"Caline!" Alya jumped Ms. Bustier in a hug, surprised to see their first year English teacher for their homeroom of senior year.

"Not at school," she mentioned under her breath, but other students started catching on and calling her Caline.

"I didn't know you taught College Prep." Alya looked up at her teacher, letting go of the hug as Adrien trailed in after Alya.

"They rotate teachers for the college prep class. I'll also be your senior Literature teacher for both honors and regular. And Fourth Year English."

"Yes!"

"Good to see you Ms. Bustier," greeted Adrien. He looked like the living dead, with the dark circles under his eyes. Alya, Juleka, and Adrien had been working on a new song for the last days of summer, having only gotten the music to Marinette and Nino two days ago.

Nino approved, but cryptically told Alya and Juleka in a separate message Marinette and Adrien may be fine.

Adrien looked less than fine with sleepless nights.

"Good to see you to Adrien."

"Morning Caly," Nino called out with Marinette following, immediately hiding behind Nino when she saw Adrien.

"It's Ms. Bustier," grimaced their teacher, a couple students snickering at the nickname.

"You ready to see the most rock-pop-tastic concert this school's ever seen," asked Nino, ignoring Ms. Bustier's correction. A couple of the students cheered, Nino encouraging them by pumping his fist in the air as he took a seat in the front with Marinette.

"Finally, we're all in a class together again," said Chloe as she walked in, followed by Sabrina. She took the front row next opposite of Marinette before turning to the class.

"As your student body president, I will make sure we all have an amazing year," she announced, the Adrienette president already sitting in the back and calling out, "More Afterschool Tea Time Concerts Please!"

"Well see what we can do," responded Nino with a smile.

Alya led Adrien to the seats behind Nino and Marinette, giving Adrien the seat where he could watch the back of Marinette's head. Adrien crossed his arms, as if saying no, Alya glaring the boy into submission.

Several other students filled the classroom, including Kim, Alix and Ondine, arguing about some new competition or other.

"Oh, have you dudes seen Juleka, we brought all out costumes to the clubroom so we'll need to try them on." Nino turned around in his seat to look up at Alya and Adrien.

"Yeah, she was with Mylene and Ivan down stairs. Apparently they have the same first period as Marc and Nathaniel," answered Alya.

"Nice! Everyone's got friends this year!"

Alya nodded, then glanced over at Adrien with Nino. The boy stared at the back of Marinette's head with longing. His arm laid across the desk, wishing to reach out a pet her hair free of any style.

Alya and Nino both sighed before turning back to the front, only for Ms. Bustier to raise her eyebrow at them, mouthing, "Are they ok?"

The teens both shook their hands for an "iffy", Nino mouthing back, "We'll explain later."

Ms. Bustier nodded before tapping her desk, commanding the class to her attention.

"Hello everyone! It's nice to see so many familiar faces. For those who don't know me, I'm Caline Bustier, and this year I will be teaching your College Prep Class, First Year and Fourth Year Literature, and English 1 and 4. The clubs I'm overseeing this year are the literature Club, Mediation Club, and Light Music Club."

"Woot! Woot!" Cheered Nino, several students laughing and cheering. Ms. Bustier smiled, shaking her head as she gestured for the class to settle down.

"For those I've taught or advised, I loved watching you all grow into fine young men and women. And I look forward to helping you grow more this year as you make preparations for their next step in your journeys. Just remember to enjoy the now, with these friends here."

She looked around the classroom, smiling at the students. Alya reached over to hold Adrien and Nino's hat, Nino reaching back behind him for her arm before putting a hand on Marinette's shoulder. Adrien and Marinette reached back to their friends, but hesitated in reaching for each other.

"Now, enough with the sentiments, let's pass out the syllabus, then go over it."

Their teacher took a stack of papers off her desk before splitting it in two and passing it to Marinette and Chloe.

