As I grew up, people always commented on how mature I looked compared to my actual age. Everyone often thought that I was a year or two older maybe because of my quickly defining features. I always took it as a compliment, though. My constant work out was what probably contributed the most to the quick changes that had started when I entered modelling.

Yup! I became a freelance model! I worked only when I had free time, mostly with clothing lines. Sometimes I did commercials, too. I couldn't sign an exclusive contract yet because I was still a student, and I needed to work harder to maintain my grades while modelling. I was lucky enough that my parents allowed me, which I thought was a miracle, so I shouldn't let them down.

I had already turned eighteen, by the way, a few months back, the reason why I had more liberty to do this modelling stuff. No, the celebration wasn't grand like everyone was expecting. It was an intimate gathering with just my family and very close friends. I loved it that way. Besides, the Heartfilia clan had a tradition of preparing an extremely grand celebration for every family member's 21st birthday, so I thought why not just wait for it and enjoy my 18th exclusively with those dearest to me.

Natsu wasn't there, though. He couldn't come because of work and studies. He was a graduating college student, making him busier than before.

"We're nearing the island, Lucy-sama," Capricorn announced outside my room. I finished preparing my things for the arrival.

Walking out, I stood on the head of the yacht and watched Tenrou behind my sunglasses as I let the harsh wind blow my mid-length hair. I was back...again.

Time sure flew fast. It was just like yesterday when I confessed...and got rejected, too. But it actually had been two years already since that night, despite still being so clear in my head.

He didn't say it directly, but I knew it was a rejection. As I walked away, with tears still warm in my cheeks, I heard him speak, "I hope…we can just be friends."

I could remember how I cried my broken heart out that same night. I was in my room, cursing myself for feeling so hurt. I was only sixteen! How ridiculous that was, right? And to think that I seriously confessed to a man much older than me… It's embarrassing. It hurt. To love was to feel pain, they say. As I looked back, it was indeed scary.

We were four years apart. It felt disgusting for him, perhaps? Every time it crossed my mind, I couldn't help but feel so bad it's giving me nausea.

"Lucy!"

"Spetto-san!" We finally arrived. I let the harsh wind blow my negative thoughts away, and flashed a grin as I greeted Spetto on the dock. She gave me a bear hug when I reached her, almost squeezing me with her strength. "Ow...! Can't...breathe!"

"I've missed you! A whole year felt like forever!"

I chuckled. "Sorry, I have to visit only every summer and leave again after a month."

"As long as you remember us, it doesn't really matter!" She grabbed my wrist and we walked together to the manor. I carried a backpack behind me. Since I already had stuff in my room here, I didn't have to bring much whenever I travelled to take my vacation. "Are you hungry? I cooked your favorite dish!"

"Yeah! I've been craving for your cooking! By the way, is Natsu here?" I asked as we climbed the stone stairs. The refreshing atmosphere of the garden greeted us, one of those things I had missed the most while away.

"He went out earlier to go to the plantation, but he's probably on his way back now."

"Oh…" A sigh escaped my lips as I showed her a small smile.

It was just puppy love, I had to constantly remind myself. I didn't have experience when it comes to this matter, so I thought it's natural to feel hurt as it was my first time. I had no control of myself, of my feelings. Maybe it wasn't the real thing... It's just a hopeless infatuation. And over the years, I had grown to accept it.

I had learned to enjoy my teenage years, and had started having boyfriends before I turned seventeen. They were my same age, too, one was just a year ahead. When Mama learned about my first relationship, she scolded me. She's going on about how young I was, like teenagers nowadays were aggressive and she's worried that I was like that, too. Although I knew my limitations! I knew my responsibility.

You see, she was acting like that just knowing that I had reached that level of life already—having a boyfriend and exploring things. What more if she found out that I had feelings for someone way older than me before? She would surely go hysterical. Papa would, too! He was silent, but I knew he didn't like the fact that I started going out with someone. Still, they supported and guided me through it.

My exes were all okay... They respected me. But we still had all ended up getting separated because of misunderstandings and I just...didn't let myself get attached too much. After what I had gone through my younger years, I learned to view it as only for fun...

I didn't want to experience that same kind of pain ever again.

"Oh! Natsu, you're here already?!" Spetto exclaimed, snapping me out of my thoughts. Peeking behind her, I met his gaze. I gave him a smirk as I waved my hand.

"I'm back!"

