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The first thing Juvia Lockser learned as a trainee was that talent wasn’t enough in the idol world.
There would always be someone prettier, funnier, fresher.
Women were rarely praised for how hard they worked. What mattered was being perfect.
At fifteen, Juvia auditioned for Fairy Tail Entertainment.
At sixteen, she became a trainee and after two years of training, she finally was ready to debut.
She quickly was selected for a group and as they developed behind the scenes, Juvia continued to push herself.
Dance. Sing. Train. Repeat.
After an additional year, Fairy Tail Entertainment announced a new project.
A co-ed idol group called GXuild.
The lineup shocked everyone.
Lucy Heartfilia, Gajeel Redfox, Laxus Dreyar, Jellal Fernandes, Mirajane Strauss and Juvia Lockser.
The backlash started immediately, with Lucy at its center. She was the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in the world, many people accused her of buying her way into the group.
Others questioned the group itself. Being co-ed in this market was a risky move.
Some believed idols sell the fantasy of innocence. It’s hard for fans to imagine idols this way if they have interactions with the opposite sex, not to mention the shipping wars.
Then came criticism aimed directly at Juvia.
Her English wasn’t strong. How could she represent a group that planned to market globally?
Why would Fairy Tail choose her over someone more prepared? The comments were ridiculous and Juvia knew that. Still, ridiculous comments could destroy careers.
So Juvia worked harder until her English got to almost native level.
If people questioned her, she worked hard to change it, to appeal. That was idol culture.
Fairy Tail even hired the world’s most sought-after vocal coach, Wendy Marvell, just for Juvia because she refused to be a reason GXuild failed.
After their official debut, everything changed. The internet moved on from criticizing the concept to focusing on the members.
Particularly the girls.
Lucy, Mirajane and Juvia quickly became the faces of the group. At first, Juvia thought it was exciting. Then she learned what that actually meant. If she looked tired, rumors spread. If they weren’t smiling during a livestream, mistreatment claims arose. If they stood too far apart during an interview, they hated each other.
One misunderstood expression could start a hate train.That kind of pressure was exhausting. Luckily, their friendship came naturally. Mirajane was like an older sister and Lucy was her best friend. Eventually, that chemistry was praised, helping their success.
GXuild moved into the spotlight. One charted song, quickly became became three with their first EP exceeding expectations.
Next the first tour sold out. Then, their first brand deal came shortly afterward with Sorceress. They were known as one of the largest beauty brands in the world. The contract changed everything not only for the group, but Juvia specifically.
People began to recognize her as more than a vocalist, praising her visuals and model-like features. She was distinguished quickly as a rare beauty for her blue hair, pale skin, and large deer-like eyes.
Because of her fans, modeling opportunities appeared, songwriting opportunities followed and acting offers were on the table.
Audiences couldn’t get enough.
Although she realized quickly, most of her fans would be grown men, she never let it stop her from speaking up for women. That fearlessness made her popularity grow, rare in the idol world.
By twenty one Juvia had become one of the most recognizable faces in entertainment.
Still, she worried every day she would lose it all.
After years of promotions, interviews, performances, rehearsals, photoshoots, and brand events, Fairy Tail finally announced the group would take a break.
One month.
The group could not believe it. After years of 20 hour work days and non stop travel, they could relax.
The members were excited, but none quite like Juvia.
The break for her would be to invest in her wellness. Workouts, language, writing songs.
When she explained this to the girls Lucy looked at her in horror.
“Absolutely not.”
“Lucy!”
“No, I won't allow you to do any of that except workout. Remember everyone agreed to come to my vacation home .”
“What if it's a small schedule?”
“No Juvia, please just relax.”
And that led Juvia to Lucy’s place for a group vacation. Lucy used family connections to secure the villa where celebrities could relax without paparazzi.
Everyone was allowed to bring one friend that would sign a non disclosure agreement.
Lucy invited Erza Scarlet. Erza’s mother, Irene, was one of the most powerful executives in the music industry. People feared Erza and respected her at the same time.
Laxus invited his cousin, Natsu Dragneel. An American rock star who was anything but quiet. Many described him as annoying, yet impossible to ignore.
Jellal somehow got convinced to invite Natsu’s best friend Gray Fullbuster who was an American professional hockey player.
Gajeel invited Pantherlily. Mirajane invited her sister Lisanna. Juvia invited Cana, the only person capable of forcing her to relax.
As the cars began arriving, Juvia stood near the entrance with the others observing the sky. The weather was perfect and everything felt peaceful.
Then another vehicle pulled up. As the door opened, a tall man stepped out. He had dark hair, a sharp jawline, and blue eyes.
Juvia froze, feeling her face burn immediately. Suddenly, her chest tightened and she felt her stomach sink.
What was happening?
Gray looked toward the group and their eyes met for one horrifying second. She turned around immediately, then walked away.
Behind her, Natsu nudged Gray
“Dude. What did you do to her?”
Gray frowned, “What?”
“That girl.”
“I literally just got here.”
“She looked terrified.”
Gray rolled his eyes. “Maybe she has anxiety or something.”
