Chapter One

In the bright early morning of Paris, the city buzzes energetically. The Parisians move through the intricate maze of channels and roadways with prompt precision to begin the new super villain free day. The light at a crosswalk changes green and Marinette Dupain-Cheng vibrantly rushes across. "Good morning, Alya!" she calls out toward her friend sitting on the steps of the school entrance. "Hey, girl!" calls back the browned skinned youth waving back. "Look at you, coming to school so early."

"I'm not early," gasps Marinette resting her hands on her knees. "I'm-ah-on time."

"Yeah, and for you, that's early," Alya grins before returning to her phone ignoring the eye roll of the dark haired girl. "Alya-!" Straightening herself, Marinette forgets her retort and notices the stiff posture of her best friend. Huddled over her phone like a hunchback with tense thumbs scrolling over the screen, Marinette is baffled how quickly the cheeriness in Alya's golden eyes have been glossed over in cold golden steel. "Alya?"

"Oh sorry, girl," muscles relaxing, Alya gestures for Marinette to sit next to her. "You caught me checking out the latest gossip on Adrian."

"Oh no, Alya," Marinette groans in disappointment. "You're still reading that stuff?"

"Yeah, and it's still pretty bad," the other girl replies sullenly as she continues to scroll through her phone.

Marinette shakes her head. "I don't know how you do it."

"I told you, Marinette," says Alya patiently before turning to her. "I read it because I know it is untrue and that is why you should too." Alya rests a reassuring hand on Marinette's shoulder. "As difficult as it is, it is better to know what the other side is saying so you can defend against them."

"You're right Alya as always," the once perky girl now crestfallen. But in a flash, Marinette stood with a scrunched face and clenched fists to her chest. "But I just can't stand it!" her piercing tone growing more boisterous. "It's so unfair how Adrian has been getting such bad publicity lately. And all of it lies!" gritting her teeth looking upward to the blue sky. Pressing her lips, Alya clears her throat and begins to recite from her phone. "Adrian Agreste, from teen model super star to super mean teen. One of Paris's top fashion model icons has dropped to rank five in France."

"What?!" Stunned, Marinette spins to face Alya. This just can't be happening! And to Adrian of all people. Almost two weeks ago, the national teen model competition began where the people of France vote and choose over the course of a month the best boy and girl in the fashion industry. Unsurprisingly, Gabriel Agreste, owner of the prestigious Gabriel Brand and Adrian's father, entered his son to compete. If he wins, it could lead his father's company to international expansion, but just competing alone will allow more advertising and increase revenue for the business. At least, for those who rank in the top three.

Not long after the competition started, negative rumors about Adrian began to surface. Nasty letters and emails were sent to every newspaper and magazine group criticizing Adrian's lack of moral character. Then to Marinette's horror, pictures and video started to circulate on the web of Adrian throwing tantrums at photoshoots and brushing off fans. Even around Paris when he is minding himself, more photos and video appeared such as Adrian purposefully tripping an old lady on the sidewalk because she was too slow; that was posted at the end of last week. Since then, Marinette hasn't been following newsfeeds about the competition nor anything involving Adrian.

My poor Adrian.

"Seems like someone in the biz has it out for Adrian," says Alya matter of factually putting her phone away. "Or at least, his father."

"You think so?" recomposed, Marinette unclenches her hands letting her arms fall to her sides. "But why?"

"I don't know, but what else could it be?" Gathering her bag, Alya stands. "Obviously, Adrian didn't really do any of those things."

"That's right!" says Marinette confidently. "Everyone knows Adrian is one of the nicest guys around and he'd never hurt anyone." With renewed spirit, Marinette unconsciously twirls like a ballerina as fantasies of her beloved swell her mind. "Ooooh, Adrian! So handsome, so sweet, so talented, so-"

"Anyone I know?"

"Waah-!" Too absorbed in daydream, Marinette whirls face first bumping into the blond boy of her dreams. The tempo of her twirl knocking her off balance, Adrian gently steadies the blue tinted black haired girl by her shoulders. A heartbeat apart, wide blue bell eyes meet soft green.

"Good morning, ladies."

Stifling her squeal, Marinette jumps back.

"Oh heeey, good morning, Adrian," says the girl meekly rubbing the back of her head. "We were just-I was just-" gesturing between herself and Alya. "The competition-you were awful-GAH-I mean, IT is awful because you're super awesome!" Bright blue eyes bulging, Marinette continues to verbally stumble and twitch. "Uh, awesome as in, being you-aah-because-uh-!"

"What she means is, we've got your back, Adrian," says Alya smoothly wrapping an arm around Marinette's shoulders with her other hand on her hip. "No matter what, Marinette and your friends are here for you." Emphasizing the blushing girl's name.

"Thanks, Alya," smiling, Adrian turns to Marinette. "And thank you Marinette, I know I can always count on you." Pink cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk, Marinette's smile stretches across her face. "I'll see you girls in class," the model raises his hand in a brief wave and heads up the stairs as she gingerly waves her fingers back.

When Adrian is out of hearing range, Alya releases a heavy sigh and removes her arm from her best friend. "Girl, seriously," shaking her head. "You've got to do something about that speech impediment." Still grinning, Marinette giggles as she hugs herself with each hand on her shoulders. "He touched both my shoulders-heeheeheeheeheee!"

"Oh brother!"

Liam Leblanc stood to the side of the tall stairs leading into the school out of sight of the two girls. He didn't mean to eaves drop, but considers the timing very fruitful. Until seconds ago, Liam never saw his biggest rival, Adrian Agreste, in person, but eventually learned what school he attended. He wanted to blend in as a fellow student and observe Adrian in person. He got more than he bargained for. What are the odds those girls would be sitting a few feet from him and be friends with the top model of Paris himself? He got so wrapped up in listening to their conversation, he failed to notice Adrian, but that doesn't matter anymore. What really matters is the girl called Marinette.

Stepping away from the stairs, Liam studies the two girls walking up the steps chatting enthusiastically and enter the building. Although he didn't have the best view, Liam heard the crystal clear adoration of Marinette's voice and caught a few glimpses of how animated she became at the mere thought of his rival. He even saw her bump into Adrian and caught his placid expression before ducking back into the shade. And he listened.

Unbelievable.

For someone who is supposed to be 'super awesome', Adrian seemed completely oblivious to the gushing affections of Marinette. It was absurdly obvious how much that girl liked him. Either Adrian is feigning ignorance to spare the girl her required feelings or he is blinder than roadkill. Whichever the case, Liam has gained another advantage.

But how to use it?

Casually, the up-coming star crosses the intersection making his way to a parked car. A girl walking toward him suddenly pauses in midstep and stares at Liam. He can tell by her star struck expression she is trying to figure out why he seems familiar. Grinning, he looks her in the eye running his fingers through his thick auburn hair and winks as he struts by. Approaching the black car, his driver greets him opening the backseat and hears the girl's surprised exclamation as she finally recalled his face. Chuckling, Liam couldn't resist a teasing wave as the car drove off. He settles back in the leather seat and immediately his mind begins to calculate.

Everything has gone according to plan to knock Adrian from the top and it has all been so easy. Just basic photoshop and edited video to slightly alter real events such as Adrian brushing off fans. Adrian would greet one fan, but turn away before another fan could reach him in time, thus, creating the impression of Adrian giving fans the cold shoulder. While useful, Liam knows it is not enough as those friends of his helped confirmed. There will be others who support Adrian and dispute all negative claims against him. Paris loves Adrian, which means France likely will too. If Liam wants to take their love, he needs something more solid to grantee Adrian never regains the top three.

The car stops at a red light. Liam glances idly out the window and recognizes the garish pink and lavender vendor's cart he bought a charm bracelet from on his first day in Paris. The owner told him the stand was new and because Liam bought multiple items, the vendor gave him a specialty coupon.

What was it for again?

Fumbling for his wallet, he pulls out the magenta coupon, which reads:

'Free Custom Love Charm Bracelet'

At first, Liam didn't register much value to the words, but lethargically kept his gaze glued to the card. The car begins to move again gradually picking up speed. The momentum of the vehicle passes through him and jolts inspiration.

"Driver."

"Yes?"

"Turn around and pull over," commands the model.

"Mr. Leblanc you have an appointment."

"Don't worry, we'll be on time," he smirks and carefully puts the coupon back in his wallet. "I need to make a quick stop."

"Yo, Adrian!"

The glossy haze evaporates from Adrian's eyes as foreign fingers snap an inch from his face. By reflex, Adrian sits up straight in the chair recomposing himself. He looks down at his text book and realizes he is still on the same paragraph on photon energy. "Oh sorry, Nino," rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't mean to space out on you."

"It's cool, bro," the tanned boy crosses his arms on the table. "We've been in the library for almost two hours, are you ready to call it quits?"

"No, I promised to help you study for the next physics exam."

"Which has been awesome and much appreciated, but dude, you've been spacing for the past thirty minutes."

Groaning, Adrian rubs his hands over his face. In the beginning, the whole fiasco with the competition didn't faze him. In fact, he found it slightly comical due to the sheer ridiculousness. But then, the derogatory images kept emerging. Now two weeks into the competition, there have been no leads to the culprit and Adrian is growing anxious. "Ugh, I'm sorry, Nino."

"Bro, it's okay," says his best friend reassuringly. "I know you gotta lot going on even if you don't talk about it." Nino waits patiently fidgeting with his cap for a response as the deafening stillness grows heavy. "Unless you want to?" he asks hesitantly.

"What's to say?" sighing, the model slumps in his chair with his head propped back. "You've seen the news."

"Yeah, and it's totally bogus," grumbles Nino. "What does your dad think?"

"He's got Nathalie looking into it," says Adrian somberly as he remains motionless. "Obviously, those videos and photos have been tampered with, but what isn't known is who's responsible. It's just a matter of time."

"If that's true, then what's gotcha down?"

Wordlessly, Adrian's head lumps sideways toward his friend with a melancholy stare.

"But your dad knows the truth."

"He does," sighing again, he turns his head back to prop against the chair. "but I'm still representing him and his brand. Even when the truth does come out, bad publicity never really goes away; then there's the competition."

"Which you don't even care about winning only making a good impression for your old man."

Adrian smiles. "Exactly," sitting up in his chair. "My dad wants me to win first place, but he'd honestly be satisfied if I just make it to top three." His smile fades turning his gaze downward. "Which I'm not."

"No worries, bro," says Nino giving Adrian a light slap on his back. "Like you said, it is only a matter of time and then-BAM! Top three!"

"Ahem!"

The boys look up and spot the school librarian with a raised brow and firm expression. Without realizing it, Nino's voice grew in excitement and shouted at the end. "Oh, my bad-ah," his voice still raised, he clears his throat turning a light shade of pink. "Sorry," his voice now a hoarse whisper.

"Thanks, Nino," turning to the young DJ chuckling after the librarian returned to her work. "I do need to just chill, after all, it's only a temporary situation."

"Exactly," grinning, Nino closes his text book gathering up his supplies. "Now, whadda ya say we split? Think two hours after school studying is enough."

Adrian laughs in agreement putting away his book. "Totally."