The girls' shadows extend from the small but cluttered game table.

Scattered Uno cards lay amidst empty snack wrappers and half-finished drinks.. The faint hum of the air conditioner blended inside their space, the world was wrapped in an intimate bubble.

Serena grinned triumphantly, placing her final card down with a flourish. "Woo, I won this one!" she declared, leaning back against her chair with satisfied ease.

Beside her, Lillie let out a small chuckle, her pale hands resting against her lap. "Can I stop the Eevee gibbering now?" she asked, imitating the Pokémon's little paws in a clumsy but endearing gesture. Her miming was so exaggerated that even Chloe, seated next to her, had to suppress a giggle, shaking her head in amusement.

Serena, still basking in her victory, nodded with a teasing smirk. "Alright, alright, it's enough for today. But now, Lillie… question or dare?"

Lillie tapped her chin, tilting her head in thought. The flickering light of the candles on the nearby shelf highlighted the soft, golden strands of her hair. "Hmm… I don't mind. You can choose for me."

Serena leaned forward with intrigue, her sapphire eyes gleaming mischievously. "Alright then. Tell us about the bravest thing you've ever done."

Lillie hesitated for a moment, twirling a lock of her platinum hair around her fingers. The room fell silent as the girls, sensing her pause, instinctively turned their attention toward her.

"Well… don't laugh," she started, shifting slightly in her seat, "but I think the bravest thing I've ever done was overcoming my fear of Pokémon."

Miette, who had been munching on a Poffin, paused mid-bite. "All Pokémon? Even the cute ones?" she asked, raising an eyebrow in disbelief.

Lillie's gaze softened as she turned toward the small, elegant form of her Alolan Vulpix curled beside her. "Even them," she admitted. "But when I think about it, I can't help but reflect on my friends. Each of us has our own fears, past experiences, or challenges that we struggle to face. But I've realized that confronting those fears, even when it feels terrifying, is the only way we can truly grow. It's the only way we can be proud of ourselves."

For a moment, the only sound was the faint rustling of the curtains swaying with the breeze. Dawn, seated across the table, lowered her gaze to her cards, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edges. Something in Lillie's words seemed to stir her thoughts, but she remained silent.

Lillie suddenly let out a nervous chuckle, waving her hands in front of her. "Oh, gosh! Sorry if that got too serious or preachy. I didn't mean to bring the mood down."

May, ever the beacon of enthusiasm, clapped her hands together. "No need to apologize, Lillie! That was actually really inspiring."

Chloe joined in, offering a genuine smile despise her usual hard or ironical tone. "Yeah, Lillie, that was well said."

Lillie flushed, visibly flustered. "Are you guys clapping because it's true, or are you just teasing me?"

Laughter rippled through the group, and for a moment, the tension eased—at least for most of them. But from the corner of her eye, May noticed Dawn's distant expression. While everyone else seemed to move on, something still lingered in the blue-haired coordinator's mind. Zoey and Miette, sharp as always, picked up on it too, but before she could say anything, May took the initiative.

With casual ease, she leaned toward Dawn. "Hey, mind stepping outside for a bit? I could use some fresh air."

Dawn blinked, surprised but not unwilling. "Ah ? Eh, Sure, May. Let's go."

The two slipped out onto the balcony, where the crisp night air greeted them with a refreshing embrace. The cityscape stretched below, twinkling like a sea of stars, while the cool wind gently played with their hair. For a moment, neither spoke, simply absorbing the quiet contrast to the lively room they had left behind.

Then, with a playful smirk, May broke the silence. "Not too disturbed by all your Uno defeats, are you?"

Dawn let out a scoff, crossing her arms. "And you? Not too haunted by thoughts of your Snorlax?"

May groaned dramatically. "Oh, no, don't bring that up again."

Their laughter blended with the rustling leaves, but as the moment of lightheartedness faded, May's expression turned gentle. "You seemed a bit distant earlier, Dawn. Everything alright?"

Dawn hesitated, exhaling softly. "Was I really that obvious?" She glanced down at her fingers, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. "..I guess I've just been thinking about tomorrow's match. I'm still not sure about my strategy."

May gave her a reassuring nudge. "You've got this. But if you ever want to talk it out, I'm here."

Dawn offered a small but grateful smile. "Thanks, May. But I think if I give it enough thought, I'll figure it out myself."

"I believe in you, Dawn. You'll qualify for sure."

Dawn turned to face her, sincerity shining in her dark eyes. "I feel the same about you. And who knows? Maybe we'll both make it to the semi-finals and have to battle each other."

May's lips curled into a smirk. "Now that would be something. But don't think I'll go easy on you."

Dawn laughed, shaking her head. "I wouldn't expect anything less. Let's both give it our all."

A comfortable silence settled between them as they gazed at the star-streaked sky. Then, May's voice softened with nostalgia. "You know, Dawn, when you mentioned your most memorable contest earlier, it got me thinking about my first journey with Ash, Brock, and my brother. Those were some amazing times."

Dawn leaned against the railing, nodding. "They really were. We all started with our own dreams, our own paths… It's incredible how far we've come."

