insensitive to love or intimate emotions. I just think... they're not something he actively seeks out. His world revolves around adventure, his Pokémon, and his friends. Still..."

"S-Still..?" Serena prompted, clinging to the hope in his voice.

"If Ash were to feel that way about someone, I think it'd have to be someone he feels to be on the same world as him." Brock explained, his tone measured. "Someone who can share his passion and drive for pokemon battles. That's just my theory, though—I could be wrong."

"Like his equal..?" Serena echoed, her mind turning over the words.

"It doesn't mean he won't notice you if you don't want become a Pokémon Champion." Brock added quickly. "It would really help but if you're patient and clear with him—well, who knows? Ash has a habit of surprising people. However, you'll get through to him if you can walk alongside him without pulling him away from what he loves most."

Serena let out a short laugh, though it sounded hollow. "If that's really the case, then..."

The two fell into a brief silence, their attention momentarily drawn to the performance onstage. The performer's graceful movements filled the arena with awe, but Serena's thoughts were far from the spectacle.

"I..." she began, her voice trembling.

"You...?" Brock encouraged, his tone gentle.

Serena took a deep breath, forcing herself to steady her nerves. "I don't know if I have the courage to insist again. I've already put so much of myself out there on the past, and it feels like... my feelings didn't even reach him." Her voice wavered, and she looked down, blinking back the sting of tears.

Brock leaned forward, his expression earnest. "Serena, listen to me. Ash isn't the easiest person to read, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care. I'm sure your bond is precious for him. Beside, if you feel this strongly, then it's worth fighting for. You've already shown so much determination—don't stop now."

Serena looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise. His words carried a weight that she hadn't expected, and for a moment, she saw the wisdom of someone who had been through his own share of struggles.

"Brock..." she said softly, her lips curling into a faint smile.

Before she could say more, the announcer's voice boomed over the speakers, signaling the end of the current performance. The crowd erupted into applause, and Serena's attention was drawn back to the stage.

"But think about what I said, okay? If anyone can get through to Ash, it's surely a mature and lovely girl like you." Brock said, standing up and stretching.

"A-Alright, thanks!" Serena nodded, though her thoughts were still tangled. As the applause died down, her gaze drifted back toward the entrance, wondering if Ash would appear.

I..* she wondered, the thoughts lingering in her mind like a quiet echo when suddenly..

But then, without warning, a loud, sharp 'BOOM' shattered her concentration.

"Wha—!" Serena yelped, bolting upright from her seat. Her heart hammered against her ribs as her hand flew to her chest, trying to steady her breathing.

"I-I—!" she stammered, turning around quickly. Her wide, startled eyes locked onto Ash, who was grinning ear to ear, holding a drum in his hands.

Ash laughed, the sound boyish and carefree. "Sorry, Serena! Didn't mean to scare ya!"

Serena let out a shaky breath, her panic giving way to a mix of relief and mild irritation. "A-Ash! You made me jump!" she scolded, though the corners of her lips twitched upward into a reluctant smile.

Ash beamed, his energy undampened. "Haha, my bad! But look what I got!" He held up the drum triumphantly, the sunlight gleaming off its polished surface.

Serena blinked, her gaze shifting between the drum and Ash's enthusiastic expression. "A... drum?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Where did you even get that?"

"A friend gave it to me! Pretty cool, huh?" Ash said proudly, giving the drum a light tap with his palm.

Serena couldn't help but laugh softly, shaking her head. "Cool... So, you've got a musical friend now?"

Ash scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Well, I'd say more of aloudfriend!" he admitted with a grin.

Their playful banter was interrupted as Ash noticed Brock sitting quietly nearby, watching the exchange with a faint smirk.

"Oh, Brock!" Ash said, his tone apologetic. "Did I wake you up?"

Brock sighed, his expression equal parts amused and exasperated. "Luckily, I was already awake. Otherwise, I might've had a heart attack."

Ash laughed again, unbothered. "Haha, sorry about that!" He turned his attention back to Serena, his expression brightening with excitement. "Anyway, I'm serious—I've got something to tell you!"

Serena froze, her mind spinning. Her earlier conversation with Brock flashed through her thoughts.