His lips formed a small smile, walking towards me. "Welcome back." He patted my head.

Blinking a few times, I looked up at him. "I think I got taller," I said as I raised my hand to measure my height. Last year, I only reached his chest. But now, my height was already centimeters past his shoulders.

"You're wearing heels, Ma'am," Natsu chuckled and took a few steps back. "Seriously, how did you manage to walk through the sand with those shoes?"

Pouting, I looked down at my boots. Right, I forgot I was wearing heels. "Excuse me? Of course I removed my shoes, duh. Anyway, I'm hungry!"

I walked past him to go to the kitchen.

He had gotten so nice that it felt like a fever dream. I didn't know what kind of miracle had happened, but since that confession night, he began treating me better even though he was still a bit distant.

I was shocked at first and I felt so bitter. Who wouldn't be? He just rejected me because he only wanted us to be friends, then he'd suddenly act so nice the next day? I was really pissed. It felt like he was playing with me. Still, in the end, it helped me move on. This good treatment just screamed my standing to him.

A goddamn friend.

"This will be my last year here in Tenrou," he suddenly said while we're eating. From my plate, I looked up at him with my furrowed eyebrows. "My graduation is drawing soon, Lucy. I'll fly to Alvarez after that to work with our business."

"T-That's sad…" I reached for my glass of water and took a sip. "T-Then good luck to you, I guess?"

I continued eating as if it's not that of a big deal. But it's a big deal. Last summer, I spent my first two weeks vacation here without him because he was busy with his internship. While the last two weeks passed by so fast that it wasn't enough for me. Of course, I'd be greedy for his time to build our friendship...

Maybe other people would find me weird for wanting to still be friends with him, but they would never understand. No one would ever understand me. From the very start, he hated me so much. He had never failed to make me feel how annoyed he was whenever he saw me. This friendship was like a closure to me.

"Hm, I'm still gonna visit here, though!" I exclaimed with a cheerful voice, but his serious face made my smile vanish. My shoulders dropped. "Hey, why are you looking at me like that?"

"You'll still stay here even if I'm away?" I raised an eyebrow at his question, but still nodded. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. What did I do?! "Will you be fine?"

Huh? "Of course! Besides, I won't be alone because Spetto-san is here. And Lisanna constantly visits me, too!"

The youngest Strauss had become very fond of me. When Natsu was away, she was the one who would spend time with me. I had learned that she didn't have many friends either, since her older siblings were very protective of her and her parents were quite strict. She was sheltered, so she confessed that she's so happy to be my friend despite our age differences.

Truth be told, I was awkward with her at first. And you know the reason.

"That doesn't mean it will be as frequent as before. She'll be busy, too." Oh, right... "Fine, then. But you shouldn't leave the manor without anyone to accompany you, okay?"

I shrugged. "As if I have a reason to go somewhere else."

After eating, I volunteered to clean the dishes since I didn't have anything to do after lunch. I had also taken enough rest while I was on the way here, so I was fully recharged. Spetto helped me, while Natsu remained on the table while talking to someone over the phone.

"By the way, Lucy," Spetto whispered as she elbowed me on my side, grinning wide. "I heard you do modelling now."

"Yup! For clothing brands." I glanced at her through the corner of my eyes. My hands were covered with bubbles as I squeezed the sponge in my palm. "It's a freelance job, so it doesn't take much of my time."

"Hmm. I'm sorry for asking, but I can't help it as it slowly sinks into me that you're not the baby Lucy I know anymore."

"Huh?"

"I mean, you look so mature now. The way you carry yourself, even with just simple clothes, you look like those celebrities I only see on TV…"

"Spetto-san…" I turned the faucet off for a while and faced her. "I'm still the Lucy you know. I just aged like everyone does. Years passed and you're still the lovely Spetto-san I know, and I'm the same Lucy."

I gently put my arm around her shoulder, giving her a teasing smile. "We're not getting emotional about this, are we?"

We erupted in laughter. I continued washing the dishes, while she's wiping everything dry with a white cloth. I thought she's already done with her worries, but boy was I wrong.

"You know, Lucy. I've also thought of the time you'll get married and I really wish I'll still be there—"

"Of course, you'll be there!" I shook my head, not liking the other message behind it. "Anyway, marriage isn't included in my future plans yet. It's still a very long way for me to reach that level, but I want you to be there when the time comes."

"But…don't you have a boyfriend right now? I heard from Layla. We don't know what will happen. You might end up getting married sooner than expected."

