Dawn froze at the sound of her name coming from Serena's lips. The casual way Serena spoke it contrasted sharply with the tension in the air, sending a jolt of unease through her. A knot tightened in her stomach, the weight of Serena's presence making her acutely aware of the awkwardness permeating the moment. Something about this encounter felt... off. The greeting lacked the warmth and camaraderie Dawn was used to from Ash's friends, carrying instead a strange, formal edge.

Instead, Ash reacted with natural joy when he saw Serena behind his seat. "Serena! Looks like you found us. You were quick! Oh and...sorry about earlier, I forgot to answer your calls."

"I-It's alright." Serena's voice was cautiously neutral but slightly defensive, and his comments did nothing to ease her discomfort. "And so... You two have been catching up, I see. I hope I didn't interrupt something important. W-What were you talking about?"

The words tumbled out, too casual to be genuine, the faintest hint of suspicion undercutting her tone. Serena was trying, unsuccessfully, to maintain composure, but the sharp edge of her curiosity betrayed her.

The question seemed to land heavier than intended, drawing the attention squarely onto Dawn. Feeling exposed, she scrambled for a response.

"Oh! I-I was just... uh... about to tell Ash something... b-but it can wait!"

Serena's expression shifted imperceptibly, her sharp gaze catching the nervous stammer in Dawn's words. She offered a polite smile, but a hint of satisfaction flickered in her eyes. Crossing her arms, she tilted her head, her voice carrying a faint teasing lilt.

"Oh, is that so? Well, don't let me stop you! You were saying...?"

Dawn swallowed hard, her gaze flicking to Ash, who remained oblivious to the tension brewing between the two women. She forced a laugh, a nervous sound that barely disguised her discomfort.

"It's not urgent, really! Haha...!"

Serena's smile stayed, but her eyes narrowed slightly. She leaned ever so slightly forward, her posture suggesting both interest and scrutiny.

"Really? It can wait, huh? Well, if that's fine... it must not be that important, then." she said lightly, though her choice of words carried a pointed undertone.

Dawn stiffened at the subtle jab, a faint frown creasing her lips. Why was this girl pressing her like this? She tried to brush it off, but irritation bubbled under the surface. With effort, she kept her tone measured as she replied.

"I-It is important! But it can wait! I just didn't want to..." She hesitated, gesturing vaguely toward Serena. "..casually say it in front of Ash's friend."

The words landed with an unintended bite, and Serena's polite smile faltered, her lips tightening into a thin line. The deliberate emphasis on the word "friend" stung, striking an already raw nerve. Her gaze hardened, though she masked her irritation behind a saccharine tone.

"Ah, of course." she said, her smile returning, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "But you don't need to worry. Ash's friends are also my friends."

Dawn bit the inside of her cheek, suppressing a sigh. The cheerful response, laden with just enough sarcasm to irk her, made it clear Serena wasn't backing down. Resentment simmered beneath Dawn's polite veneer. Was Serena still annoyed about the earlier mishap on TV? Or was it something else entirely? She wished Serena would drop the facade and say whatever was really on her mind.

"Okay, that's cool." Dawn said curtly, crossing her arms in an instinctive, defensive gesture.

"Cool, indeed!" Serena responded, the cheeriness in her voice barely concealing the growing tension. "I'm glad we can agree on something, Dawn."

Ash, standing awkwardly between the two coordinators, scratched the back of his head. His eyes darted between them, his clueless expression deepening as he registered the heavy atmosphere. With his usual optimism, he attempted to break the ice.

"So! Uh... Did you two know each other already?"

Dawn shot him a tight smile, grateful for his attempt but doubtful it would succeed. She shook her head briskly.

"No, we don't. We've never met before."

Serena blinked at the unexpected answer, her brows lifting slightly in surprise. Dawn's lie delivery made the statement feel oddly pointed for Serena, as though she were dismissing any past interactions together. Serena's jaw tightened, though she quickly recovered, feigning nonchalance.

"A-Alright, I guess..."