May smiled, a touch of wistfulness in her expression. "Back then, I was still figuring out what I wanted. It was with them that I found my path as a coordinator. And along the way… I met you, too."

Dawn turned to her, her heart warmed by the words. "And I couldn't have asked for a better friend and rival."

A soft chuckle escaped May as she rolled the delicate piece of ribbon between her fingers—a fragment of a memory, shared with Ash during their early journey. The material had frayed slightly over time, but its significance had only grown, carrying the weight of nostalgia. Her thoughts were interrupted with the occasional laughter from inside, where the others continued their game.

"You know," May mused, her voice tinged with reminiscence, "it's funny how things turn out. Ash finally achieved his dream of becoming a Pokémon Champion, Max is old enough to start his own journey, and Brock… well, Brock is still Brock, but he's officially a Pokémon Doctor now."

Dawn let out a small laugh, folding her arms against the cool breeze. "That's true. But you've accomplished a lot too, May. You're a top Coordinator now, and you've grown so much."

May glanced sideways, a modest smile playing on her lips. "Thanks, Dawn. But let's not forget about you. You're an incredible Coordinator yourself, and you've inspired so many with your performances."

Dawn exhaled lightly, shifting her gaze toward the starlit sky. "Don't flatter me too much, May. But yeah, it's kind of crazy to think about how far we've come. And who would've thought we'd already be here, standing on the eve of the most prestigious contest in the world?"

May's lips curled into a playful smirk. "Life has its surprises, that's for sure."

A brief silence settled between them, comfortable yet laced with unspoken thoughts. The wind played with their hair, tugging at the fabric of their outfits, as if carrying whispers of the past. May, always perceptive, tilted her head slightly and observed Dawn's expression—a distant look in her sapphire eyes, as though she were chasing a thought just out of reach.

"You seem a bit lost in thought.. again." May noted, her tone gentle yet curious.

Dawn offered a soft, reassuring smile. "Yeah… I was just thinking about how things turned out after Sinnoh."

Dawn traced an idle pattern on the railing with her fingertips. "Ash and Brock had their own dreams to chase, and I had mine too. Even if I had gone with them, Brock's journey as a Pokémon Doctor would have led him in a completely different direction anyway."

May arched an eyebrow, teasingly nudging her. "But you never thought about going to Kanto? You could've traveled with Ash. Your goals could be aligned, after all."

Dawn hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. "That's true, but traveling alone had its own kind of thrill. It gave me a chance to grow in ways I might not have otherwise. Learning to rely on myself, to make my own calls… it was liberating." She smiled at the thought. "Besides, you're the one who talk ? And it's not like it stopped me from meeting up with Ash over the years.. We've had our share of unplanned adventures."

May leaned against the railing, grinning. "Just like old times, huh?"

Dawn chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, exactly. When I look at the stars like this, I can't help but reflect on all those memories."

For a while, neither spoke, their gazes lost in the endless expanse of stars, each one a marker of a journey taken, a battle fought, a friendship forged.

Then, Dawn broke the silence, her voice softer now. "Sometimes I wonder what the future holds. Where our contest journeys will take us next. It's exciting, but sometimes… it's just covered by a blur. A road I can't quite see anymore the end of."

May hummed in agreement, tilting her head slightly as she gazed at the sky. The wind tousled her hair, lifting a few loose strands as if urging them toward the unknown. "Yeah… The future's kind of funny that way, isn't it? No matter how much we plan, things always take unexpected turns. "I mean, if my younger self back in Hoenn knew I'd end up with Drew, she'd be.. livid at me. Probably ranting about my complete and utter lack of taste—falling for a smug, rose-throwing playboy like him."

Dawn chuckled, propping her chin in her palm. "Hehe.. I can totally picture it. But hey, I guess all that bickering had to mean something in the end."

May rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small, fond smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, yeah. But you know what's more funny? It wasn't some big, cinematic realization. No fireworks, no dramatic confessions. It just... happened— more like one of those things that just sneak up on you until one day, you realize it just makes sense."

"..It wasn't really funny at all, May."

Dawn's smirk softened into something more thoughtful as she watched the flicker of emotion in May's expression—the subtle warmth in her eyes, the ease in her posture as she spoke about him. She let the moment linger before nudging May lightly with her elbow.

"So what you're saying is… unexpected roads lead to very interesting destinations?"

May nudged her playfully, "Something like that." before turning to her, her expression more thoughtful.

"Hey, Dawn… I want you to know that whatever you say stays between us." She paused, then spoke carefully, her words laced with warmth. "I want you to be honest with me about something. Have you ever seen Ash as more than just a friend? Even if it was just for a moment in the past?"

Dawn inhaled slowly, processing the question. Her first instinct was to deny it outright, but something in May's tone urged her to pause. The air between them grew heavier, not with discomfort, but with the weight of sincerity.

She sighed, before a small chuckle escaped her lips. "Ugh, not you too! May, I swear, I wasn't lying earlier. All those rumors are baseless."

"Dawn, just answer my question."

