"Maybe he's. . .normal," Gray answered hesitantly, referring to a certain bluehead called Jellal. He was walking to school, ignoring the swarm of fangirls around him.

"What are you talking about?" Lucy asked, pacing next to him.

Gray shrugged. To be honest, he was rather angry too. No matter what, there was always a strange feeling about Jellal lurking inside him.

"I'm not giving up, you know that, right?" Lucy said, her eyes full of determination. "I'm not letting him sweep up my precious Eru and leave so many mysteries hanging around him. There's something fishy about that bastard." She switched her gaze to Gray. "If only you were brave enough."

"Brave enough for what?"

"To confess, you jerk! Then I wouldn't be worrying so much about Erza's future!"

He sighed. "I just need some. . ."

"Some time? So twelve years is not enough?! Listen, I'm going to make you confess if its the last thing I do!"

Gray rolled his eyes. That was how he acted on the outside. But on the inside, he cared. Even more than that, he was worried. He was worried that his family would be angry and disappointed in him if he confessed. He was worried that Lucy would never stop taunting him. He was worried that Erza would only recognize him as a friend. Most of all, he worried that he would have to compete with Jellal Fernandes, and something told him he would have to watch out.

Once Erza fixed her club's board on the table, she went on a search for Mr. Wakaba. She still had the Transformation Spells report to hand him. So here she was, on a crazy hunt for her Spells teacher. Still, he was nowhere to be found. As she walked down the halls, she heard "Titania this" and "Titania that" be in the midst of conversations. She tried to ignore it, but it still ticked her off that people would still call her that.

Except for Jellal. When her mind flashed back to that Tuesday morning at the library, she felt her face heating up. Until she heard Mr. Wakaba's familiar voice call her. Too bad he too, called her Titania.

"Titania! Titania!"

Erza focused on the owner of the voice. "Yes, Ms. Strauss!" she shouted. The nearby students were surprised to hear Titania's voice. Besides, it was a rare occasion. "Would you like something?" the redhead called, ignoring the students' reactions.

"Yes, I do, in fact." The assistant principal paced towards the redhead. "You're only one of the only students I trust, so if you please."

"Before that," Erza handed her homework paper to Ms. Strauss "Here's my Transformation Spells Report. Is it possible for you to hand this to Mr. Wakaba?"

She gave a nod. "Sure," she said as she took the sheet. Shee glanced at the paper before returning to the original subject. "I would need your help. You're not busy are you?" She continued when Erza shook her head. "Good, 'cause I trust you."

Erza looked at the booklet she received. It read Fairy Tail Academy: Map and Layout.

Ms. Strauss saw the redhead's eyebrows raise in curiosity. "It's a map to which room is where. Just so you can get a sense of where everything is," she explained.

Erza nodded. She was more than eager to give a tour. "So? Who's the group of people I'm helping? Are they parents? Administrators of another school? The mayor and the city council?"

Ms. Strauss giggled. "Silly girl! Never did I mention that you were guiding a group of people! You're guiding a student!"

"What do you mean?"

The assistant principal turned around and seemed to be making some sort of signal. What is she cueing for? Some sort of confetti shower? Or is it a signal for the jazz band to start playing out of nowhere? were the thoughts that ran through the redhead's mind. But her question was quickly answered when she saw someone stepping from the crowd. The person had that same blue hair and tea green eyes she had been seeing for a week. Sure enough, it was Jellal Fernandes.

Erza's eyes bulged from her eye sockets. She had to be dreaming, right? "Him?!" she asked, a finger pointing to the bluehead.

Jellal was just as surprised. He pointed to Erza. "Her?! She's my guide?"

Ms. Strauss's eyebrows furrowed. "Something wrong? Titania is the only, trusted person I find available. I'm sorry. Unless you want me to give you the tour, Jellal," she said, her voice full of anxiety. It took Erza one glance to realize that Ms. Strauss was sincerely apologizing and the redhead quickly spoke up. "Uh, no, Ms. Strauss. I was just, uh, really surprised that it was a student, and not a parent or whatnot." Well, that was the best excuse Erza could make.

Jellal quickly understood the redhead's actions. "Yeah." He faked a chuckle. "And I was surprised that it was another student giving the tour. I didn't mean anything, Ms. Strauss. I know you are busy, since today is the club contest." He bowed. "Sorry to worry you."

