As if Marinette's day couldn't get any worse, she knew her life was officially ruined. Her face turned red as she felt Alya's awkward glances staring at her. Adrien just blinked and gave a small smile. Marinette giggled awkwardly and then turned away.

"I, uh…have to go!"

She ran off to go hide for all eternity. Alya followed her and tried to comfort her. "Marinette, it's not as bad as you're making it."

Marinette felt her eyes tear up and her cheeks blush. "Alya, I told him he was amazing and adorable! To his face!"

Alya shrugged and sighed. "Yeah, I guess that's pretty bad."

Marinette groaned and placed her head her hands. "I'll just avoid Adrien for the rest of my life, that works."

Alya laughed and shook her head. "Oh, Marinette, you're over exaggerating. I'm sure Adrien didn't even take much notice from it."

Marinette slowly nodded. "Sure, yeah, you're right."

Just then, Adrien found them. "Oh, hey, I didn't know you were here."

Marinette waved slowly as Adrien just chuckled. "And, thank you, Marinette. You're the first person to make me smile all day." He placed his hand on Marinette's shoulder and she stiffened. "You're a great friend, Marinette. I really needed you today. Thanks again."

He walked away as Marinette collapsed into Alya's arms. "He…touched me. And he said he…NEEDED ME!"

Alya groaned and pushed her away. "C'mon, we have homework."

Adrien thought of Marinette's compliment earlier today and a smile stretched across his face. She had said he was amazing and kind. No one had said anything like that to him in a while. He sure didn't get that kind of attention from his dad. Adrien sighed and walked into his house. Hopefully, he would be able to see his love soon, because he craved her presence. Ladybug, his lady. Adrien wished she would reciprocate his feelings for her, but he knew she only viewed him as a friend. He accepted that, but he really didn't want to.

He climbed up the stairs to his room and fell on the bed. He heard movement in his bag and Plagg flew out looking exhausted.

"Adrien, did you forget something?"

Adrien glanced at him. "Oh yeah, there's cheese in the fridge."

Plagg disappeared for a minute and then appeared with cheese in his mouth. Adrien thought of Ladybug and Marinette and wished that somehow he could have both. He loved Ladybug, but Marinette made him so happy. Her cheerful demeanor, and the way she could always make him laugh. He wanted to spend more time with her, but he knew how awkward she was around him. He smiled at how she was fidget and lose her words around him. He couldn't figure out why she was so nervous around him. Was it something about him?

Suddenly, he saw Ladybug fly through the air and land on a roof next to his house. Then he saw an akumatized victim chasing her. He smirked, knowing he could finally be free.

"Plagg, claws out!"