Did he hear me? Oh no, no, no...

Her cheeks flushed pink as a wave of panic swept over her. She bit her lip, glancing nervously at Brock, who was carefully keeping his expression neutral.

"A-Ah, um, y-yeah? What is it, Ash?" Serena managed to squeak out, her voice unsteady.

Ash grinned and gestured casually with his hand. "We're having a big party tonight with some of my friends. Wanna come?"

The sudden shift in topic hit Serena like a splash ofcold water. The sheer normalcy of his words almost made her laugh in relief. "A party?" she repeated, quickly regaining her composure. "Y-Yeah, that sounds like fun!"

"Great!" Ash said, turning to Brock. "What about you, Brock? You in?"

Brock leaned back in his seat, stretching his arms behind his head. "Why not? But... where are we all eating together?"

Ash scratched his chin, thinking. "Hmm... I dunno. I'll let my friends figure that out."

Brock chuckled. "If you want, I know a place nearby that's pretty good. Want me to make a reservation?"

"Really? That'd be awesome!" Ash said eagerly. "Where is it?"

As Brock explained the details, he stood and began to make his way toward the exit. "Let me know how many people will be coming, so I can adjust the reservation if needed."

"Got it! I'll let everyone know and get back to you. See ya, Brock!" Ash called after him, waving.

"See you both later," Brock replied with a casual wave over his shoulder.

Serena watched him leave, surprised by how quickly he had made his exit. But as her gaze returned to Ash, a small flutter of excitement bubbled in her chest. She swayed slightly on her feet, unable to stop a tiny bounce in her step.

"So... do you know who'll be at the party?" she asked hesitantly.

Ash shrugged, the motion as carefree as ever. "Mmm... at least my friends from Alola will be there. Dunno about the rest—I didn't really ask. Do you wanna invite someone?"

"Invite someone...?" Serena echoed, the suggestion catching her off guard. Her cheeks flushed a deep red as she processed his words.Did he mean...

"N-No!" she said quickly, waving her hands in front of her. "I mean, no, I'm fine! I don't have anyone I want to invite, anyway."

Her heart screamed the opposite. She silently hoped that someone familiar—maybe May, Chloe, or Bonnie—would be there. Being surrounded by Ash's friends, most of whom she had never met, was a nerve-wracking thought.

"Alright, if you're sure." Ash said, pulling out a Poké Ball from his bag. "Hey, Rotom! Help me send a message to everyone!"

The device sprang to life, its screen lighting up with a cheerful chirp. "Roger that! Let's notify all registered friends around!"

As Rotom buzzed with activity, her focus was entirely on Ash. He stood a few steps away, his brow furrowed in concentration as he worked with Rotom to send messages to all his friends. The soft light from the screen cast a faint glow on his face, highlighting his sharp determination to not forget anyone.

Serena's gaze lingered, her heart tightening with every second. But right now, it was something else that held her attention—a memory, one that refused to leave her mind.

"Something wrong, Serena?" Ash's voice broke through her reverie.

She blinked, startled, as his questioning eyes met hers. There was a faint curiosity in his tone, his head tilted slightly. Rotom hovered beside him, momentarily paused in its task.

"N-no, I'm fine!" Serena stammered, forcing a smile. "Just thinking... you know?"

Ash's expression lightened, and he gave a reassuring grin. "Thinking? About the contest?"

"Y-yeah—the, uh, contest. Uh, yeah!" she lied, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. She silently cursed herself for stumbling over her words. Smooth, Serena. Really convincing.

But to her relief, Ash seemed to buy it.

"I'm sure you'll qualify for the next round. Believe me!"

The sincerity in his voice caught her off guard, and her breath hitched. For a moment, her insecurities melted away under the warmth of his encouragement.

"R-right," Serena mumbled, her cheeks heating up as she glanced away. She hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her jacket. But the memory of their promise lingered stubbornly in her mind, and before she could stop herself, she spoke again.

"You remember your promise with Bonnie, right?" she asked quietly, her voice trembling slightly. "The one before we left Kalos?"

Ash blinked, tilting his head in thought. "Uuh... Yeah, of course. Why?"

