"I would like to speak to Titania," Jellal answered, looking at Lucy intently.

The four table mates froze, trying to process what just happened.

Gray's fork fell, clicking onto the floor when they fell. He suddenly felt a loss of appetite, for his desire for shrimp pesto pasta vanished. Is there something going on between these two? was the question he wanted the answer to so desperately. Erza, who was so enthusiastic when Jellal called on her, quickly felt the opposite when she realized he was referring to her friend instead.

Lucy stood there, angry. First, the smartass decided to ignore Erza, then try to flirt with ME, and now he just called me 'Titania'? The blonde walked up to the blue-haired boy, then smacked him.

Meanwhile, Jellal didn't prepare for such a response. He flinched when the blonde struck him. His hand went up to his cheek to soothe the mild pain. He stood there, dumbfounded and speechless. Suddenly, he felt a pang of embarrassment that hit him. Here he was, humiliated ever so quickly. He looked at the wall to try to avoid eye contact. He could tell everyone was not impressed with what he just said.

Just bear with it, Jellal told himself. I came to this school for a reason, and if I'm just gonna stand here like this. . . He slowly started walking away. He knew he would have to make up for this later.

"Hey, Jellal!" Lucy called. "Why don't you apologize to real Titania!" Jellal heard Lucy's orders but pretended not to in the commotion of the lunchroom. It was too embarrassing to even look back.

More importantly, Jellal didn't want her to recognize him.

By the time it was the last class of the tedious Monday, the news had been buzzing all over school about the latest transfer student. As Erza took her seat in Spells class, she eavesdropped to listen to what people had to say about it.

A male voice was the first one she heard, saying, "You know that new blue-haired kid? I heard his name is Jellal Fernandes."

"The transfer student is actually really nice and polite. He helped me pick up my books when I dropped them," a girl piped in.

"Well, he gave me his lunch for free! Hah! In your face!"

"He's actually pretty cool and good-looking. Hahaha. . .I wonder if he will take Gray's spot."

"A teacher told me Jellal's not from Magnolia. I wonder where he's from."

Erza listened intently. Most people in the seemed very interested in this newcomer, except for her of course. The redhead's chest tightened after thinking back to lunchtime's events. It just seemed like that Jellal just really had no interest in her at all. But this only intrigued Erza to want to know more about him. Never had she seen a person ignore her so bluntly. Even when Erza passes by the streets, people gawk at her beauty and poise.

If this Jellal doesn't care about me, then why should I? she asked herself for the billionth time today. The more she denied the question, however, the more she desired to figure out the answer to it. Erza sat there, deep in thought.

In fact, she was so deep in thought, she didn't even realize it when Gray and Lucy entered the room and called her name. "Just leave her alone for now," Lucy suggested and took her seat. Gray followed the blonde's advice.

Erza was only able to snap awake from her daydreaming when the class started shouting Jellal's name as he came in. Just as he did in his other classes, he greeted his classmates. And once again, Jellal failed to look towards the redhead's direction.

After hearing about the transfer student throughout the day, the students gathered around him. They obviously wanted to make friends with the new student and Jellal felt the same way towards them. He was so warmly accepted throughout the school, and he appreciated it.

Erza sat in her seat, watching her classmates happily chat with the newcomer. She wanted, so badly, to speak to him, and to at least say 'hi.' But never had she done that before. It would be others greeting her first. How does it feel like to greet someone? she wondered. Is it fun? Is it heartwarming? Is it scary?

When Mr. Wakaba arrived, the students quieted down as he started the lesson. For the first time, Erza wasn't paying attention to Spell lessons, which happened to be her favorite class. Instead, Erza watched Jellal, who was two rows in front of her. He was whispering to his seatmate, who was quietly snickering. Judging on how Jellal acts towards others, she couldn't blame her school mates if they believed he was friendly and sociable. Even if Mr. Wakaba called on him, Jellal would know exactly how to answer despite his constant talking.

But the redhead sat there watching, dumbfounded. If he really was that nice, maybe he should've talked to Erza something by now. Damn, he didn't even apologize that lunch period. "I'm not invisible!" Erza angrily murmured to herself. What was wrong with that boy!? She rummaged through her mind of what she possibly did wrong to him. Did I accidentally say something that offended him? Or is it that he wanted me to greet him first? During the entire class, Erza busied herself with ways she might've crossed the transfer student.

