Hello, everyone! Welcome back to TTWBIS. I'm very excited to get this going, and I hope you all are too!Enjoy! Chapter 2: The Game Starts

Erza could feel a headache cooking up in her head, but she pushed through the pain, her eyes on the screen.

She had waited for hours for a reply from her friend, yet, it never came. Erza was only met with a piercing headache and fatigue. But she had to persist because that boy's been in her head all day. She knew it was such a cliché thing to say, but it was wholeheartedly true.

Though, she couldn't exactly ask her friends about him because his mask covered his features. This only left so much to base her search off of. And he wouldn't be looking for her since they only studied each other for a couple of minutes. (Or so she thought). After that, they parted ways: Erza went with Lucy and Juvia, and the man climbed into his car. Off he went into the night, literally without a trace.

Which left Erza with no leads, no evidence, and no way to get in touch with him. It was pointless to try; there'd be no way to unmask him. The scarlet girl wanted to cry. It was beyond frustrating to find out you wouldn't be able to locate him. Especially since he was so cute. Even if he was covered in a ridiculous costume.

She huffed and swung herself over the bed. There'd be no time for useless obsessions over guys you just met when there was work to be done. At least, that's what she told herself. The heart has a mind of its own. The heart can lead you to all sorts of places.

That's how she ended up driving to Lucy's place, classical music playing softly in the background. It always helped her to reorganize her thoughts- which is what she exactly needed at the moment. She then proceeded down the street, curving right to Lucy's place, and parking adjacent to the sidewalk.

Erza silently walked up the concrete stairs to the polished oak door, leading to a comfy yet tiny, one-bedroom apartment. Lucy enjoyed the small things in life, and, due to living in a giant mansion all her life, liked to live small. It was something Erza could appreciate.

Hesitant, she knocked quietly on the door. Like a shockwave, Lucy immediately sprung to the front door, greeting her friend with a large smile. Inside, she could hear some chill music bouncing off the walls, which meant she was most likely working before she opened the door. Erza was amply knowledgeable enough in social etiquette to know that you shouldn't force your way into a home, but this was an emergency; the love of her life slipped away, she needed him back!

"Good afternoon, Lucy. I need help." Erza firmly said. Lucy raised her eyebrows but furrowed them immediately after. "Of course, Erza, what can I do?" Lucy offered, cheerfully. "So, you know that man that you picked up last night?" Erza waited for a response; she nodded. "Who is he?" She asked, with an ounce of desperation. Lucy backed up, eyeing Erza. It wasn't like Erza to be desperately begging to see a man, but, then again, she did the same thing with Jellal...

"He's a childhood friend of mine, grew up together and went to the same school," Lucy replied, helpfully. Erza nodded. "I'm honestly surprised you don't know him, we all went to school together," Lucy stated. She relaxed against the door frame. She was at ease with the love-ridden, scarlet-haired woman. Unlike the aforementioned woman. "Really? You think so? I don't believe anyone that looks like that?" Erza thoughtfully said. Lucy sweatdropped. "He was in a mask, I don't think anyone you'd know looks like that."

Erza hummed. "Well, what's his name?" She asked. Lucy's features narrowed in thought, her eyebrows furrowed. She resumed her pose of thought. "Hmh, well, I kinda forgot." She giggled profusely. Erza's eyes widened in disbelief. "L-Lucy, what do you mean?" Lucy, once again, giggled.

Erza slit her eyes in thought as she surveyed Lucy, suspicion starting to grow. While she trusted Lucy with her life and soul, she could sometimes, for lack of a better word, be... mischievous. It wasn't often that this trait came out, but when it did, you better hide quickly or this will not go well for you at all.

"I thought he was a good friend, no?" Erza tilted her head in confusion. Lucy giggled into her hand. Sure, Erza may be one of the freaking smartest people she knows, but honestly, she's clueless when it comes to love. "Well... he is. But it would spoil the game!" Lucy smirked, proudly. Erza looked even more confused.

"What game?" The red-head inquired. "I'm talking about a game of mutual pining. Like, you're going to go to the places he likes and get to know him more once you starting visiting more." Lucy explained, thoughtfully. Erza was losing her dumbfounded expression, a competitive smile making its way. Erza loves nothing more than a challenge.

"So that's the game? It seems fun. Do I get a prize or something?" Erza stepped forward an inch, getting riled up. Lucy knew the hidden truth of the question was really to uncover if she's going to get strawberry cake. "Sure! So, I'll just tell you both where to go every day and the people at each location will tell you where your next location is!" Lucy clapped her hands in delight. For something she just made up on the spot, it sounds like a good plan.

"See you later, Erza! I'll text you tomorrow morning!" Lucy said, waving. She then closed her door, leaving a fired-up Erza.

And it's done! I'm sorry guys to keep you waiting. I just had a very busy week and kinda lost confidence for a bit. Please, R & R, much appreciated. Like if you're new, and hope you have a good day/night, and I'll see you in the next chapter! Bye~!