The corners of Dawn's mouth twitched, and for once, she didn't immediately have a response. Instead, she simply let the breeze carry her laughter into the night, leaving the question lingering between them like a secret waiting to be uncovered. The vast world outside their conversation felt distant, as if time itself had paused to listen.

Dawn leaned back slightly, arms wrapped loosely around her knees, a nostalgic smile playing at her lips. "You know, May, this reminds me of something," she mused, her voice tinged with amusement. "Back when I was still traveling with Ash and Brock, a friend of mine asked me a similar question. She kept insisting on it."

May tilted her head, intrigued. "Oh, really? And what did you tell her?"

Dawn let out a small chuckle, her cerulean eyes gleaming with the memory. "I told her that Ash and I were just friends, that I was more focused on my journey and contests."

"Seriously? You never told me that story."

A faint blush dusted Dawn's cheeks, her fingers brushing a stray strand of blue hair behind her ear. "It was so long ago, and it doesn't even matter now."

May studied her for a moment, her expression soft but knowing. "Sounds like you were quite determined to set the record straight."

Dawn sighed, shaking her head.

"Exactly. At the time, I never realized that some people might see us that way."

May chuckled, arms folded as she leaned slightly closer. "Well, it's not uncommon for others to speculate, even just for fun."

Dawn nodded slowly, her gaze drifting skyward. "Yeah, I guess so. But back then, I didn't have a clear answer. I was so focused on my journey and contests that I didn't even consider the possibility. Still, I tried to think about it when I had free time, but it always felt like a useless distraction from my goals."

"So, did you have it all figured out by the end of your journey in Sinnoh? You know, the classic 'realization of feelings' trope?"

May's smirk deepened as Dawn burst into laughter, shaking her head. "Oh, come on, May! It's not like one of those clichés you see in movies." Her voice softened slightly, her fingers idly tracing the hem of her skirt. "Besides... no. I was sure he would always be one of my closest friends, even after our journey in Sinnoh ended. I never doubted that, not even after... well, you know."

May leaned in with a playful glint in her eyes. "Hmm? No, I don't know. Yet."

Dawn smiled softly, a flicker of something unreadable crossing her face. "We've shared incredible experiences, faced challenges together, supported each other. But honestly, even the first time we reunited in Unova, I never questioned our friendship. Same when we met again twice in Sinnoh, and later in Galar. Every time we crossed paths, it was always just… natural. Like no time had passed."

May's eyes flickered with curiosity as she caught something in Dawn's expression. A shift. A hesitation. "You talk about when you lost your Piplup or the time where you cheered him for his final ?" she prompted gently.

For a moment, Dawn said nothing.

Her twilight eyes glowed subtly under the moonlight, reflecting something deep and unspoken. She turned her gaze toward the sky as if hiding within its vastness. "When I came for his finals... I was still sure, I guess? I just.. felt I should be here."

May's playful demeanor softened, sensing the change in Dawn's tone. "Dawn, are you okay?"

Dawn exhaled, a small, self-conscious laugh escaping her lips. "And the time with Piplup... I was more like, 'What's going on here?'" She paused, scratching her head with a sheepish grin. "Oopsie, I guess I'm just feeling all nostalgic and stuff tonight. Hehe.. I guess I didn't expect you to ask me all this."

May watched her closely, but chose to let her continue at her own pace.

Dawn shifted, her fingers pressing lightly against the cool beneath her. "I mean, I never really gave it much thought until then. It's just that... I admit. At this time, when he popped up out of nowhere really fast after I called him to help me save Piplup, iI felt like, BAM!" She gestured dramatically with her arms. "It hit me in a weird way. Without even thinking, the first name that popped out of my mouth in that desperate moment was Ash, even though he was all the way in another region. When I think about it, I feel.. very dumb."

May's expression softened with amusement. "Sounds like a classic movie scene."

"Ridiculous. It wasn't cheesy like that!" Dawn groaned, pressing her palms against her flushed face. "It was... I don't know. Maybe it was just the croquettes he brought me to cheer me up that left an impression on me that day..?"

The Sinnoh coordinator laughed lightly but then continued her monologue.

"Despite my initial, um, confusion, he's always been there, no matter how far apart we were. That's just who Ash is. Maybe I called him that day because, deep down, I've always known that no matter the distance or time, I could count on him."

May smiled knowingly but said nothing, letting the words settle between them. The night stretched on, the stars blinking down as if they, too, were listening to a story still unfolding.

May let out a soft chuckle, her sapphire eyes glinting with mischief as she leaned back on her hands, gazing up into dark clouds. "You know, sometimes it's those moments that catch us off guard that reveal the most about our feelings."

Dawn hesitated for a moment, absently twirling a strand of her deep blue hair between her fingers. "Ash has been a huge part of my journey. A reliable friend, an incredible trainer, and someone who's always been there when I needed him. But... I guess I never really realized how much he means to me as a friend until… well, that time."

She huffed out a small laugh, rubbing the back of her neck. "I mean, Ash is just a really, really, super-duper good friend, you know? Yep, that's definitely it!"

May arched an eyebrow, the corners of her lips twitching. "Definitely a super friend-zone level of friend!"

