There were times when Adrien wondered if Plagg really did know best. Today was one of those days. Lying on his bed, exhausted after a week of fashion photo shoots and catwalks, Adrien stared at the ceiling for what felt like hours. Tomorrow will be the end of the Paris' Fashion Week. Tomorrow will be the only afterparty he planned to attend with both, his friends and his girlfriend, but something- everything felt wrong.

It started on the first day of the Fashion Week, the week that has been officially marked as the days when Adrien wasn't able to stop thinking of anything and anyone but Marinette no matter what he did. Marinette who, by the way, was supposed to be his assistant for the whole week but whom his father replaced with his regular helper without notice and at the last minute. When Adrien had called and asked her about it, Marinette explained that her boss had demanded that she shadowed him throughout the whole event, obviously for the sake of her education. She had also whispered right before hanging up that she'd suspected that Nathalie had been bluntly charged with watching her and making sure she was to remain by his father's side at all times. Apparently, by stepping away, Marinette could miss something important, and Gabriel couldn't afford that. The usage of her cell phone was limited to absolute emergencies. Even her trips to the lady's room were meticulously timed.

"I'll text you in the evening," Marinette said. "But don't worry, you'll do great."

And that was about the extent of how much Adrien heard her voice for the whole week. He had to admit that sudden development was a bit upsetting but Adrien looked at the bright side – without Marinette around him as a reminder that he still hadn't confessed to knowing certain things about her feelings, he could give his undivided attention to Kagami and make everything perfect, just as she wanted.

And so, the Fashion Week had started. Adrien did everything required of him. He modelled his father's clothes, walked runways, posed for pictures, gave interviews, attended a few shows with Kagami by his side, dined with her and a few other of his colleagues almost every other day and smiled. Smiled even though something seemed off. Something was missing. Something wasn't right. The less he tried to think about it the more it insisted and intruded. The more he pushed it away, the more violently it came back until he finally collapsed on his bed on the eve of the Fashion Week's last day. The clock showed one in the morning, but he still couldn't sleep, helplessly staring at the ceiling because he finally had to admit to himself what was missing.

Marinette.

Marinette was missing. Sure, they texted a few times, but it wasn't the same. He was lucky enough to have caught a few glimpses of her, but that wasn't the same. There was no smile just for him on her face, no boxes with his sweets in her hands, no words meant solely for his ears on her lips, no gentle, soothing hugs. Adrien groaned. He needed Marinette. He needed her presence. He didn't even realize how much he did until she was ripped out of his life and he was left alone. The Marinette-less world was not something he liked very much. Even those few times he met with Ladybug did nothing to ease the ache. By now he was used already to seeing his partner only every so often. Hawkmoth's activity ceased a few years back and gradually their daily patrols diminished as well. Now they went out probably only once or twice a week, sometimes even once in two weeks, depending on how busy they both were. Adrien slowly got used to that, but he wasn't accustomed to having no Marinette around. She was always there, especially since she started to work for his father.

"Maybe you should take another shower?" Plagg snickered from his place beside him. "You seem to be quite fond of them lately."

"Shut up, Plagg," Adrien grumbled and tossed around. Dang. The need for showers didn't subdue that much, despite the time passing and Marinette being away. Almost every time he thought of her- Adrien groaned, buried his head under his pillow and started to count backwards from a hundred. Forgetting that photo shoot would take a little longer than he thought. It was getting better actually, but then his father just had to take Marinette away. Adrien figured it would be for the best. He really hoped that focusing on Kagami-

Speaking of Kagami. Adrien sighed and tossed around again. He had spent the whole week with her and had seen much more of every-day Kagami than ever before. Adrien had started to understand what a relationship with Kagami would be like and it felt- it felt like- how could he say it? It would be easier to say what it didn't feel like. It didn't feel like something he could stick to long-term. It didn't feel warm and comfortable. It didn't feel whole. For once, it felt quite similar to carrying out on one of his father's many chores. That alone felt wrong. But then there was something else, something felt missing, something that for Adrien was the critical element - love. Romantic love to be exact because Adrien did love Kagami but not in the way it took to build a relationship. He tried. He'd be lying if he said he hadn't been trying his best but despite all of the friendship and trust and respect he felt for Kagami and even contrary to his own resolves, Adrien just couldn't see her romantically. Maybe the period he gave it was just too short, but then it took him less than an hour to see Marinette in an entirely different light, and she was just as Kagami – a friend. So- if despite him trying- it didn't work- then was it- was it worth continuing? Wouldn't it be cruel in a way to give Kagami false hopes where he could see no future? Adrien closed his eyes and groaned. The direction his own thoughts headed scared him. He didn't want to hurt Kagami. He already did that to Marinette and the knowledge of that hurt like hell. And yet- wouldn't- wouldn't it hurt even more if he continued to string Kagami along and deal with it later?

