Public Display of Affection

Yukari hadn't even had time to sit down before Wakaba came striding through the guildhall, Sorcerer Magazine clutched in his hand like it was the most important thing in the world. His expression was somewhere between smug amusement and absolute glee which immediately set off every alarm in Yukari's head.

"Oi, Yukari," he called, waving the magazine. "Looks like you made the front page."

A sinking feeling settled in her gut.

"…What?"

Wakaba slapped the magazine onto the bar counter, right in front of her.

Yukari's soul left her body.

Right there, on the cover, was a crystal-clear photo her and Mirajane, locked in a kiss, surrounded by glowing red butterflies forming a heart. The headline beneath it?

"THE PERFECT COUPLE! Fairy Tail's Yukari Hoshizora and Mirajane Strauss Confirm Their Romance in a Magical Night Under the Stars!"

Yukari stared.

Then slowly turned to Hinote.

The same Hinote who was suddenly very interested in her coffee.

"…Hinote."

Hinote took a sip, pretending to be casual. "Hmm?"

"You. Took. That. Picture."

Hinote swirled her coffee. "Maybe."

Yukari's eye twitched.

Cana, leaning on the counter, grinned. "To be fair, it's a damn good shot."

Yukari snatched the magazine, flipping through the pages. Oh, it got worse. There was a full spread, with captions like:

• "A love that burns bright! The S-Class Mage and the Queen of Fairy Tail , Fairy Tail's new power couple?"

• "Exclusive: Are they Fairy Tail's strongest duo?"

• "Rivals beware! Who would dare challenge these two?!"

She dragged a hand down her face. "Kill me."

Mirajane, of course, was giggling. "Oh, come on, it's cute."

Yukari groaned. "It's embarrassing."

"It's romantic."

"It's a nightmare."

Hinote shrugged, looking way too pleased with herself. "You're famous, kid."

Yukari slammed the magazine down. "I was already famous! This just makes me publicly humiliated!"

Laxus, from his seat at the corner, chuckled. "Didn't know you had it in you, Hoshizora."

Yukari shot him a glare. "You can shut the hell up."

Across the guild, Natsu had grabbed the magazine, squinting at the pictures. "Wait, people really care about this stuff?"

Lucy smacked him. "Yes, you idiot! Sorcerer Magazine covers every major mage romance!"

Natsu blinked. "Huh. Weird."

Gray snatched the magazine next. "So they're calling you two the 'perfect couple,' huh?" He grinned. "I dunno, Yukari. That's a lot of pressure."

Yukari seethed. "I will set you on fire."

Happy cackled. "Aye, sir! The strongest couple in Fairy Tail!"

Yukari turned to Mirajane, desperate. "Tell me this is all a bad dream."

Mirajane simply smiled. "Nope~"

"Damn it."

Cana chuckled, tilting her mug toward Yukari. "Hey, look at the bright side."

"There is no bright side."

"Oh, but there is." Cana pointed at the article. "This means all of Fiore knows you're Mirajane's girlfriend now."

Mirajane rested her chin on her hand, eyes twinkling. "That means anyone trying to flirt with me will know I'm taken~"

Yukari's brain short-circuited.

Hinote grinned. "So if anyone tries to hit on her—"

"I will commit arson."

The guild cheered.

Cana burst into laughter. "Yep. Power couple."

Yukari groaned, burying her face in her arms.

This was going to be the longest day of her life.

Yukari groaned, forehead pressed against the bar as the entire guild continued their relentless teasing. The fact that Mirajane was clearly enjoying this only made it worse.

"This is a nightmare," she muttered, voice muffled against her arms.

"You're just mad because we got a better angle than you did," Cana said, smirking as she took a sip of her beer.

Yukari lifted her head, glaring. "The fact that you even took an angle is the problem!"

Hinote, completely unapologetic, shrugged. "Hey, you two were having a moment. We just made sure it was immortalized forever."

Yukari clenched her fists. "You are the worst mother."

Hinote grinned. "You love me."

Yukari seethed, turning to Mirajane for backup. Big mistake.

Mirajane was still smiling, calm as ever, propping her chin in her hand. "I don't see what the problem is~"

"The problem," Yukari hissed, jabbing a finger at the magazine, "is that our private moment is now public property."

Mirajane tilted her head, expression way too amused. "I don't mind."

Yukari stared at her, feeling the heat creep up her neck. "You—"

"Besides," Mirajane added, resting her cheek against her palm, "this just means we don't have to hide it anymore."

The words hit Yukari square in the chest.

Oh.

Right.

That was… true.

There were no more rumors, no more speculation. Everyone knew now. It was real.

She let out a long breath, rubbing the back of her neck. "…Yeah. I guess."

Cana grinned, nudging her. "Look at you, finally accepting it."

Yukari grumbled, but didn't deny it.

That only made Cana laugh harder. "Damn, you're cute when you're flustered."

"Shut up."

"Oh? Are you blushing?"

Yukari slammed her fist against the bar, making the bottles rattle. "Shut up!"

The guild burst into laughter.