[Marinette's POV]

I smile to myself as I skip up the steps to school. I did something scandalous, why does it feel so good? Because I'm free of worry, that's why! It's been so long since I got to hold his hand and talk to him without feeling anxious, to be around him and actually look him in the eye without having to hide my feelings. It was just a little date, last night as Ladybug and Cat Noir, but I feel like I'm on cloud nine. I didn't realised how heavy I felt without him until feeling as light and airy as I do now.

Out of nowhere, someone plonks a fist down onto my head, totally ruining my lovey-dovey mood. I grip my head with a pout and turn to see Lila.

"What are you all smiley for on a school morning?"

I turn my nose up with an aloof expression. "Nothing."

Lila pinches my cheeks, earning a strange wailing sound from my stretched mouth.

"Don't lie to me little miss muffins." She says. "Seriously you're way too cutesy. Why can't you be miserable like the rest of us?"

I pull myself from Lila's grip and clasp my aching cheeks grumpily. "I'm surprised to see you're even at school this early. Usually you slouch in past midday."

"I know right! This sucks!" Lila complains. "It's all your fault."

"How is it my fault?" I ask defensively.

Lila crosses her arms with a huff. "Cuz you're the biggest influencer on my life. Everything that changes is your fault."

I raise my brows to give Lila a dopey, smug expression. "Are you coming to school because you actually have friends now? You want to seeee them and spend tiiime with them~"

"Eugh." Lila recoils in disgust and waves her hands to ward me off. "Stop."

"Hey gals!" Alya waves her hand stupidly in the air as she walks towards us, her other hand linked with Nino's.

Lila narrows her eyes and shrinks away behind me. She grips my shoulders tightly, a little too tightly, and I swear her hair looks ruffled, like it's about to spike up in self-defence.

"Hi Marinette," Nino says once they reach us. He looks around awkwardly, trying his best to avoid meeting the icy glare of Lila. "Er, h-hey, Lila."

Lila tenses up. Okay yeah ow she is actually hurting me now. Her nails are literally digging into my skin.

"Lila stop trying to petrify my boyfriend. That scary face is even giving me chills." Alya says. "Are you seriously that mad about the bunny incident?"

"Alya don't mention that now!" Nino whisper-yells. He grins nervously at Lila and me before grabbing Alya's shoulders to guide her away. "D-Don't mind us. We'll be on our way."

Lila's eyes trail Nino as he leaves as if she's expecting him to stab her in the back or something.

"Nino is a cool guy. He's funny and outgoing, he likes to make friends and everyone loves being his friend. But also, more importantly...he's really kind and considerate. I mean it, he's a huge softy. He's...like a brother to me." I say softly. "Nino really wants to be your friend, Lila. I-I know he seems a little lame but can you blame him when you're acting so hostile? Anyone would be terrified to talk to you at first, I know I was!"

I look over my shoulder at Lila to see that her skin has turned red, especially on her ears. She quickly buries her face in my back and grumbles,

"I know...I'm embarrassed."

"H-Huh?" I stammer. This is out of character. Why is Lila suddenly acting like a cute little schoolgirl. Gross, it couldn't be— "You don't like Nino do you?!"

"No!" Lila shrieks, pounding a fist into my back. "But he—he humiliated me! I hate him."

"Did you seriously think the bunny was talking to you? Is that why you're too embarrassed to talk to him, because he saw your nice side? Did he humiliate you because everyone saw you crying over the betrayal of your bunny friend?" I question.

Lila stamps her feet in frustration, wailing like a child. "NnnoooOOOo! I just hurt myself when I fell over, how many times do I have to say it?"

"Fine, you're embarrassed because you squealed, fell on your butt and then cried in the middle of the store. Humiliated because Nino exposed your weak and vulnerable side. Tell me, how is that better than the bunny betrayal? Personal I find that story adorable."

Lila punches me in the back again.

"Ouch! Okay, okay. Whatever the story is, obviously Nino wants to move past it too so why can't you just act like it never happened? It's not that hard to face him right?"

"It'd be easier to just kill him..." Lila murmurs darkly. "Ah, but then I suppose the others would have to go too. Dispose of the witnesses. Silence them all..."

"You're seriously scary." I say bluntly.

Just then, an angelic figure emerges in the doorway to the school courtyard, the glaring sunshine behind him giving him a heavenly, golden glow. I can feel myself melting before his radiance. My heart beats faster and faster with every step he takes towards us. Steps as light as feathers, as graceful as a flower dancing in the wind. Adrien...I'm swooning.