Ash frowned slightly, the tension still palpable. He tried again, his voice tinged with nervous laughter.

"Well, uh, it's good that you're meeting now! Better late than never, right?"

Serena exhaled slowly, her shoulders stiff as she forced a smile. "Yeah... finally," she muttered, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Dawn's lips twitched upward in a strained smile, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words. Ash, ever the optimist, pressed on, oblivious to the undercurrent of hostility.

"Y-You know, Serena.." he began brightly, "Dawn really liked your performance earlier with Sylveon! She's a contest specialist, so you can definitely trust her opinion!"

The compliment caught both women off guard.

As Ash mentioned Dawn's praise of her performance, Serena felt a complicated swirl of emotions. Serena's stiff posture relaxed slightly, and she blinked at Dawn in surprise. On one hand, she genuinely appreciated the acknowledgment from someone who clearly understood the nuances of Pokémon Contests and Performances. On the other, the compliment coming from Dawn added an edge of unease. It felt strange, almost disarming, to hear such warm words from someone she had perceived as a rival in more ways than one.

"Well... I-I'm glad someone like you could enjoy my performance." Serena replied, her lips curving into a polite smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Her voice, though outwardly gracious, still carried a trace of guardedness.

What Serena didn't expect was Dawn's immediate and heartfelt response.

"I did. I'll admit—it was a great performance!" Dawn's voice rang with sincerity, her expression softening into a genuine smile. "You managed to naturally capture everyone's attention, and your bond with Sylveon was truly remarkable. It's clear how much effort and dedication you put into your routines. Considering you had to double your workload for today's contest compared to the others... I'm honestly impressed."

The words were kind, and they were true. For Dawn, offering praise when it was deserved was second nature, and Serena's performance was nothing short of impressive.

Serena blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected admiration. The tension in her posture eased slightly, and her smile, previously polite and reserved, softened into something more genuine.

"Really?" she asked, her voice quieter now. For a moment, the knot in her stomach began to loosen, and a flicker of gratitude surfaced.

Dawn nodded, her smile unwavering.

"Thank you.." Serena said softly, her tone sincere this time. "The opening act was a real challenge, but... I'm glad my efforts didn't go unnoticed. Still, I just hope I qualify. It'd be a shame if this were my last performance in such a prestigious contest."

"I think you'll do better than that!" Dawn replied warmly, her earlier unease melting away as the ice between them seemed to thaw.

Ash, standing nearby, watched the exchange with a growing sense of relief and pride. The tension that had weighed on the group just moments ago seemed to lift, leaving behind a far more relaxed atmosphere. He couldn't help but grin, feeling like a proud parent witnessing a breakthrough between two bickering siblings.

Serena, emboldened by the shift in mood, cleared her throat lightly and turned back to Dawn.

"Speaking of performances," she said, her voice calm but deliberate, "don't you have yours to prepare ?"

The question struck a chord of anxiety in Dawn, her confidence wavering briefly. She had been so preoccupied with Ash and the earlier awkwardness that her upcoming performance had slipped her mind. A flicker of unease crossed her face before she quickly masked it.

"Yes, I do!" she replied, glancing at the Pokétch on her wrist. "It's in... about seven and a half hours, so I still have plenty of time to warm up and review my routines."

Serena nodded, noting the brief moment of hesitation but choosing not to comment on it.

Ash, however, caught the nervous glint in Dawn's eyes. His easygoing demeanor shifted slightly as he leaned toward her with a supportive smile.

"Will everything will be okay?" he asked, his voice steady and reassuring.

Dawn's eyes met his, and the tension in her shoulders eased. His unwavering confidence in her always had a way of grounding her, even in her most anxious moments. She smiled back, her nerves beginning to settle.

"Yeah... It'll all be okay. No need to worry!"

Encouraged by his faith in her, Dawn stood from her seat, brushing off any lingering doubts.

"I should get going," she announced, her voice resolute. "I've got a lot to prepare before my big show. See you both later—after the reveal of my top performance!" She grinned, her usual energy returning as she motioned for Piplup to follow her.