She barely managed to keep a straight face before dissolving into quiet laughter. Dawn, caught between an indignant pout and laughing along, rolled her eyes dramatically, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I swear, you sound just like Zoey right now," Dawn muttered, cheeks tinged a faint pink.

May rested her chin on one hand, her expression softening. "Anyway, Dawn... I can tell you're avoiding something. I don't know what but you seem a bit lost."

Dawn waved a hand dismissively, her usual confidence slipping into an almost nervous energy. "Oh, May, it's not that I'm avoiding anything! I mean.. not that. Still..! People keep asking, and it's exhausting to repeat. I'm focused on the contest—that's all. Ash and I? We're just lifelong buddies, no drama here. I wasn't lying earlier."

May gave her a knowing look, barely suppressing a smirk. "Yeah. No drama at all."

"Exactly! I mean, it's not like Ash is sitting around thinking about this stuff either. He's got a one-track mind when it comes to Pokémon battles," Dawn nodded firmly, hugging her knees to her chest.

"And honestly, these questions are like some massive brain teasers that don't lead anywhere. Who needs that? Just because your heart beats a little faster in some moments or you get a weird intuition, it doesn't mean anything! It's stupid."

A small, awkward silence fell between them as May's smile faltered for just a second. Her thoughts flickered to her own past.

Moments—fleeting, but undeniable—where she'd felt something strange stir in her chest around Ash.

Something she never dwelled on too deeply.

Maybe Dawn had a point.

Maybe it was stupid. But maybe... it wasn't.

Better not bring that up, though. No way she was letting Drew hear about any of this. Instead, the Hoenn brunette tilted her head, offering a half-smile.

"What if one day it hits you, like a Hyper Beam, that you've been ignoring your feelings, which suddenly become clear as the sunny days of Alola?"

Dawn blinked, thrown off by the metaphor. "What the hell is that comparison?"

Dawn was quiet for a moment. When she finally spoke, her voice was lighter, but held a rare sincerity.

"Honestly? I don't care. The only thing on my Pokémon radar—other than the contest—is always being there for my friends. And for Ash, if he ever needs help. Just like he's always been there for me. Right now, I just want to keep making memories and keep our friendship top-notch like always. That's what I love the most! No overthinking, no drama. Just fun!"

May observed her carefully, the way Dawn's expression wavered ever so slightly, how her lips pressed together as if convincing herself her words were absolute. She decided to let it be. Instead, she smiled warmly.

"You're really something, Dawn."

Dawn's face turned a shade redder. "Yeah, well, why would I want to cloud or complicate what we have ? I value our galactic-level friendship way too much."

"Galactic-level friendship, huh?"

May just chuckled, shaking her head as she stretched out her legs. Dawn grinned, playfully nudging her.

"Exactly! The strongest, most unbreakable friendship ever."

May crossed her arms, smirking as she leaned slightly toward her companion. "Stop maxing out the friendship power level, Dawn! Just remember, sometimes taking a chance can lead to something wonderful."

Dawn shot her a sly grin, tilting her head teasingly. "Sort of like you and Drew, huh?"

The remark hit its mark.

May's smirk faltered for just a second, her sapphire eyes darting away. A shadow of nostalgia flickered across her face before she sighed. "Yeah... in a way. You see how that turned out."

Dawn, this time perceptive, caught the subtle shift in her tone. "Haha," she chuckled, trying to keep the mood light, "honestly, I can't imagine myself in some weird, cheesy romance story."

May's eyebrow arched. "A weird, cheesy romance story?"

"Yeah! Those aren't my style at all!" Dawn declared with a laugh, folding her arms proudly. But as her laughter faded, her expression grew more serious. "Seriously, though... The last thing I want right now is regret. This contest—this World Grand Contest—it's the most prestigious stage I've ever stood on! I don't want anything stupid clouding my focus."

May watched her carefully.

Should I tell her?

The thought lingered in her mind, heavier than she expected. She knew Ash and Serena together earlier, had known they were spending the day at the festival.

It wasn't the biggest secret, not really—but May wasn't sure if she should bring it up. She wasn't here to take sides, nor to stir things up before Dawn's big match. If Dawn had really noticed or cared about the rumors and trend, she hadn't let it show.

If Dawn were to say she's okay to stay friends, I believe she would still be okay even if she finds out about Ash and Serena.

May's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Maybe... it's for the better with Ash, you're right. I just hope you won't regret it too much when I eliminate you in the semi-finals."

Dawn's eyes gleamed with a playful challenge for some seconds. "Don't be so sure of the outcome, May. You better prepare yourself too."

But it doesn't last.

Instead of finding a determined glare to their future challenges, the Hoenn coordinator saw something else—a small, amused smile tugging at Dawn's lips, like she was holding back a laugh for no reason.

Dawn suddenly let out a light chuckle, the sound breaking the stillness of the moment. "Talking of Ash.. You know, May, yesterday, he did something that completely caught me off guard." Her voice carried an unmistakable warmth, a mixture of nostalgia and genuine amusement.

May tilted her head curiously. "Oh?"

