Stepping off the plane and onto the bustling streets of Magnolia felt surreal. The warm air wrapped around me, and I breathed it in deeply, feeling like I was finally free. Free from the constant surveillance, free from my father's overbearing presence. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was truly in control of my own destiny.

I couldn't believe it. I was here, at Fairy University, accepted into the study abroad program that had been my dream for so long. My heart raced as I looked around, taking in the newness of everything—the tall buildings, the magical energy that pulsed in the air, the students walking by with carefree smiles. It was a world so different from the sheltered life I had known back home.

Growing up, my dad had always been incredibly protective of me. I knew he loved me, but sometimes it felt like his love was more like a cage. He always said it was because he didn't want me to experience the same pain he had when my mother passed away when I was just a baby. I never knew her—my memories of her were nothing more than fleeting glimpses, fragments of stories and photos. But even though I couldn't remember her, I often wondered what life would've been like with her around. Would she have been as protective as Dad? Would she have understood me better, especially when I felt like a prisoner in my own home?

But now, as I stood here in this new place, I could feel a shift in the air. This was my chance for a fresh start, a life-changing experience where I could finally carve out my own path. For years, I had been told what to do, where to go, and who to be. But now, for the first time, I could be just… me.

I couldn't wait to see what this new chapter would hold. No more living under Dad's watchful eye, no more feeling guilty for wanting to break free. I could finally live my own life, explore new friendships, and embrace the freedom I had craved for so long. This was my moment, my chance to step out from the shadow of the past and build something entirely new.

As the realization settled in, I felt a wave of excitement and fear blend together. What would the future hold? How would I handle the challenges ahead? But for the first time, I wasn't afraid to find out. Because no matter what, I knew I was finally in control. And that, in itself, was worth everything.

The days in Magnolia flew by in a blur, and before I knew it, I was settling into my new life at Fairy University. My roommate, Lucy, was the complete opposite of me. She was confident, outgoing, and always up for an adventure. The first day we met, she immediately welcomed me into her world, her bright smile lighting up the room. I couldn't help but admire her—she was effortlessly beautiful, with her long blonde hair and sparkling brown eyes.

We quickly became inseparable. She showed me around the city, taking me to the best cafés, shops, and landmarks. One evening, she convinced me to join her for a night out. "You need to let loose, Juvia!" she had said. "Magnolia is full of life, and tonight, we're going to make some memories."

I was hesitant at first, but Lucy's excitement was contagious, and soon, I found myself in a trendy little bar called Strauss, the pulsing beat of music spilling out onto the street. It was dark inside, the neon lights flashing, and the atmosphere was alive with people dancing and laughing. Lucy immediately dragged me to the dance floor, her energy infectious as we moved to the rhythm.

I wasn't much of a dancer, but with Lucy by my side, I felt free, alive. We laughed and spun, and for the first time, I let myself enjoy the moment without worrying about the overbearing expectations that usually weighed me down. I even allowed myself to drink, something I'd never done back home. The drinks were sweet and smooth, and as the night went on, the alcohol began to loosen my inhibitions.

That's when I noticed them—two guys sitting at the bar. One had spiky pink hair, and his gaze was glued to Lucy. His name, she told me, was Natsu. He seemed to be completely captivated by her, his bright eyes following her every move. The other guy, though, was different. He had dark raven hair and a cool, indifferent expression. His name was Gray. While Natsu was all smiles and charm, Gray looked like he could care less about anything around him. He also reeked of alcohol, making his demons a little more known to me.

I wasn't used to attention from guys, especially the kind that Natsu was giving Lucy. But then, Gray was the complete opposite. He didn't even acknowledge me, let alone look my way. I tried to brush it off, but something about it irritated me. It was hard not to notice when someone was that indifferent, almost like I wasn't even there.

The alcohol in my system made my emotions swing faster than usual. Lucy could tell I was bothered, but she only laughed it off, sipping her drink. "Don't mind him," she said, nodding toward Gray. "He's just… well, Gray."

But the more I tried to ignore it, the more it gnawed at me. And that's when I decided to drink more. Too much more. My head started to spin, and before I knew it, I was downing shot after shot, trying to drown out the frustration that had crept up on me.

"Hey, hey, slow down there," Lucy warned, but I was already too far gone. The world seemed to tilt as I stood up, swaying on my feet.

"I'm fine," I muttered, but I could feel the room closing in. My stomach churned, and I knew I needed to get to the restroom before things got worse.

I stumbled my way to the single-stall restroom in the back, my mind fuzzy from the alcohol. As I reached for the door, a sudden hand appeared on my waist, steadying me before I could crash into it. I gasped, startled.

"Whoa, steady there," a familiar voice said, low and teasing.

Gray.

For a moment, I was confused. What was he doing here? But before I could say anything, he gently pushed open the door, guiding me into the tiny restroom. My stomach lurched, and I barely managed to whisper, "Gray?"

He didn't answer right away, but he stepped behind me, his hand still on my waist as he whispered, "I've got you."

Before I could react, I dropped to my knees in front of the toilet, and everything I'd drunk came rushing up. My head was spinning, but I was too focused on keeping my stomach from spilling everything out. Through the haze, I felt Gray's hand on my hair, holding it back gently as I vomited. He didn't say anything, just kept his grip steady, making sure I didn't make a mess of myself.

"Not even midnight, and you're already this drunk?" Gray teased, a smirk in his voice.

I groaned, feeling humiliated. "It's my first time drinking," I mumbled between waves of nausea.

Gray's voice softened. "You don't say…"

I felt his eyes on me, but I couldn't bring myself to look at him. "My dad's super overprotective," I continued, embarrassed by the sudden vulnerability. "This trip… I'm using it to experience life before I have to go back to being his perfect little girl."

There was silence for a moment, and I finally dared to look up at him. Gray's expression had changed, the teasing tone gone. He just nodded, like he understood something I hadn't even realized I said out loud.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a mint, handing it to me with a small smirk. "Take this. Clean yourself up. You don't want to stink of alcohol for the rest of the night."

I took the mint, my hands shaking slightly as I tried to steady myself. "Thanks," I muttered, feeling utterly embarrassed. I wasn't used to being so vulnerable, and especially not in front of someone like him.

Gray shrugged, his usual indifference returning. "Just don't make it a habit. You're here to have fun, not to pass out in bathrooms."

I nodded, grateful for his unexpected kindness. "I won't… I promise."

After a moment, he left me to clean myself up in peace, but before he stepped out, he added, "And hey, next time, maybe pace yourself. No one likes a lightweight."

As I stared at my reflection in the mirror, the mint fresh on my tongue, I couldn't help but chuckle. This night was definitely a first, and it was one I would never forget.