When the Spells class was dismissed, Erza packed her books as Lucy bounded towards her. "Erza!" the blonde shouted. "You're following Gray and me to the library, right?"

Erza froze at her spot. Instead of listening to her friend's question, she watched Jellal, who was talking to Lyon Vastia, one of the smartest students in the school. The two were having so much fun, Erza wished she could be that carefree with others around her. The redhead's thoughts were terminated by a familiar voice that sounded so smooth and calming. "Erza," Gray called.

"Yes?" Erza's breathing became uneven when she spotted the dark-haired boy.

"Mr. Wakaba gave us a Transformation Spells report. It's due on Friday, so you wanna go to the school library?" Gray asked with a smile.

Lucy giggled. "Guess Erza will only pay attention if it's Gray talking," she commented, only to have Gray smirking at her as a response.

Erza gave a long sigh and replied, "Sorry, but no." Lucy and Gray, who were in bright spirits two seconds ago, were suddenly speechless by their friend's response. Did Erza just say 'no' to going to the school library, which was Erza's favorite place in the ENTIRE world?

"I'm sorry, what?" Lucy asked. She had to clarify if what her friend said was real, and not a dream.

"I said, 'sorry, but no,'" Erza repeated as she heaved on her book bag. "I'm just really not in the mood today. I'll do it tomorrow then."

"What?!" Gray inquired. "Don't you love to finish your homework as quickly as you can? And this is Spells! Your favorite subject!"

"I'm sorry, Gray. I just wanna take a break today, please. I just don't feel that great." Erza's pleading eyes got the best of him. He knew something was wrong with his friend, but if that was all Erza was willing to share, so be it.

"Fine then," Gray said and pulled Erza into a hug. "Feel better, Eru." Erza felt so comfortable with Gray's familiar arms around her. She buried her head into Gray's chest and mumured, "I will."

Erza released the hug and watched Gray's radiant smile reappear.

"Sooooo. . ." Lucy started, trying to hide her laughter. "I'll get Natsu to come with us, okay Gray?"

Gray's mood suddenly shifted. "Geez, he's just gonna ask for my sandwich again," he said.

"Don't worry, I got a bagel for him."

It took him a while before he replied. "Then fine, Natsu can come. Just don't make out in front of me," Gray said.

Says the boy who has those 'lovey-dovey' eyes every time he spots Erza. Lucy told herself.

Lucy tugged on Erza's sleeve, signaling that it was time to leave. Gray took the lead. As Erza was nearing the door, she took a quick glance back. She saw Jellal, still talking to Lyon. And, even though it sounded so stupid to her, she was hoping. Hoping for Jellal to look in her direction and wave. Just one simple wave. But as usual, Jellal didn't even seem to notice Titania staring at him. He seemed too busy with his conversation with Lyon. When Jellal didn't even glimpse Titania, Erza felt. . .hurt.

But this was a different type of pain. It was a pain she never felt before. Sure, there were times when Erza injured herself and such. But it wasn't like a burn or a scrape; it was pain coming from her chest. But strangely enough, she doesn't know how else to describe this strange ache.

Erza let out a sigh as she walked down the hallway. Maybe I will be better tomorrow. she thought.

Back in the Spells room, Lyon and Jellal were talking. Since both of them came from places outside of Magnolia, they easily became friends. They both knew the feeling of leaving their beloved homes to go to Magnolia.

"So, how long have you been living in Magnolia?" Jellal asked.

"About. . .four years," Lyon answered. "My mother just thinks that there are more opportunities here, rather than back home."

"Oh, I see."

Lyon suddenly walked out the door and peered down the hallway. He went back to Jellal with a sigh of relief. "Thankfully, she's not here anymore," Lyon said, as he carried on his school bag. He was sweating anxiously before, but now knowing she's not around, he felt much more relaxed.

"Who?" Jellal wondered curiously. He slung his school bag around his shoulders.

"You really don't know?!" Lyon asked, surprised. "Titania, of course!"

The bluehead nonchalantly shrugged. "You mean that redhead? So?"

"'So?!'" Lyon repeated, his eyes widening. A smirk started to form on his face. "So you actually do know that Titania is the redhead and not the blonde."

"And?"

"Well, during lunch, you called Lucy 'Titania' instead of the redhead. I thought you seriously didn't know who Titania was. But, ha! Turned out you actually do and everything is just an act. Oh, Jellal. What exactly are you planning?"

