Serena chose a fiery red, off-the-shoulder gown, similar to the one she had worn to the ball ten years ago.
The difference was that the childishness on her face from ten years ago was gone, replaced by the elegance of a young woman.
"It looks great! Serena, you'll definitely outshine everyone there!"
After choosing her gown, Serena and I arrived at the venue.
"This is my first time here since moving to Kanto. It's so glamorous!" Serena pulled me along as she looked around.
"Welcome to the Christmas Ball, everyone! Please enjoy yourselves and have a wonderful time!"
"Ash, let's go dance!"
"Yeah!"
Serena and I danced to the music. I wished time could stop at that moment.
"Ash, I'm so happy I finally get to dance with you!"
"Me too, Serena! Have my dance steps improved?"
"Yes, you're much better than you were ten years ago!"
After dancing, we enjoyed the fine food and wine the organizers had prepared.
"To all our guests enjoying their meals, we'll now begin the prize draw! Please check the numbers on your tickets!" The host onstage began drawing numbers.
"The next prize is a pair of Couple Bracelets! Number 1564!"
I looked at the raffle ticket in my hand. It was number 1288. No luck.
"I'm number 1564! I won! Let's go up and collect the prize, Ash!" Serena said, looking at her ticket.
Two hours later, Serena and I left the ball in high spirits.
On the way back, Serena suddenly reached for my hand, and I instinctively pulled it away.
"What's wrong, Serena?" I asked, startled.
"N-nothing!" Serena blushed.
"Really? All right, then!" I continued walking, pretending I hadn't noticed anything.
What else would happen on our way back? Stay tuned for the next installment.
"Ash, these... these bracelets we won.