Ash Ketchum: Journeys

Chapter 8

That evening, Ash and Serena arrived at Dawn's home in Twinleaf Town, invited to stay the night. Johanna, Dawn's mother, welcomed them warmly, offering them a comfortable place to rest after their travels. Ash settled into a guest room while Dawn and Serena shared Dawn's room, bonding over their shared experiences with Pokémon.

As they settled in, Dawn glanced at Serena with curiosity. "So, Serena... how did you and Ash first meet?"

Serena smiled, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. "It was a while ago, actually. I met Ash back when we were kids, at Professor Oak's Summer Camp in Kanto. I got lost one day, and he helped me find my way back. I never forgot that kindness."

Dawn listened, intrigued. "Wow, so you've known each other since then?"

Serena nodded. "Yes, but we met again years later when I started my own journey. Ash was the same—kind, determined, and always pushing forward."

Dawn smiled, seeing the fondness in Serena's expression. "It sounds like you two have a lot of history. I can see why you're close."

Serena smiled at Dawn's response, a fond look in her eyes. "When I saw Ash on the news, I made up my mind to become a Pokémon Trainer just to meet him again. Even though he didn't recognize me at first, he eventually remembered, and he was actually the one who invited me to travel with him."

Dawn's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Wow, that's amazing! But... Serena, do you have feelings for Ash?"

Serena's cheeks flushed, and she looked away shyly. "Am I that obvious?"

Dawn chuckled. "Well, I've met a lot of Ash's travel companions, but you're the first one I've met who seems to have feelings for him." She leaned in, adding with a grin, "The only problem is that Ash is... well, pretty dense. It might take a bit to get him to realize how you feel."

Serena sighed, smiling wistfully. "I know. He's so focused on his journey that sometimes he misses what's right in front of him. But... I think that's one of the things I like about him. He's just... Ash."

Dawn nodded understandingly. "Well, if anyone can get through to him, I'm sure it's you."

Serena hesitated, glancing down with a shy smile before looking back at Dawn. "There's... actually something else. I've kissed him before."

Dawn's eyes widened, her jaw dropping in surprise. "Wait, you kissed Ash? How did that happen?!"

Serena's cheeks turned pink as she recalled the memory. "It was at the airport, right before I left Kalos. I'd been traveling with him for so long, and... well, I couldn't leave without letting him know how I felt, even if he didn't quite understand."

Dawn listened, captivated. "So, what did he do?"

Serena laughed softly, shaking her head. "Honestly? He was just... Ash. I think he was too stunned to process it. He just stood there, and then he waved goodbye like nothing happened."

Dawn burst into laughter. "That's so Ash! Only he would be completely clueless after something like that."

Serena sighed with a smile. "Yeah, that's why I love him, though. I know he might never realize, but... it felt right to at least let him know in my own way."

Dawn gave her a supportive smile. "Who knows? Maybe one day, he'll surprise you."

The two shared a warm laugh, deepening their bond as they shared secrets under the night sky.

In the quiet of the guest room, Ash sat on the edge of the bed, deep in thought. Pikachu was nestled beside him, enjoying the occasional head rub from his Trainer. After a moment, Ash's hand stilled, and he looked out the window, lost in his own thoughts.