A few days passed after Luka was akumatized. The majority of the time he avoided Marinette. She gave him his space the first few days but she was beginning to worry. He wasn't the type to dwell on things this long.

On the other hand, Adrien had been as friendly as ever. She'd grown accustomed to him popping up around her with his dazzling smile. As well as a certain cat who didn't seem to understand what personal space was. But they'd become comfortable friends.

Before she knew it the day of the dance was upon them. She stared at her hard work. It was her signature pink with the same pink flower design of her shirt. She wanted to make something new and challenging but still within her comfort zone. Two baby pink fabric butterflies were attached to the hip. The skirt of the dress came out in waves from her hips in soft ripples of pink ending with black scalloped trim around the straps and bottom. Her shoes were hidden by the length of it.

Marinette pulled her hair from its pigtails, brushing it out. Having her hair up most of the time gave it some volume. She ran her fingers through the waves as she looked in the mirror.

She dusted a small amount of blush onto her cheeks. With a light layer of lipgloss and mascara. She wasn't one for makeup but today was a special occasion. She pulled on her shoes and looked at her clock. Once again she was going to be late. She hustled down the stairs.

Her mother stopped her with a smile.

"You look so beautiful, dear," her mother took her into her arms. Marinette hugged her back.

"Oh and don't forget this," Tom reached around, clasping a necklace around Marinette's neck. She ran a finger over the pearls. Her father teared up at how grown up she looked.

Marinette made her way quickly to the school, shooting a goodbye to her parents. She walked as fast as she could in her heels.

People were still milling into the school. Marinette stepped into the dimly lit room. Slow music was playing and a herd of couples were dancing with their dates.

Adrien immediately noticed when Marinette walked in, she was stunning, the light illuminating her like a spotlight. His breath caught in his throat. She came in, looking around. Her gaze caught with someone's but she looked away quickly.

Luka kept checking the entrance. He sipped his punch, basically third-wheeling with Juleka and Rose. He had been avoiding Marinette and he thought it was about time to own up to his mistakes. Guilt had been eating him alive for the past few days.

He almost spat out his drink when Marinette walked in. He had never seen her with her hair down, the atmosphere around her was otherworldly. She looked around and their eyes locked. She avoided his gaze, stepping into the crowd.

He put down his drink along with his pride and went into the crowd. She was easy to find. He could spot her in a crowd of a million. He stepped into her path and she halted, surprise showing on her face.

He took a deep breath, "Will you dance with me?" he held out his hand.

She looked from his hand to the earnest look on his face and placed her hand in his.

They danced to the music, the song already halfway over. He hadn't exactly planned this moment out. She still avoided his gaze, watching the crowd around them as they moved to the music.

"Marinette…" He started, her eyes finally landing on his. "I just wanted to say I'm sorry. For everything that happened and how I've been avoiding you. I-I didn't mean for any of that to happen. It's just that I-"

"Luka I forgive you, you're one of my greatest friends…" she let her words sink in. "I could never stay mad at you."

His words died in his throat and he stared into her eyes. He got the message. It hurt but maybe it was better this way. He didn't know what would happen in the future but for right now she needed… a friend.

The song ended and Adrien who had been watching the encounter from afar stepped in. "Do you mind if I take over?"

For once Luka didn't feel like fighting back. He smiled widely at Adrien, throwing him off.

"She's all yours."

Luka walked away leaving the two alone. He smiled at Marinette as the next song began. "You look stunning Marinette," she smiled, putting her hand out for him.

"You look pretty fantastic yourself Agreste. I see you took my opinions into consideration," he was wearing the pieces she had picked. He took her hand and they danced along with everyone else.

Marinette smiled up at him as he complimented her dress. He mentioned she should show his father and she turned into her usual blushing mess.

His heart raced, he had hyped himself up on the limo ride here but now that the time had come he clammed up. He stared into her blue eyes that shone with the lights. Their feet moving in unison, a perfect match.

He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear leaned in close. He mustered all the courage in his body to say these three words.

"I like you."

Time stopped for a moment as Adrien whispered those words in her ear. Her eyes froze on the scene behind him. He pulled back, smiling down at her, a blush just barely noticeable in the dim lighting.

Marinette felt her heart stop. These were the words she'd been waiting to hear but instead of feeling happy she felt remorse. She swallowed, looking down at her feet.

"I'm sorry Adrien, I'm in love with someone else."