"Plagg?" Adrien murmured into the silence of his bedroom. "I think I made a huge mistake."

"What else is new?" the kwami yawned, turning the pages of the latest gentleman's magazine beside his restless wielder. "Oh! Hey, there is actually someth- Nooooooooooo!"

Adrien turned to see what got Plagg to almost screech in agony. His kwami's face mirrored an absolute horror as he was furiously reading something in the said magazine.

"They can't do that!" Plagg finally howled and shoved the magazine onto Adrien's face. "Just look! Look at this abomination! They cannot do that! Adrien, stop staring at the ceiling and do something!"

Adrien sat up and took the magazine as Plagg flew off to hyperventilate into one of his dirty socks.

"Camembert without Raw Milk? Plagg this is- "

"This is treason, Adrien! How could they take the best, creamiest, smelliest delicatessen of all times and make it into 'tasteless paste'? This can't be happening! This is a national disaster-" Plagg briefly went back to his sock before continuing to shout his objections while Adrien returned his attention to the article. In a few moments, he groaned and threw the magazine away.

"Plagg. They are changing the way they are labelling Camembert, not the cheese itself."

"But it said right there!" Plagg pointed angrily at the discarded magazine. "It said real Camembert will be hard to find in an ocean of dairy-free fakes!"

"Don't worry. I'll still buy you the real deal from the proven sources."

Plagg narrowed his eyes as he stared at Adrien. "Give me your word!"

"I promise, Plagg." Adrien gave him a small smile. "You know I will always get the best for you. Now if you don't mind, it's late, and I'd like to try falling asleep."

The kwami skeptically raised a little eyebrow. "Done sulking about your mistakes already?"

"No need to rub it in, Plagg."

"I'm just glad you finally admitted it. You should listen to me sometimes you know because I told you to go for the bakery girl, didn't I?" Plagg huffed. "But you -"

"It's not about choosing someone else, Plagg," Adrien interrupted. "It's about getting involved before I was ready in the first place. I should've not rushed in. I should've waited until I fall in love before committing to anyone but I didn't. That was a mistake."

"The solution is obvious, though." Plagg finally stopped floating in circles above his head as he locked his eyes on Adrien. "Dump the swordswoman, kid, and listen to me - go for real Camembert, go for Marinette."

"Plagg, that's not-"

Plagg groaned. "Oh, geez! Just don't tell me you aren't in love with that girl and her goods."

Adrien's face suddenly felt like burning. His eyes flared, pupils dilating as he screeched through his clenched together teeth. "Plagg! That's-"

"Uh-uh!" the kwami shook his head, his arms crossed over his chest. "I've seen with my own two eyes how you devour them every time you get that box. Even I have a restraint when it comes to Camembert unlike you and that sugary stuff."

"Oh," Adrien blinked. "You mean the pastries Marinette brings me."

"Duh!" Plagg smirked. "What did you think I meant?"

"Never mind," Adrien rumbled and turned the opposite from his kwami way. "Good night, Plagg."

"Good luck, Adrien," Plagg replied and flew into his garbage can house. "Close the door when you go for that shower. I want to catch some sleep tonight."

"Shut up," Adrien whispered and closed his eyes, ignoring an arrogant "Love you too," from his kwami. Plagg was wrong. It wasn't about him choosing Marinette instead of Kagami; it was about him committing to Kagami when he wasn't ready to commit to anyone. Even if he did pick Marinette- Okay, it would've been pointless to still deny that the thought hadn't crossed his mind at this point, but Adrien couldn't see it going very well either. For once, Father would've been against it. Marinette was one of his most valuable employees, and that alone made her forbidden to him. Second, he was in love with Ladybug so a relationship with Marinette would most likely turn out the same way as what he had with Kagami right now. He had to admit, due to that photoshoot he was still lusting after Marinette but that would've only made the whole thing much, much messier and more painful to end later because lust would pass, broken hearts would remain. It wasn't a question of the girl he had chosen. It was the question of him not being able to order his heart around.