"Nothing."

"Uh-huh," Lyon said sarcastically. "Also, you decide to greet everyone but her. I'm actually very observant. You didn't even wave a 'goodbye' to her. I know you saw her staring at you. There was a nervous glint in your eyes. Yet, you didn't even care to wave to her. Ah, I'm so jealous that Titania was staring at you like that."

"Why would I care? Then again, why should I?"

"Oh my Titania! She's the Fairy Queen! Her family is filthy rich! She lives in a mansion that takes up the WHOLE ENTIRE block! Damn, she's gorgeous! It's just spring, but once it's July, you can admire her flawless body," Lyon said with a blush on his face.

"Not like she's a real queen," Jellal commented. "And I don't care about how people look. She can have the most beautiful body in the world, but if her personality sucks, then forget about it."

"But she is nice!" Lyon protested.

"Let me ask you this: Did you ever talk to her?"

"No," Lyon admitted sheepishly. "But if she hangs out with Gray, I assume she is."

"She also hangs out with Lucy. I thought you said Lucy was snobby," the bluehead countered.

"Well," Lyon started. He didn't know what else to say, but he knew for sure that Titania was a very delicate and warm girl. He just didn't know how to prove it to his stubborn friend. Suddenly, a lightbulb appeared. "Say Jellal, did you ever see Titania smile?" he asked with a smirk.

"I don't give a damn for how she smiles," Jellal sneered. There was no way he was going to spend his time thinking of ways to make Titania smile at her. That just sounded so stupid. Titania is probably overrated. Geez, why do people still call her that name?

"Probably you just never saw her smile," Lyon chuckled.

"Whatever," he mumbled.

Lyon just stared at his friend, knowing that nothing was going to change the bluehead's mind. "Ah, so lucky, so lucky," he murmured to himself.

"So, you wanna go home?" Jellal asked, desperate to change the subject. More importantly, he wanted to stop thinking about the girl. He stood up from his seat and waited for Lyon. Jellal just wanted to get back home to relax. Honestly, today had been such a long day. He was still assimilating to life in Magnolia, and it was actually a lot rougher than he thought it would be. I guess I haven't been here for quite some time. he thought.

Lyon started the conversation as they started their walk home. "So when are you going to do the Transformation Spells report. You do know that it's mandatory to use the school library."

"Yeah. You said that I can go there from 5:30 AM to 6 PM, am I right?"

"Mm-hmm. I live rather far from school, so maybe I'll do it tomorrow afternoon. If you live close to school, you can use it in the morning. But then. . .Where do you live?"

Jellal shrugged. "I really don't know. My mom just picked me a random place to stay. Still, I have to pay most of the rent while my parents pay the rest. I'm going to need to find a job soon."

His friend nodded. "Why are you paying most of the rent? I thought it was your parent's idea for you to live here."

Jellal shook his head. "Mine."

Lyon was so astonished, an audible "Woah" escaped his lips. "Why though?" he asked.

"Er," the bluehead said. He didn't really know what to say. In fact, he wasn't supposed to tell anyone. At least, not yet. "I'll tell you. . .one day." he answered. Jellal inwardly sighed of relief when Lyon didn't question him anymore about his reason to live in Magnolia.

"Hey, how about you give me the address to your place and I'll help you with directions," Lyon suggested.

Since he really doesn't know much about the layout of the city, Jellal scribbled his address on a piece of paper and handed it to his friend. But Lyon just turned out more surprised than he already was. "W-wow," Lyon stammered. "Um, Jellal, are you sure this is the right place?" he asked. Jellal didn't know what was so surprising. Geez, it was only a house. Still, he took out his phone to compare the address he wrote down to the address his mother sent him.

"Yeah, that's about it," Jellal confirmed.

Lyon smirked again. Something was going on, and Jellal could feel it. "Let's get going, then!" Lyon said. "I'll lead you there. I've only been in that area rarely, but I got a GPS on my motorcycle just in case we get lost. You got a motorcycle too, right?"

No matter how much the maids pleaded for her to eat, Erza didn't have an appetite. She only took a sip of orange juice, but it only made her feel worse. And here Erza was, plopped on her soft bed as she stared up at her bed canopy.