"Look it's your ex." Lila jeers.

I flinch nervously. "Y-Y-Yeah! Ex! Ha ha, that's him alright."

Aaahh what do I do, what do I do? My heart won't stop pounding. The heat of my blush is actually making me sweat. I can't stop thinking about the way we held each other last night and the flirtatious words he whispers in my ear. I want to hold his hand again. I want to hug him so badly. I am so totally crazy about him, there is no way Lila won't catch me freaking out right now. But it's Adrien. He really is my ex, technically. As far as everyone else is concerned, nothing has changed. Nothing has happened.

Adrien smiles bashfully and utters a quick good morning as he passes.

"G-Goo—Mo-Mor—Goodroning—Ma, ah, morning. G-Good morning." I stutter in response.

Lila takes no effort in hiding her laughter. "HAHAHA! What the, haha, hell was that supposed to be? Ehehehehahaha! It's, eheh, it's like you're back to how you used to be. Mhhmhmheh, deja vu mheh- much."

I roll my eyes as I heave a sigh. "Alright, I'm going to class. You have fun Lila."

Lila clutches her stomach and doubles over as she continue to cackle. "Goodroning! What the hell is a goodroning?"

As soon as I step into class, those electric emerald eyes flicker to me, piercing my heart. I look down and shuffle past nervously. I-It's just overwhelming. Geez it really is like how we used to be. I'm so anxious!

Once I sit down next to Alya, Nino whirls round to face me. "Marinette!"

When I look up in response to my name I am instantly met with the face of Adrien. I squeak in alarm and quickly clamp my hands over my mouth.

"Did I startle you? My bad." Nino says.

I focus all of my energy on dragging my gaze away from Adrien to look at Nino. "Y-Yes?"

Nino leans forward, his eyes blazing with determination. "I want to be Lila's friend!"

"You already are friends." I tell him honestly.

"Then I want to be better friends!" Nino persists.

Alya eyes him sternly. "I don't get this obsession of yours. No one else cares when Lila is cold to them."

"It's differeeent," Nino groans. "I'm telling you she genuinely hates me."

"You did embarrass her yesterday but she doesn't hate hate you." I say.

"Well what should I do to make it up to her?" Nino pines.

I toss my hands out and shrug.

"Alright class," Ms Bustier starts, clapping her hands to get our attention. "We'll be working in pairs today."

My eyes automatically go to Adrien, who has already turned to look at me over his shoulder. His eyes widen a little as if startled by me actually noticing him. A pink blush settles across his nose and cheeks. I can't help the small giggle that escapes my lips. I feel all bubbly. It's just funny, we both looked to one another without even realising and weren't expecting to catch each other. Still, the look of pleasant surprise on Adrien's face when he meets my eye...it's so cute.

Our locked gaze is broken when Nino sticks his hand in front of Adrien's face and waves it around.

"Adrien? Adrien!" He is calling out.

Adrien's eyelids flutter as he turns to Nino. "Huh?"

"I asked if you wanted to be partners, but...." Nino looks to me unsurely. "If you wonna go with Marinette...?"

Crap, I can feel Alya staring me down. She's definitely suspicious. Beforehand I would have lunged straight to her at the mention of partners. I would have done anything to avoid being alone with Adrien.

"Uh..." I say, my voice trembling.

"Listen up!" Ms Bustier interrupts, silencing the class. "I have already decided your partners. Please organise yourselves in these pairs: Chloe and Iven, Alya and Rose, Sabrina and Juleka, Nathaniel and Kim, Nino and Max, Adrien and Maylene, and lastly...oh, Alix is away at a competition. Well then Marinette just join the last group."

"So that means..." I say slowly.

Adrien and I look at each other once more. My heart flutters as he smiles softly.

"No fair," Nino complains. "Everyone got put with someone they aren't close with except you guys."

Chloe sticks her hand up in the air, earning a sigh from Ms Bustier. "No, Chloe, you cannot join Adrien's group as well or trade places with Marinette."

"I was actually going to ask to be with someone else this time..." Chloe mumbles sheepishly.

Definitely wanted to trade places with Kim as Nathaniel's partner.

"These are the final groups so everybody organise yourselves while I write your instructions on the board." Ms Bustier orders.

Everyone in the class begins shuffling around to find their partner.

"Looks like we're working together." Adrien says.

I tuck a lock of hair behind my ear and nod shyly. "I-It's been a while."