Later, while everyone settled into the resort, conversations naturally formed. Laxus and Jellal disappeared into a discussion.
While, Natsu approached Lucy.
“Lucy.”
“Natsu.”
Erza looked around, “How do you two know each other?”
Lucy smiled innocently. “We hooked up once when I was in America.”
The group became silent.
“Yeah. Then she never called me again.”
Lucy was offended, “The guy is supposed to call.”
“What?”
“Otherwise the girl thinks he’s not interested.”
Natsu rubbed the back of his neck. The teasing expression disappeared.
“I’m sorry, Lucy.” Natsu shrugged. “I’m glad I can make it up to you now.”
Lucy smiled just slightly, “I’ll think about it.”
The conversation settled and Natsu’s head turned before he spoke again.“What’s up with that girl from earlier?”
“Which one?” Erza asked.
“Juvia.”
“Oh.” Erza replied, shrugging.
“Yeah,” Natsu said. “She looked at Gray like he terrified her.”
Gray smacked his lip, “She wasn’t scared.”
“What would you call that look?”
“I don't know, maybe she’s one of those girls who hates men.”
Lucy burst out laughing “Not even close.”
“What do you think then Lucy? Gray asked
“Juvia’s shy. Even though she is opposite in public”
Gray looked surprised. “Seriously?”
“Very.”
“She looks a little familiar.” He chuckled
Lucy lifted her finger, “She’s a workaholic, her face is everywhere in the city. But if you get to know her, she’s fun.”
“She’s in your group, right?” Natsu asked.
“Yeah! She’s actually our lead singer and unofficial leader.”
Erza tilted her head, “Remind me again. What does "unofficial leader mean?”
Lucy laughed. “Our group is co-ed so picking one official leader would create controversy. But Juvia basically does it anyway.”
Everyone laughed as Lucy continued. “She keeps us in line, handles interviews. But she’s very good at it.”
“Sounds strict.”
“Oh extremely.”
Gray nodded, “Could’ve fooled me.”
Meanwhile, Juvia sat with Cana, Mirajane, Lisanna, Gajeel, and Pantherlily.
The conversation quickly shifted to a similar topic.
“You were weird earlier,” Cana said.
Juvia nearly choked “No I wasn’t.”
“Yeah you were.”
Gajeel chimed in, “Yeah , it was painfully embarrassing.”
Everyone agreed.
Juvia pouted, “Shut up Gajeel! I don’t know if it felt like I have seen him before.”
“Gray?” Lisanna asked.
“Yeah, is that his name?”
“He’s a hockey player in America.”
Then it clicked causing Juvia to gasp. “He’s stupid’s friend!”
Everyone stared. “English please?” Gajeel asked.
“Natsu! When Lucy visited America!”
“Oh,” Cana said.
“Gray is the friend from the night we all hung out.”
Mirajane smiled. “How did that go?”
Juvia immediately looked away. “It didn’t, I left fast.”
“What, why?”
“He was extremely drunk. I doubt he even remembers.”
Gajeel and Cana exchanged a very suspicious look. “I’m pretty sure that’s not how this story went the first time,” Cana said.
Juvia stood immediately. “It is, anyways, when is dinner because I am starving.!”
Nobody bought it. Thankfully, the subject changed.
As evening approached, anxiety settled into Juvia’s chest. Gray didn’t seem to recognize her.
Good. That was ideal.
The problem was if he did remember. Because then things would become complicated.
Before she could spiral further, Cana appeared.
“Stop.”
“What?”
“Thinking.” Cana wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “You’ve worked nonstop for years.”
“I know,” Juvia replied, calming her breaths.
“You have one month, enjoy it.”
Juvia looked at her friend, pulling her into a hug
“You are right Cana, thanks.”
For once, she wanted to truly relax..
Juvia smiled. “Let’s have a fun month.”
“That’s the spirit! Now, let’s go to dinner.”
Everyone gathered around a long table overlooking the ocean.
Lucy stood first. “Thank you all for coming. Since we’re spending a month together, let’s introduce ourselves.”
“Oh no,” Natsu groaned. The table laughed.
Lucy raised her pointer finger to remind the group . “One month will fly! No drama. Just fun.”
Everyone agrees cheering as they toast.
Introductions began and one by one everyone learns who each person is.
Eventually it became Juvia’s turn. “Juvia Lockser.”
Her voice carried naturally across the table.
Across from her, Gray suddenly sat upright.
Something about that voice.
Juvia continued. “I am a member of GXuild. I hope to relax, workout, and have fun.”
“YEAH!” Gajeel yelled “JUST NO TEQUILA.”
Juvia turned bright red as the teasing began.
Her eyes accidentally landed on Gray, immediately moving to Lucy who was laughing hardest of all.
Juvia sat down, mortified.
Introductions continued and eventually Gray stood. “Gray Fullbuster. Hockey player, American.” Then he paused. “And my favorite color is blue.”
The entire table immediately looked at Juvia. Juvia looked down.
Lucy looked at Cana. Cana looked at Lucy, yet neither said a word.
Juvia desperately wanted to disappear.
As everyone continued talking around her, she stared at her plate with one thought repeating over and over.
This was going to be a very long month.