Ash chuckled as she walked away, calling out after her.

"Hey, top one! Just don't trip on your way to the stage!"

Dawn halted mid-step and turned her head, raising her arm in a defiant gesture, her middle finger pointed squarely at Ash. The unexpected response drew laughter from a few spectators nearby.

"I won't if you're not around, thanks!" she shot back, her cheeks tinged pink with a mix of embarrassment and amusement.

Ash's laughter echoed behind her as she quickened her pace, her confidence bolstered by the exchange. Though the weight of her impending performance still loomed large, she felt a renewed determination. She was ready to prove herself.

Serena's gaze followed Dawn as she disappeared into the crowd, but the concern lingering in her heart didn't fade completely. Even with the tension between them easing, she couldn't shake the weight of her feelings. Their dynamic was complicated, and Serena found herself reflecting on it more than she wanted to admit.

Taking a deep breath, she forced her mind away from unnecessary speculation. She let a small, measured smile cross her lips as she lowered herself onto the seat beside Ash. For a moment, silence stretched between them, carrying an unspoken awkwardness.

Finally, Serena broke it.

"She's, ah... passionate, isn't she?"

Ash chuckled, glancing in the direction Dawn had gone. He couldn't help but grin, still amused by her playful parting gesture.

"Yeah... Dawn's always been super passionate, especially when it comes to contests. It's kinda her thing!"

Serena's smile softened, becoming a touch more genuine as she nodded. The knot in her stomach loosened slightly, though her thoughts lingered on their interactions.

"Passionate... That's a good word for her." she replied with a faint chuckle, before hesitating briefly. "You two seem... close, even after all these years."

Ash turned to her, his expression open and thoughtful. "Yeah, we are. We're good friends!" His tone was light, cheerful, and earnest, as he glanced back at the bustling contest stage below.

The simplicity of his response reassured Serena a little, though a twinge of uncertainty remained.

"Good friends... right." she said, her words laced with curiosity. After a moment's pause, she added, almost hesitantly, "Did you spend a lot of time together? I-I mean... did you travel together for long?"

Ash didn't pick up on the tension in her voice. His reply came with his usual openness.

"Not really. We only traveled together when I was in Sinnoh, but we've bumped into each other a few times since. It's been years, though—probably not since I became World Champion.. It's nice to see her again. She's still just as excited and stubborn as ever!" He laughed lightly, shaking his head at the thought.

Noticing his casual amusement, Serena felt her own tension begin to fade. There didn't seem to be anything more between him and Dawn than a deep, platonic friendship. A wave of relief washed over her, though she wasn't sure why she'd doubted it so strongly in the first place. Perhaps his innocence prevents him from understanding the implication of what happened earlier? Maybe Dawn tried to be intimate with him and he didn't realize it like he did with her? The fact that he still hasn't clarified the misunderstanding from earlier doesn't allow her to be completely reassured.

"Ah, no reason! Just curious about your friends, that's all !" she said quickly, a touch too fast, betraying her attempt to sound casual. However, a glimmer of teasing crept into her voice as she added, "You're saying she's more stubborn than you? That's impressive."

Ash raised an eyebrow at her quick response but didn't dwell on it. Instead, he grinned, accepting her playful jab with a hearty laugh.

"Pfft! More stubborn than me? No way!" His tone carried a sense of pride. "Being stubborn is my thing! But yeah, Dawn's close. She'd stay up all night training without sleeping if she had to—just to win one contest!"

"Wow," Serena said, her tone lighter now, "she must be really dedicated. I guess I can't blame anyone for being so passionate about their career. It's... admirable, in a way."

As she think about this description, a fond smile formed on her lips as she thought instead about Ash himself. There was always something comforting about his familiar energy—the same unyielding determination that had always been part of who he was.

"You never change, huh." she said with a gentle tease, though there was an undercurrent of sincerity in her voice.

Ash grinned, oblivious to the deeper meaning behind her words. "Yeah, I guess not. But that's a good thing, right?"