My head snapped to her direction, heat rushed through my cheeks. No way my mom was talking about my love life with other people! And why the heck our topic suddenly shifted into marriage?

"W-Well, it's true that I've had boyfriends, but…I have greater priorities. As of now, I'm not in a relationship." I looked away.

She heaved a sigh. "It's not bad to have a boyfriend as long as you know your limitations, but it's still best if you focus on your studies for now. You're still young, Lucy. You have a brighter future ahead of you without distractions."

Distractions, huh...

"Love ones can be our strength and motivation, but they can also be the reason for our downfall. Frustration, misunderstanding, heartbreaks…" She looked down at what she's doing. "Romantic relationships are a serious commitment. Love is more complicated than you could ever think."

"Don't worry, Spetto-san. I don't plan on complicating my life than it already is…" I loved no one other than my family and friends. They're enough for me.

When we're done, Spetto excused herself and went outside to help with the garden works.

I opened the fridge to get a glass of water, ignoring Natsu who's leaning on the door frame of the kitchen while intently watching me. I clickled my tongue. He had been like that and it's not funny.

With a sigh, I turned to him as I raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"You told Spetto-san that you don't have a boyfriend…"

I held my breath after hearing that, feeling my cheeks reach the highest degree. He heard that? Was he listening?! And here I thought he was talking to someone the entire time!

"Um...uh...yeah."

He then pointed something on my neck, the darkness of his eyes heightened. "Then who the fuck gave you that hickey?"

Oh sh—My hand landed on that certain part with my eyes so wide. I tried to adjust my white blouse to cover it with the collar, which made his eyebrows furrow more. He glared at me, obviously not liking what he had just found out. Damn.

"Lucy?" He stepped closer and grabbed my hand to put it down. He tilted his head, watching it like it was some kind of curse. Because of my hair in a ponytail, he had a better view of it.

"D-Don't look!" My free hand covered it again as I muttered some curses. "Fine! Fine! I had a boyfriend, okay? I broke up with him a few days ago because he's becoming so pushy and he put this on me!"

"What?"

"What what?!"

"You had a boyfriend," he nodded as he let go of me. He dragged his palm all over his face in frustration before he faced me again. If looks could kill, I was already in hell. "You broke up with him just like that, too?"

Wait, I thought the hickey was our issue here?

"Did you even love that guy?"

The crease between my eyebrows deepened in confusion. "Uh, I liked him?"

"Hah!" He put his hands on his hips, looking at me with such disappointment. "So you see relationships so shallow, huh. You really are still a kid."

"Hey! You're no different, just to remind you!" I exclaimed in irritation. Natsu only raised an eyebrow, an amused smirk began appearing on his lips. "You're the one who had a lot of girlfriends here and played around like a total jerk!"

"I wasn't in a rela—"

"Ah, just playtime?!" I asked in sarcasm, rolling my eyes when he chuckled. What, he found all of this funny? Jerk!

"Lucy, I never—"

"Oh no, don't fool me! I know you better than you think!" I walked past him and out of the kitchen, stomping my feet as I went upstairs. His echoing laughter made me feel even more irritated.

That bastard, accusing me of—Well, he's more or less correct. I admit that I didn't take my relationships seriously, but why did he say it like he's a saint?! And he even tried to deny it!

And why the fuck did he even care?

With a reason to avoid Natsu for a whole day, I stayed in my room. I could've locked myself there until dinner when Spetto suddenly knocked in the afternoon and told me that Lisanna was waiting for me downstairs.

"Lucy!" She gave me a tight hug as soon as I reached her. "How are you? I heard about your arrival from Natsu so I immediately came here!"

We settled on the couch. A maid went out of the kitchen with a tray of plates of pasta and glasses of juice.

Yeah, speaking of that guy, he's nowhere to be seen.

"Everything's fine. And I was doing a freelance job before I travelled here…" And the story went on.

I couldn't remember how many times I had told her about this stuff already, and she was very supportive. Like what I had said before, I wasn't that into modelling. But lately, I suddenly had this urge to pursue this career. I had just found myself enjoying every bit of it. And everyone's support, especially my parents', made me love it more. I felt like I had discovered a new part of me.

"Wow. I'm glad you've had the chance to do what you like," she forced a smile and looked away. "You know, among the three of us, my parents are the most strict to me. Elf-nii and Mira-nee can decide on their own, while I still need to ask for their permission."

