With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilty

Chapter 43

Juvia stools in her dressing room, dressed in an elegant Victorian-style costume. Her makeup was flawless, and her hair was pinned up, neat and impeccable. From the outside, she looked every bit the seasoned professional actress. But inside, butterflies fluttered wildly in her stomach. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt this nervous. If she didn't deliver this role perfectly, she knew she might have to say goodbye to her dream of becoming a true actress.

Knock-knock!

"Come in."

Juvia's anxiety melted into pure joy when she saw Gray step into her dressing room, holding a small bouquet of flowers.

"Gray! You made it."

She hugged him tightly, relief flooding her.

"I just wanted to wish you luck and give you these," Gray said, handing over the flowers. "Sorry they're so small—I couldn't afford anything bigger."

"They're perfect," she smiled, inhaling their scent. "Besides, I'm just glad you're here."

"I heard Gajeel wouldn't be able to come."

"Yeah, but I'm not upset. Levy needs him more right now. It's bad enough my parents will never see me perform, and now my poor brother has to miss it while Levy's in the hospital. But knowing you're here makes it so much better."

"Really? I didn't think I mattered that much to you."

"Well, you're pretty much my best friend—and those aren't easy to come by," she said warmly. "Is your aunt with you?"

"Uh-huh. Good thing, too—there was no way she was letting me miss your show."

"Gray, after the performance, I'm heading to the hospital to be with Gajeel and Levy. Would you want to come with me?"

"I'd like to, but I have something important I need to take care of afterward."

"What is it?"

"I can't say, but if I get it done quickly, I'll come with you. No promises, though."

"That's okay. I understand," she said with a kind smile. "You better get to your seat—the show starts in five minutes."

"Right. Break a leg."

Gray left Juvia's dressing room and settled into the reserved seats beside Ur. Before the show began, his eyes scanned the audience until they landed on Natsu. Seeing him sparked a fierce determination—Gray was going to find him as soon as the play ended.

Five minutes later, the curtains rose and the play began. Juvia was a natural. She delivered every line perfectly, with just the right touch of emotion. Gray noticed the brief moments when nerves flickered in her eyes, but each time he smiled at her from the audience, her confidence seemed to soar back.

Bathed in the spotlight, wearing that pastel Victorian dress with her hair pinned up and adorned with delicate beads, she looked like an angel—at least to Gray, she truly was.

When the final scene ended, the audience erupted in applause, cheers, and even whistles. Juvia floated on a cloud as she returned to her dressing room, overwhelmed with joy. She hadn't failed. She'd given a performance they all loved.

"Now I can breathe," she said, a smile spreading across her face.

She was just about to start undressing when there was a knock at the door—again.

"Oh, Gray? Is that you?"

She opened the door but froze, stepping back in shock. It wasn't Gray—it was Natsu, standing there with a cold, intense stare that sent a chill down her spine.