Makarov's voice cut through Yukari's conversation with Cana, his tone urgent. "Yukari, before you go charging off, let me give you some details about where those idiots are."
Yukari turned back to him, crossing her arms. "Go ahead. What am I walking into this time?"
Makarov climbed onto the bar counter for a better vantage point, his tiny frame radiating authority. "The mission they took leads to Galuna Island. It's far east of Hargeon Town, deep into the sea. The island's shaped like a crescent moon and surrounded by smaller islets. Thick trees and vines cover most of the land, and the terrain is rough steep rocks and unstable ground will make it hard to traverse."
Yukari nodded, her expression turning serious. "Sounds like a lovely vacation spot. Anything else I should know?"
"Reports say the island is cursed," Makarov continued grimly. "Strange magic emanates from it, and the locals who've tried to visit claim to have seen monsters. It's dangerous, Yukari. Don't take it lightly."
"Got it." Yukari adjusted the strap of her satchel. "I'll handle it."
She turned to leave, Cana flashing her a cheeky wave as she headed for the guild doors. The raucous energy of Fairy Tail buzzed behind her as she stepped into the evening air.
Just as Yukari reached for the door handle, a soft voice called out from behind her.
"Wait."
She froze mid-step and glanced over her shoulder. Mirajane stood by the bar, her hands clasped in front of her and her eyes hesitant. Her white hair caught the amber glow of the setting sun, giving her an almost ethereal appearance.
Yukari turned fully, her brow furrowing. "What is it, Mira?"
"Can we talk? Just for a moment," Mirajane asked, her voice soft yet steady.
The request surprised Yukari, but she nodded, stepping back inside and letting the door swing closed behind her. The noise of the guild faded into the background as Mirajane led her to a quieter corner near one of the large windows. The room was bathed in warm light, the chatter and clinking glasses distant now.
Mirajane hesitated, looking down at her hands before meeting Yukari's eyes. "I know you've been doing this for a long time, Yukari. These missions, the danger... it's all part of who you are. But I can't help worrying about you."
Yukari blinked, taken aback. "Mira, I'll be fine. This isn't my first dangerous mission."
"I know," Mirajane said quickly. "But that doesn't make it any easier to watch you leave, not knowing if you'll come back."
There was a vulnerability in her voice that Yukari rarely heard, and it made her chest tighten. She wasn't sure how to respond, so she settled for an awkward laugh. "You're starting to sound like Hinote. She gives me the same lecture every time I leave."
Mirajane's lips quirked into a small smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Hinote cares about you too. It's hard not to, you know."
Yukari scratched the back of her neck, feeling an unexpected heat creep up her face. "I guess I make it hard to relax sometimes."
"That's an understatement," Mirajane teased, her smile growing. "But... I think that's what I admire about you."
The words hung in the air, and Yukari's mind blanked. Did Mirajane just—?
Mirajane seemed to realize the weight of her words too late. She cleared her throat, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "What I mean is... you're strong. Brave. You put yourself in danger to protect others, even when it's not easy."
Yukari swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way her heart was racing. "It's not a big deal. I'm just doing my job."
Mirajane tilted her head, her blue eyes piercing yet gentle. "You always downplay yourself, Yukari. You should give yourself more credit."
Yukari opened her mouth to respond but closed it again, unsure of what to say. There was something about the way Mirajane was looking at her that made it impossible to form coherent thoughts.
The silence stretched between them, not awkward but charged with an unspoken tension.
Finally, Mirajane broke it, her voice softer than before. "Just... promise me you'll be careful. And come back safe."
Yukari's usual bravado faltered, replaced by something gentler. "I promise, Mira."
Mirajane smiled, and this time it reached her eyes. "Good."
She stepped closer, and for a moment, Yukari thought Mirajane was going to—
"Yukari!" Cana's voice shattered the moment like a thunderclap, and Yukari jumped, her face turning red.
Mirajane stepped back, her own cheeks tinged with a faint pink.
Cana appeared from behind a nearby pillar, her grin wide and mischievous. "What are you two whispering about over here? Planning a secret wedding?"
Yukari groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Cana, I swear—"
Mirajane chuckled softly, her earlier nervousness melting into amusement. "Nothing like that. I was just wishing Yukari good luck."
"Sure you were," Cana said, winking at Yukari. "Anyway, don't forget to come back in one piece. I can't have my drinking buddy getting herself killed."
Yukari sighed, glancing back at Mirajane one last time. "I'll see you when I get back."
Mirajane nodded, her smile faint but genuine. "Take care, Yukari."
As Yukari finally stepped out into the evening, Cana leaned toward Mirajane, her grin practically splitting her face. "You know, you could've just kissed her."
Mirajane's cheeks turned scarlet, and she sputtered. "Cana!"
But Cana only laughed, following Yukari's path to the door.
Outside, Yukari took a deep breath, the cool air helping to steady her racing heart. She glanced up at the sky, where the first stars were beginning to appear.
"You're such an idiot," she muttered to herself, shaking her head. But as she started down the road toward Hargeon, a small smile tugged at her lips.