Dawn turned to face her fully, the glow from the balcony lights illuminating the gleam of mischief in her eyes. "You remember how I used to be the one cheering for him? Pom-poms, jumps, the whole cheerleader act?"

"Of course. You were dedicated on the role-play."

Dawn exhaled a laugh, shaking her head. "Well, yesterday, for the first time ever, the roles reversed. Ash—of all people—decided to be my cheerleader ! And not just any kind of cheerleader.." She leaned in slightly, as if delivering a secret. "He had a drum, May. A LOUD, obnoxious drum!"

May's eyes widened before she burst into laughter, imagining Ash Ketchum, the ever-enthusiastic yet slightly clueless trainer, banging away at a drum with zero shame. "Oh, yeah I remember the trending video that Zoey talked about earlier! So, was it planned?"

"I swear, I didn't know !" Dawn clutched her stomach, trying to contain her amusement as memories of the scene played back in her mind. "It was the most absurd yet hilarious thing ever! ..Okay, maybe not. But still..! He was standing there, completely serious, pounding on that drum like his life depended on it. I think he even scared a few people in the audience!"

May covered her mouth, giggling uncontrollably. "Oh, I would've paid to be here."

Dawn wiped a stray tear from the corner of her eye, grinning from ear to ear. "At one point, I just stood there, frozen. I was so stunned I nearly forgot I had a contest to win! Can you believe that?"

May shook her head, still laughing. "Honestly? With Ash? I can. The guy has his own way of showing support."

A playful glint flashed in Dawn's eyes as she mused aloud, "You think I should buy him an actual cheerleader outfit? Y'know, for guys? With the matching colors and all?"

That was it—May couldn't hold it in. She doubled over, clutching her stomach as laughter spilled from her, shaking her entire frame. "Oh, Arceus, Dawn, please! I'm picturing it! Or you took the girl version with a skirt and the pom-poms—he'd lose his mind!"

Dawn snickered, crossing her arms with an exaggerated, thoughtful nod. "You think he'd wear it?"

May wiped at the corner of her eye, catching her breath between giggles. "Not a chance, but I'd love to see his face when you hand it to him."

For a moment, their laughter echoed into the night, blending with the distant sounds of the city below.

Dawn exhaled contentedly, leaning her back against the railing, eyes shining like stars against the midnight canvas. The weight of tomorrow's contest, the pressures of competition, the uncertainties of the future—they all seemed to melt away under the glow of the soft moonlight for some seconds.

May, still chuckling, stole a glance at Dawn, and in that fleeting moment, she noticed something else. It wasn't just the humor in her voice or the amusement dancing in her twilight eyes—it was the way she glowed, how her smile was effortlessly radiant, like a light that refused to be dimmed.

And though Dawn had confidently assured her—again and again—that there was nothing between her and Ash beyond friendship.

Maybe not in the way the rumors suggested, maybe not in a way Dawn herself even realized, but there was something undeniably really warm there.

Something real.

May chose not to say it aloud, though. Some things were better left unspoken, left to blossom on their own in their own time.. or to face the hard reality. She just hope her friend was right and it was just her imagination.. For not regret it later.

Instead, she simply nudged Dawn playfully with her elbow. "Alright, if you actually go through with this plan, you have to promise me I get to be there when you give it to him."

"Deal."

With that, the Sinnoh coordinator turned, walking confidently ahead. The Hoenn one followed, watching the unwavering determination in Dawn's stride.

"Anyway," Dawn continued, "those were some fun scenarios to imagine. But let's get back before they start planning revenge dares on us."

"You're right. We shouldn't keep them waiting." Then, with playful chuckles, May nudged Dawn's shoulder. "You know, for someone who said all those rumors were baseless, you sure had a lot to say."

Dawn scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, don't even start."

Just as Dawn reached for the door, she hesitated, then turned back toward May with a warm, genuine smile. "May, really... thanks for listening. The whole rumor harassment thing got me thinking about some dumb memories."

May opened her mouth, already shaking her head. "Dawn, you don't have to thank me. And it's not silly or stup—"

Before she could finish, the door swung open slightly, and an eruption of laughter and shouts spilled into the hallway. The atmosphere inside was electric, alive with playful energy. Dawn and May exchanged a glance before stepping inside, immediately taken aback by the chaotic scene in front of them.

Serena, kneeling on the carpet, was serving as an impromptu chair for Chloe, who sat atop her with a mix of nervous anticipation and disbelief. Zoey stood nearby, arms crossed, wearing the unmistakable expression of someone thoroughly enjoying the situation.

"Come on, Chloe!" Serena urged, shifting slightly under the weight. "Make the call!"

Chloe clutched her phone like it was a ticking time bomb. "He's not answering!" she whispered frantically, but her finger hovered over the redial button.

"Ladies, you missed quite a challenge while you were gone. I won, so I got to pick a dare for the losers. And for Chloe, well... she has to call someone and ask them an embarrassing question."

Zoey chuckled as Dawn folded her arms, intrigued. "You know, Zoey, this is a new level of torture even for you."

Chloe let out a breath as the ringing sound filled the room.

Then—a click. Goh picked up.