Serena's lips curled into a soft smile, though her eyes betrayed her nervousness. "Well... Sorry, but... in that case, do you... remember my wish too?"

Ash's expression turned thoughtful again, his brow furrowing slightly. "Your...?"

"The, uh... the promise," Serena clarified, her voice barely above a whisper. Her gaze shifted, going from hopeful to nervous and finally... dejected.

"Oh yeah, I remember!" Ash said brightly, his face lighting up.

Serena's eyes widened in shock. He remembered? She had been so sure he'd forgotten. "R-really? You do?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of disbelief and hope.

"Yeah! The one about becoming a more mature woman." Ash said with a grin. "Good job, by the way! You have grown up well, Kalos Queen!"

His compliments on his appearance were always pleasant, but the childish tone he used was a turnoff.

So... Yes, you remember what I said. But why did you only interpret it like that? That wasn't exactly the promise I meant !

She forced a smile, letting out a soft, dejected laugh. "Y-yeah... thanks," she said, her voice cracking slightly.

Ash didn't seem to notice her shift in mood. "Hehe! It was the last thing we talked about before leaving Kalos. Of course I remember!"

If he remember so well, why doesn't he talk about the most important ?!

The thought pierced through her, sharp and unrelenting.

She swallowed hard, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. All this time, she had held onto the belief that the kiss they shared was the beginning of something—an unspoken promise that, one day, they would find the right moment to be together.

But now... Even after they'd achieved so much on their own journeys.. Even after all these years, it still didn't feel like the right time.

Why..? We made both of our dreams come true. How could it not be enough for..?

"Call!"

The sudden chime of Rotom's phone jolted Serena from her thoughts, pulling Serena back to reality.

"Oops, my bad." Ash said, glancing at the screen. "It's Goh. Wait a sec."

As Ash picked up the call, his attention fully on the conversation, Serena felt a surge of frustration rising within her. Her fingers twitched as if ready to grab his shoulder and demand he look at her—reallylook at her—and understand everything she had been holding back.

But she didn't. She stayed seated, her heart pounding as her emotions battled within her.

She stood silently by, her hands clasped together, trying to appear indifferent. But her ears strained to catch every word, her annoyance growing with each passing second.

"Goh?" Ash greeted, his tone casual.

"What have you been doing lately?!" Goh's voice came through loudly, a mix of exasperation and relief.

Ash chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "What did we talk about? I was with.."

"Forget about that! Did you see Chloe's performance?"

"Wait—she's already performed?" Ash's eyes widened in surprise.

"She has, *and* you missed her! Where the heck were you? I looked everywhere—even where you were earlier! Are you still hanging out with Dawn?"

"Uh, no! Sorry, Goh. I was walking with other friends, and I guess I lost track of time. I'll send you my location now."

I need to cool off...

Without a word, Serena pushed herself up from her seat. She smoothed the hem of her skirt absentmindedly before turning toward the stands of the stadium, her eyes scanning for a vendor nearby. It was a silly habit, really. Kalos performers often spoke of needing props, like ribbons or fans, to keep their hands steady during nerves. And right now, the soda was her prop, her fingers gripping it tightly as if holding onto her composure. As she took it, the coolness spread through her palm, and for a fleeting moment, it grounded her—something tangible against the whirlwind of thoughts in her mind.

She took a small sip, savoring the refreshing bite of the fizzy drink, before starting her slow walk back to her seat.

Her footsteps were deliberate as she approached the row where Ash sat, still on his phone. He didn't even notice her return, his focus entirely on the conversation. Serena let out a tiny sigh as she eased back into her seat, resting the chilled bottle against her leg.. He was oblivious to the subtle tension radiating from her as he focused on his phone.

Why does everything have to interrupt?

Finally, Ash ended the call. He turned to Serena with an apologetic shrug. "Looks like we missed Chloe's performance..."

Serena blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "Oh..." she murmured softly, her lips curling into a small, fake smile.

"A-ah. Well... that's kinda unfortunate," she added, but the words felt hollow.

The truth was, she couldn't bring herself to care too much about missing the performance. Her mind was too tangled in other emotions—frustration, sadness, and a creeping sense of hopelessness.

