ASH 

Ash could barely keep his irritation in check by the time he finished telling Leaf everything that has happened in the past few days. She would every so often jump up in surprise, glare at him and roll her eyes. It was getting so damn annoying for him. He sighed when Leaf frowned, crossing her arms.  

"What is wrong with you, Ash?" Leaf questioned, furrowing her eyebrows in exasperation. "You can't be trying to hide it all. I suggest you to immediately admit your mistake to Serena and apologize to her. She doesn't sound like someone who would throw a tantrum unnecessarily as she did accept your offer despite you both getting on the wrong foot"

"I am sure you missed the part of the café" Ash rolled his eyes but frowned soon after whilst ruffling his hair. "Although, I also don't think she is bad. Naive, but can prove to be quite sharp at the same time. And her personality? It's like you are reading an open book. I am damn sure that woman can't even lie properly and that is one of the main reasons why I want to take her to Hawaii with me"

Leaf hummed, leaning back. "I see. Basically you are worried that aunt will catch onto everything if she decides to drop by unexpectedly? Well, not even a pro liar can get through her, if you ask me" 

"Right?" Ash groaned. "I don't want this issue to get out in public. You know how media is; always trying to spoil our reputation by creating small problems into bigger troubles. And my mom won't exactly be going easy on me if she finds out that I was indirectly the reason for the accident. I don't want to get shipped to Greenland never ever again"

"Welp, looks like you are for a pretty rough ride ahead, Cuz" Leaf whistled in a low tone as she propped her arms on the table while cupping her cheeks. She shook her head as her brown hair flew in every direction. "But I still think that its better for you to admit it rather than cover up for it" 

Ash frowned. "I know but I was hoping to tell Serena after she realizes that I had no bad intentions and whatever happened was merely a mistake. Unfortunately, it would take sometime for her to trust me. Once she gets to trust me, she will understand that I meant no harm"

"And why exactly do you think she will understand after she gets to trust you and not now?" the brunette inquired, tilting her head to the side. Her brown eyes a shade lighter than her cousins glimmered in curiosity. Ash narrowed his eyes swiftly. 

"She will think that I did this for my ego" he replied and continued to elaborate when the brunette gave him a confused look. "It happened right after our nasty fight with each other in the café. It was a simple coincidence but rather unfortunate one too as the one who got hurt was none other than her best friend - who actually is the root of this. I am afraid that she might take this in the wrong way" 

Before Leaf could reply, a knock cut through their conversation before Serena's head poked from the other side. Ash tensed up, not sure whether she heard their conversation or not. But he relaxed when she smiled "I have done the work you have given me. Where should I drop this file?" 

"Keep it here" Ash told her as she nodded and placed the file on his desk. The honey blonde was about to leave when Leaf stopped her. 

"Excuse me!" the brunette chirped with a sweet smile, ignoring the look of confusion on her cousin's face. "Your name is Serena, am I right?"

"Um" Serena stepped back slightly but nodded with her shoulders kept in rigidity. "Yes, miss. How can I help you?"

"No need to be so uptight. My name is Leofe Aphelion. I like to go by Leaf though " Leaf introduced herself in a humorless manner. She turned to Ash. "You see Cuz, I am actually in a major crisis. I am running out of dresses and I have been invited to my friend's birthday party. So, I need someone who can personally help me select a few dresses suitable for the party" 

"You can take Bonnie with you" Ash stupidly suggested but winced when Leaf scowled. 

"Well, I don't think it's appropriate for us to disturb our guests with such trivial things. And besides, I suppose I can just borrow your personal assistant to help me with it" Leaf smiled, casting a glance at the puzzled blonde. "If that is fine with her, that is" 

"I am not a fashion expert, Leaf. But I will come along if that is fine with Ash" Serena replies, fiddling with the hem of her dress. She looks up as her ocean eyes meets with Ash's auburn ones that were intensely peering into hers. Her heart started pounding furiously as she immediately looked away in embarrasment. What was wrong with her?

"Thats fine" Ash nodded. "Go with Leaf, Serena, and make sure you come alive after a nine hour shopping trip" 

SERENA

Serena was at the mall for the second time and yet she couldn't help but feel excited. Leaf was really nice; the brunette kept amusing her with her talks. To be honest, Leaf was as fun as Dawn. She was a little blunt and tomboy-ish but she seemed to like when Serena honestly spoke up about her likes and dislikes, many of which happened to be dissimilar to those of Leaf's. 

"I have booked a special appointment for us at one of the most popular boutiques here" Leaf gushed. "They have the best dresses!" 

It wasn't long before they were inside a luxurious boutique ─ Audace. Exquisite dresses were hung cautiously on the mannequins, some more beautiful than others but beautiful nonetheless. Serena looked at the pastel pink ballgown with stars in her eyes. There was not a single spot where there weren't any sparkles. Looked uncomfortable but was worth it, Serena concluded. 

"Liked this one?" 

Serena jumped and she stumbled back slightly at the sudden interuppting voice. There infront of her stood a woman, about five or six years older than her, with lemon blonde hair puffs and striking emerald eyes. She wore a white tank top with a puffed orange jacket and light green beret on her head. She looked like a model.

"Why do I keep running into good-looking people?" Serena mumbled under her breath. "Like I need to lose more of my self-confidence" 

"Pardon, I couldn't hear that" the woman tilted her head with confusion. Serena frantically shook her head with a sheepish smile. She had amusement dancing in her emerald orbs as she watched Serena. 

"Bianca!" Leaf piped up cheerfully. She grinned, pulling the older woman in a tight hug. Bianca quickly forgot about Serena and hugged Leaf back. They both backed off, grinning. 

"Oh my, Leaf. It has been so long! How is everything?" Bianca questioned with her upbeat voice. They broke into a quick exchange of conversation, Serena standing awkwardly behind them. She sighed. Why was she always the odd one out in everything?

"By the way, I want you to meet Serena" As soon as her name was mentioned by Leaf, the honey blonde immediately looked up. The brunette gestured her to come forward as the so-adressed young woman marched clumsily towards Bianca and Leaf. Serena extended her hand to Bianca, feeling nervous but yet keeping a confident attitude. 

"Hello, Mademoiselle Bianca. My name is Serena Yvonne and I am the personal assistant for A - Mr. Ketchum" she introduced herself just like she had revised to speak in front of others. Being an assistant for one of the richest men is no joke. She was expected to speak properly, move properly and do everything properly. Because she was the assistant of Ash Ketchum. 

"Nice to meet ya!" Bianca cheerfully accepted the handshake. "I am Bianca; the lead fashion designer for ❝ Audace ❞. Leaf specially asked for me to show you my finest designs! Come on, I can't wait for you both to give your opinion!" 

Bianca grabbed Serena's hand and dragged her alongwith her, yapping non-stop as Leaf quietly watched them from behind. 

"Serena, huh? Why do my instincts say that there is much more drama coming up?"