With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilty

Chapter 32

Poor Juvia felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. When she'd first met Lyon, he seemed like a nice guy—charming, polite, and clearly interested in her. But truthfully, she hadn't been in the mood to date anyone. Still, after a bit of persistent nudging, she'd agreed to just one date... mostly to distract herself from the boy she actually liked.

But now—just her luck—the boy her heart pined for turned out to be Lyon's roommate.

"Gray... I didn't know you were Lyon's new roommate," she said, fidgeting with her sleeve.

"And I didn't know you were his date for the evening," Gray replied, trying to keep his voice neutral.

"If I had known you two were sharing a dorm, I would've told you..."

Gray's tone turned slightly defensive. "Why? Why would you feel the need to tell me? I mean, it's not like you need my permission to date someone. And it's not like I'd be upset or anything if you did..."

From behind him, Natsu smirked and muttered, "Me thinks the gentleman doth protest too much."

"Shut up, Natsu," Gray snapped, not even turning around.

Juvia looked up at him carefully. "So... you're not upset that I'm going out with Lyon tonight?"

"Of course not," Gray said quickly—too quickly. "He's a great guy. I'm glad you found someone nice."

Just then, Lyon entered the room, completely oblivious to the awkward tension.

"Hey Gray, who were you talking to—Juvia? What are you doing here? Our date's not for another four hours."

"I know," she replied, recovering her composure. "I just wanted to let you know I might be a little late. I've got to stay after for play rehearsal."

Lyon gave her a gracious smile. "No problem. I can wait. Thanks for the heads-up." He turned to the others. "Oh, by the way, this is my new roommate Gray Fullbuster. And... I have no idea who the guy with the pink hair is."

"It's salmon! Not pink!" Natsu protested, arms crossed.

Juvia giggled softly. "I already know them, Lyon. Gray's aunt and my sister-in-law are friends—they have tea every Thursday. And the guy with the 'salmon' hair is Natsu, Gray's close friend."

"Huh. Small world," Lyon said, surprised. "I had no idea you all knew each other so well."

"Gray and Juvia are more than just 'well acquainted', if you ask me," Natsu muttered under his breath.

Gray immediately thumped him on the head. "You're not helping."

Trying to change the subject, Juvia turned to Lyon. "Did you know Gray works for my brother?"

Lyon blinked. "Oh, the guy who runs that newspaper company? I didn't."

"Must've slipped my mind," Gray said casually. "I just take the pictures, that's all."

"I saw the photos you took for the article about Professor Lancer," Juvia said. "They were amazing. Black Demon didn't hurt you, did he?"

"No," Gray said quickly. "He didn't even know I was there."

"Well, I'm just glad you weren't hurt. Poor Professor Lancer, though..."

Lyon scoffed. "If you ask me, it served him right."

Juvia looked at him, startled. "Lyon! How can you say something like that?"

"He was a smug, know-it-all jerk. He had it coming."

"I wasn't his biggest fan either," Juvia admitted. "But that doesn't mean he deserved to be attacked."

"Yeah, Lyon," Gray chimed in. "I know he was rough on you, but don't you think that's a bit harsh?"