The assistant principal's mood quickly enlightened. "Okay then," she said with a smile. "I will be heading back to the main office if you need me. And," she raised Erza's homework, "I will give this to Mr. Wakaba."

"Oh! Would you mind if you also hand mine in too?" the bluehead asked and handed a folder to the lady. "To Mr. Wakaba, please."

Ms. Strauss took the folder, gave a nod, and disappeared in the flurry of students. The second she disappeared, the bluehead turned around to the almighty Titania. He cocked an eyebrow. "Where would you like to go, Titania?"

"Stop acting," the redhead countered.

He hushed the girl. "If someone heard what you just said, you're ruining your reputation with your attitude. Not just mine." he smirked. "Where do you want to go?"

"Wherever you want to go. What subjects interest you?"

Before Erza could respond, the bluehead took the lead. "Let's start with science."

"Hey!" the redhead called out. But it turned out that she also earned the attention of the nearby students. They were obviously intrigued. Titania was usually calling out for Gray or Lucy, but never have they seen her try to get Jellal's attention.

"You think something is going on between the two?" a student whispered to his club mate.

"I think I'm fainting. Never have I heard Titania's voice before. Squeee!" said another.

"Titania even sounds amazing when she yells!"

The redhead shouted for him to stop one more time, before turning around. He watched the redhead run towards him. "Don't go that fast," she panted, placing her hands on her knees. "Besides, that's not even the right way." She pointed towards the stairs. "Science rooms are in the lower levels."

He stood there, feeling stupid. So this is how embarrassment feels like. He watched as the girl pinched the end of his blazer sleeve. "Let's go, Jellal," she said, breathless. Jellal felt his chest pounding. After hearing Titania call his name so softly and cutely, he, himself, could barely breathe. And as the redhead's fingertips brushed against his wrist, it did not help him.

No I can't. This is not part of my plans. I have to stay away from Erza. That's right. Erza, not Titania.

He yanked his arm away from the redhead, and without another word, he made his way to the stairs. Whatever. I'll just skip the science section. I'll just go to the sports part at the gym. That way, she can never find me. He ran down the stairs, ignoring the call of his name.

When Jellal pushed open the gym doors, he wasn't surprised to see different teams practicing their respective sports since it was some people's free period. He stood there at the doorway, panting. He had ran down here. The more he thought about it, the more he questioned himself why he ran.

Oh geez, I dont care anymore. He jogged over to a bench and sat down, trying to catch his breath. He knew he wasn't supposed to be here. If Ms. Strauss found him here, and not with Titania, he's so dead. He was silently praying that no one realized his presence.

Too late.

"Jellal!" someone shouted through the gym. The blue-haired boy hesitantly craned his neck in the direction of the voice. It was Meredy, jogging towards him, her pink hair bobbing up and down as she ran. As the bluehead watched, he felt all eyes turn towards him. Damn! Why is Meredy so loud? And what made Jellal feel worse that Gray was watching him from the basketball game. And Jellal sure felt Gray's death glares alright.

The entire gym silenced as they watched Meredy approach Jellal. Besides, Jellal was still a newcomer, and students were very trying to know the transfer student as much as they could. Yup, awkward.

Jellal met Meredy's eyes. "Yes?" he managed to say with a smile. He still wanted to maintain a good impression on everyone.

The pink-haired girl beamed back. "So what brings you here to the gym?"

The bluehead was suddenly stumped. What should I say? I have to be careful with my words since everyone is eavesdropping. "I was, um, seeing how the sports teams were going. I'm here to give all the teams moral support!" He was secretly thankful that he was able to come up with random ideas from the top of his head, a talent he surely got from his mother.

Jellal some murmuring amongst the students.

Meredy smiled, her eyes crinkling. "Thanks! The girls table tennis team will need your support!" she said cheerfully. "Well, if that's all, see ya later!" the girl said and bounded away.

Jellal sighed in relief when she left. The students, once again, were bustling about, conferring with each other about what they learned about Jellal.

Just before Jellal could have a minute to himself, someone called for him again. Thankfully, the gym didn't turn all quiet again.

"Yes?" he said. Though he was smiling, Jellal was inwardly groaning and wishing people would leave him alone already. But he knew that was never going to happen. Maybe he should've been more solemn and quiet during the first day at Fairy Tail Academy. Too bad he couldn't go back in time.

Jellal was surprised when he saw Gajeel motioning him. "Get your ass over here!" the basketball co-captain said teasingly. Jellal had a bad feeling about it, but he walked towards Gajeel anyway. Well, Gajeel was a grade older than him, so Jellal had to obey his upperclassman.