"Yes.." Serena replied softly, her gaze lingering on him. "It's a good thing."

Her heart skipped a beat. It was the Ash she'd fallen for.

Her smile grew warmer as she watched him, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and nostalgia. The sound of the cheering crowd and the activity of the contest faded into the background, leaving just the two of them in her focus.

For a brief moment, Serena let herself savor his presence, the ease of being near him, and the familiar feelings he stirred in her. The years seemed to melt away, and the world around them blurred.

Ash, as always, was completely unaware of the emotions swirling in her heart. But Serena didn't mind. In this moment, she was content just to be here with him.

As Ash and Serena exchanged innocent glances at each other, the sound of a young, high-pitched voice cut through the surrounding chatter like a bell.

"Daddy! Daddy! It's Serena! It is!"

Startled, Serena blinked and turned toward the source, only to notice a little girl darting toward her with wide, sparkling eyes. Her small frame seemed to vibrate with excitement, her tiny fists clenched as though holding back an explosion of energy.

Caught off guard, Serena instinctively crouched to meet the girl at eye level, a warm smile blooming on her face.

"Yes, it's me! But shhh.." she said, bringing a finger to her lips with a playful wink. "It's our little secret, okay?"

The girl nodded vigorously, though her initial excitement gave way to sudden shyness. She twisted her fingers together and glanced at her father, who hurried up behind her with an apologetic expression.

"Sorry if my daughter's bothering you. She's, uh… a big fan of contests. And—well—"

"Serena's my favorite!" the girl exclaimed, her words bursting forth as if they'd been bottled up for too long.

Serena chuckled warmly, the sincerity in the girl's voice tugging at her heartstrings. "That's so sweet. What's your name?" she asked gently.

"L-Laina.." the girl stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Laina? That's such a lovely name," Serena said, her tone encouraging. "So, what can I do for you, Laina?"

The little girl hesitated, glancing up at her father for reassurance. He cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Uh, could you maybe… sign something for her? If it's not too much trouble?"

"Of course!" Serena said without hesitation, pulling a felt pen from her pocket. "Where would you like me to sign?"

Laina shyly pointed to the Sylveon graphic on her pink T-shirt. Serena let out a soft laugh and nodded.

"Perfect spot!" she said, leaning in to carefully add her signature, complete with a flourish.

As she handed the pen back to her father, Laina's gaze drifted to Ash, her excitement bubbling over once more. She pointed at him, her eyes wide with recognition.

"H-Heh, I know him too!"

Ash, who had been watching the exchange from his seat, chuckled as he wasn't surprised. "Oh, you know me, huh?"

"Y-Yeah! You're the boy who jumped on a girl on TV!" Laina said innocently, her voice ringing out loud enough to catch the attention of a few passersby.

Serena froze, her smile faltering, while Ash's eyes widened in alarm.

"W-Wait, what?!" he stammered, leaning forward in disbelief.

Completely oblivious to the growing tension, Laina tilted her head curiously. "Where's the girl who was with you?"

Her father stepped in hastily, his face flushed. "Laina! That's enough! You shouldn't talk about a star's personal life like that!"

Ash quickly waved his hands in front of him, his face turning pale.

"N-No, it's fine! But just so we're clear—it was an accident! I fell on Dawn, okay? Totally an accident!" He leaned down slightly toward Laina, his voice light but desperate. "Can you spread that around for us ? ..Please?"

Her father nodded hastily, looking like he wanted to sink into the floor. "Absolutely, absolutely. Anyway, we're so sorry for any trouble!"

Laina clutched her newly signed shirt, her grin unfaltering. "Thank you, Serena! I… I love you !" she chirped before skipping off, dragging her mortified father behind her.

As the pair disappeared into the crowd, Ash let out a long sigh, his shoulders slumping. He turned to Serena, only to find her unusually quiet. Her hands were clasped tightly in her lap, her gaze distant.

"Uh… Serena? Something wrong?" he asked, concern flickering in his eyes.

Serena hesitated, glancing at him uncertainly. "It was… really an accident?"