"Even at your age? I mean, you're twenty-one already, right?"

She nodded, swirling the food with her fork. "Yup. And sadly, they're the ones who chose what path I'll take. There's nothing I can do about it, though. And I'll graduate soon, too."

Right. Natsu also mentioned it earlier.

"But my friends helped me survive, especially my boyfriend who's always supporting me!" She giggled, while I only stared at her in confusion. Boyfriend?

"I didn't know you have a boyfriend…"

"Ah! Sorry, I meant to tell you in person!" After taking a sip from her glass, she gave me a pretty grin. Her eyes were sparkling in happiness. "I'm dating Natsu!"

Did I hear it right? "What?"

"Yup! We became official just three months ago!" She looked so happy... He's her childhood crush, after all. And it's not unknown to me how much she loved him.

"Congrats…" I forced a smile before looking away, a bitter flavor stayed in my tongue. But then, the strange paper I caught sight on the center table made me forget all about what we're just talking about. It was a flyer.

Fairy Swim School is now open!

"A guy handed that to me earlier. I thought you'd want to register so I brought it here," Lisanna explained as I reached for it and scanned the details. "What do you think?"

"This is good…" and a nice distraction.

I didn't have any freelance work for this month as I had cleared up my schedule beforehand, so this swim school would be a nice entertainment for me. I'd like to learn how to swim. Yes, we had pools at home, but I really didn't have any interest in learning before. My parents had also once asked me about a swim school in Crocus, yet I was so busy with other hobbies and interests.

Now that I was on an island with no other things to spend my time on, this could be an opportunity.

I had thought it would be an easy admission for me, but I should have figured that there's someone here acting more strict than my father. Later that night, I found myself standing in front of Natsu in the library, glaring at him. And the fact that he didn't care about my frustration one bit made me feel more enraged.

"Why can't I?! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, Natsu! I won't have time to attend these kinds of classes when I get back to Crocus! This is my only cha—"

"No."

"Then tell me why!"

"Just...no."

What the hell? He casually went back to reading a book like it's nothing, my jaw dropped in disbelief. Closing my eyes, I took a long breath to calm myself.

"L-Look, Natsu," I cleared my throat when my voice slightly trembled in so much annoyance. "I'm eighteen, not twelve. And I've already asked for Papa's permission, okay? He is allowing me."

He instantly looked up at me as he pushed back his chair to give me his full attention, eyebrows were furrowed. "He what?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, my father agreed while you fucking did not!"

"Language, Lucy!" Pressing my lips in a tight line, I watched him pinch the bridge of his nose. I thought I would finally have his permission, but my shoulders fell when I heard his next words. "Your father may have allowed you, but I won't. This is your mansion, I know, but right now, it's my territory. I make my rules, you follow them. Are we clear?"

But I couldn't let go of the swimming class! Now that Natsu and Lisanna were...were...that! I should find a way to not see them being lovey-dovey, right? It's not like I was jealous or something, it's just...I wouldn't stand it. Even a second of it! Just kill me.

Besides, I wanted to see the outside world and meet new friends! All I was doing in the mansion was just a cycle, and it was so boring! Just by remembering the image of the lively Fairy Tail, the Tenrou's Central, I couldn't wait to go out! I should do everything to make Natsu allow me!

I was following him around almost the whole week!

"Natsu, please! Let me go!" I pleaded as he busied himself fixing something under the sink, one of those hellish days.

"No."

The next day, he was in the garden and was helping arrange the newly arrived jars and vases. I thought he was thirsty, so I brought him a glass of juice. "Natsu! The sun is so bright today—"

"No."

The day after that, I woke up so early and found him in his plain white t-shirt and orange shorts while he flipped a page of a newspaper on the dining table. The sight caused me to smirk, thinking how grandpa-looking he was. But since I had a goal of gaining a good image here, I couldn't do anything but shut my mouth.

"Good morning, Natsu!" I walked around the bar island and opened the cupboard.

"Hm, morning."

"Do you want me to make you a coffee?"

He looked at me through the corner of his eyes. His pink hair was all over the place, yet he oddly looked so good with it. I shook my head. "I already have one."

I puffed my cheeks when I found a mug in front of him. Why didn't I notice that earlier?! "How about a jam and bread—"

"Drop it, Lucy. It won't work. It's a no."

Gah!