Maybe I should start my homework. It's already four. Erza craned her neck and spotted her school bag lying on the soft, red, carpeted floor. She stood up and walked towards the bag. While rummaging through her items, she spotted her hat and sunglasses she used that morning. I'm just going to use that tomorrow then. she said as she placed the items on the nearby desk. Just as she pulled her "Guild Studies" book out, a knock sounded on her door.

"Yes?!" Erza shouted. She placed her Guild Studies book on the desk, then walked towards the door. "I'll be there!"

"Erza!" her mom's voice called again from the door.

"I said that I'm coming, Mother!" the redhead yelled. She opened the door and saw her parents standing at the door. Her mother was as beautiful as always, and her blue dress made her look stunning. Her father, who was wearing a tuxedo, looked outstanding with his outfit. Erza had to hold in her breath because her parents looked amazing together. Erza knew that her parents must've been more than attractive when they were younger.

"How may I help you two?" Erza asked, suddenly realizing she was spending too much time admiring her parents.

"Erza," her father started. "We're going to Oshibana Town for a really big client meeting. I think you were already aware of that."

"How long are you going to be gone then?" Erza inquired, and she saw her parents look at each other nervously.

"I. . .really don't know," her mother answered earnestly. Her eyebrows knitted, expressing her sadness for leaving her only child. "Sweetie, even if everything goes well, it will be about three months. . ." Her mother's voice trailed off.

Her father tried to be encouraging. "Don't you worry, Erza! Look, you're already seventeen! My, do years pass by quickly! I know that you can take care of yourself fine!" He gave a broken smile.

"Okay then," Erza sighed. It was one of her parent's business trips, and she hated it when they left her alone, only to be with the maids and other house servants. She envied her classmates who came home to their parents every afternoon. Erza knew her parents didn't want to leave her either, but it was necessary.

"But, Erza!" her mother piped in, trying to enlighten the mood. "Actually, you have one responsibility while we're gone." she continued as her daughter raised her eyebrows in curiosity. "You see," her mother started, "there's going to be a tenant who is renting a few rooms. You know the right-wing of the second floor? Since only you are going to be living in the house, I just rented it out. That should be okay with you, right?"

Erza shrugged. "If the tenant doesn't nose around, then, of course, I don't mind."

Her mother gave a smile. "Actually, your father and I are going to welcome the tenant when he arrives. After that, we are going to catch our train. If you want, you can drop by. Just make sure you will still have enough time for homework."

The redhead nodded. "Will do," she said as she closed the door. Erza let out a long sigh. There was just way too many things going on today! But she knew that she would still have to greet the tenant since it's common courtesy. Knowing she didn't have that much homework that day, Erza looked through her closet, trying to find an outfit. No way. . .Too dull. . .Don't like the color. . .Wait, why are Mother's clothes in here?!. . .That's just WAY too revealing. . .

In the end, Erza decided on a white blouse with a red skirt. "This should do," she murmured to herself as she changed. Just as she slipped on her shoes, the house bell rang. "Wow, perfect timing," she commented. She knew the tenant had arrived, and by now, he was probably at the entrance hall. Her parents were already there, and they might be a little disappointed if she arrived too late. So, Erza flew out of her room and ran down the stairs to the first floor.

Along the way, she heard her servants scolding her.

"Erza! Please slow down, you'll get injured!"

"Take your time! There's no need to rush."

"If you run that fast, people are going to see your panties!"

The redhead ignored their comments and made her way to the entrance hall. She was pretty sure her father would admonish her later, but whatever. Showing up for at least a minute was better than nothing.

Erza slowed down her pace when she neared the entrance hall doors for two reasons. One, she was catching on her breath from a long run from her room to the hall. Two, she didn't want the tenant to hear her running. Geez, the tenant might think that the manor had a mad bulldog running around. That wouldn't be such a good first impression, would it?

The closer she got to the entrance hall door, the conversation in the hall became more audible. Well, would you look at that! That's only because the hall door is still partially open.

Erza reached for the doorknob and was about to enter. But she froze in her tracks.

". . .I'll make sure the rent will be given. Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate it."

No way! It couldn't be! It just can't! Erza, trying to clarify the situation, peeped through the door gap. Then, her blood ran cold. She felt her eyes widen in disbelief as she recognized the distinctive blue hair and red tattoo. She rubbed her eyes, waiting for something to happen. But nothing did. Then she realized.

Her new tenant was going to be Jellal Fernandes.

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