Ash looked worriedly at the hall. " Dawn's been in bed for an awfully long time. Hope she's okay."

Brock nodded. " I hope."

A brown bag dropped on the couch, and Ash and Brock turned.

" Where is she?"

Dawn was covered with the blanket when someone shook her. " Wake up."

Dawn didn't even bother to look. " Why brother?"

" You have to get up at SOME point."

" I just want to die." Dawn muttered as she squished her face onto the blanket.

" Dawn don't you dare speak like that ever, understood?"

Dawn didn't answer.

" Dawn."

" What does it matter? It's not like anyone's gonna miss me if I quit."

" Dawn-"

" You saw me out there, Kenny. I lost. Me and Amipom gave it out all and we still lost. If even our best doesn't let us qualify then it doesn't matter."

" D-"

" Might give up contests while I'm at the beginning."

Kenny grabbed the blanket. " Dawn Hikari don't you dare think about that, you hear me?"

Dawn didn't reply.

" Dawn." Kenny said in a sharpness Dawn hadn't heard for a long time.

Not since.... That day with the play in third grade where she sneezed and the kids laughed at her. She had stayed at home for days, until Kenny came in and snapped her out of her funk.

Dawn turned to face Kenny, who's face was a mix of anger and concern.

Kenny gently sat on the edge of the bed and looked at Dawn. " Sit up."

" Can I have the blanket first?"

Kenny spread the blanket on the two of them, and Dawn sat up. Kenny gently tilted her face so they were looking at one another in the eye.

" Dawn Hikari, you are going to hug me and you are going to cry on my shoulder, and then we are going to go out and train. Do you understand."

Dawn nodded, and Kenny wrapped his arms around her, and Dawn buried her face in Kenny's shoulder and for the first time in a long time, she cried.

I'm her boyfriend's arms.

From the doorway, Ash and Brock watched.

" Now that's a good boyfriend." Brock whispered. " One who knows how to snap their girl out of a funk."

Ash nodded. " Yeah."

Dawn’s quiet sobs filled the room, muffled against Kenny’s shoulder as he held her securely. He didn’t say anything, letting her cry it out, his hand gently running up and down her back in a soothing rhythm. The weight of her emotions poured out, and though her tears were heavy, there was a sense of release in finally letting it go.

From the doorway, Ash and Brock remained silent spectators, their expressions softened.

“Man, I could learn a thing or two from Kenny,” Ash admitted quietly, scratching the back of his head. “He really knows how to be there for her.”

Brock smiled knowingly. “It’s not just knowing, Ash. It’s caring enough to figure out what someone needs, even when they’re at their lowest. That’s what makes him a good boyfriend.”

Ash tilted his head thoughtfully. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

Back inside the room, Dawn finally pulled back, her eyes red and puffy but her face lighter somehow. She sniffled and gave Kenny a small, tired smile. “Thanks, Kenny. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Kenny brushed her hair out of her face, his tone softer now. “You’d do just fine, Dawn. You’re stronger than you think. You’ve hit a bump, that’s all. You can either let it stop you or use it to fuel you.”

Dawn’s lip quivered, but she nodded. “I’ll try. I just… I don’t want to let anyone down.”

“You won’t,” Kenny assured her. “Not me, not your mom, not anyone. The only way you could let us down is if you give up on yourself. And I know you’re not about to do that.”

Dawn let out a shaky laugh, wiping her face. “You always know what to say.”

“That’s my job,” Kenny said with a grin. “Now, how about we head out and do some training? Nothing fancy, just something to get you moving again.”

Dawn hesitated but then nodded. “Okay. But only if you promise to stay and help.”

“Always,” Kenny promised, standing and offering her his hand.

As she took it and got out of bed, Ash and Brock stepped away from the doorway, trying to look nonchalant as the pair emerged.

“Feeling better, Dawn?” Brock asked with a smile.

“A little,” Dawn admitted, glancing up at Kenny. “I think I’ll be okay.”

“You will,” Kenny said confidently.

Ash grinned. “Well, if you’re training, count me in! Pikachu and I could use the workout too.”

“Pika!” Pikachu cheered, hopping onto Ash’s shoulder.

Dawn laughed softly, the sound finally light and genuine. “Thanks, Ash.”

As the group headed out together, the weight of Dawn’s earlier sadness seemed to lift with every step. She wasn’t alone—and with her friends and Kenny by her side, she knew she never would be.