The fourth day, Lisanna visited the mansion again. And since I was lost of options already, I asked for her help even if I didn't want to.

"Please, please, please! Can you convince him? I really want to attend the school!" I held her hands as I gave her a puppy look. She giggled, though hesitation was evident on her face.

"I understand why Natsu's so strict of you. He promised your parents that he'd take good care of you, right?"

"But Papa allowed me already!" That's true! The moment I found out about the opening of swimming class, I made a quick call to ask him! "Why can't Natsu?!"

"Heh, I don't know," Lisanna gave me a smile of assurance. "But don't worry. I'll try to talk to him."

"Ah! Thank you, Lisanna! You're a lifesaver!"

A day after that...

Lisanna came back with their friends in tow to pick Natsu up before going to a seminar or whatever that was. I gaped at them as they took their seats in the living room, feeling so at home. It had been so long since I last saw them.

"Lucy," Lisanna whispered, sitting next to me. "I'm so sorry. I tried, but I failed."

My mouth dropped open, yet no word was coming out. I was speechless! What should I do now?

"Oh? The princess is here?"

My head snapped to Loke's direction. The blue specs of his eyeglasses glimmered as he flashed me a bright grin. "Ah, so that's why Natsu's so stressed lately, huh—"

"I'm warning you, Loke," Natsu walked down the stairs, throwing glares at his friend as he rolled up the sleeves of his red button-down shirt up to his elbow. As a sign of surrender, Loke brought his hands up.

"Chill!"

"Gajeel," Natsu called, ignored Loke and motioned his other friend to follow outside. Silence covered us. Gray had his eyes busy looking around, Loke still had this suspicious grin, and Erza—the one sitting on my other side—let out a groan.

"I'll wipe that annoying grin off your face myself, Loke, if you don't stop. I'm sure you won't like that."

"W-Wait, wait! Is smiling a crime now? I'm just happy?" He chuckled, shaking his head. "Fine! I just can't help but be amused by Lucy's power, okay? Hah, I've never seen Natsu so tense like that!"

My eyes widened. I took a quick glance at Lisanna. She didn't seem offended, but confusion was visible on her face. What the—It's not like I did something wrong, so why did I feel guilty?

"A-Ah! I think it's because he was pressured by my father for looking after me!" I reasoned out. Geez!

Loke blinked, finally realizing his mistake. "E-Eh? Is that so…"

"You shouldn't take this guy seriously, Lucy," Gray butted in, smirking. I looked around when the shirt he wore earlier was suddenly missing. "He loves hitting on everyone! Even on a grandma—"

"Hey, hey, hey!" Loke threw a pillow in Gray's direction. "What do you fucking think of me?"

"Aww, is the Great Lion—"

"Shut up!" And he threw another pillow, and another, and another, until the last one slammed on Erza's face. I looked away and pretended that I didn't see anything. We all shivered when we heard her threatening voice.

"Do you wanna die?"

The two behaved like nothing happened. Erza let out a sigh before turning to me. She forced a…smile. I froze on my seat. "Don't mind them, Lucy. They're chaotic idiots, but they have a good heart."

"Pfft—"

"Hey, idiots. Let's get moving," Gajeel called from the entrance. Everyone stood up, preparing to leave. As the others began walking away, Loke remained and transferred to Lisanna's seat earlier, beside me.

"I heard you're struggling to get Natsu's permission," he whispered, making my eyes widen.

"H-How did you—"

"Lisanna accidentally mentioned it to us while on the way here," he glanced at the entrance to make sure that no one could hear him. "I'm sure Gajeel has mentioned it to him just now and got another no. So we have to use our trump card!"

"W-What is it?"

He smirked. "Cook him his favorite dish. He will surely allow you—"

"Loke!" Natsu's voice that thundered in every corner of the room got our attention, his onyx eyes piercing right at us. Loke chuckled nervously, but still had the guts to joke around.

"Oh, boy! I feel so special to be personally called by the—"

"Get your ass here already! We're leaving!"

"Yes, Mr. Dragneel! I'm coming, I'm coming!" Loke stood up and walked away, but before he went out, he looked over his shoulder and winked at me. "Just put your trust in Loke-sama, and you'll be blessed!"

I was hesitant to follow Loke's advice. But since I was pushed back on the edge, I had no choice but to use my only lifeline. Cooking his favorite food wouldn't be so bad, I thought. However, the problem was I didn't know what's the right dish to cook. Loke didn't mention anything about it!