"Can youuuu see the loooovvvvveeee tonight?" Plagg suddenly sang from his bucket. Adrien immediately threw his pillow into his kwami's general direction.

"One more sound, Plagg, and you are getting processed cheese-strings for a year! I'll fly to the States personally to choose the worst tasting ones."

There was a gasp, then a puff, followed by a string of angry noIses but no more signing. For all Plagg was, he knew when Adrien was serious and the time when it was in his best interest to close his mouth. Sometimes he was even considerate.

Adrien sighed and plopped back onto his other pillow. He knew what he had to do. No matter how much it would hurt but he couldn't continue like this. Kagami deserved better than what he was giving her. She deserved to be with someone who could offer her what he couldn't. She deserved to find that special someone who would love her the way he wasn't able to, and until he would step away, that was probably not happening. Adrien groaned. That would add another unpleasant and awkward conversation to his after-the-Fashion-Week to-do list, but that was the right thing to do. The right thing to do would also be for Adrien to remain single. He needed to sort his feelings out and get over Ladybug properly before stepping onto the dating scene. He didn't want to hurt anyone else. He knew too well how that felt. Marinette and Kagami were already two too many.

"Adrien?"

"Adriiieeennn?"

"Adrien Agreste!" Kagami finally shook his shoulder and stared at him sternly. "That is enough. Spill it."

"Um, sorry, Kagami." Adrien stirred and smiled lightly. "I just got lost in thought."

"About?"

"Nothing in particular. Don't mind me."

"Uh-uh," Kagami shook her head. "That is enough. These 'nothing in particular' thoughts have been occupying you all week now, so you either spill the beans and we resolve the issue, or I'm telling Gorilla to turn around and drive me back home."

"Kagami, it's nothing. Really."

Adrien tried his best smile yet, as sincere as he could muster at the moment, but Kagami only narrowed her eyes at him. For a fleeting moment, Adrien wished that they could talk now and get it over with, but that was out of the question. They couldn't miss this particular party since it was Gabriel's wrap up event - the infamous "couples party" as Nino christened it and something Adrien had strongly suspected his father designed just for him. As the only son of Gabriel Agreste and one of the company's leading models, Adrien couldn't skip it and thus had to bring someone along, just as his father wanted. Nino was attending as their runway DJ and Adrien's best friend. Alya was his plus one. And Marinette- well, as Gabriel's first and only protégé she couldn't afford to skip either, and since she didn't ask him to be her date and if Alya's casual slip to be believed, Marinette had ended up inviting Luka Couffaine instead. Apparently, he'd accepted. To Adrien's shame that was precisely what was on his mind right now. Not even the fact that he had already planned to talk to Kagami tomorrow and end their relationship.

"Does it have something to do with your father?" Kagami asked, an unmistakable determination in her voice and her eyes. Adrien sighed. When she was determined there was little that could stop Kagami.

"No," Adrien responded quietly. "Kagami, really, let's forget-"

"Marinette then?"

Adrien stiffened, then tried to relax to hide his reaction, but it was a moment too late. Kagami had noticed.

"Is that bad that I am not surprised one bit?" Kagami sighed and settled deeper into her seat, crossing her arms over her chest. Her eyes shifted to a passing scenery outside as their car drove past. She didn't really expect an answer from Adrien, so she proceeded, "So, Marinette? Do you want to talk about it?"

"There is nothing to talk about." Adrien's voice sounded just a little bit sadder than it should've been. "Honestly, it's nothing."

Kagami turned to face him. "I might not be very close with your group of friends, Adrien, and I might not know all of the things that had happened between you before we met, or even after that, but I do know that something is going on between Marinette and you. That much is evident even to me so don't tell me there is nothing."

