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"Oh? Is that her?"

"Yeah, I think so! There's Miss (Y/N)!"

"Ooh! Miss (Y/N)! Take a quick photo with us! Please? Please?"

They're back already.

I force an absolutely picture-perfect smile and graciously reply, "I'm so sorry, but I'm in a hurry, you see." I was just trying to leave the Royal Dome for a quick stroll to clear my mind and catch my breath... unfortunately, my mob of adoring and obnoxiously enthusiastic fans followed me everywhere I went.

You'd think that being famous was like living in a world of shimmering glitter and brilliance, but it was like walking on thin ice. You could crash into the freezing waters below and drown at any moment. The world would like to drag you down just as much as it shoves you onto a pedestal.

They screamed my name over and over and over, and I'd have to spin around and beam at them every single time as if I didn't have a care in the world.

It got tiring from time to time, but I genuinely loved the job. Popularity gave me access to many things and privileges, which I could use to help people and elevate myself.

"Please just one photo? It'll only take a second, I swear!" Another cries.

"No, no," I calmly wave my hand at them, maintaining my plastered, serene demeanor. "But I'll be back in a bit, okay?" Just let me get the heck out of here.

The group was not only squealing fangirls, too. Several males were sprinkled in, and were equally ecstatic, if not more in some cases.

I steadied my breaths and continued exiting the Royal Dome, eyes focused straight ahead. People were milling about, both around the building and inside it, but all eyes were on me. I felt a bead of cold sweat drip down my face.

After a moment of slowly trying not to trip over the crowds pressing themselves closer to me, I allowed my gaze to wander. To my astonishment, a blonde, edgy teen boy catches my eye. He didn't spare me a second glance when I passed by him. Time seemed to slow as I walked by, awe-struck.

He's the only one who didn't drool over my presence. Heck, my celebrity status would've rivaled the Masked Royal's reputation — except, I beat him too many times to count. And he didn't even glance in my direction?

Not just anyone can do that. I am a celebrity, after all. But everything about the guy screamed to me that he'd be a great model. His piercing, charmingly educated emerald eyes were enough to attract anyone. That, along with his slender frame and cold, none-of-your-business stance, would blend into just the perfect combination for success.

"Hey, Miss (Y/N)?" A girl's youthful voice snaps me out of my thoughts. The child lifts up a piece of paper. "Can I get your signature?"

"I already told you, I-"

They don't let me finish. Another hoard of fans circles me, and I begin to feel cornered. It was only people who loved me, so I shouldn't feel terrified as they seemingly were closing in on me. I don't remember being claustrophobic before today, but...

There is no escape.

A bombardment of questions is launched, and I make an effort to block as many as possible while politely trying to step out of the ring of idolizing fans.

"Hey, hey, Miss (Y/N)!"

"Can we see your Pokémon team?"

"Your hair is so pretty! What's the trick to do it like that?"

"What's your favorite color?"

"Can I have a battle with you?"

"I was wondering, are you dating anyone right now?"

"You have a nice body, y'know?"

That was the last straw. My delighted grin faltered and my serene, pleasing expression crumbled. But still, no one seemed to notice or care. I had to get out of here.

Before I could do anything, a hand reached out and snatched my wrist. I was about to yank away when I caught a glimpse of who it was. It was the guy who I thought would make a good model.

"Hey. Stop it." He speaks to my audience. "She obviously doesn't want to answer your questions, so get lost."

If looks could kill, I believe the whole world would die. His narrowed glare bore holes into everyone, and they swiftly took several nervous steps away from us.

"Um..." I can't find the words to say.

Without another word, he guides me away from the crowd that quickly rises up in protest. Just as I thought they were going to pounce on him, he released a Poke Ball with his free hand, releasing an enormous Pokemon I didn't recognize.

"Null, keep them away." He orders, not looking over his shoulder but continuing to tug me along with him, a firm frown on his face.

Soon, he stopped once far enough from the Royal Dome. We were in a plaza just south of it, where a stone statue of a Primarina sprayed crystal clear water into a shallow pond beneath it. I sat down on the rim of the pool and stared into the rippled surface, noticing the numerous coins scattered beneath the waves. Many people had wishes here.

Exhaling deeply, I shift to face the male who places his Pokemon into its capsule once it returns.

"Thank you," I whisper, and his gaze darts to mine.

"It was nothing." His curt and icy response puzzled me, but I waited for him to continue. "You're (Y/N)?"

"Yep, that's me." I nod.

"Hmph. Not very cautious, are you? No wonder your fans are crazed like that. If I had to guess, you encourage them without meaning to." He sits down next to me on the edge of the fountain.

"And you are...?" I prompt him. "Why were you at the Royal Dome?"

"I'm Gladion. Me and my partner, Type: Null, are training to get stronger. We were hoping to challenge the Masked Royal in order to get some training in since he's famed for being difficult to beat."

"I see." I tried to express my gratitude in the only way I knew how. Compliments. "I'm very glad you came just then. I didn't know what to do... But you're stunning! With the right outfit, you could turn some heads!"

Gladion eyes me skeptically, staying silent.

I place a hand on his shoulder and smile, "We should go shopping-!"

"Shut it!" He barks, abruptly standing and shaking off my hand, his back to me. "I got enough of this from Mother! Stop! Just stop right there!"

"W-what...?" I stood also, moving so I could see his face more clearly. Tears welled up, turmoil churning in his eyes, clenched and trembling fists at his sides. His wavering expression betrayed what he truly felt. It didn't take a genius to guess that there was something more going on behind his tough facade.

It seemed that girls obsessing over what he wears dredged up bad memories...

Worried, I rush to try to console him. I bring both his shaking hands in mine and say softly, "Gladion? I didn't mean to upset you, okay? We don't have to-"

I couldn't even finish before he shoved me away. "You're just like her! You don't know me! You don't care!" He snaps.

"I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, Gladion!" I choke out, my voice strained from sorrow. Tears slip down my cheeks and I frantically try to set things right by repeatedly apologizing. I'd never really had close friends who weren't after my popularity or were merely super fans, so his presence in my life was more valuable than gold at the moment.

He stares at me, a weeping mess, and is visibly startled.

"I mean it!" I step closer to him. "I admit, you're my only friend! I regret what I said, I take it back! I'm so, so..." I fall into despair once more as he doesn't respond.

Until at last, he does. "(Y/N)." My head snapped up to watch him take my hands in his, as I had just done but vice versa. "Don't cry because of me. It's not worth it."

"No, but it is! Don't you see? You're a really good person, I can tell that much just from the little time I've known you!" I insist.

"Tch."

I sigh once more. "Please, let me stay by your side. I promise my model's touch won't come up again. Let us start over." I wipe my tears and grin sincerely. "My name is (Y/N). Let's be friends!"

For once, a smile crosses Gladion's face. "Sure."

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Author's Note:

Who doesn't love our little tsundere? I've written for him so many times, but it's always so fun to do so! Anyway, this wasn't really requested by anyone, just an idea that sprung up. This one was so interesting to write, honestly.

Right. The question for today's one-shot is: Whats your favorite character from Alola? I love Gladion — Oh, and Acerola is so adorable too!

Thanks for reading! Remember not to be a silent reader, I always love feedback!

See you later,
Lillian

Word count: 1538 words

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