I am convinced they're canon change my mind

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After finally making it into the M8, you would think Ash would want to spend every possible second hanging out with the champions. These are the strongest trainers in the world, and Ash knows and admires all of them (Iris is a close friend as well). Opportunities like this don't exactly pop up every other day! Next to Iris, Cynthia is probably the one that knows Ash best, and his absence doesn't go unnoticed by her (Lance, on the other hand, is too busy being serious, and Steven can't risk disrupting that cool guy aura he's got going on).

So where is he??

Oh.

Of course. 😂

Keep in mind that Ash didn't know Hop would be sitting with Goh. That makes this extra sweet because Ash didn't want Goh to be by himself. 🥺 Or, Ash just thinks it will be more fun to watch the M8 battles with Goh. Either way, this just further shows how much Ash enjoys Goh's company. The two already practically do everything together and spend all day with each other (before going to sleep in the same room, so technically all night too), and yet still, Ash chooses Goh over a room full of champions. 💖

Out of the three boys, Goh is the one that looked the most serious/concerned during the first battle. Ash may not be the slightest bit nervous about his upcoming matches... but I get the impression Goh is gonna worry enough for both of them. 🤣

This competition truly matters to Goh because he knows how important it is to Ash. If Goh simply cheered Ash on and never showed any signs of concern that he could fail, then his friendship with Ash would be superficial. The way he worries about Ash and his dreams? That really says a great deal about how much Ash matters to him.

Just as Ash choosing to spend his time with Goh at the M8 competition really says a great deal about how much Goh matters to him.

You can certainly relate to that, can't you Ash? 🤣

Cuddling is defined as, "hold close in one's arms as a way of showing love or affection." Close enough, and none of you better argue with me. 😜

Ash: *stares at Goh* 😍 (... there is no "or" 🤣)

Okay, Ash, we've gone from cute to borderline creepy. Just how long were you staring at Goh!? 😂

And what's your excuse, Pikachu?? Do you secretly want Goh to be your new trainer?

Don't hurt me, Ash stans... 😨

You're just too good to be true

Even though this is the final Project Mew mission, and Goh's last chance to qualify as a Chaser, he doesn't want Ash giving up what little training time he has left before the M8 tournament starts.

Ash has been a great help to Goh in past missions, and Goh knows he stands a better chance at completing the mission and being a step closer toward his dream with Ash at his side. As important as his dream is to him, he's not willing to achieve it at the cost of Ash failing to reach Leon due to a lack of training.

Goh won't risk both their dreams, and that's so thoughtful of him. 🥺💖

I think this also ties in with what Goh said to Kiawe in episode 37:

As much as they support and cherish each other's dreams, Ash's dream of battling Leon is his own, as is Goh's dream of catching Mew. There will come a moment where each of them will find their dream within reach, a point in their lives that will forever be special to them. It will be Ash's moment when he is facing Leon from across the battlefield, and it will be Goh's moment when Mew appears before him after years of searching.

Goh not only goes it alone on the final mission so that Ash can have more time to train, but he also does so for personal reasons. He needs to prove to himself that he has the power to reach for his dream, and wants to become stronger along the way.

This, in turn, strengthens the bond between Ash and Goh, because it once again shows how much they care about each other. Ash was willing to sacrifice valuable training time ahead of the most important tournament of his life, and Goh was willing to forgo help on one final, crucial Project Mew mission that he had to pass.

Last time it was "take me on a journey to your heart" and now we get "I'll go anywhere if I'm with you." 🤣 I approve dub, I very much approve!

Not that anyone here needs a reminder that Goh is Ash's strong, protective, supportive, and just all-around wonderful boyfriend, but... I'm gonna remind all of you anyway. 😂 Enjoy this collection of Goh being the top tier boyfriend that he is! 😊

🏳️‍🌈ITS PRIDE MONTH🎉🏳️‍🌈

Where have you been all this time, Hop!? WHERE!? Ah well... better late than never, I guess... doesn't mean I can't still be a little salty he wasn't a recurring character during Journeys' run... 🙄

Can we get some cute/funny Goh/Hop interaction during the competition, please?? 🥺🙏 I wanna see the two have a friendly clash over who is gonna be crowned the new World Champion! Hop's super dedicated to his brother—he idolizes him... and, well, we all know how Goh feels about Ash! 🤣❤️ LOOK at those tears! That big smile! The boy cannot contain his love pride for his boyfriend! 😭 The back and forth between these two could be soooo good! Goh already thinks Leon is pretty cool (not AS cool as Ash, of course! 😉), but I'd love a scene where Hop admits to Goh that Ash isn't "half bad" after Ash pulls some crazy, off the wall stunt that has like a 0.01% chance of working... yet surprise, surprise... works. 😂

The Kanto kids are getting closer as friends :3

This is an important episode so: Spoilers below!

anyways here's some doodles !! 💕