Fear not! Chapter 20 is not the final chapter; it was more of a mid-point!
Resounding
Alya sat in the classroom next to her best friend, a decidedly self-satisfied grin adorning her face. She went the extra mile to make sure Marinette was at school on time that morning.
Alix and Kim were already there, and in the middle of one of their betting games. A few onlookers were already choosing their sides. Marinette and Alya sat on the other side of the room at their regular table.
Marinette was rather chipper, no doubt due to recent events. She smoothed her hair down and turned to Alya with a bright grin, "How do I look?"
The blogger rolled her eyes, "Gorgeous, as always."
Marinette giggled, "Thanks Alya."
Nino and Adrien entered the room next, and Alya watched with amusement as the secret superhero duo immediately locked eyes.
Astoundingly, Marinette kept her cool as she smiled and waved at the blond model. Adrien, however, was not quite as calm and collected.
"G-Good morning, Marinette," Adrien stammered, and Alya clamped a hand to her mouth as she fought back laughter.
"Good morning, Adrien! How are you?" Marinette asked, looking surprised at his odd behavior.
"Great! Never better!" he squeaked, his face flushing an admittedly adorable pink.
Alya shared a look with her best friend, and Marinette's eyes widened with comprehension. Nino placed a supportive hand on Adrien's shoulder, jarring him out of his stupor.
"My bro didn't get enough sleep, so he's a little out of it," Nino explained with a meaningful glance in Alya's direction.
"I couldn't even tell! You look great," Marinette remarked, before realizing what she'd said and blushing tomato red.
"I-I mean, you always look great! N-Not that I've been looking!" the pig-tailed girl blurted. Alya slapped a hand to her forehead.
Adrien's face turned a shade that matched Marinette's, "No, no! You look great, not me! Uh, not that I'm putting myself down or anything!"
Nino slapped a hand to his own forehead as well.
"Might as well slap your own forehead too, Marinette. Looks like everyone in your dork squad is doing it," Chloé remarked with a snicker as she walked past them.
Adrien fixed the girl with a flat look.
"Of course I didn't mean you, Adrikins. You're much too sophisticated to do something like that," the blonde girl stated matter-of-factly.
Adrien very deliberately looked Chloé in the eye, raised his hand up, and brought it to his forehead with a resounding smack.
His three on-looking friends erupted in a chorus of laughter, and Chloé huffed in indignation before stomping away.
Their laughter died down, and Alya noted with satisfaction that Adrien's gaze lingered on Marinette much longer than strictly necessary.
Ms. Bustier entered the room, signaling that it was time to get started for the day.
They took their seats and Marinette watched the back of Adrien's head with an unreadable expression. He angled his head just enough to catch her eye, and gave her a flirtatious wink.
Marinette chuckled softly and rolled her eyes, gesturing for him to pay attention to the lesson.
Alya smiled and shook her head. While not as much had changed as she might have hoped, it was definitely a step in the right direction.