"Kagami, nothing is happening between Marinette and me-"

"Oh really?" She raised her eyebrow. "Adrien. I am not stupid. I have eyes, and they clearly can see that ever since we started dating something between you two has changed. I mean, you both behave more or less the same, but there is something different now. I will be honest about this for once, but Marinette has become so excessively chirpy and mushy around you, it is getting annoying. And what is it with feeding you all those sweets? You are going to gain weight from them-"

"Kagami-"

"And you? You- It's like- There is this constant air of sadness about you these days that has never been there before. You are always thinking about 'nothing in particular' and spacing out. Oh. I apologize. My bad, not always because the moment you see Marinette, you change, Adrien. Your face changes. Your body language changes. You are back to your normal self, of course, until she leaves. Then you become all sad and gloomy again. Do not tell me there is nothing, Adrien. You never used to be like that, and I know you well enough to recognize when you are lying." Kagami paused, taking advantage of Adrien's stunned silence and inhaled before asking again. "What is going on, Adrien? What happened between you two?"

"Nothing has happened between us," Adrien protested. "Please, Kagami. Can we leave this alone?"

Kagami didn't answer. Instead, she leaned closer and gently put her hand on his. "Adrien," she almost whispered with a voice so soft, he could barely believe the difference from the stern one she used just a minute ago. "You know you can tell me, right? Whatever it is we can resolve this together. We have always been a good team so why will you not trust me this time?"

Adrien's heart tightened as he bit into the inside of his cheek. He hated, hated, absolutely hated the idea of hurting Kagami. She was his friend and always so nice to him. She might not use the best methods, but her intentions were always for his best. She wanted to help him and hehe was planning- Adrien felt ashamed, looking at Kagami. She deserved better. That was why he couldn't continue like this.

"Adrien, please," she said quietly. "You can trust me. Let me help you. Tell me what is wrong."

"I'm sorry, Kagami," Adrien diverged his sight from her. "I wish I could tell you but I can't- not now at least."

"And why not?"

"Because," he responded quietly. "This is something that cannot be resolved easily and something that could- would hurt people- even you."

"Then all the more reason for you to tell me," Kagami replied. "Do not worry. I'm strong. I can take whatever it is." She observed him for a few moments and added, squeezing his hand lightly. "Please, Adrien. All I want is for you to be happy. I promise, even if it would hurt me, nothing will have to change between us. We'd still be friends."

Adrien sighed. He'd gotten too far to retreat now without saying anything, but what could he reveal? Admitting to Kagami now that he wanted to break up with her was incomprehensible. They had that damn party to attend and going there immediately post break-up would be unthinkable. Confessing to what was really going on with Marinette was also inconceivable. Adrien didn't know himself what was going on there fully. Actually, he did. Nothing. Nothing was going on with Marinette because nothing could be going on. Marinette was a friend and out of his reach by his own father's rules, and quite frankly, since she'd asked Luka to go to that party, she must have been moving on already and getting over him-

"Adrien?" Kagami shook his hand lightly. "I am telling Gorilla to turn around."

"Kagami, please-"

"To be honest," she took her hand away and crossed her arms over her chest. "I am shocked at how much you don't want to tell me what the issue is. I thought you trusted me."

"I do trust you, Kagami." Adrien dropped his head to the back, focusing his sight at the ceiling. "It's just a very sensitive subject."

"And I repeat that I can handle that," she insisted.

Adrien closed his eyes and thought. The situation was a mess, but he had to say something. Maybe… Maybe he could ask her for advice on how to handle the knowledge of Marinette being in love with him? That sounded valid enough of a reason to behave the way he did. Plus, Nino did mention that everyone knew about Marinette's crush, so Kagami probably knew as well. He wouldn't be revealing anyone's secrets and, who knew, maybe he would get good advice in the process. Kagami did understand him like no one else due to their similar upbringings.

"Alright. I'll tell you, but you have to promise me this isn't leaving this car."

"You know me," she nodded.

Adrien breathed in and straightened up in his seat, avoiding looking at Kagami. This was beyond awkward so focusing his eyes on his hands in his lap he blurted out, "The day after we started dating, I found out by accident that Marinette has been in love with me for years."

Kagami quirked her eyebrow and remained silent for a few short moments. Then she asked, "You mean you didn't know?"

Adrien shook his head.

"And that is an issue because?"

"Because she is my friend, Kagami," Adrien said quietly. "One of my oldest, best friends ever. Marinette was one of the first who made me feel like a normal human being. She was one of the few who made me feel accepted and loved when all I had was a cold house and an absent father. She continues to be all that and more to me every day and what did I do in return for her kindness? I broke her heart."