When Jellal reached him, he clearly saw the mischievous glint sparkling in Gajeel's dark eyes. "How may I help you, Gajeel?" the bluehead asked, feeling a sweat bead trek down his neck.

"I want you to challenge someone with"–he took out a basketball and expertly twirled it with his finger–"this."

"Excuse me?" Jellal asked, incredulous.

The co-captain chuckled. "You look like a really cool guy, Jellal. I wanna see if you can beat"-he pointed to Gray-"him."

"What?!"

"Oh you heard what I said. Don't worry, I'm going to back you up." Gajeel patted the Jellal's shoulders. "I wanted to beat Gray for quite some time, and now I have the chance since I found you! How'd it sound?"

Jellal really wanted nothing to do with this. But Gajeel is his upperclassman. . .

"Sure," Jellal said enthusiastically. But he felt the complete opposite inside. He took a hold of the basketball. "Gajeel, call Gray please!" the Jellal commanded. Gajeel nodded and went to fetch his co-captain.

Meanwhile, all Erza could do was stare. She was peering into the gym through the gym doors. Her eyes followed Jellal, who was dribbling a basketball towards a small basketball court. She watched in amazement as the bluehead casually threw the ball into the air and the basketball went through the hoop so swiftly. Three points! He's just as good as Gray! Erza thought.

But Jellal was not supposed to stay here, and Erza knew it. She was about to run towards him and lead him out. . .until she saw Gajeel walking towards the blue-haired boy, followed by Gray.

Wait. What? Erza rubbed her eyes. Gray and Jellal? What are they doing?! Oh god, please don't tell me they're having a battle. But the flame in Gray's eyes gave Erza her answer. Oh no! I really should stop them! That's what Erza told herself, but her curiosity won her over. She stood there, motionless as she watched the three boys stand at the court. Gray stood at one side, Gajeel and Jellal at the other.

Gray was staring daggers at the bluehead. And it pissed him off even more that Jellal was avoiding eye contact. He snapped out of his dream when Gajeel started speaking.

"Gray! Gray, stop daydreaming!" Gajeel shouted. He watched his co-captain flinch. "Are you ready for the game? I'm going to beat your ass, Gray! You've beat me five times in a row, and I need to regain my pride!" Gajeel boasted. Jellal watched his upperclassman as sweat build up. "One. Two. Three!"

Gray was the first person to gain control of the basketball. He slipped past Gajeel and threw the ball. He heard Gajeel silently curse, for the ball went straight through the hoop. Gajeel then took the ball and started dribbling it around the court. "C'mon, Jellal! Why the hell are you so slow?! Jellal, get the ball! Here, I'll pass it to you."

To be honest, Gray was playing the game half-heartedly. He really didn't care who was going to win the match or how. He was just there because Gajeel told him that he will also be battling against Jellal. Gray took the basketball and made another shot with it. He watched as Jellal took control of it. When the bluehead threw the ball, it ran across the rim before falling in.

Gray quietly smirked. But he watched Jellal carefully. Erza was ever so interested in this Jellal, and Gray had yet to figure out why. And Gray had to admit, he was jealous, and he never felt jealous before. Besides, there was nothing to be jealous about before. For years upon years, Gray was the only guy (other than Natsu) that Erza interacted with. It frustrated him how Erza was interested in Jellal so suddenly and quickly. He couldn't understand the girl. Doesn't Erzza realize that Jellal wants nothing to do with her? However, Gray had always been by her side and taken care of her. In other words, he was feeling possessive.

When Gray got a hold of the basketball, his gaze was focused on the bluehead as he dribbled. Though Jellal was sweating and was rather worn down, he still smiled when he made eye contact with the dark-haired boy. Jellal's smile beamed so radiantly. And that's when Gray's temper snapped. He was so angry, so frustrated, and so jealous, that he threw the ball towards Jellal with so much force when he was actually supposed to aim for the hoop. Gray really didn't care anymore. But Gray didn't expect that the basketball would fly into Jellal Fernandes's face. . .hard.

And that's when Gray felt his popularity plummet.

I hope you all will enjoy the chapter. I put all my effort into it! Thank you everyone for reading! Thank you for all of your support every week! I really appreciate it! If it weren't for you, I would've stopped writing a looooong time ago (I don't like writing). I really appreciate you all, and you know it!