You Look... Very Different Today

Jiang Bai's declaration that he was going on a date with Erza didn't cause much of a stir in the guild. Instead, it was like a pebble thrown into a pond, creating ripples of goodwill and laughter.

After all, for the Fairy Tail crew, the strange yet harmonious relationship between Jiang Bai, Erza, and Mirajane was already an open secret.

"Oh wow? So we're finally going on a proper date?"

Cana, clutching the barrel of wine, wore a knowing smile.

"I bet a barrel of the finest vintage beer that Erza will definitely wear a dress this time!"

"Isn't that obvious?"

Macao, with his pipe dangling from his lips, calmly retorted.

"I bet two buckets that Erza will wear a dress. Have you forgotten? Erza risked her life to put on her armor to protect Jiang Bai when he was little."

"Now that Jiang Bai that strong, why would she need to wear that iron suit?"

"Your focus is so strange!"

Lucy, a newcomer who had only recently joined, wasn't quite used to the atmosphere yet and couldn't help but complain.

"Shouldn't we be wishing them well now? Why are people placing bets at the opening bell?"

"You don't understand, newbie."

Wakaba exhaled a smoke ring and explained with a serious expression.

"This is our Fairy Tail, a unique way of expressing affection for our companions."

"That's right!"

Natsu's eyes lit up. Although he still didn't quite understand what "dating" meant, it sounded intriguing. He charged towards Gray, his fighting spirit high.

"Gray! Let's go on a date too! Let's see who's better!"

"You combat idiot! Stay away from me!"

Gray kicked Natsu away, but his gaze involuntarily drifted towards the bar.

There, Mirajane was wiping the wine glass in her hand, a gentle smile on her face as always, seemingly oblivious to all the gossip.

However, only Elfman, who was closest to her, could see that there seemed to be an inexplicable meaning in her sister's smile.

Meanwhile, Erza, one of the epicenters of this storm, is sitting alone in front of her wardrobe in her room, caught in an unprecedented dilemma.

She didn't even glance at the armor she was already used to; her gaze was completely focused on the few beautiful casual clothes on the other side of the wardrobe.

Erza's cheeks flushed slightly as she ran her fingertips across one garment after another, muttering to herself.

"This white one is too plain... no way."

"This pink one... feels a bit too cute, it doesn't suit me."

"This black one... looks too serious, like it's for a meeting."

The usually decisive, capable, and powerful Titania was now like a lovesick young girl, agonizing over what to wear, revealing a rare moment of helplessness.

"Sky blue really suits you best, Erza."

A gentle voice suddenly came from the doorway.

Erza turned around and saw Mirajane leaning against the doorframe with a smile, holding a plate.

On the plate was a slice of strawberry cake.

"Mira, what brings you here?" Erza, somewhat surprised.

"Of course I'm here to cheer you on."

Mira walked into the room, placed the cake on the table, and then casually took the sky-blue dress from the closet.

"Those guys in the guild are practically tearing the roof off. Uncle Macao even bet two barrels of liquor that you'd wear this dress."

"They're just bored," Erza said, but her blush deepened.

"Yeah?"

Mira tilted her head, looking at Erza; her beautiful eyes seemed to see right through people.

"But Erza, you seem very happy. Being troubled by him isn't like you at all."

She picked up the strawberry cake and handed it to Erza: "Here, have something sweet to relax. Today is your date with Xiao Bai, so you have to have a good time."

Erza took the cake and ate it in small bites.

The sweet cream and slightly tart strawberries melted in her mouth, which did indeed calm her conflicted mood quite a bit.

Looking at her companion, who was both a close friend and, in a sense, a "love rival," a complex mix of emotions welled up within her.

"Mira..."

Erza couldn't help but ask,

"Aren't you... upset?"

Mira paused for a moment upon hearing this, then burst out laughing.

Why should I be unhappy?

She reached out and pinched Erza's cheek.

"Didn't we already agree? Xiao Bai belongs to everyone. Besides, seeing you become so girly for him makes me incredibly happy."

After saying that, she handed the sky-blue dress to Erza.

"Go change quickly, Erza."

Mira blinked.

"Trust me, Xiao Bai will definitely amaze you."

Looking at that soft and beautiful dress, Erza didn't hesitate at all.

She nodded, turned and went into the changing room.

A moment later, when Erza came out again, even Mira, who saw her every day, had a look of amazement in her eyes.

Having shed her hard armor and donned a dress, Erza appeared less heroic and dignified than usual, and more gentle and innocent like a young girl.

Her long, crimson hair cascaded over her shoulders, and paired with her sky-blue dress, she resembled a rose quietly blooming in the morning light, delicate and beautiful.

"So beautiful, Erza," Mira exclaimed sincerely.

"Is... is that so?"

Erza tugged at her skirt somewhat awkwardly, her cheeks as red as ripe apples.

Mira smiled and slowly walked up to Erza, gently tidying her slightly disheveled hair.

The two were very close, close enough to feel each other's breath.

The atmosphere in the room remained warm and harmonious.

However, in the next second, Mira's smile suddenly became meaningful.

She leaned close to Erza's ear and whispered in a tone that only the two of them could hear, with a hint of provocation:

"Erza, you know very well about our relationship with him. But if you continue to be so passive and don't step up your game, don't blame me for making the first move and getting him completely."

These words, like a thunderclap, exploded in Erza's mind!

She suddenly looked up and stared at Mira in disbelief.

She understood what Mira meant, of course. "Strike first" didn't refer to ordinary pursuit, but rather the final and most intimate step between a man and a woman!

Mira, standing before Erza, still wore a gentle smile, but deep within that smile lurked a flame called "desire," Erza had never seen before.

Erza understood instantly.

Mira's feelings for Jiang Bai were becoming increasingly difficult to contain and were about to overflow.

This seemingly joking "declaration of war" made Erza's heart pound wildly.

After the initial shock, an unprecedented emotion welled up from the bottom of my heart.

She looked at herself in the mirror, wearing a pretty dress and blushing.

Then, her gaze slowly, inch by inch, shifted from confusion and shyness to an unprecedented firmness.

No!

She can no longer hesitate and back down like before!

Although she and Mira are best friends, she absolutely cannot back down on this matter!

Because she was Jiang Bai's childhood sweetheart, the one who had been chasing after him since childhood!

This love was deeper and lasted longer than anyone else's!

"Knock knock."

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the door.

"Erza, are you ready?"

It was Jiang Bai's voice.

Erza took a deep breath, glanced one last time at Mira, who was winking at her beside her, then turned and strode toward the door.

The moment she opened the door, Jiang Bai was leaning against the wall, looking utterly bored. Seeing the door open, he casually said, "Let's go, aren't we going to leave soon..."

He stopped mid-sentence.

Jiang Bai's gaze fell on Erza in front of him, pausing for a moment.

He saw Erza in a sky-blue dress, and he also saw her fiery, determined crimson eyes.

She is different today than ever before.

"What's wrong?"

Erza asked, her voice carrying a firmness she herself was unaware of.

Jiang Bai looked at her and suddenly laughed.

"Nothing."

He straightened up and extended his hand to Erza.

You look very different today.

It's beautiful.

It was as if they had made a firm decision and were preparing to go into a battle they had to win.