May's POV

It was finally Dawn's birthday though it was Monday. We were kinda hoping to have a small celebration. So after school we were supposed to go to a restaurant where the sits will be reserved. We left that task upon Ash who knew about best restaurants all around which to be honest wasn't a surprise.

We were currently sitting in the cafe having our breakfast. Dawn had been a bit grumpy for a few minutes in the morning since her  birthday didn't fall on a holiday but now she is back to her old cheery self.

"So Ash, which restaurant are we going?" Misty asked.

"Well, it's a surprise but don't worry it's a lovely one. The owner knows my family well so I had called him in the morning and made the reservations." Ash replied smartly.

We all sweat dropped. Sure we shouldn't be surprised but can't help.

"You sure are fast when it comes to food Ashy boy." Gary said.

Ash looked at him annoyed at the nickname.

"I'll let it slide for once." Ash said.

We all laughed. These guys were the best.

"Dawn, what are u gonna wear?" Leaf asked.

"Well, you will see. You guys didn't come with me yesterday so May knows." Dawn replied.

"Sorry Dawn but we don't have a death wish." Leaf and Misty teased simultaneously.

The guys chuckled.

"What's with you May? You and Paul had been absolutely quiet. I hope you are not turning into Paul." Misty said.

Paul gave her a glare which she ignored.

"Well Drew's been quiet too. And I don't see why I should talk when you guys are entertaining enough. " I pointed out.

Paul smirked.

"Well, guys we should head back. Homeroom will start soon." Drew finally spoke.

After homeroom, Drew and I had maths, physics and geography.

Then we had lunch and after lunch we had history, chemistry and PE.

We were doing laps in PE currently where I was extremely tired. Drew and Paul seemed to be having a competition about who would complete more laps. Misty was high spirited followed by Leaf. Gary was on his own. He looked a little tired but not ready to give up.

Dawn, Ash and I were panting hard. We completed one more lap as soon as the bell rang. Drew and Paul argued as to who won but settled with a draw when Misty threatened them about some prank.

We were sticky and the reservations were due 6 in the evening. Dawn was freaking out about how she wouldn't finish getting her hair and makeup done.

We all hurriedly changed out of our PE uniforms and rushed to the bathrooms to take a shower. Most students showered at the changing room but we headed straight back to the dorms to take a shower.

We then got ready with Dawn taking too long and me banging on the bathroom door to tell her to hurry up.

I decided on a red flowy knee length dress with roses lined at the bottom. It was simple but elegant. Dawn wore her midnight blue dress from yesterday but couldn't choose the perfect necklace to go with it. I forced her to leave it as it is and to only wear earrings. She wore silver strapped heels with it and curled her hair slightly. She left it in a half up and half down style.

She did both of our makeup when Misty and Leaf again said that the both of them would manage. We didn't put too much makeup, only the necessary amount. We looked simple yet cute according to Dawn.

Leaf had chosen a teal coloured dress and Misty a cerulean blue one much like her eyes.

The guys were simply dressed too. I saw Drew's eyes widen a bit after seeing us approaching. I blushed a little. He looked handsome.

"You look hot Leafy." Gary said flirtatiously with a wink.

Leaf rolled her eyes but smiled.

"Uh...Ash?" Misty asked.

I snorted. Ash was lost in his dreamland probably dreaming about Misty.

We laughed and shook our heads. Typical Ash.

"Not bad airhead." Drew said.

I smiled. "You're not too bad yourself."

Paul didn't say anything but his eyes did. They were glinting with amusement and approval.

Soon we found ourselves in front of one of the best restaurants in Hoenn curtsey to Ash. Guess, Ash has his talents.

We were taken off to a private booth enough to fit eight of us.

Soon the cake arrived. We wished Dawn and handed her our presents one by one. She attacked me with a huge hug when she saw the makeup kit.

Last to give his present was of course Paul.

"Happy Birthday Dawn or should I say Troublesome?" He teased.

"Come on Paul, at least not today." I scolded.

Paul chuckled and said, "Happy birthday Dawn."

Dawn opened his present and covered her mouth with shock, eyes wide open. I was speechless myself.

It was the same necklace Dawn wanted that day. What a coincidence! Guess, that necklace was in her fate.

"Omg Paul, it's beautiful." Dawn exclaimed.

Paul sighed in relief.

"So, you like it?" He asked.

"Like it? I don't like it!! I love it!!" Dawn excitedly said.

"So Paul why not put the necklace on her?" Drew asked slyly.

I inwardly cheered as they both blushed a little. Paul soon got up, removed Dawn's hair from her back and locked the necklace.

Good thing Dawn didn't wear one today.