"Um, Spetto-san," I called. It was afternoon that same day. "D-Do you know Natsu's favorite food?"

She put the bags of groceries on the table before giving me a confused look. I forced a smile, pinching the pad of my fingers.

"Y-You know, I want to cook for him as a form of gratitude for looking after me." No. A big lie. But it could be a reason, too! It's not so bad to show that we're grateful through actions, right?

Convinced by my reason, Spetto gave me a smile. "Okay, I'll help you."

And so everything happened. Spetto gave me all the instructions, and I followed every bit of it with care. I didn't have experience in cooking since we had a chef to do all the work, so it was all a first time for me. Of course, I was afraid to mess up. I made this for him to gain his approval, so I should do everything to make it come out on its best. Who knows what kind of heartbreaking criticisms he'd throw at me once it ended up like trash.

The sky was already dark when I finished, the exact time when he arrived. I was really nervous when he showed up in the dining room, looking at me with wide eyes as I prepared the table. It was honestly embarrassing, but I tried my best to calm myself!

"H-Here! I cooked and uh...you know...um. Okay, let's eat!" I quickly turned away as I removed my apron, closing my eyes when I felt my cheeks heat up. The intensity of his stares was turning my knees into jelly!

"Lucy prepared all of that," Spetto said with such innocence as she clapped her hands. "She really wanted to cook for you, Natsu!"

My eyes widened. I knew her intention was clean and she said it without any malicious thoughts, but me and Natsu having a certain history, it just didn't sound right!

"Um, I-I just thought I haven't thanked you enough for...uh, taking care of me, so…" Damn. This was so awkward!

I swallowed hard when Natsu walked to the nearest chair and settled down. With beads of sweat rolling down my temple, I watched him take a spoonful. He didn't say anything, making me feel more anxious.

"H-How was it?"

"Say, Lucy…" he looked at me, expression blank. "I know why you're doing this."

Instantly, my shoulders fell as tension left my body. A soft groan escaped my lips. Running my fingers through my hair, I sat on the stool and buried my face on the bar island.

"It's still a no?" I murmured. A moment later, his laugh echoed. I looked at him over my shoulder, thinking that maybe I should bring him to an asylum. Why was he laughing when there's nothing funny?

"If you already knew the answer, why did you still try?"

"Because I'm serious about it! I want to get into the Swim School!" I pursed my lips. "A-And…I'm genuine about what I said earlier. It's another reason why…I cooked for you."

"Fine." He cleared his throat, looking away. It made me sit upright. "I'll arrange your papers later."

"R-Really?!" I stood up and clasped my hands together as I faced him.

Happiness was an understatement to describe what I was feeling right now. It's not just because he allowed me, but because it could be a step to gain his trust. All this time, I knew he was seeing me as someone clumsy and couldn't handle herself well, the reason why he didn't want me to go. But I wanted to prove to him that I could stand and do things on my own.

"By the way, thank you for the effort," he smiled…a genuine one. To me.

My heart had gone insane as I watched him eat everything I prepared for him. I slowly eat mine, inwardly slapping myself to gather my senses back. Stop! Stop being stupid for the nth time, Lucy!

Like what he promised, the next day, we went together to Fairy Swim School. Natsu had me registered, but before we got to that part, he blabbered about so many reminders and everything that I couldn't even remember.

"...and don't let boys get near you!"

I rolled my eyes. "I'm here to learn, not to flirt around."

"Good. It's better to be clear."

Why did he need to be worried when he's the one who had a lot of girls?

After we arrived at the facility, Natsu filled up a form for my admission. He had just submitted it when two women suddenly called him from afar, and of course, both were looking like supermodels. My eyes narrowed, watching them from head to foot with no shame as they walked closer.

"Natsu! Long time no see!" The girl with shiny black hair exclaimed, smiling sweetly. She had round boobs, skin was as white as snow. She was wearing a nice pink dress reaching half her slender thighs.

"How have you been? It's been years since we saw you on a race track!" the one with purple curly hair added. She was curvy and long legged. A runaway model material.

I raised an eyebrow, smirking at the corner in annoyance. I was right that his standards fell on model likes. I couldn't help but wonder if they're all his exes...or not. I remembered him insisting that he wasn't in a relationship before Lisanna, so probably they're his playmates? Seeing the way they looked at him, I could see the temptation and hunger.