"Ah! Yeah, it's me," she blurted out, gripping the phone tighter. "Listen, I have a... uh, question for you."

"What's up?" Goh's casual voice came through the speaker.

Chloe swallowed. "Well, I was just wondering... have you ever tried wearing your socks inside out? You know, like... accidentally?" A nervous giggle escaped her lips.

A beat of silence.

Then, Goh's confused reply: "...Uh, socks inside out? Why would I...?"

The entire room barely contained their laughter as Chloe's face turned a shade of red rivaling a Poké Ball.

"Oh, no reason! Just a random question!" she rushed out, giggling again.

Zoey wasn't satisfied. "Come on, Chloe, ask him something juicier!"

Chloe clamped a hand over the phone, whispering frantically to Serena. "I can't do this!"

Serena, still stuck as a chair, whispered back, suffering, "Just do it, please...!"

Squeezing her eyes shut for a second, Chloe gathered what little courage she had left. "L-Listen, Goh, I have another question for you..! H-Have you ever, uh... worn a dress just for fun?"

A weighted silence settled over the call, and the entire room collectively leaned in, hanging on for his response.

"...Heh?"

The instant Goh's baffled reaction registered, the room burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. Chloe, half-horrified, half-amused, covered her mouth in disbelief.

Goh chuckled awkwardly on the other end. "Well... T-That's not something I expected to be asked today. U-uh, n-no, I haven't? But seriously, have you gone crazy, Chloe? Why are you asking me this?"

Chloe, still flustered beyond reason, desperately grasped at an excuse. "Y-You know... S-Some people said you'd look pretty like that, and I don't know... I also thought maybe we could go shopping together sometime?"

Silence. Then—

Tuuut.

He had hung up.

For a second, there was nothing but stunned disbelief. Then the room exploded with laughter once more, with even Chloe unable to hold back.

Miette wiped a tear from her eye. "Oh, Chloe, that was priceless!"

Serena groaned, stretching her arms as Chloe finally moved off her. "And it's all caught on video too!"

Chloe sighed, still red-faced but grinning. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. At least I can say I completed the challenge!"

Serena staggered slightly, laughter bubbling from her lips as she tried to regain her balance. Her legs wobbled beneath her, the lingering effects of her earlier dare leaving her barely able to stand, even if she would. She clutched onto the nearest chair for support, her breath coming in uneven gasps between fits of giggles.

"Oh no, my legs are jelly!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with amusement and exhaustion. "Note to self: never boast about lucky days again."

"A-Ah, sorry! I think it's time to give your poor back a break."

"My back is never going to forgive me for this."

Lillie, who was still bent over her sketchbook, winced apologetically. "Sorry if it take a while."

Serena rolled her eyes playfully, waving off the apology. "Oh, don't be sorry. It's fantastic, really. Now my agony will be immortalized in Lillie's masterpiece."

Before she could fully recover, she felt an unexpected weight press down on her back. A mischievous voice chirped from above. "Oh no, Serena, let me take the lead! Thanks for making this a comfy evening."

Serena let out a strangled sound somewhere between a groan and a laugh. "M-Miette?! What do you think you're doing?!"

The blue-haired rival giggled, shifting comfortably on top of Serena's spine. "Just making myself at home! You make such a cozy seat."

Serena's arms trembled under the added weight, her muscles already protesting. "Of course, Miette, just what I needed—extra weight on my aching back! Sure, hop on, why don't you? Call me 'Chair-ena' while you're at it!"

May, watching the absurd scene unfold, burst into laughter. "You guys are a sight to behold."

Serena gritted her teeth, trying to endure the torture. "L-Lillie, could you hurry up?!"

"Almost done!" Lillie promised, her pencil moving swiftly across the page.

Serena shot a glare over her shoulder at Miette, her blue eyes gleaming with mock vengeance. "Oh, you are going to pay for this, Miette. Just you wait!"

Miette's lips curled into a smirk, mischief twinkling in her eyes as she leaned forward with feigned innocence. "Oh, come on, Serena. It's all in good truth-or-dare fun!"

Serena groaned, shifting uncomfortably beneath the unwanted weight pressing down on her. "Fun? You sitting on me is not my definition of fun, you know!" She huffed, attempting to wriggle free, but Miette remained firmly in place, far too pleased with herself.

With an exaggerated pat to Serena's shoulder—like one would give a well-worn couch—Miette grinned. "Oh, but you make such a lovely throne, my dear Kalos Queen!"

Serena let out an exasperated breath, her fingers digging into the carpet as she glared up at her self-proclaimed tormentor. "I swear, Miette, if you don't get off me soon, I'm going to start calling you 'Puff Pastry Queen'!"

Miette threw back her head in a delighted laugh, flipping her hair dramatically over one shoulder. "Ooh, a royal title for me? I must be making quite the impression!"

Serena narrowed her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, you definitely are… your pest majesty !"

Miette suddenly shifted on Serena's back, adjusting herself as she pulled out her phone. Serena, still struggling under her weight, barely noticed—until she heard the unmistakable click of a camera shutter.

