The Chase | Gruvia Fanfiction

Five

Chapter 5

Cold

"So Juvia, do you have siblings?" Gray asked casually. I paused, taking a moment to consider my response.

"Uh, wait Gray, I need to call my dad about something," I deflected, feeling torn about whether to reveal the truth. Eventually, I decided against it, not wanting to complicate things by mentioning Natsu, who was his best friend. 

"Do you want me to bring you home later?"

"Actually, it's okay," I added hastily. "Dad will pick me up."

"Alright then," Gray nodded understandingly. "See you tomorrow."

I let out a relieved breath as he left. That was a close call.

Later that evening, Natsu and I finally managed our long-awaited movie marathon. We crept downstairs, giggling like kids, careful not to wake Dad. It was dark, nearing nine o'clock, but I didn't mind staying up late this time—it had been a while since we'd spent quality time together. Natsu grabbed snacks from the kitchen while I kept watch near the staircase, alert for any signs of Dad stirring.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed from the staircase upstairs, signaling Dad's descent. I quickly turned on the walkie-talkie Natsu had given me earlier.

"Natsu! I think Dad's awake! Hide!" I whispered urgently.

"Yeah, you too," Natsu's voice crackled back, accompanied by his laughter. I hid behind the heavy curtains beside the staircase, peeking out cautiously as Dad appeared, still groggy, talking on his phone.

He moved towards my hiding spot, and I pressed myself against the wall, heart racing. "Please, please," I silently pleaded, hoping not to be discovered.

"Wait a minute, Gildarts," Dad's voice drifted closer, and I held my breath.

"I think my wife's visiting me," Dad continued, his tone half-joking, half-nervous. I stifled a chuckle, amused by Dad's unease but worried for Natsu's safety.

The walkie-talkie buzzed again, and I turned it on.

"Juvia, when I say go, head upstairs, okay?" Natsu instructed, his amusement evident even over the radio.

"But what about you?" I whispered back.

"I've got a plan," he chuckled, and I nodded in response, though he couldn't see me.

"Okay, okay."

"One... two... three... go!" Natsu's voice came through, and I hurried upstairs to his room, waiting anxiously.

Soon after, I heard noises from the backyard. Peering over the balcony, I spotted Dad outside.

Moments later, Natsu burst into the room, loaded with snacks and laughing.

"Hey Natsu, guess what? Dad was scared stiff!" I laughed, recounting Dad's reaction.

"Seriously? And Juvia, guess what Dad said on the phone? 'I think my wife's visiting me,'" Natsu chuckled along with me, sharing the joke.

Afterward, we settled in for our movie marathon, enjoying each other's company like old times. I cherished these moments with my brother, despite feeling a growing distance since he started dating Lisanna.

The next day, I arrived at school with a smile, hair neatly styled. Natsu had already headed to class. When I reached our room, Gray was already seated, looking charming as ever.

At lunchtime, I headed towards our usual spot, expecting to join Gray, but he abruptly stood and left.

What's wrong with him?

Sighing, I started eating alone, trying not to let his sudden departure bother me.

"It's okay, Juvia," I reassured myself silently. "Maybe he's just having a rough day."

Returning to class after lunch, I tapped Gray on the shoulder. He turned sharply.

"What? Can't you see I'm studying?" he snapped, his tone cutting.

"Uh, are you mad at me, Gray?" I asked, taken aback by his unexpected coldness.

"I'm trying to concentrate, Juvia," he retorted, turning away abruptly.

I couldn't hold back the tears at his harshness.

What did I do wrong?