She'd been concerned with the way he'd been acting all day.

How could she not when her eyes are practically destined to follow his every movement.

But he wasn't acting as he usually does.

More wistful. And possibly... heartsick.

Her observation made her sick to her stomach.

Did he possibly have someone in his life? Someone that was incredibly dear to him?

Stop it Marinette. You don't know for certain so don't jump to conclusions.

Despite her telling herself that, she couldn't help but swallow thickly at every heartsick sigh he made.
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She wanted to believe that she'd heard him wrong. That he actually wanted to talk to her after school to confess to her and reciprocate her feelings. That they'd be happy with each other.

But his request for her was the one she dreaded the most and she almost cried right then and there.

Of course... I'm one of his friends. One of the few he has. I don't know why he didn't ask Nino or hell, even Alya. But I'll still help him. This mystery girl better be worth it.

She had put on a sickly sweet smile for him, one that didn't reach her eyes at all but the hopeful look on his face made it seem a little bit more genuine.

"She sounds wonderful, how can I help?"
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It was the day before Valentine's Day.

Of course he wanted to go over his plans with his dear friend. He wanted his special someone to feel happy and that made Marinette's heart clench.

Still she listened to his confession for his special someone with an encouraging smile.

"I could get lost in your eyes. You're so beautiful and confident that it gives me strength to be my very best as well. Whenever I'm down, you always know how to lift my spirits up. You're my best friend but I want more than that. I love you." He finished with a smile. A heart wrenching smile that broke Marinette's carefully constructed wall down that she couldn't help but let out a few tears.

"Marinette?" He questioned softly. Why can't he stop looking at her as if she was only a friend. He can't because that's all she was to him.

She let out a watery chuckle and quickly wiped away the tears.

"Sorry. You just looked so sincere. That was beautiful and I'm sure she's going to feel the same way."

"You really think so?" He asked anxiously. She only blinked away new tears and maintained her encouraging smile.

"Yes I do." It only broke her heart even more when he hugged her in gratitude and promptly left her house to make sure everything was going to go according to plan on his date.

Seconds in silence felt like years for her when she finally allowed her facade to break.

She spent the rest of her time crying herself dry.

[A.N: you guys deserve angst because I'm feeling shitty today

not because of Valentine's Day or anything]