>>53447954this ep was still somewhat early in DP.
As DP contained we see Ash and Dawn grow close(including shipping), and by the end of DP they are almost completely inseparable.
their relationship is one of the friends to lovers and of "not realizing you like one another".
Dawn is more aware of this than Ash of course but still not to the extent of people like Lyra or even brock who see the possible relationship visually.
Dawn's actions through DP show that she prefers Ash over other males even going as far as to reject kenny completely.
we see their relationship grow further in BW and JN, and in JN they are "duel shipped" with Goh and Chloe. Ash even makes Dawn blush. Also, Dawn was the only one there for Ash during his most significant moment.
