Chapter 82: Juvia's Love

Juvia's cooking wasn't bad, but it wasn't exceptional either. Compared to Mirajane's skills, it was clear who was more talented. In Nate's opinion, Mirajane could easily work as a top hotel chef.

Still, he didn't mind Juvia's cooking. The two of them worked together in the kitchen, but Juvia became so flustered that she almost caused a disaster. Nate had to step in and help, and eventually, they managed to prepare dinner.

Once all the food was on the table, Juvia lowered her head, looking downcast.

"I'm sorry, Nate-sama, Juvia is so clumsy~," she said, apologetically.

She was usually good at cooking on her own, but with Nate beside her, watching, she got so nervous that she nearly cut her own fingers.

"Next time, just do your best," Nate smiled, offering her some comfort as he picked up his utensils to taste the food. "It's actually quite good. Have a little more confidence."

"Yes!" Juvia immediately perked up, her eyes lighting up as she watched Nate eagerly.

"Juvia will do her best! Juvia is willing to do anything for Nate-sama~."

Nate noticed the pendant she was wearing around her neck—a golden emblem of the Fairy Tail guild.

"Where did you get that?"

"This?" Juvia held up the pendant in her palm. "I bought it in front of the station. Juvia wants to join Fairy Tail, but after what happened before, I'm afraid Guild Master Makarov won't agree."

Was she wearing the pendant for luck, hoping to be accepted into the guild? Nate couldn't help but smile. How adorable.

"Don't worry, I'll take you to see the Master tomorrow. He'll definitely agree."

The conflict between Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord had been instigated by Jose, and Juvia wasn't at fault. Besides, Makarov wasn't the type to hold grudges. As long as the situation was explained, he would certainly allow Juvia to join.

"Really? Juvia is so happy!"

Juvia had learned to express her feelings openly. Nate noticed her staring at him and commented, "Aren't you going to eat? Aren't you hungry?"

"Just watching Nate-sama eat makes Juvia feel full~."

You're a natural flirt, Nate thought to himself. The best part was knowing that this was genuinely how she felt—it wasn't an act.

"Do you like me, Juvia?" Nate asked directly.

"…!"

Juvia's face turned crimson, but with a boldness that matched her shyness, she responded, "Juvia likes Nate-sama very much."

"But I'm a bad guy."

"Bad guy?" Juvia looked at him in confusion. She hadn't heard the term before, but she could guess its meaning.

"I already have a girlfriend—her name is Ultear, and she's one of the Magic Council's members," Nate confessed, figuring it was better to be upfront. "Please keep it a secret."

Juvia was stunned, as if struck by lightning. She melted, almost literally, into a puddle.

Is the blow really that bad? Nate thought in surprise, marveling at how she seemed to turn into liquid.

"Are you okay?" he asked, quickly pulling her back into his arms.

"J-Juvia is so sad!"

Outside, thunder rumbled. A storm was brewing.

Looking down at the teary-eyed Juvia in his arms, Nate sighed.

"Listen, Juvia," he said gently, "I may already have a girlfriend, but I don't mind having one more."

"If you're willing, I'd be happy to be with you too."

Nate could have kept the truth hidden, using Juvia's feelings for him to take things further. But that would have created more problems later. Given her personality, Nate could already picture Juvia and Ultear getting into a fight.

It was better to be honest and let her make the decision.

To most people, what Nate said would sound selfish, but to Juvia, it felt like salvation.

Her form solidified again, and her big, bright eyes stared at him as her face flushed once more.

"Nate-sama, Juvia won't lose!"

Determined, Juvia buried her face in his chest. For the first time, Nate held her, realizing it felt like holding a warm pool of water.

"Just don't fight with Ultear, okay?"

Nate wasn't sure what Juvia was thinking. Was she willing or not?

"Juvia may be late to the game, but she won't lose!" Juvia clung tightly to Nate, her voice filled with determination.

"Juvia's love for Nate-sama is stronger than anyone's!"

Got it, Nate thought, finally understanding. She was willing to fight for his affection, hoping to become his primary partner.

"No fighting," Nate reiterated, knowing Juvia wouldn't stand a chance against Ultear. She'd only get hurt.

"Juvia will listen to Nate-sama. Nate-sama, do you like Juvia?"

Her eyes were full of hope, her cheeks flushed pink.

Nate thought for a moment before kissing her cheek and saying, "You're very sweet. Anyone who spends time with you would like you."

Who wouldn't like a girl so devoted to them? Besides, apart from her jealous tendencies, she was pretty easygoing.

Juvia was so flattered that she felt like she was melting again—this time from happiness. She hugged Nate tightly, her head pressed against his chest.

In Nate's arms, she felt like warm water, with steam practically rising from her head.

Seeing how things were going, Nate decided to take it further. He cupped Juvia's face and kissed her deeply.

Juvia's eyes shut tightly, too shy to look at him.

Carrying her, Nate made his way upstairs. Dinner? Forget dinner—Juvia was the priority now.

That night, the villa was silent and peaceful, while Juvia felt like a small boat adrift in the ocean, weathering a powerful storm.

...

The next morning, when Nate woke up, Juvia was lying on top of him, her face flushed as she gazed down at him.

"Good morning, Nate-sama~."

"Good morning." Nate couldn't help but kiss her again.

She's just too cute!

He found himself liking Juvia more and more.

"Time to get up. Can you walk? I'm taking you to meet the Master."

Juvia shyly shook her head, clinging to Nate without a word. She clearly didn't want to get up, preferring to stay like this forever.