As I considered Drew's heartfelt request I couldn't help but think of the last time I had traveled with a guy. All those happy memories that had become spoiled in a single instant weighed me down and I looked over at Drew's hopeful expression without being able to smile at him.

"Look, Drew... the reason I came to Galar was to leave behind some really unpleasant memories," I said awkwardly while my feelings of rage, despair, and inadequacy threatened to bubble over and make me lose my grip on my emotions.

"What do you mean?" he asked, frowning slightly and looking concerned. I smiled bitterly at him and shrugged, running my fingers through my curly bangs.

"I started my journey as a normal pokemon trainer in Unova. When I was there, I met a guy who had some similar qualities to you. He was a really well-known trainer and all the girls absolutely flipped for him. Long story short, we dated for a few months, but he ended up cheating on me."

I turned away from Drew's look of sympathetic pity, not wanting to see that expression from anyone. I knew I had been an idiot for falling for someone flaky like him, but I didn't need anyone else to tell me that.

"So, anyway. I would like to help you, Drew. But I came to Galar to prove to myself that I can become a trainer on my own strength and that I don't need a guy helping me. I'm sorry."

I hesitantly looked up at Drew and saw him frowning deeply at me. He didn't say anything for several long minutes but then let out a long sigh and rubbed his neck.

"You're dead set on traveling by yourself?" Drew asked with a disappointed sigh. His expression of disappointment almost swayed me, but my insecurities were louder than my desires to help him so I nodded firmly.

"It's what I decided before I came here," I said with finality. Drew sighed again and then reached out and bonked his fist lightly against my head. I scowled up at him and he gave me a silly grin.

"You shouldn't let that guy keep you from finding new friends," he said with his usual superior attitude. I scoffed at him and rolled my eyes.

"I'm not. I just want to focus on my pokemon instead of people," I said with a huff, and Drew laughed.

"Sure. Well, I'll cheer you on at least. Do you mind if I watch your gym battles?"

"Not at all," I said with a relieved smile, glad that I could at least be somewhat helpful to him. Drew grinned at me and apologized for dragging me after him. We parted as unlikely friends and I felt more excited than ever to focus on my goal.

Sayuri and Drew see each other at a few of her later gym challenges and greet each other as friends. Drew decides to leave for Sinnoh halfway through her journey though, and they lose touch as they each focus on their personal goals.

Drew Route Bad-ish End