Fairy Tail High School: Itazura na Kiss (A Gruvia Story)

Masking

Chapter 17 - Masking

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hello! I forgot to mention this but, if it isn't obvious Brian is Brain. I couldn't justify calling him Brain in the story; what kind of name is that?

Also, Is anyone else just REALLY pumped for Fairytail: 100 Year Quest? I am so excited to see everything animated! I won't name any spoilers but, if you haven't read it yet— highly recommend it!

I would just like to mention that in my original plan for this story, this part of the plot is originally supposed to be like chapter 8 or 9. But, I unfortunately like to talk a lot so that's why we are here in Chapter 17 together. I hope you're all okay with that, I don't want to lose any one if you feel like I'm boring you guys!

As usual, I want to give you all my undying love. Your support burns in my heart with the intensity of The Sun. Thank you so so so much for following my journey throughout this story so far.

All of your likes, follows and comments give me all the joy!

—

[Juvia POV]

After debating internally, I have ultimately decided that Meredy was right. It's now or never. This is it. If he rejects me, I need to let him go. Make it or break it. I cannot keep stringing myself along this tightrope anymore. It's been years now, if I can't tell Gray how I really feel then I'm going to end up an old spinster!

My anxiety was building at the thought of each possible route this could go.

Why wouldn't he say yes? I don't want to get on my high horse or anything, but we have spent so much time together. We won the scholastic bowl together, raised a robot baby for a whole day together and he did technically kiss me when he gave me CPR. Right? That counts, I think.

On the other hand, I need to prepare myself for either part of these possibilities becoming a reality. He could very well reject me. After all, he is dating someone else. If he liked me over Daphne, wouldn't he be dating me?

Oh gosh, I'm psyching myself out now. I need to at least try to hope for a 60 to 40 chance that this will work for me.

Okay, I'm doing it. I headed for the door in the direction of his bedroom. However I couldn't get myself out the door. My nerves got the best of me, I turned back around and shut the door behind me.

Maybe I should practice first...

I looked at my reflection in the mirror and started to practice. With my whole heart I began, "Gray Fullbuster, I lo—."

Wait, is that too intense if I said the L-word?

Well, I do L-word him. At least I think I do. I've never really L-worded anyone before, but it feels right.

What if I scare him off? I don't want to catch him off guard more than I already am.

Uh... Let me try one more time, "Gray Fullbust—."

Hmm, maybe just Gray. It felt too formal using his whole government name. Or I need to try a cooler approach. Possibly a nickname?

When I turned back at my reflection, I shot myself some finger guns to shake it up, "Wassup, Dude?" I tested.

Nope, that's cringy. Not that. Gray is probably just fine.

I threw up a double peace sign, "Yo, Gray!"

Ew, that's cringier! What the heck? Should I try being more simple?

"Hey there, Gray?" I waved at myself pretending I was looking at him.