Warning: If you didnt read the previous chapters you will be so fucking confused so best to go back with this link: https://my.w.tt/nw0KOnbfRcb
Chapter 8: Trouble for Both
You gotta be kidding me." Gray grumbled in disbelief. He still tightly clutched the newspaper that headlined what could either make or break his career.
It was about 9 in the evening, and he just trudged through his door. Gray flopped on the couch, his limbs sprawled any which way. He was the personification of a mess right now.
The talk with his manager, Mr. Kyoji was unusually awkward and gruesomely long.Gray wasn't usually one to formally apologize but if it saved his ass from punishment, it was worth it.
He never knew what the protocol was for this type of situation, fraternizing with a rival band. He guessed him and Juvia could always vouch they were just hanging out as friends. But either way rumors would start, considering it was just the two of them. Plus he didn't have the most squeaky clean record involving females.
Either way, it damaged Juvia's career the most however you looked at it. The public always seemed to target women the most when it came to romantic endeavors. Not that there ever would be one between them now.
Gray chuckled horsely as he thought back to 3 days ago. So much had happened in so little time, that he never even got to process Juvia's rejection. Not that it was a proper one.
It seemed like everything was going great at first and then it was as if she completely changed into a different entity. She became snarky and he dare say bitter. It didn't make any sense to him. Why would anyone ever be bitter with him? Well he had a few reasons but its not like he even knew the girl for long. The scene kept replaying in his head, although he knew it was useless to think about it now.
The more he thought about it the more he got pissed. Who the heck did she think she was? He hadn't done a damn thing and he definitely didn't deserve to get verbally trashed like that. It all just left a sour taste in his mouth.
"That girl...whats with her." Gray mumbled to himself more than anyone.
Gray rested his eyes as he only took in the sound of his own breath. He hated when it got like this. So quiet. He honestly despised when it became so stilled, as if the world stopped spinning. He hated it, as it felt like there was a missing element. In his life, his home and even maybe his heart. Although Gray would never admit it , even to himself.
Gray's stomach grumbled ferociously and it reminded him of his lack of food from today. Gray's contemplation of whether to order pizza became meaningless, as a ring echoed throughout his apartment.
Gray pressed reject and slouched back into his couch, again trying to create the somber mood once more. Once again the phone rung, and with the same unknown digits.
Probably some crazy fan found out his number, although he couldn't imagine how. Guess he had to change it once again. Unless it was...
He did give his actual phone number to Juvia, even if she didn't give hers. He picked up almost a little too quickly and tried to sound as natural as possible.
"Is this Gray Fullbuster?"
Anddd not Juvia. As he reached for the decline button, he couldn't help but recognize the voice in his subconscious.
"Um Lucy Heartfilia? From 'Fairies'. We were introduced after our concert-"
" Wait which girl were you again?? The red haired hot one?"
"What- no! I'm the blond one! This is already irritating..." There was a discreet groan at the end of the line before she cleared her throat and took on a more stern tone.
" I'm calling because I wanted to ask about the day you went out with Juvia."
Well this was not what he was expecting.
"Oh thank god. Thought this call was because you wanted to hook up or some shit."
"I really want to hang up right now, but I need answers. Tell me what happened before you end up on my shit list please."
"How about this- you tell me who gave you my phone number. I deserve to at least know that much."
He could feel the girl roll her eyes even over the phone.
" You can if you want answers. What's it gonna be blondie?"
" Fine. It was from the paper in Juvia's....purse."
"Wait. Don't tell me you stole her purse and took my phone number? The hell-"
"I didn't steal! It was just sitting there! And I remember you giving her yours on that tiny piece of paper."
"ANYWAY! Can you answer my question today please?"
Gray scratched his head, contemplating on how much to tell her. The event was a bit embarrassing, even for him. Not like all his dates ended that badly.
" To be honest, not much. We went on a date and things were going well. Then she just freaked out and blew up at me when we were heading back. That's all really."
There was no answer on the other end.
" Hey are ya still there??"
"Yeah dummy, do you hear a beep? And wow. Juvia looked totally not into you when you guys first met. Surprised she even agreed to a date."
Gray could feel his cheeks burning in embarrassment.
" Well I sort of saved her life, so it would be nice if you just shut up."
Lucy frowned as she twisted her blond hair in between her fingers. A quirk known to all her closest friends when she was in deep thought.
" Another thing. I have only seen Juvia get pissed once in my entire life. And I've known her for 3 years."
"You known her for that long? Was she as difficult back then as she is now?"
"You must have said something really dickish. I swear to God if you said anything to hurt her feelings-"
"Of course not! If anything I'm the victim!"
" Yeah, well explain why Juvia hasnt come out of her room for 3 days, except for practice!?"
"How the hell would you know that?"
" Juvia, Levy and I all live in the same complex. So I know-"
"That's fucking weird, just saying. What are you, her babysitter?"
" You know what? I don't need to take this shit. I'm hanging up!" Lucy seethed.
"And make sure you give my number back to her so she can apologize whenever."
The only thing that met his voice was the sound of continuous beeping.
Great. That girl had to call him, demanding answers and make him remember the incident all over again. Gray frustratingly glided his fingers through his frazzled hair. Not like he wasn't already thinking about it, for some unexplainable reason.
What bugged him in the back of his mind though was a bit unsettling to him. Why did Juvia even keep his number if she really hated him that much? In fact, she could have threw it away as soon as she had gotten it from him.
He wondered if she would have called him first if he just did absolutely nothing. Gray cursed under his breath before he trudged up to the bedroom. Feeling the coolness of the newly washed sheets gave him temporary comfort to the ache in his heart.
At times like this, he could still hear the softness of his mother's voice. It plagued him so, but at times like this he appreciated the soothing voice setting his mind at ease. Hearing a voice that you knew you could never touch, felt eerie at times. But when he would try to recall the appearance of the voice which beckoned him so much, there was always nothing.
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