"I wonder what our task is. I think my favourite will always be our research project on Paris' landmarks. Remember that? We chose the Louvre. And that was where we had our first date, though I kept denying it. I said it was for investigation purposes." Adrien blushes and scratches his head with a chuckle.

I smile tenderly at the memory. "Yeah, I remember..."

Someone clears their throat from beside us, causing Adrien and I to freeze awkwardly.

"I am also here." Maylene says bleakly.

I grin and slide down so that Maylene can sit beside me and in front of Adrien. I should really be keeping my distance. I keep getting caught up in, well, him. Okay, from now on I will not pay any attention to these feelings. That means limited eye contact, no special smiles or reminiscing of the past, and especially no touching.

[Adrien's POV]

My heart won't stop racing. Marinette looks so adorable and embarrassed. It's hard to hold myself back, I just want to snatch her up and cuddle her. I at least want to see those beautiful bluebell eyes of hers but they are glued to Maylene. I can tell she is forcing her attention away from me but that just makes me want it even more.

"A presentation on a public figure of our choice." Maylene says as she reads over the task. "Like a politician? Eugh, no way am I dedicating a project to Audrey Bourgeois."

"How about Jagged Stone?" Marinette suggests, directing her words to Maylene. "A rock star is a public figure and I know him so I could land us an interview easily."

Marinette's so amazing. And her voice is so sweet. I love listening to her speak—but she's not even talking to me! I guess it's easy to forget everything when you have a mask on but then returning to normal life isn't as easy. Concealing my love is so haaard!

Oh!

"Let's do Ladybug!" I say spiritedly.

Marinette finally turns to me. Her big, blue eyes are wide and glistening with surprise and her plump, pink lips have dropped to form an O-shape. She—She's so cute! I got her attention!

"Ladybug isn't in it for profit or publicity, she's an icon because she genuinely cares for Paris and its people and is loved in return. She's perfect for our project. She deserves praise more than anyone!" I say honestly.

I can feel the beaming grin on my face. My fringe flicks aside as I look to Marinette with eyes alight. Her face instantly flares up in response. Looks like she can feel what I'm conveying.

[Marinette's POV]

I can't do a project on myself with Adrien! What is he doing? How can I spend so much effort making myself look good and then stand in front of my class and talk myself up? This is so embarrassing!

"That's way more interesting. Good idea, Adrien." Maylene says.

"Presenting will be easy, let's think about Ladybug's defining qualities." Adrien continues. "She's heroic, brave, selfless, resourceful, intelligent, compassionate, caring, charismatic..."

Every word hits me like bus. A beautiful, heart-warming bus. But a bus nonetheless! How many things is Adrien going to list off? He just keeps on going. Does he really think all of this of me? Is this...what he likes about me?

"...funny, bubbly, optimistic, determined, strong, not to mention beautiful. She's both cute and sexy, I don't know how she does it. Ladybug is drop. Dead. Gorgeous!"

W-Wha-What is this? Indirect flirting?! I tried so hard to ignore him but he's still managed to drive me crazy without even interacting with me! Damn, he's good. Curse you Agreste!

"But she's not just attractive in her appearances. I mean, you heard how many great personality traits she has. Ladybug is the most beautiful person in the world both inside and out!" Adrien finishes.

Maylene looks at me awkwardly. I must look surprised, maybe shocked, probably bordering on horrified. Adrien is supposed to be my ex who is still in love with me and yet he's droning on about Ladybug. I don't doubt that Maylene is reading this situation completely differently from what it is. She must feel incredibly uncomfortable. I'm sorry, Maylene. B-But Adrien won't get to me! Two can play at this game!

I suddenly slam my hand on the table, causing Maylene to flinch fearfully. "What about Cat Noir?"

"What about him?" Adrien asks nonchalantly.

My confidence wavers as soon as those entrancing emerald eyes settle on me. It's hypnotising...like my strength is being drained. I feel all hot and jello-like.

"He—He's the best! He's strong, and—a-and brave. H-Handsome too..." I stammer. "E-Everything that Ladybug is—but even better!"

That didn't sound convincing at all! It totally just seems like I'm trying to get back at Adrien for talking up Ladybug. I can't stop fidgeting. It's so embarrassing saying this to Adrien. How did he do it? How?!

"It's not a competition," Maylene chuckles weakly. "We're supposed to pick one person to do a presentation on so let's just do Ladybug. Everyone likes her the best anyway. It's simple, she's the main superhero right?"