"Adrien," Kagami sighed with a small smile on her lips. "Gosh, you are such an idiot sometimes. Listen," she gently cupped his face, turning him to look at her. "You are not responsible for the feelings of others. It is not your fault that her heart got broken."

"But I'm the one who hurt her."

"Were you leading her on, though?"

"No!" Adrien frowned. "Of course not. Why would I do that?"

"Then you are not responsible, Adrien." Kagami smiled. "If you did not make her fall in love with you deliberately and then proceeded to hurt her on purpose, then you should not feel guilty about it. It is not your fault. You should not be held responsible."

Adrien halted for a few seconds and continued only when his eyes returned to his lap. "I know that in my mind but it doesn't help me feel better."

"With time it will," Kagami responded and shuffled back onto her side of the seat, directing her eyes outside the window. "Time heals everything."

They were getting close to their destination, driving in silence for some time, the lights of streets zooming outside the windows. There were only a few minutes left to their destination when Adrien sighed and tried to smile at Kagami. "I'm sorry for moping around, Kagami. Do you think we could put this aside for today and not let my incompetence ruin this evening? I'm sure I'll get a better handle on this whole thing soon."

"You should talk to her," Kagami responded instead to much of his surprise. "If it bothers you that much, then you should talk to her."

For a second Adrien blankly stared at Kagami before admitting. "I might have thought about that, but I don't know what to say."

"How about the same truth you told me once?"

"Thanks," Adrien pouted as he glanced at Kagami. "Genius idea. Much helpful."

Kagami smirked. "But why not? You told me that you loved another and I lived, did I not? We remained friends. I dare to say we have become even better friends because of how honest we were with each other. Marinette is strong. Do not underestimate her. Tell her your heart belongs to someone else, and hopefully that will be enough of a push for her to move on."

Adrien quietly shifted his gaze back to the view outside, pounding on what Kagami had just said. The time was slipping by fast as they were already turning onto their street.

"Adrien," Kagami put a hand on his shoulder. "Keep in mind also that us starting dating might have already given her a push to look for love somewhere else. I heard she's bringing Luka to the party. That's good, right? Now, if you confess that your affections lie somewhere else, I'm sure it will only help Marinette with moving on. You are usually overly compassionate toward others, Adrien, but, honestly, in this case I think you are worrying for nothing."

Adrien closed his eyes. "You think so?"

Kagami nodded even though he couldn't see her. "She'll be at the party today, right?"

"Yup. But as you said, she'll be with Luka."

"So, what?" Kagami shrugged. "I do not know him very well, but I am certain he would not mind his date to have a one-on-one conversation with her friend. If you're worrying, though, I can take care of him for you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well…" She smirked, a hint of mischief glittering in her eyes. "If you are going to cheat on me with Marinette by whisking her away on a private rendezvous, then I'm sure it is only fair if I cheat on you with Luka."

Adrien snickered. "You're joking, right?"

"Not at all," Kagami stated with a serious face. "In fact, going astray once in a while will only strengthen our relationship, as long as we stay discreet and smart about it, of course."

"You are ridiculous," Adrien laughed.

"Oh, but am I?" Kagami quirked an eyebrow. "It is the French way of dealing with love problems, is it not? Now, do we have a deal or not? You go talk to Marinette, get this thing sorted out, and we continue as if nothing had ever happened?"

Adrien didn't answer straight away, but when Kagami mentioned that they had arrived, he stretched his hand out to Kagami. "Fine, but only if you entertain Luka for me."

"Not an issue," she shook his hand. "Now, go out the other side and open the door for me as the gentleman I know you are."

"Be right there," Adrien nodded and exited the car. A storm of flashes almost blinded him immediately as he moved to the other side, but his mind was far too busy to notice. Today was the day. They needed to talk. He had to confess. Even Kagami thought so. Adrien might not be able to offer Marinette what she desired, but he would do his best to make sure their friendship would stay as strong as ever. In any case, maybe Kagami was right? Maybe Marinette was moving on already with Luka? The thought of that somehow didn't do much to calm Adrien, and as he led Kagami down the red carpet, his thoughts were once again focused on the other girl.