The Chase | Gruvia Fanfiction

Fifteen

Chapter 15

Ignore

I crumpled the paper in my hand, frustration boiling over, and tossed it forcefully into the nearest trash bin.

"What the hell?" I muttered under my breath, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling.

After stowing away my belongings in the locker, I closed the door with a decisive click. Just as I turned around, my heart leaped into my throat at the sight of Gray standing there.

"Gray?!" I blurted out, caught off guard by his sudden appearance. His presence loomed close, his piercing dark blue eyes locking onto mine. A slight smirk played on his lips, his tall figure and the scar on his forehead adding to his enigmatic aura. The scent of his expensive cologne filled the air.

"The one and only," he replied coolly, his smirk widening.

Instinctively, I pushed past him, my pulse racing. "Leave me alone," I muttered, my voice trembling slightly.

"Did you miss me?" I heard him chuckle softly as I hurried away.

Ignoring his question, I focused on calming my racing heart.

"Juvia, ignore him," I whispered to myself, trying to steel my resolve. Memories of what had transpired between us years ago surged back, reminding me why I had distanced myself from him in the first place.

He ignored you and went cold, right? So do the same!

"Okay, silence means yes," he chuckled, his footsteps echoing behind me as I quickened my pace. I turned sharply left, heading towards my room—and his room, too.

Realizing the classroom was a vulnerable choice, I bolted outside and sought refuge in the nearest comfort room.

"Perfect," I muttered under my breath, relieved to find myself alone.

"What's perfect?" His voice made me jump as he appeared beside the door. Confusion flickered across his face, morphing into amusement the moment our eyes met.

I hurried inside, but to my dismay, he followed me right in.

At least there were no other girls around.

"What do you want, Gray?" I forced my voice to sound indifferent, though my heart was pounding.

"Just wanted to greet you... welcome back!" He laughed, his tone shifting to seriousness. "Anyways, welcome back."

"Okay. And?" I countered, meeting his gaze with a steely expression.

"Okay? That's it?"

I stormed out of the comfort room with him trailing behind.

"What more do you want from me, Gray?" I turned to face him squarely. "That I wou-"

My words caught in my throat as I collided with his firm chest. Heat surged through me, my heart racing as sweat dotted my forehead. I felt his intense gaze upon me, freezing me in place.

His cologne, intoxicatingly familiar, seemed to envelop me.

Someday, I'd ask him about that perfume.

Wait, what was I thinking?!

Glancing up, I met his smirk once more.

With a push, I broke away and sprinted back to the classroom, sinking into my seat and feigning sleep.

Why did my heart react like that just now?

"Juvia," Lucy's voice broke my thoughts.

I cracked open one eye, scanning the room.

No sign of Gray anywhere.

What is it, Lucy?" I asked, glancing down at the paper she held out for me.

"Can you help me with this?" she requested, showing me the form she needed to fill out.

I nodded, focusing on assisting Lucy, but I couldn't ignore Gray's presence near the classroom entrance. He stood there with his arms crossed, leaning casually against the doorframe, his gaze fixed on me.

He looked composed, almost aloof.

But I didn't care.

Rolling my eyes, I turned my attention back to Lucy, determined not to let Gray's presence distract me.

That guy had some nerve, greeting me after treating me like nothing for the past two years. Acting cold and distant out of nowhere!

Seriously, what was his deal?

After classes ended, I made my way to the school gates, waiting for my driver to pick me up. Just when I thought I was in the clear, Gray appeared in front of me.

"Alone?" he remarked, casually draping his arm over my shoulder.

I shrugged him off quickly, irritation bubbling up inside me. He pouted in response.

"I don't need you, Gray," I retorted, walking away briskly. But to my annoyance, he followed closely behind.

What was it with him? Why couldn't he just leave me alone?

Was he seriously going to be my shadow now?

"Just a reminder, my lady," Gray's voice cut through my thoughts. "You can't easily forget about me. I know you still care. You still do." He smirked, that infuriating smirk of his, before turning and walking away.

I stood there, fuming silently.

Damn him.