Everything else is immediately sapped from my mind. Before I know it, I've shot up from my seat and towered over Maylene, eyes blazing with passion.

"There is no main superhero, they are a part of a team. You can't do a presentation on Ladybug without Cat Noir, because, because—Because Ladybug can't even live without Cat Noir!" I exclaim.

Silence.

The classroom has gone dead quiet. Everyone is staring at me. Did—Did I really just shout that out? I must look like a psychopath. Moreover, Alya and Chloe both know I was talking about myself and the guy I'm supposed to not be living for. And Adrien! A-Adrien--!

nnnaaAAAAAAAAHHHHHIWANTTODIE! I'm so humiliated!

I was supposed to be strong. I was the one who broke up with Adrien in the first place and now I'm screaming about not being able to live without him!

I slowly sink down into my seat and rest my head on the desk. This isn't right... I'm a danger and an inconvenience in Adrien's life. I'm supposed to be distancing myself. Erasing myself. We should have nothing to do with each other. The whole point of being with Cat Noir is because it is safe with our disguises on. But it's so hard pretending that we are four different people in two separate lives. Now I...kind of understand why Adrien wanted to stay as Cat Noir. To stay with me...

Memories from Chloe's party surface in my mind. Adrien's desperate pleas to be with me again. Our fight.

"What if I wasn't Adrien? Adrien is nothing without you anyway. I'd rather stay like this forever, for you."

I couldn't let him throw his life away. But right now.... it's hard living as Marinette, having to spend every single day pretending I don't love him...because I can't love him. It's hard. I understand why Adrien wanted to run away because right now I really wish I was Ladybug. I wish I could be safe in his arms. I want to be with him so badly!

[Narrator's POV]

Adrien's ears have gone bright pink. His mouth stretches into a stupid, wonky smile. He clasps his hands over his face to muffle his giggling and leans forward into the table. Maylene's eyes shift uneasily, looking back and forth from Adrien to Marinette, who both have their heads on the desk though one looks considerably more happy than the other.

"Don't worry, you don't have to pick your public figure just yet." Ms Bustier announces. "I'll give you until tomorrow so run along to your next class."

Marinette could not have shot up from her seat faster. Before Adrien can catch her or tease her about what she had said or even look at her, she sprints from the classroom and escapes into the girls' bathroom.

Marinette places a hand over her pounding heart and takes a deep breath. "Phew."

"Are you okay Marinette?" Tiki asks.

"Yeah I just, I just need to get away." Marinette says. "Tiki, spots on."

Tiki zips away into Marinette's earrings. Pink light bounces off the bathroom tiles, completely engulfing the room. It fades to uncover Ladybug slipping out the bathroom window. She slings her yoyo onto a nearby building and lifts herself up above the rooftops. Ladybug finds her body moving automatically, carrying her across the city and to the top of the Eifel tower where she and Cat Noir always sit together. There, she plops down and sighs. "I really do want to be with him..."

"My lady?"

Ladybug turns around to see Cat Noir standing behind her. His ears flicker with interest. "What are you doing here?"

"W-What are you doing here?" Ladybug responds lamely.

Cat Noir rubs the back of his neck. "I guess I just...wanted to be here."

"Me too..." Ladybug says.

She faces forwards again and curls her knees into her chest. Cat Noir tilts his head with a cheeky smile.

"Because Ladybug can't live without Cat Noir?" He teases.

Ladybug buries her face into her knees embarrassedly. "Mmmrrph."

Cat Noir chuckles lightly. He sits down beside Ladybug, wraps his arm around her and pulls her close.

"I can't live without you either Bugaboo." Cat Noir says softly. "I'm glad I found you here."

Ladybug relaxes into the warmth of his broad chest. Finally, she feels comfortable and complete. This is right where she belongs.

"I like this...This is much better." Ladybug says. "Would you mind if we stayed for a while?"

Cat Noir pushes Ladybug's fringe back to kiss her forehead. "I would love nothing more. I don't think I can go back to being without you for so long, I'm having withdrawals."

Ladybug snuggles closer to Cat Noir with a happy hum. "Look at us ditching school together. How scandalous."

"I don't know what you're talking about, superheroes don't have to go to school." Cat Noir says with a smirk.

Ladybug giggles and tilts her head up to kiss Cat Noir under his jaw. A low purr rumbles from his throat, enticing Ladybug to draw more sounds from him by kissing his neck.

"I've missed you so much." Cat Noir says, a certain yearning in his voice.

"I know," Ladybug mumbles against his skin. "I've missed you too."