Ash blinked, startled by the question. "Of course it was! Do you think I'd want to fall on Dawn?"

Hearing the sincerity in his voice, Serena's shoulders relaxed slightly. She exhaled softly, offering a faint smile.

"N-No, of course not… Sorry for asking. I don't know why I— It's silly."

Ash shook his head, brushing off the tension with a small shrug.

"It's okay. It just bugs me that people remember that instead of what actually happened. Dawn saved me from falling in the first place."

Serena's eyes softened, the corners of her mouth lifting into a genuine smile. "She did? That's… really unfair, then. Like they were just waiting to catch you in an awkward moment for a headline."

"Yeah, pretty rude." Ash agreed with a small laugh, the awkwardness dissipating between them.

They both turned their attention back to the stage, where another coordinator was preparing their performance. The roar of the crowd and the dazzling lights filled the air with energy, yet a moment of quiet lingered between them.

After a beat, Serena glanced at Ash, her heart fluttering slightly. She hesitated, then mustered her courage, her voice soft but steady.

"Hey, Ash… I was thinking. There's still time before the next performance. Maybe we could grab something to eat? It's been so long since we've had a chance to just… talk. I mean, if you're okay with it."

Ash tilted his head, clearly caught off guard. He looked back at the stage, as though weighing the suggestion.

"I don't know… Some of my friends might be performing soon, and I don't want to miss them." he said, his tone thoughtful.

Serena nodded, her smile faltering slightly, though she tried to hide her disappointment.

Then, after a moment, Ash's expression shifted. His stomach growled audibly, and he let out a sheepish laugh.

"But… I am starving. And I'm curious about the food stands around."

Serena's smile returned, brighter and warmer this time. She nodded eagerly.

"Great! I know just the section—there's a ton of options on the commercial side. You'll love it!"

As they stood and made their way toward the stadium's food area, Serena couldn't help but feel a spark of hope. The tension from earlier had completely melted away, leaving only the comfort of their shared history. This small outing wasn't much, but it felt like a step toward rekindling the bond they'd once shared.

And for now, that was enough.

Ash and Serena walked side by side through the bustling gallery. Sunlight poured in through the high glass ceilings, bathing the space in a warm, golden glow that danced off the polished tiles. The lively chatter of the crowd mixed with the vibrant displays of vendors vying for attention.

Everywhere they looked, there were stalls offering a dazzling variety of themed merchandise. Mannequins stood proudly in shop windows, dressed in outfits inspired by iconic Pokémon: a shimmering green gown for Gardevoir, a cozy yellow hoodie with black accents for Pikachu fans, and a sleek, icy-blue dress evoking Glaceon's elegance. The air buzzed with excitement as fans debated the day's performances and scoured the stands for rare collectibles.

Serena's gaze swept across the colorful displays, her eyes alight with wonder. "This is amazing… There's so much to see here. It reminds me of the markets we used to explore in Kalos. Remember those, Ash?"

Ash grinned, his energy as infectious as ever. "Yeah, those were great times! And you know, Clemont and Bonnie would love this place. Clemont would be all over the gadgets, and Bonnie? She'd go nuts for these plushies!" He laughed, his voice full of warmth. "I can't wait to see them again. It feels like forever since we last hung out."

Serena chuckled softly, though a small part of her wished his excitement was more about the present moment. "They've grown up a lot since then, Ash. I think you'll be surprised when you see them."

Ash nodded thoughtfully, his gaze shifting toward the distance. "Yeah… Pictures don't do it justice. It's always different seeing old friends in person."

As they continued down the gallery, they passed a stand brimming with Contest memorabilia. The area was packed with fans, eager to grab limited-edition badges, keychains, and posters of renowned Coordinators. Serena's attention was drawn to a large, vibrant poster capturing the magic of a dazzling performance—sparkling lights, graceful Pokémon moves, and the triumphant smile of a performer. Her heart tightened, a bittersweet mix of nostalgia and longing swelling within her.