Soon our food arrived and everyone chatted amongst themselves.

"So this is what Paul bought." I told Drew.

He nodded. "Yeah, after looking at almost every shop."

I chuckled.

"They are so made for each other aren't they? They are like opposite poles which attract like magnets. Guess it's true that opposites attract." I said.

"Since when did you become so wise?" Drew teased.

"Since, I was born Grasshead." I retorted.

Dawn leaned towards me and whispered.

"Let the spotlight fall on you a bit May. Drew is so into you. I saw him staring at you today before coming to the restaurant."

I blushed crimson.

"I-it's nothing. Of course he doesn't l-like me that way." I stuttered.

"Yet." Dawn said.

"We barely know each other." I whined.

"That's no excuse May besides someone is in denial." Dawn countered.

I sighed. Guess, this teasing is going to haunt me for quite a while.

We returned to our dorms tired that night. Dawn plopped on the sofa and stretched.

"It was fun, gotta admit." Leaf said with a yawn.

"Who would've expected such a gift from Paul?" Misty teased.

Dawn blushed again and fiddled with the necklace.

I had a feeling Dawn would've been teased more if only we weren't so tired.

We went to our rooms after wishing goodnight.

Dawn's POV

May went into the bathroom first to change. It was one of my best birthday ever, no denying.

The best part of course was Paul giving me the very necklace I wanted! Omg I still couldn't believe. I pinched myself once but it wasn't a dream.

I looked down at the necklace clutched in my hand. I felt many kinds of mixed emotions. It was all very puzzling.

That night I lay in my bed and couldn't sleep at all. I had a secret which kept bothering me always. Whenever l am alone it came to me.

I slowly and quietly got up so as not to disturb May. I needed to think.

The night sky was gorgeous. I was happy that Drew gave me that penguin plushie. I could sleep with it, it was super cute. I am not gonna lie, I had found Drew attractive the first time but it was nothing really. He wasn't the one for me, I could tell. It wasn't a crush.

The main problem was that I had a bargain with my parents. If I could score good in the exams here and surpass their expectations, then my marriage with Kenny after graduation would be called off.

Yes, marriage. Kenny and I had been childhood friends. We were family friends due to business and Kenny was supposed to marry me after graduation. He is nice and all but too clingy. I couldn't think of marrying him. I was against it from the beginning. Apparently my parents felt the same and we had this bargain. They gave me a chance and I wish to use it to the fullest. I would do anything to call the marriage off.

I was determined and I knew I could so it. Time given, I would crack the news to everyone. Misty knows but Leaf doesn't and the others of course don't.

I went back and tried to fall asleep and thankfully I eventually drifted off. Fresh air really has its uses.

Paul's POV

I lay in my bed thinking about a certain midnight blue haired girl with the same coloured eyes. This girl could pop up in my mind whenever she wished.

But....why her?

What is this happening to me? Surely I am not catching feelings right? I have business to handle when I grow up. Reggie my older brother has his fiance. He is seeing a part of dad's business and when they will marry the business will grow along with his fiance's business too that his father in law had promised.

To me all this was ridiculous. I didn't have a fiance but wouldn't be surprised if dad proposed one. Drew, Gary and Ash were lucky. This all business ties are crap. Why force someone into your life? Why not ask for their opinions first?

Sure, Dawn and I are from the same region but....wait what am I thinking? I don't feel anything for Dawn right?

But why did she always remain in my mind? Why her? Ugh!!

From my childhood I practically had no freedom. This girl was getting close to me unknowingly. I don't know if it's dangerous. Why are we children of rich businessmen? Normal people are more happy.

They don't have to deal with the crap like we do. They don't have to be forced into a relationship. Against their will they are not told to get engaged and then married off. Just for the sake of business, money. Yet people say that children of rich people are so lucky.
It pisses me so damn much.

I try to distance myself from her but it just doesn't work. What should I even do? I will probably not even see her after school is over.

Drew must like May. Does he have the same thought as me?

I woke up from my bed and from our room's balcony I could see Dawn. What's she doing up so late? Who knows...

I flash of light suddenly caught my eye and I turned my head. Amongst the trees that surrounded the building I could see something flashing. I squinted my eyes but couldn't make out anything in the dark. I wanted to shout to Dawn to head back to her room but didn't have to. She headed back herself.

I sighed in relief. Why did I feel so concerned? This girl always has a way of making me worry. I can't do anything about this suspicious activity for now. There's no proof that it's dangerous in the first place yet I had a bad feeling about this.

What was that thing and I am almost sure it was pointed towards Dawn from the opposite dorm building.

Strange.....

Guess, I will look into it later. I went inside my room and lied down. Soon I drifted off.