The Chase | Gruvia Fanfiction

Fourteen

Chapter 14

Note

I stormed out of the restroom, my steps purposeful as I entered the bustling canteen. Everything looked the same—the familiar tables, the counters, and especially the seat beside the window.

Walking with my head held high, I made my way to the counter, aware that some students from other grades were stealing glances my way. I ignored their stares, focusing on my destination.

Passing by a table filled with boys, I caught Gray's intense gaze from the corner of my eye. Natsu, sitting nearby, also glanced at me briefly, adhering to our silent agreement to pretend we didn't know each other. He was always the overprotective older brother.

Rolling my eyes, I continued to the counter.

"A slice of strawberry cake, please, and orange juice," I requested, scanning the unchanged surroundings of the canteen.

The person taking orders stared blankly at me for a moment, clearly taken aback.

"I hate repeating myself," I quipped, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, yes, miss. Sorry about that," she replied quickly, placing the cake and juice in front of me. "It's just... I haven't seen you in years."

I nodded. "Good to see you again, too." With my order in hand, I headed for my favorite seat next to the window.

It felt strangely comforting to return to that spot, despite the memories it held.

I unlocked my phone, pretending to be engrossed in something important as I absentmindedly scrolled through old photos in my gallery.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could feel Gray's gaze fixed on me. Even after two years, he still had this strange effect on me.

"Juvia, what happened two years ago was just infatuation. Okay? It was far from love. It was nothing," I silently reminded myself, trying to shake off the memories.

When break was over, I returned to the classroom where the teacher droned on about school policies and the grading system. I was nominated as class vice president again, greeted warmly by classmates curious about what I'd been up to.

Among the students, I spotted Lucy from afar. She seemed kind-hearted yet solitary.

Throughout the session, I sensed Gray's eyes following my every move, but I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze.

At lunchtime, I opted for pasta. Instead of heading to my usual spot by the window, I approached Lucy's table. There was something about her that reminded me of my former self.

"Oh, hey there!" I greeted her with a warm smile, causing her to look surprised and stand up abruptly.

"Is this your spot? I'm sorry!" she exclaimed apologetically.

"No, no, it's not actually my spot. Mind if I join you?" I asked politely.

"Sure!"

I settled in beside her, enjoying my pasta while she sipped on her soda, the canteen buzzing with lunchtime chatter around us.

"So, you're Lucy, right?" I asked, breaking the ice as we sat together in the bustling school cafeteria.

"Yeah, and Juvia?" Lucy replied, her tone curious yet warm. "You seemed to be popular here."

I chuckled softly, shaking my head. "Nope, just someone who used to study here and made a few acquaintances along the way."

"It's pretty tough starting fresh in a new school," Lucy sighed, glancing around at the students milling about.

"Yeah, that's exactly how it felt two years ago," I admitted, recalling the initial challenges of fitting in.

"What was it like before?" she asked, leaning in with genuine interest.

"Just the same," I shrugged, reminiscing briefly before steering the conversation to lighter topics. We chatted amiably until it was time to head back to class after lunch.

In the classroom, I walked over to my locker to organize my notebooks. As I opened it, a flash of surprise crossed my face when I noticed a gray-colored paper tucked neatly inside.

Curious, I unfolded it to find a short message written in bold letters:

"It's been a while, hasn't it? No need to say who I am. But if you need a hint, What's the color of the paper? That's it, Gray."

I felt a mix of emotions—surprise, curiosity, and a twinge of nostalgia. Gray's cryptic note stirred memories I had tried to bury.