"H-Hey! What was that?!" Serena tried to turn her head, but Miette leaned forward, grinning deviously as she angled her phone again.

Click. Click.

"Miette?! What are you doing?!"

"Oh, just capturing this magnificent pose from a few interesting angles," Miette mused, inspecting the pictures with satisfaction. "I mean, it'd be a shame not to share this snack with someone hungry right now. Perhaps… Ash?"

Serena's entire body went rigid, her breath catching in her throat. "Y-You wouldn't!"

Miette hummed playfully, twirling her finger over her phone screen as if savoring the moment. "Mmm… I dunno. I think he'd appreciate a little preview of what awaits him later. What do you think? Should I add a caption?" Her eyes twinkled with unholy amusement as she gasped in mock realization. "Oh! I know! How about… 'Hardworking Kalos Queen gives her all to you—literally !'"

A shriek of pure panic erupted from Serena as she flailed wildly, arms reaching in a desperate attempt to snatch the phone away. "MIETTE, DON'T YOU DARE!"

Miette gasped, clutching her chest as if wounded. "Oh my, is that panic I hear? What happened to all that confidence, Chair-ena?"

"I AM GOING TO END YOU!" Serena screeched, thrashing beneath Miette with renewed vigor, her frantic movements only making her pinned predicament worse.

Then, suddenly, her struggling ceased. Her breath still heavy, she narrowed her eyes in suspicion. Something wasn't adding up. "Wait a second—where did you even get Ash's number?!"

Miette blinked, then giggled mischievously, waggling her phone in the air. "Oh, I don't have it. Not yet."

Serena breathed a deep sigh of relief—only to freeze again as Miette nonchalantly added, "But I can just send it to him via private message on social media."

A horrified silence.

Then—

"MIETTE YOU BIT—!"

Before Serena could even process the crudeness of her insult, she felt another presence lowering onto her back. Her eyes widened in horror as she heard Dawn's teasing voice from above.

"Thanks for being our 'chair' leader tonight!"

"Dawn?!" Serena's voice hit an octave she didn't even know she could reach. "W-What do you think you're—"

Then, as if fate had conspired against her, May joined in, patting Serena's shoulder with a grin. "I always knew you had a strong back!"

Serena let out a full-blown yell, her arms flailing. "I-It's not funny at all!"

Lillie, watching the madness unfold, giggled behind her hand. "Alright, alright, everyone... but let's not 'chairish' this moment too much."

Serena groaned, her patience hanging by a thread. "O-Okay sure... N-No problem! I'm here to support all my friends' behinds, after all!"

"Wow, Serena, you're such a true friend!"

May burst into laughter as Dawn grinned.

"And a supportive queen, too! We literally have your back, my lady!"

Serena let her forehead drop to the floor in dramatic defeat.

"You guys are all traitors."

"Mmm... feels familiar." May tapped her chin, surveying the scene before her with a thoughtful hum.

"Done!" Lillie, sitting cross-legged nearby, lifted her head from her sketchpad, her face glowing with pride. "I've got the drawing done, everyone!"

Serena, hearing those blessed words, let out a long, dramatic groan and collapsed onto the floor, sprawling out with exaggerated exhaustion. "Finally! My legs are free..."

Miette, ever the opportunist, clapped her hands together with a mischievous spark in her gaze. "Perfect! Let's take a memorable picture! Everyone, gather around!"

"Here we come." Zoey smirked as she stepped forward, arms crossed.

Serena, still splayed out on the floor like a fallen champion, weakly lifted her head.

"Wait, what? No, no, I can't stand—"

Before she could finish her protest, Dawn's arms looped around her shoulders from behind, effectively anchoring her in place. "Yeah, let's do it!" she declared, beaming.

Lillie hesitated, fidgeting with the edges of her notebook. "A-Are you sure it's not—?"

Chloe, unfazed, reached out to take Lillie's hand and gently pulled her closer. "Just one picture! A selfie—come on! It's all in the name of friendship!"

Miette winked, flipping her phone's camera into position as Serena let out a muffled, half-laughing groan of pure resignation. "I-I… I'll be taking revenge on all of you someday!"

Dawn only grinned, ruffling Serena's hair with a teasing pat. "Relax, it's just a little souvenir of the evening, Serena!"

Lillie lifted her sketchbook proudly. "Okay, everyone, say... uh... Snowy!"

Serena, still pinned under the collective weight of her friends, could only groan. "This... is... torturous. Au secours.."

Amidst the laughter and camera clicks, the girls piled onto each other in a hilariously chaotic group pose, immortalizing the coordinator party in one final picture.

Serena, breathless and utterly drained, exhaled in relief as they finally climbed off. "Alright, that's enough... Now, can someone help me up?"

May, watching her with mock sympathy, smirked. "Poor Serena."

Serena stretched her sore back, wincing. "I'm going to feel this tomorrow, that's for sure."

"You deserve a massage after this."

Dawn chuckles as May's eyes lit up mischievously. "Don't be afraid, I'm your girl! I learned some healing techniques at a dojo!"

Serena, raising an eyebrow, gave her a skeptical look. "...For real?"

