Chapter 3 - Selfish

Even though you probably feel different, or nothing at all, you continue to show me that smile. Though sometimes that smile is not pointed towards me, maybe it is for someone more special than me. Even though I clearly don't deserve you, I want to keep that smile to myself. I don't deserve to be selfish.

However, I'll continue to watch from the side, watching your happiness from afar. Even though I want your happiness to revolve around me. One day I might be selfish and tell you, "I love you".

Lucy, who is currently walking towards the canteen to eat lunch by taking the outdoor route (a path along the side of the building), bumps into Gray along her journey. The two stare into each others eyes for a second before a conversation can arise from either one of them. The two then giggle at the sudden awkwardness, releasing the tension between them. Gray admires Lucy for a second; he looks at the way her eyes blink with her eyelashes letting a small minuscule shadow on the tip of her cheeks. He watches her hair flutter in the small breeze; her long locks being elegantly being picked up.

Lucy tilts her head to the side, relaxing her body posture by lowering herself slightly while looking up at Gray, "So where are you headed to?".

Turning his head slowly, Gray moves his gaze to look at Lucy, "Well I was on my way to the shaded area since no one usually hangs out there."

"Hmm... Why do you want to be alone?" Lucy then continues to beam brightly at him, smiling kindly, "Don't you have friends?"

"Of course I have friends! I just wanted to study for something..." Gray replies, crossing his arms, "Why don't you join me?"

Placing her right index finger onto the tip of her chin, Lucy takes her phone out, "Yeah! Can Natsu join us?".

Nodding his head, Gray scratches the back of his neck while looking towards the field.

Gray sighs at the name of Natsu, knowing that Lucy has an infatuation with the guy that obviously likes her. He watches as she excitedly though, trying to hide it, mashes the screen of her phone. He watches as she texts Natsu, asking him if he is busy. Her face flushes slightly as she gets a reply, meaning that Natsu will be there.

Sitting together under the umbrella covering the umbrella, the three continue to chat normally to each other; their conversation not having a serious tone or any meaning behind them. It was soothing, the cool air revolving around them while a breeze flutters. They continue to talk, though Natsu and Gray continue to fight and discuss who is better out of the both of them. Even though their purpose was to study, they got nothing done.

As they continue to talk randomly, Natsu's gaze never leaves Lucy's eyes. His stare would lock onto her face, admiring the many different qualities of her. If Lucy was not so distracted with the conversation they were having, she definitely would have notices the look Natsu was giving her. It was a look of someone deeply in love.

Lucy continues to laugh at the two arguing about something random, until she looks at her phone. Her eyes widen as she realises that they only have 2 minutes to get to class.

Pulling on Natsu's wrist, Lucy gives him a panicked look, "We're going to be late!". Natsu shrugs and giggles at Lucy panicking.

The three friends say goodbye and turn to go their separate ways. Natsu and Lucy go together as they are in the same class.

Before Lucy leaves, Gray speaks up and looks at her.

"Lucy do you mind meeting me afterschool?" Gray asks politely, hoping she would say yes.

"Sure!" Lucy waves goodbye to Gray, walking off with Natsu towards their Chemistry lesson. Natsu, looking behind to see Gray, glares at him then turns back to look at Lucy.

Panting heavily, Natsu and Lucy crash into their classroom, which was a lab, apologising in between breaths. Their chemistry teacher rolls their eyes and orders them to sit down and read the practical sheet for their upcoming experiment.

The two sit down at the back, and read the paper. Lucy scribbles down notes that she needs to remind herself of on the practical instruction sheet. While their teacher allows them to take time to digest and understand the experiment, Natsu and Lucy go off topic and talk about more random occurrence.

Lucy sneezes lightly, causing Natsu to laugh slightly. He grins at her saying, "It's almost going to be the winter season huh? Do you want to celebrate christmas with me again?"

"Hmm... Maybe... I don't want to intrude on your family though..." Lucy says while blowing her nose into a tissue.

Pulling on his scarf, Natsu shuffles while leaning towards Lucy, "Just give it some thought, okay?"

The two blush lightly at the physical contact. Lucy nods and listens to the teacher as they explain the experiment.

Afterschool...

Spotting Gray, Lucy runs towards him and pats him on the back, "Hey!".

The two continue to talk to one another as Gray walks her along the path towards her house. Lucy notices the way that Gray looks at her; it was full of compassion and admiration.

Reaching her house, Lucy thanks Gray for walking her home and smiles brightly at him. He notices her face; how it's not plastered with heavy amounts of makeup. Her mouth bent upwards, giving a perfect smile which was embroidered on her face. Lucy's hair dancing along with the small breeze.

"Lucy..." Gray raises his hand up to Lucy's cheek, embracing the warmth of her flushed face, "Never mind... It's nothing." Gray turns around, regretting his actions to what he did with Lucy, thinking about his consequences.

The blonde girl watches Gray as he turns his back to her, walking away. Knowing from the signs given to Lucy, she looks down at the floor understanding Gray's true feelings.

Whipping her head around, Lucy's eyes lock onto onyx coloured eyes, their gaze piercing into her eyes.

"Natsu... What do I do?"

And so, I will continue to stay quiet about this feeling

I want to be selfish

I want to keep you for myself

Though, I will just watch from the side

End of Chapter 3

A/N: Sorry for the late update. I have many things going on with life. This chapter focused on Gray. Also, the person who is watching from the side, I shall not reveal who they are until mid-story.

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