"Hey," was Natsu's only response, his face had no trace of emotion at all. I cleared my throat and busied myself by looking around, preventing myself from giggling. My eyes only went back to him when I felt his sharp gazes darted on me. "You're already enrolled. Remember all my reminders—"

"Aye, sir!"

His eyebrows furrowed at my sweet smile, but he didn't say anything. I glanced at the girls, catching them watch me with those hawk-like eyes. They were threatened? Heck, I was just a fucking friend to him. "Who are they, Natsu? Your friends?"

I stared back at him, still wearing my smile. But I knew he could read the invisible girlfriends? in my eyes. Shaking his head, he clicked his tongue in obvious irritation before looking away.

"They're just some acquaintances."

"That hurts!" The first girl laughed, the high pitch hurt my ears. "Why do you talk like we never had fun together? Maybe you're free today? We can go to my place like the old times—"

"Shut up, Venice."

Slowly, my mood was turning sour. Natsu tried to reach for my elbow, but I took a few steps back. "I'll go now. The classes will start soon."

Without giving him a glance, I walked away. Rage was surging in my chest, but the frustration of not having any way to relieve it made it boil more. Since then, I already knew he's a playboy. Of course, a man like him had needs. But the thought of him with...

Fuck. What was I thinking? He's currently in a relationship with Lisanna, and here I was getting enraged for his involvement with another woman? This is ridiculous.

I tried to get it off my head. I should focus on my swimming class because it's what I was here for, not for some past playmate of that brute.

Before the official training started, we had a few minutes of introduction and seminar about the program. Our instructors were also introduced to us. As I looked around, I realized that most of the students were around my age, while few were years younger with their parents watching on the benches.

"Hello," a girl whispered, the one sitting next to me. Her hair was in two high-ponytails, pink and curly. She flashed a cute smile. "I'm Sherry. Let's be friends?"

"Sure! My name's Lucy," I accepted her hand.

Everything was going smoothly. I could keep up in every lesson. I was attending classes three times a week, which would go on for three weeks. After the first few sessions, I had suffered from body pain, but eventually got used to it as more sessions passed by. I made new friends, too, the reason why I was having more fun.

Most days, Natsu would drive me to school. But it's either Gray, Gajeel, or Loke who would pick me up since he was already busy with work by the time I was done.

"We're planning to have an outing at Hakobe Falls, Lucy. It's tomorrow," Hibiki, one of the boys I made friends with, announced right after I walked out of the girls' locker room, ready to go home. He's with Ren and Eve. "Are you coming?"

I bit my lip, imagining Natsu slapping me with a resounding NO. "I'm not sure, but I'll try!"

"It would be fun if we're all there!" Sherry butted in as she went out of the room.

"You mean, all of you will be there?"

"Yup! So you better join, okay?"

My eyebrows furrowed as we walked out of the building. I would definitely go through a stack of needles again just to make Natsu agree.

On the benches near the entrance, our other friends were gathered. Beth and Millianna waved at us as we neared them, while the others were busy planning about the outing.

"So we'll leave right after the class?" Jenny asked.

"Yes. And leave the truck to me," Bora, the eldest in our group as he was two years ahead, volunteered. His eyes soon found me, making me unconsciously hold onto Sherry's arm.

"What's wrong, Lucy? You look pale," she asked, feeling my temperature by touching my forehead. "Are you okay?"

"A-Ah, I'm just tired…" I didn't know why, but Bora's stare was making me uncomfortable. He was kind to me, though. He spoke politely, too. Maybe…we're just not in the same league.

Before the small meeting could end, the sight of Loke going out of his car was my sign to bid my farewell to them. They let me go but with a lot of reminders to ask my guardian for permission to go with them tomorrow.

Wendy, one of the kids who were attending the swimming class, was sitting on the next bench while eating a sandwich. She waved at me when our eyes met, so I gave her a smile. She's a sweet girl.

"Your friends?" Loke asked as soon as I reached him, his hand carefully took my backpack. I gave him a nod, not saying anything when I noticed how serious he was. "Some of them are...boys?"

"They're all nice, though." But he didn't budge, still wearing that serious expression on his handsome face. His eyes behind his glasses showed darkness as he stared at my friends as if memorizing their faces. "Loke?"

He finally paid me attention. "It's okay to make friends with the opposite sex, Lucy, but don't give them your full trust." He turned to open the passenger seat. "The world will perish once something bad happens to you. Natsu is a demon, believe me."