"Hey, Ash..?" Serena began, her voice softer now. "Do you remember my Showcase debut? I was so nervous… And later, when I became Kalos Queen—it was one of the biggest days of my life. I just wish you could've been there to see it."

Ash's expression shifted, a flicker of regret crossing his face. "I'm sorry I missed that. I know how important it must've been for you… Just like I missed May's big day when she won the Top Coordinator title. It's tough not being there for friends when it matters most."

Serena offered him a small, reassuring smile, though her eyes held a trace of sadness. "I'm sure you had your own journey to focus on. At least… you're here now."

Ash's grin returned, softer this time. "Yeah. And there's no way I'd miss this week. If I did, I'd be the worst friend ever!" His expression brightened as a thought struck him. "Hey, speaking of May, you've met her before, right? How did that happen?"

Serena blinked at the sudden change in topic. "Oh, yes. I met her during a special contest—it happened to be the same day as one of your big finals, actually." She let out a light, embarrassed laugh. "I'd rather not think too much about the dress I wore that day. It was… a bit over the top."

Ash's eyes lit up with recognition. "Oh, I remember that! You sent me a selfie with May right after my battle. You looked great, Serena! Seriously, what was it like meeting her?"

Serena blushed faintly, flustered by his enthusiasm. "Y-you remember that? Hehe… Well, it was a fun experience."

As they walked, Serena recounted her first meeting with May—how they had connected over their shared love for performing and laughed about Ash's legendary cluelessness. She smiled warmly at the memory, but even as she spoke, her eyes flicked toward the restaurants they passed. She was searching for a specific kind of place—somewhere cozy and intimate, a spot where they could share a moment that felt special.

Every place they passed, though, seemed too crowded or too casual. Still, she pressed on, determined to make the day stand out in Ash's whirlwind of memories.

They stopped at a stall brimming with accessories. Sparkling bows, colorful scarves, and ornate Poké Balls lined the shelves, each tailored to suit a specific Pokémon's style. Ash paused in front of a flashy red-and-gold bandana.

"Hey, check this out!" he said, pointing with excitement. "This would look awesome on your Delphox or Pancham! And May's Blaziken would totally rock something like this too!"

Serena forced a smile, nodding along even as a slight pang tugged at her heart. She wanted this moment to be about the two of them, but Ash's enthusiasm kept circling back to others. Pushing her feelings aside, she followed him as they continued through the gallery.

They soon came upon a stall selling pastries, their aroma wafting through the air and stopping Serena in her tracks. Her eyes lit up as she recognized the delicate treats that reminded her of home.

"Look, Ash! These are just like the pastries I used to love in Kalos. Why don't we try some? I bet they're just as good."

Ash glanced at the stall but quickly looked away, his attention already shifting elsewhere. "Oh yeah, one of my friends tried these once. Speaking of which, you should really meet Goh! He's awesome—you'd get along great. He's got tons of cool stories about his adventures."

Serena's smile faltered ever so slightly. "Goh…? I've met him before, actually."

Ash blinked in surprise. "O-Oh, right! You know Chloe, so that makes sense. What do you think of him?"

"He's.. nice." Serena replied, keeping her tone light. "He talked a lot about you, actually."

Ash chuckled, clearly pleased. "Hehe, really? Yeah, we've had some crazy times. Did I ever tell you about the rap battle we had with a group of Slowpokes? It was hilarious!"

Before she could respond, Ash launched into the story with animated gestures, describing the bizarre adventure in vivid detail. Serena couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm, even as her heart sank a little.

She'd hoped to create a moment just for them—something that would bring them closer. But once again, their conversation had drifted to others, leaving her quietly wishing for more.

As Ash and Serena strolled together, Serena noticed a few people glancing their way, whispering excitedly as they recognized Ash, the celebrated Pokémon Champion.

