High school reunions? No, just no. Ash never tried going to one before; he despised them. Though, he did go this time for the sake of making Gary happy.

Gary said he didn't want to go on his own and look like a loner... as if anyone cared (it seems like his breakup with Leaf ruined his self confidence, but Ash was positive they will get back to each other soon), and honestly, Ash didn't mind the all-you-can-eat buffet.

Misty was nowhere to be seen.

"Why isn't Misty with you?"

"I told you what happened."

"Well, she's still supposed to be here, right?"

Ash shrugged. "I don't care."

Gary narrowed his eyes at him. "You really don't care?"

"...no."

Gary chuckled and drank what was left of his orange juice. He was looking around, scanning all over the familiar faces. "I can't believe you kissed her, Ashy-boy. What has gotten into you?"

"We didn't come here to discuss my love life fails."

"I didn't mean it in that way. It's just that woman is not... fine. She never was. Remember in high school? I don't think she had friends other than you." And back then, Gary hated having her around when he was with Ash. He didn't like being spotted with girls who weren't hot and pretty.

"This is mean, Gary. Quit it. You're not sixteen anymore."

"I wouldn't kiss that girl even she offered me money."

"What has Misty even done to you?"

"Stop talking about Potato. Serena is coming this way!"

Hearing that nickname once again got Ash annoyed. The kids used to call her that back in high school. Now that he's thinking about it, Misty would probably never attend a high school reunion. It'd just remind her of rough times.

Ash watched as Serena walked toward them. She did really grow beautiful and radiant — and man, she was still as skinny as she used to be. How do they even do that?

"Hello guys! Good to see you!" She hugged both of them. A flowery strong scent drifted off her, and her face smelled like cosmetic creams.

"It's been a while."

"I know! How's it going? How's work?" Serena asked, keeping a smile on.

"I'm fine. Work is good. Better than ever."

Serena turned toward Ash. "Oh, Ash, still as calm and silent as you used to be."

"You can say that."

"I'm so glad you guys could make it this time! But, where is Misty?"

Ash's eyebrows rose. Why would someone like Serena care about Misty? She never was her friend. Of course, Serena has never hurt Misty in any way, but it's not like she liked her.

"I might throw up if you ask one more question about her."

"Gary!"

The two laughed and Ash just watched them. "No, really! I heard she and Ash are dating."

"Me—what?" Ash blinked. Gary turned toward him then looked at Serena. "This is bullsh*t. Ash is better than that, right, Ashy-boy?"

Ash chose not to reply. He'd end up saying something he'd regret saying in front of Serena his whole life.

"Oh, wow, that was close!" Serena giggled and flipped her hair. "I heard Dawn speak about it. I don't know where did she get this crazy idea from, but anyway, I wanted to make sure — well, seeing how you and Misty were close during high school, I thought maybe it was true, after all."

God, please make this bug go away... Ash just smiled back at Serena.

"Nah, they no longer talk. It's been awhile since Ash talked to that girl. Right?" Ash wished Gary would just shut up.

"Kind of."

"Oh, well! It was very nice talking to you, guys! I should go now. I hope we'll see each other again. Bye!"

"Bye Serena."

"Bye Beauty Queen." Serena giggled at Gary's nickname for her.

Ash turned toward Gary as soon as Serena was out of sight. "Couldn't you just shut up?"

"It's the truth. It has been a while you haven't talked to her."

"I just... I'll be back." Ash shook his head and started walking away. Gary just shrugged and went looking for his old classmates.

Ash walked over to the buffet. He slightly smiled, remembering how he and Misty would hide under the tables and eat. They never really went to the dance for the dance; it was just for having fun hiding under the buffet tables and eat from each other's' foods.

He shouldn't have kissed Misty. He shouldn't have. Even if he had feelings for her, he shouldn't have attempted the move. He should have confessed to her at first. It'd have been wiser. Jumping at your best friend of fifteen years and kissing her wasn't probably the best option. And worse, she has a boyfriend.

Ash sighed. He started filling his plate with food slowly. How would he talk to look at Misty's face again? They no longer called or texted each other. They don't see each other anymore. 

What has he done? Why did he have to act like a hormonal sixteen years old guy?

Ash sighed heavily this time, making people around stare at him.

He just couldn't believe how much he missed having Misty in his life.   

To be continued.