Chapter 1

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The morning sun poured gently through the window, casting a warm glow over Ash's room. He lay sprawled out on his bed, snoring softly, with Pikachu curled up beside him. Outside, Delia hummed to herself as she prepared breakfast, the scent of freshly baked bread and eggs filling the cozy home.

A sudden ring of the doorbell echoed through the quiet house. Wiping her hands on her apron, Delia walked over and opened the door to reveal Serena standing there, a bright smile on her face.

"Good morning, Mrs. Ketchum!" Serena greeted warmly. "Is Ash home?"

"Oh, Serena! Good morning to you, too," Delia replied, returning the smile. "He's still asleep, as usual." She turned towards the staircase, raising her voice. "Ash! Time to get up! You have company!"

Upstairs, Pikachu's ears perked up at Delia's call. He blinked awake, stretching and yawning. Spotting Ash still fast asleep, Pikachu hopped up and gave him a nudge. When that didn't work, he sighed, cheeks sparking before letting loose a small Thunderbolt.

However, to Pikachu's surprise, Ash didn't budge this time, remaining fast asleep, his snores unfazed by the jolt.

Serena stepped quietly into Ash's room, her eyes softening at the familiar sight of him fast asleep. Pikachu, realizing his attempts to wake Ash hadn't worked, perked up and bounded over to her, happily nuzzling her leg.

"Hey, Pikachu! It's so good to see you again!" she whispered, scratching Pikachu behind his ears. As she glanced back at Ash, still oblivious to the world, a fond sigh escaped her.

She couldn't help but smile at the peaceful look on his face, and an idea sparked in her mind. With a playful glint in her eyes, she tiptoed closer, leaning over his bed. Just a quick little kiss, she thought, leaning down.

As her lips gently brushed against his, Ash's eyes fluttered open, and his lips curved into a small grin. Before she could even pull back, he swiftly wrapped his arms around her, pulling her down on top of him.

"Good morning, Serena," he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep but filled with amusement.

Serena's cheeks flushed bright red as she found herself in his embrace, completely caught off guard. She couldn't hide her smile as her heart raced, and she laughed, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Ash blinked, finally registering Serena's presence fully. His surprise was evident as he sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Serena? What are you doing here?"

Serena chuckled, standing back up and giving him an amused look. "I came to see you, you dummy," she teased, crossing her arms with a playful smile. Ash scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit sheepish as he grinned.

"Oh, well... it's good to see you!" he replied, unable to hide the excitement in his voice.

Serena shook her head, smiling warmly. "Well, don't keep me waiting, sleepyhead. Go clean up, and I'll be downstairs with Pikachu." She turned toward the door, and Pikachu trotted happily by her side, glancing back at Ash with a spark of amusement in his eyes.

As they left, Ash sat on his bed for a moment, still processing the morning's events. The kiss replayed in his mind, and he couldn't help but smile, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks. He'd missed Serena more than he realized, and her unexpected visit had started his day in the best way possible.

With a newfound energy, he leaped out of bed, ready to start the day. After getting dressed, Ash headed downstairs, where he found Serena and Pikachu already seated at the dining table, enjoying breakfast. He paused for a moment, taking in the sight of Serena. She looked even more beautiful than he remembered, her smile lighting up the room. There was something different about her—something that made his heart race a little faster.

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