As the group slowly dispersed after taking back their Pokemons, May kept her word and offered Serena a much-needed massage. The Kalos Queen, finally finding some relief, melted into the treatment with a grateful sigh.

Zoey, stretching as she stood, glanced at Dawn. "It's been a blast tonight. I'll tell you good luck for tomorrow."

Dawn smiled, though nerves flickered in her sapphire eyes. "T-Thanks, Zoey. May the best Coordinator win!"

Zoey gave her a knowing look before waving as she left. "See ya tomorrow!"

Dawn, left with her thoughts, inhaled deeply. The echoes of laughter still lingered in the air, but her mind was already shifting. Tomorrow... tomorrow was a different battle altogether.

As the deep night settled over the city, most of the coordinators had already turned in, their rooms filled with the quiet hum of sleep.

Yet, one light still flickered against the curtains of a small apartment, where Dawn sat hunched over her notebook, bathed in the soft glow of a bedside lamp.

The air was thick with tension, the pages before her covered in frantic scribbles, crossed-out ideas, and hastily rewritten notes. Piplup hopped onto the bed beside her, tilting its head in curiosity as she muttered to herself.

"Maybe if I focus on showcasing Piplup's best moves and find a way to surprise Zoey with Pachirisu... No, that won't work. She's too experienced for tricks like that."

She tapped her pen against the paper, frustration evident in her furrowed brows. The clock on the wall ticked away the seconds, a reminder of how little time she had left before the morning's battle. With a sigh, she pushed herself up, stretching her stiff limbs before glancing out the window at the moonlit streets below.

"I need a change of scenery. Maybe if I clear my head, something will finally click."

Gathering her notebook, she quietly slipped out of her apartment, her footsteps barely making a sound as she wandered through the empty contest halls.

The stands that had been alive with roaring crowds mere hours ago now stood silent, bathed in the silver glow of streetlights. She eventually found herself drawn to a secluded spot near the stadium's edge—a quiet place where the distant city lights shimmered.

Sitting down beneath a large oak tree, she ran a hand through her hair and exhaled slowly. "This is perfect. Away from the noise, but still close enough to feel the energy of the contest."

She opened her notebook once more, her fingers gripping the pen as she resumed brainstorming, occasionally glancing at Piplup, who sat beside her with an expectant look.

"I can't let nerves get the best of me," she whispered, shaking her head.

Above her, the stars stretched endlessly across the sky, their glow reminding her of the countless nights she had spent training back in Sinnoh. There was a comforting nostalgia to it, yet it also deepened the pressure weighing on her chest. She flipped through the pages, scanning her past notes.

"Maybe I should use Buneary's BD-IB combination... no, that might be too predictable. Our new Special Drill? It could work, but Piplup hasn't fully mastered it yet. Too risky."

She sighed in frustration, tapping her pen against her notebook. "What am I missing, Piplup?"

The little penguin chirped questioningly, its round eyes filled with concern.

"Yeah, I know. I'm overthinking again."

After a weak laugh, the penguin and his trainer began to yawn simultaneously, battling their fatigue together.

The wind rustled the tree branches above, carrying the distant sound of waves from the harbor. The Sinnoh coordinator leaned back against the bark, staring up at the sky.

"I miss those nights back in Sinnoh when things felt simpler. When beating Zoey didn't seem so... impossible."

She scribbled another idea down, only to scratch it out moments later. "No matter how much I plan, Zoey always finds a way to outshine me. It's like she's always a step ahead. Every strategy, every experience I've gained... she counters them effortlessly."

Her grip on the pen tightened as doubt crept in. "Is there even a way to beat her? Or am I just fooling myself?"

The question hung in the air, heavier than the silence around her. Piplup let out a soft, reassuring chirp, nudging her arm. She smiled faintly, running a hand over its smooth feathers.

"Thanks, Piplup. I know you're cheering me on, but... I can't shake this feeling."

The longer she sat there, the more her mind spiraled. The image of her loss in the Grand Festival years ago resurfaced, replaying over and over again. The cheers for Zoey's victory. The realization that she hadn't been good enough. And now, history threatened to repeat itself.

"Four years... and I'm still not a Top Coordinator. I've improved so much, but here we are again. Same opponent.. Same doubts.. Same fear."

She leaned forward, resting her forehead against her knees. The weight of it all was pressing down on her, relentless and unshakable.

"Why can't I figure this out? I've come so far, but I still can't match Zoey's level."

Her eyelids grew heavy, her exhaustion finally catching up to her. Her thoughts blurred together, slipping between strategy and self-doubt.

"What am I doing...? It's not just about the moves... it's about... staying ahead... but... is there any strategy that can really beat her? What would Mom do in my place...? I've tried... everything..."

Her voice trailed off, her grip on the notebook loosening as sleep claimed her before she even realized it.

Piplup noticed his Trainer's condition, but was only able to stand guard and let her sleep, hoping that she would recover her shine when she woke up, just like the moon he was now observing.

The night continued, leaving Dawn curled up under the tree, lost in the void of her mind despite the rare passers-by who ventured into the same shadows as her.