Ash tilted his head, studying her expression. "No regrets?"

"I don't know." she said simply, her voice flat and devoid of emotion. Her gaze dropped to the floor, unable to meet his eyes.

Ash frowned slightly. "I'll tell Chloe and Goh it was my fault if we need to explain." he offered with a sheepish smile.

"Yeah, it's fine." Serena replied absentmindedly, her voice trailing off.

The realization that Ash might never acknowledge their shared moment—that kiss, that promise—was hitting her could feel herself spiraling...

Ash noticed her shift in mood. His brows furrowed as he took a small step closer. "...Did I do something wrong?"

Serena's gaze snapped up, her eyes wide. She quickly shook her head, her hands waving in denial. "W-what? No! Of course not!"

But her voice wavered, and Ash's expression didn't change.

"You can tell me, you know!" he said softly, his tone unusually gentle. "If I hurt you or messed up, just say so. I'd never want to upset you, Serena."

Serena froze, her heart skipping a beat. She opened her mouth to respond but found herself speechless. The sincerity in his voice, the concern in his eyes—it was too much.

She let out a shaky breath, her hands lowering slowly. "No—nothing is wrong," she insisted, her voice quieter this time. "I'm... just tired. Sorry. Everything will be clearer for me tomorrow."

It was a lie, of course. Everything felt far from clear. But how could she possibly admit the truth? That the one thing she needed from him—a sign that their moment had meant something—was the one thing he seemed oblivious to.

Ash studied her for a moment longer before nodding, though he didn't look entirely convinced. "Okay... If you need to talk, I'm here. But.. I know! Maybe tomorrow, we could check out the stands around the festival—really take our time this time! How do you feel about that ?"

As always, his smile was infectious, and despite her heavy heart, Serena felt herself relax slightly. She gave a small, genuine smile, nodding. "Alright... Sure, let's do that."

The idea of finding herself in the same situation of doubt as today didn't appeal to Serena, but the fact that it was Ash who suggested doing something just the two of us when he saw her like that... It was cute. She would never turn down more time with him anyway, after these years of waiting.. even in a moment as friends.

The Kalos performer stood up, her soda bottle in hand, and turned toward the aisle where a small trash bin was placed near the stand's edge. She didn't really need to throw it away yet—there was still a good amount left—but holding onto it gave her something to do. A distraction from the uneasy swirl of emotions she couldn't quite sort out.

Ash, sitting beside her, tilted his head as he noticed her sudden movement. "Huh? You're done with that already?" he asked, blinking at the half-full bottle.

Serena paused mid-step, glancing over her shoulder. "Oh, um… yeah, I guess I'm just not that thirsty."

Ash frowned slightly, his tone light but curious. "Well, if you're just gonna toss it, can I have it? I'm so thirsty myself."

Her cheeks warmed faintly as she nodded, walking back and extending the soda toward him. "If you insist."

"Thanks, Serena!" Without hesitation, Ash took the bottle from her hands.

Serena sat back down quickly, suddenly aware of what she'd just done. Her lips had been on that bottle—and now his would be too. She ducked her head, suddenly absorbed in brushing invisible crumbs off her long skirt.

Unaware of the moment's subtle weight, Ash took a long sip and let out a satisfied sigh. "Ah, that hit the spot! It taste even better than earlier!" He tilted the bottle toward Pikachu, who was perched comfortably on his shoulder. "What do you think, buddy? Do you want to finish the drink?"

"Pikaaa!" Pikachu waved a paw dismissively, clearly uninterested.

Serena dared to glance at Ash, her heart fluttering against her better judgment. His obliviousness stung a little—he hadn't noticed the indirect kiss at all—but at the same time, the simple gesture felt like a tiny, unspoken connection between them. It reminded her the remnant of their last moments in Kalos.

Although she wasn't the girl who would explode of embarrassment after an indirect kiss anymore, it still had a small impact on her. She thought it was a small victory, which was enough to satisfy her after all the mess today, even if it wasn't much.

Ash tilted his head, catching her gaze. "You okay? You seem kinda distracted again."

"I'm fine." she replied a little too quickly, her voice rising unnaturally high. She coughed lightly to mask her nerves, forcing a smile. "Just... thinking about tomorrow."

"Pff..! You should stop thinking too much, Serena!"

The lightheartedness in his voice made something in her chest ease, and for the first time that day, Serena felt that maybe—just maybe—things didn't have to be so complicated.

But just as the tension started to fade, a head appeared between their faces.

"GOH—!"

Serena practically leapt out of her seat with a startled yelp as Goh suddenly popped up between them, shattering the moment like a thunderclap. Her heart raced as she glared at Goh, hand pressed to her chest.

"U-Uh, sorry about that," Goh said sheepishly, chuckling as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Didn't mean to scare you!"

Ash laughed nervously. "Heh, you startled both of us, Goh!"

Serena shot Goh a flustered look, though her lips twitched into a forced smile. "Hi… Goh," she muttered, lifting a hand in a weak wave.

Goh blinked, then brightened. "Serena! I didn't know you'd be here! How's it going?"

Before Serena could answer, Ash chimed in with a nonchalant but pointed tone. "She's been in a bad mood for a while. I think she's frustrated we missed Chloe's performance because of me."

Goh's gaze darted between them, his expression caught between curiosity and caution. "Oh... She can be! Luckily, I was there for Chloe… contrary to some people!"

Serena frowned sharply, trying to glare at him without coming across too harsh. Her patience was thinning after everything today—unexpected interruptions, missed moments—and now Goh was taking jabs at her? She felt her frustration boiling over, and Goh seemed to sense it.

"K-Kidding!" he blurted, raising his hands defensively.

Serena's gaze softened slightly, but the irritation lingered beneath the surface. She crossed her arms and leaned back, replying curtly, "I'm fine." But even to her ears, the faint edge in her voice betrayed her frustration.

Ash, however, wasn't buying it. He pointed at her with mild exasperation. "See, Goh? She keeps saying that like a broken record.. It's suspicious."

Serena tensed, glancing away as her emotions swirled—frustration, embarrassment—but she swallowed them down, unwilling to let them spill over. Not here. Not now.

"A-Anyway," she said quickly, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere, "how did Chloe do?"

Sensing the mood shift, Goh decided to play along. "I think she'll pass, but I don't wanna jinx it!"

"Yeah… let's hope she does," Serena replied softly, her gaze dropping to her hands.

A heavy silence settled between them, Serena's thoughts turning chaotic. It wasn't Goh's arrival specifically—it was everything building up. She needed space. Space to breathe and sort out the mess in her head.

Suddenly, she stood, stretching her arms overhead. "I think I'll head out to meet Chloe. See you tonight, guys."

Ash blinked, straightening up in surprise. "Are you sure? Do you want us to come with you?"

Serena shook her head, forcing a smile she hoped looked convincing. "No, it's fine. Go have fun with your friends. I'll see you later."

With a small wave, she turned and walked briskly down the hallway, her steps steady but her chest heavy with the weight of all the unsaid words.

As she moved farther away, Serena mulled over everything that had just happened. Today, she'd been caught off guard too many times, and it left her feeling unprepared—like she'd rushed into things she couldn't control. It was a mistake she wouldn't let happen again.

I need a real plan.

After all, she couldn't just throw herself into moments like this. If she wanted to build something—if she truly wanted Ash to see her in that light—she needed to create the right atmosphere first. These few days of competition will give her that opportunity. Ash wasn't leaving tonight. There was time. Everything was fine.

It's okay.

Serena took a deep breath. The Kalos performer knew that, for now, her priority was the World Grand Contest. Her schedule and plans would adjust depending on how she performed.

After all, she hadn't come here for a vacation with Ash—this competition was her chance to show how far she'd come. A chance to prove herself worthy of the Kalos Queen title too. Being eliminated in the first round would be an embarrassment she wasn't willing to face, especially if her stupid mistake of being overwhelmed by this absurd misunderstanding costs her the qualification. But still..

I cannot let Aria—or myself—down.

The thought steeled her resolve. There was perhaps still time to shine. She will believe it until the very end.