Melodies of the Heart (Nalu)

The Paparazzi's Intrusion

The days following their gathering at Gajeel's record shop had been filled with laughter, friendship, and the warmth of genuine connections. Natsu and Luke continued to navigate the struggles of fame, but with their friends and loved ones by their side, they found solace and strength in each other. However, the paparazzi were relentless in their pursuit of Natsu and Luke's budding friendship. They had caught wind of their close bond and had begun hounding them, eager for a juicy story about their "relationship."

One sunny afternoon, Natsu and Luke decided to spend some time in a nearby park, hoping to escape the constant scrutiny of the media. They strolled along the peaceful paths, enjoying the serenity of the natural surroundings. But their tranquility was short-lived. As they settled on a park bench, a group of paparazzi suddenly descended upon them, their cameras flashing and questions firing like bullets.

"Natsu! Luke! Can you tell us what your fans think about the two of you dating?"

Natsu's eyes widened in surprise, and he exchanged a quick glance with Luke. They both knew that their friendship had been misinterpreted by the media, but they hadn't yet broached the subject of dating. Luke, ever the quick thinker, responded with a charming smile. "Well, you know how it is with rumors, right? Natsu and I are really close friends, and we cherish that friendship." Natsu nodded in agreement, his voice steady. "That's right. We've known each other for a while now, and our connection goes beyond just being musicians. But as for dating, we haven't really discussed it."

The paparazzi persisted with their questions, hoping for a more scandalous response. But Natsu and Luke remained composed, their unity and genuine friendship shining through. As the paparazzi continued to hound them, Natsu couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration. He and Luke had formed a beautiful connection, but it had been misinterpreted by the media and their fans. He didn't want to hide their friendship, but he also didn't want it to be tainted by false rumors. Luke squeezed Natsu's hand reassuringly, and they shared a silent understanding. They knew that the challenges they faced were part of the territory, and they were determined to protect the authenticity of their connection.

After successfully navigating the intrusive questions of the paparazzi, Natsu and Luke decided to continue their day together, seeking refuge in the comfort of each other's company.As they left the park behind, Natsu turned to Luke with a hopeful smile. "Hey, Luke, how about we head to my place? We can hang out, maybe play some video games. It's been a while since we had a game night."Luke's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "That sounds like a great idea, Natsu! I'm in."With their plans set, they made their way to Natsu's cozy home, tucked away from the prying eyes of the media. Natsu had always cherished his sanctuary, a place where he could escape the demands of his fame and simply be himself. Upon arriving, Natsu led Luke inside, and they quickly settled in the living room. Natsu's house was a testament to his vibrant personality, with colorful decorations, an array of musical instruments, and a collection of video games that would make any gamer envious.Natsu retrieved two controllers and handed one to Luke, his excitement palpable.

"Pick a game, Luke! We've got all sorts—racing, adventure, fighting. You name it."Luke surveyed the collection with a grin. "How about some racing? I've always been a sucker for a good race."Natsu nodded in agreement and selected a racing game from the shelf. They settled on the couch, their competitive spirits rising as they revved up virtual engines and prepared for an epic race.As the race progressed, Natsu and Luke became engrossed in the game, their laughter filling the room. The fierce competition, the playful banter, and the sheer joy of spending time together melted away the stresses of the outside world.In the midst of their gaming, Natsu glanced at Luke, his heart filled with warmth. "You know, Luke, moments like these remind me of why I cherish our friendship so much. It's like a haven away from all the chaos."Luke's smile mirrored Natsu's sentiment. "I feel the same way, Natsu. Your friendship means the world to me. And who knows, maybe one day we'll figure out what those paparazzi were so obsessed about."Natsu chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement.