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"I've made up my mind, Alya. I'm going to tell him."

Alya glanced up from her magazine, curiosity in her eyes. "You're going to tell who what?" When Marinette didn't respond, but looked away, Alya sat up, straightening her glasses, feeling a bit surprised. "Are you sure? What makes you want to tell him now, after all these years?" She sat at the edge of the day bed, her legs crossed.

With a sigh, Marinette replied, "Because, in a few months, we may never see each other again. I need to tell him, or I'll regret it forever."

Marinette was now in her senior year of high school, and graduation was fast approaching. Lots of her classmates already had colleges and careers picked out, including Adrien. They had actually become close friends over the past year, since Adrien was Nino's best friend and Marinette was Alya's. The four spent a lot of time together, going to the movies, the mall, playing video games at Adrien's house when his father wasn't home or having movie night at Nino's.

Since the tenth grade, Marinette had been suffering with a crush on Adrien. In the beginning, she'd been so awkward around him, stumbling over her words and embarrassing herself constantly. In the past year, since they had spent more time together, she was beginning to be comfortable around him. They even texted sometimes, though rarely. Mostly, they just hung out with Nino and Alya, never solo.

Marinette had received an internship offer from America, and was heavily considering it. She couldn't imagine leaving Paris, her parents, and her friends. And what about her responsibilities as Ladybug? Would she have to leave her Miraculous behind if she left? How would that work? She imagined Chat Noir fighting alongside a different girl, and it wrang out her insides like an old sponge.

Swallowing against the lump in her throat, Marinette stated, "I know if I don't tell Adrien how I feel now, I'll always hate myself. I might be going to a different country after the summer, and I may never see him again."

Alya shook her head, staring out the window. "I still can't believe it. When did we grow up? It feels like we just started high school." Alya was going to stay in Paris, going to a local university for journalism. She'd been offered a large scholarship for her Ladyblog, and usually when she talked about the future, she was ecstatic. Now she sounded tired and afraid.

Marinette stood from her computer chair, crossing the room to hold Alya's hands. "It's not definite yet. I might not even go to America. I'm probably too much of a chicken to make such a huge move." She giggled nervously, and felt Alya's grip on her hands tighten. "There are great schools here in Paris for fashion design. Plus, I don't know what my parents would do if I left."

"You're really going to tell Adrien how you feel?" Alya asked, looking up at her with worried eyes. Alya had always been Marinette's biggest cheerleader, especially when it came to Adrien, but actually telling him how she felt was a big step. Both girls were scared of what the outcome might be. Sure, he was a little more likely to feel the same way now that they were actually friends, but Alya couldn't stand the thought of Marinette being rejected and then running away to America in shame.


"I'm going to tell her how I feel, Plagg."

The Kwami was enjoying a soft block of mozzarella. He looked up mid-bite, quirking a brow. "Ladybug? Haven't we already been over this?" Adrien had attempted to tell Ladybug how he felt about her on Valentine's Day a few years ago, but Dark Cupid had ruined his plans. "I'm actually surprised you haven't told her sooner."

Adrien sighed. "It's not as easy as it sounds. It's never the right time to tell her. Everything would be easier if I knew who she really was, if I could tell her to her face - her real face." He flopped back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. "I love her so much, Plagg, and I don't even know her name. There's so much about her I want to find out, but she's so adamant about us keeping our identities a secret. How can I convince her to tell me who she really is?"

With a shrug, the Kwami proposed, "Tell her who you are first, then she'd have no choice but to return the favor. Become Adrien, get down on one knee, and profess your love. How could she resist that?"

Rolling his eyes, Adrien thought about that idea. It wasn't a terrible option. But what if Ladybug got mad when he revealed himself? She really wanted their identities to be a secret. He had tried to tell her once before who he really was, but she shushed him and said, "No, Chat. We can't do that - not now, not ever."

The blonde covered his head with his pillow and groaned. It was risky, but maybe he could just distransform in front of her before she could protest. What if she got offended and slapped him before he could tell her that he loved her? The image made him grumble again, turning over onto his stomach. His phone vibrated, and for a second, he wanted to ignore it, but decided to lift his head and check it anyway.

It was a text from Marinette.

Hey can you meet me at the park?

He cocked a brow at the question, typing his reply. Sure.

Adrien stood, stretching his arms above his head. This would be a good distraction from Ladybug. "I'll be back in a bit, Plagg."

The Kwami looked up, mouth full of cheese. "Don't chu wont meh to come wit you?" he asked around the dairy treat.

With a chuckle, Adrien waved a hand. "Nah, that's okay. I probably won't be gone long." Marinette had never asked to hang out with him one-on-one before. It was strange.


"Wha- you're going to do it now?" Alya asked in surprise. Marinette nodded, pulling on her purse. "Girl, wait." When her friend paused, Alya put a hand on her shoulder. "You know I support you, and love you, but I'm just worried. What if he doesn't feel the same way? It's not going to destroy you, is it?"

Marinette looked down at the floor, tracing the patterns in the wood with her eyes. "I don't know. It's worth the risk, I think."

Alya let her go then, watching her climb down the stairs with a determined look. She crossed her fingers, praying that everything would turn out alright.