It was just another sunny afternoon in Magnolia, and the Fairy Tail guild hall buzzed with its usual chaotic energy. Tables were flipped during arm-wrestling contests, tankards clanked with celebratory drinks, and fights broke out over petty squabbles about who stole whose lunch. Amid it all, Shinra sat quietly at a side table, calmly sipping his tea while observing the mayhem.
It had been a few weeks since the battle with Phantom Lord, and Shinra had become a permanent fixture in the guild. More importantly, rumors had started to swirl. Whispers floated through the air like mischievous spirits: Erza Scarlet and Mirajane Strauss—two of Fairy Tail's most formidable women—were both interested in him. And those whispers were no longer just rumors.
---
Lucy Heartfilia's POV
"What in the name of Celestial Spirits..." Lucy whispered to herself, hiding behind a stack of books at the far end of the hall. "Erza *and* Mira?"
She peered over the cover of her novel and watched as Erza approached Shinra with her usual stern grace, only to blush and awkwardly fumble over her words when he offered her a smile. Moments later, Mira swooped in with her usual playfulness, teasing Shinra about something before walking away with an exaggerated sway of her hips.
"This is insane. They're actually flirting. *Flirting.* Erza. Flirting."
Lucy clutched her head. "This is either the start of a love story or the end of Fairy Tail."
---
Natsu Dragneel's POV
"Huh? Wait, *they* like *him*?" Natsu blinked slowly, pointing at Shinra while holding a half-eaten fish. "Both of them?"
Happy fluttered beside him, eyes wide. "Aye, Natsu. It's true. Mira and Erza both like Shinra."
Natsu tilted his head. "Does that mean he's stronger than I thought, or just suicidal?"
Happy whispered, "I think it means he's gonna die from too much love."
Natsu cackled. "I kinda wanna see how this plays out."
---
Gray Fullbuster's POV
Gray stared at Shinra from across the hall, then at Erza and Mira, then back at Shinra.
"I don't get it. What's he got that I don't?"
Cana, who was seated nearby, chugging from her barrel of alcohol, snorted. "Class, mystery, and the fact he doesn't randomly strip in public."
Gray scowled and crossed his arms. "It's a valid combat style!"
Cana winked. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that."
---
Cana Alberona's POV
"You know, I always thought Erza was a stone wall when it came to romance," Cana muttered, swaying slightly from the effects of her third round. "And Mira? She flirts with everyone but never means it. But this time? Oh-ho, this time it's *real*."
She took another gulp and pointed dramatically. "We are witnessing history. The love triangle of the century!"
Bisca, seated next to her, whispered, "Should we place bets?"
"Already did. Got five thousand jewel on Mira."
---
Elfman Strauss's POV
"If Shinra hurts my sister," Elfman growled, glaring at the poor guy from the other end of the room, "he's going to have to prove he's a *real man* in a fight."
Then he looked at Erza, who was now blushing furiously after Shinra helped her pick up a napkin she dropped. "On second thought... if he hurts *both* of them... I should start digging his grave now."
---
Levy McGarden's POV
Levy scribbled rapidly in her notebook.
**"Theory: The introduction of an overwhelmingly powerful male figure with calm temperament and mysterious past creates romantic tension with strong female leads. See also: Gothic literature and Fairy Tail fanfiction tropes."**
She looked up and giggled. "I ship it. Both of them. Mira x Shinra. Erza x Shinra. Heck, all three."
Jet and Droy hovered nervously nearby.
"Should we be worried?" Jet whispered.
"About Shinra dying? Yes," Droy replied.
---
Makarov Dreyar's POV
Makarov watched the guild from his usual perch, arms folded, brows furrowed in deep contemplation.
"Shinra... you magnificent fool."
He sighed. "Two of our most terrifying women are clearly in love with you. If you break either of their hearts, not even the Ten Wizard Saints can save you."
Then he chuckled. "Still, maybe this is good for them. Maybe... it's good for all of us."
---
Shinra's POV
Shinra was well aware of the attention he was drawing. Not from the guild as a whole, but from Erza and Mira specifically.
Erza had grown more open around him, sharing bits of her past, occasionally seeking him out for tea or training. She blushed when he complimented her armor. She smiled when he offered her sweets.
Mira, on the other hand, was playfully persistent. She flirted, teased, and found any excuse to drag him into guild chores or missions together. But behind the mischief, there was warmth. Depth.
He didn't want to hurt either of them. He respected them both immensely. But the growing tension was real, and he was unsure how long he could keep the balance.
One afternoon, he walked into the guild and instantly felt it—the eyes.
Whispers followed him.
"Did you hear Mira spent the entire mission with Shinra yesterday?"
"Yeah? Well Erza cooked him lunch two days ago. *Erza. Cooked.*"
Shinra exhaled. "Here we go again."
---
That same afternoon, Erza and Mira both approached Shinra at the same time.
"Shinra, would you like to have tea with me later?" Erza asked, her voice calm but hopeful.
"Or," Mira cut in, smiling brightly, "we could go shopping? There's a new dessert place I want to try with you."
The guild hall went dead silent.
Someone dropped a mug. It shattered.
Natsu whispered, "Oh no... they're *competing.*"
Lucy grabbed Happy. "Take cover."
Gray ducked behind a table. "This is it. The end times."
Shinra, caught in the middle, looked between the two beautiful, powerful women and calmly said, "Maybe we could all hang out together sometime?"
Mira and Erza looked at each other. For a brief moment, lightning flashed between them.
"We'll see," Erza said, sipping her tea.
"Sure," Mira said sweetly. "But don't be late for dessert."
They walked away in opposite directions, leaving Shinra surrounded by the stunned silence of an entire guild.
Macao gulped. "This guy... he's playing with fire."
Wakaba whispered, "He's already dead. He just doesn't know it."
And yet, as the day carried on, the laughter returned. The brawls resumed. The music picked up again. But every guild member knew one thing for certain:
Shinra was no longer just the mysterious newcomer.
He was the guy who had *Erza and Mira* both in love with him.
And somehow\... he was still alive.