Seizing the moment, she slipped her arm through his, hoping to bring them closer—not just physically, but emotionally. She offered him a lovely smile, but Ash, caught up in his storytelling, didn't seem to catch her subtle gesture as he glanced away. Serena's heart sank slightly, but she forced herself to keep listening, determined not to let her disappointment show. However, the daring performer nevertheless noticed that he seemed more tense in the way he walked. Was this a good or bad sign? Was he shy or just uncomfortable? This caused Serena to gradually remove her arm from Ash so as not to force the pressure.

Suddenly, a low rumble interrupted him, and Ash laughed, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "Guess all this talk about food made me hungry! You know what I'd love right now? Malasadas, like the ones in Alola. Kiawe would flip if I sent him a picture of those."

"Malasadas, huh?" Serena said, masking her frustration with a bright smile. "Let's see if we can find some!"

She didn't remember much about Kiawe, but she brushed it off. If finding malasadas made Ash happy, she was willing to try. Together, they scanned the nearby shops, but each one seemed to sell only generic pastries or sweets—not the Alolan treat he craved. As the search dragged on, Serena's patience began to wear thin.

Spotting a stand with beignets, she called out, "Ash! I found a stand with some beignets! They're not malasadas, but they look really good…"

When Ash didn't respond, she realized he was no longer at her side. Turning to look for him, she spotted him a few yards away, staring intently at a display. Hurrying over, her initial annoyance melted into curiosity.

Ash stood before a bustling shop filled with Pokémon accessories. Among the colorful bows and trinkets, a blue ribbon had caught his attention.

"Hey, Serena.." he said, his voice thoughtful. "That ribbon… it reminds me of the one I gave you back then. What did you end up doing with it?"

Surprised, Serena blinked. She thought he'd have noticed by now. "Ash," she said softly, a playful reproach in her voice as she raised a hand to her hair, brushing the blue ribbon tied there. "I'm wearing it right now. See?"

Ash blinked, his gaze following her gesture. For the first time, he truly noticed the ribbon tucked neatly into her beret. Its soft blue hues, paired with the delicate flower accent, stood out against the rich navy fabric of the hat—simple but elegant, like it belonged there. It gave her this serene, confident look, through her eyes that sparkled a soft shade of blue, as if radiating the calm of a clear morning sky.

"Wow, I can't believe I didn't notice! I guess… I didn't expect you'd still wear it. But it really suits you," he said, his tone sincere.

Ash's gaze drifted lower, finally taking in the rest of her attire.

The dress she wore was simple at first glance, but there was a kind of old-fashioned charm to it. It wasn't something he'd normally think about, but somehow it all just fit Serena perfectly. The deep blue dress she wore hugged her figure gracefully, with a sleeveless design that highlighted her delicate neckline. A laced corset detail at the waist added a vintage flair, while the white ruffled hem of the dress peeked out like a soft cloud.

Every element—from the pendant that rested at her chest to the understated sophistication of her ensemble—spoke of someone who carried herself with refinement.

His expression softened further as he added, "Everything always looks great on you."

A faint blush bloomed on Serena's cheeks, and she glanced away, adjusting the ribbon on her beret with a shy smile. "I always keep the things that mean the most to me close, Ash. This ribbon… it's special."

For a moment, Ash seemed to absorb the depth of her words. Then, with an easy grin, he teased, "That sounds just like Dawn. She's the same way with her outfits—never wanted to change a thing! You two really are alike."

Serena's smile faltered briefly, the emotional connection they were building clouded by his comparison. She quickly forced the feeling aside, unwilling to let it spoil the moment.

Before she could respond, a sudden commotion near the Pokémon Center drew their attention. Laughter and excited chatter filled the gallery, and Pikachu's nose twitched as he caught a familiar scent. "Pika, pika!" he cried, tugging urgently at Ash's sleeve.

Ash's eyes lit up. "Pikachu, did you find something?" he asked, excitement bubbling in his voice. Without a second thought, he grabbed Serena's arm and started weaving through the crowd, his curiosity leading the way.

"Ash, wait—!" Serena called, breathless as she tried to keep up. But despite herself, she couldn't help smiling at his boundless energy.

Whatever lay ahead, it seemed like the day will continue to take an unexpected turn...