Marinette passed one to Nino before taking one for herself. She then turned in her seat, passing the stack back to Adrien. Their hands touched, Marinette not pulling away until Adrien had the papers securely in his hand. He smiled before taking a packet and passing the one after to Alya before passing the stack behind him. Marinette then turned back around, pretending to be very interested in the packet. Alya swore she saw pink on Marinette's cheeks. She looked down to Nino who looked to be mildly amused by the situation, but said nothing. When Adrien turned around in his seat, he slightly smiled while looking at his hand that touched Marinette's.

Her friends were definitely weird.

"So, let me get this straight," said Ms. Bustier, holding Alya and Nino after class, Marinette and Adrien going different ways for their next class.

"Adrien is probably going far away for nanoengineering, which could mean 10 or so years before he would be able to come back to Paris?"

"Sort of, Adrien told me if he went for a Master's, that's six years of schooling at least. Then he needs to apply to be an engineer, then have work experience, and then of course he would go the extra mile and take the professional engineer exam," explained Alya.

"Whereas Marinette has already got a jump start working for Gabriel's. It wouldn't take nearly as long for her career to be established since Adrien's dad showed interest in her skills," added Nino.

"Plus, who knows if Adrien could even get a nanoengineering job in Paris. What if he needs to stay in the US or China," said Alya.

Ms. Bustier frowned, nodding her head in understanding.

"Have they talked since then?"

Alya looked to Nino, who looked back at her.

"Not that we know of," answered Alya.

"I checked Marinette's phone and she hasn't texted anyone other than me, her boss, and the group when we sent out our new song."

Ms. Bustier raised her head, "New song?"

"Me, Juleka, and Adrien wrote it. We don't know if Marinette really read over the lyrics yet, but we hope she can understand our feelings since Adrien and I will be leaving Paris." Alya pulled out of her backpack a copy of the song, passing it to their teacher. She scanned the lines before smiling.

"I think it will help. Good luck."

The student nodded as she passed them back the song and two tardy slips. Ms. Bustier opened the door, allowing the students to swap for the freshman English class.

"Be sure to come to the theater for the Light Music Club," Nino yelled at the new students, who looked puzzled.

"Do you think we'll get someone new this year," asked Alya as they headed over to their next class.

"Maybe, but I'm mostly doing this show for Marinette and Adrien. Any people who want to join after is a second blessing."

Alya snorted, bumping Nino's side, "I'm surprised you're not going all big brother mode."

"Considering it's been three years, going on four we've known Adrien, he's alright in my book for Marinette. Plus Uncle Tom nearly squeezed Adrien to death in a hug before their first date."

Alya laughed, "That I can imagine. Wait, does that mean Marinette told you about all their dates?"

Nino smirked. "Maybe. Don't know if it's appropriate to share though. Best Friend code and all."

Alya humphed, crossing her arms, "Well, then I might not be inclined to tell you Adrien's version of their dates. Best Friend code and all."

Nino gasped," You wouldn't"

"Information exchange agreed upon for a later date?"

"Agreed."

The teens shook on it before splitting up for their next classes.

Alya had three priorities with this show, similar to the ones Nino mentioned. Most important was the Adrienette dilemma, then getting more members for the club. The third priority was a little secret she kept to herself as she rushed into the theater before Mr. Harperle even began his intro to theater club speech.

Mr. Harperle was in the front talking to one of the students, the other theater nerds coming after Alya. Instead of waiting around, Alya walked up to the stage so she could set her guitar in the wings before talking to the theater teacher. She peaked out from behind the wings, seeing more students arriving, including Mylene and Ivan. Trying to be as unnoticeable as possible, she walked up to Mr. Harperle, squatting down so she could look at the man at eye level.

"Hello Alya," Mr. Harperle greeted, dismissing the student he had talked to before turning his attention to Alya.

"Hi Mr. Harperle, would the person whose in charge of lighting be here today?"

"Lighting?" Mr. Harperle looked around the room. "That boy, Ivan, is one of our Lighting Technicians, you could talk to him and he'll relay the message to the head."

"Thanks," Alya smiled before jumping off the stage. Mr. Harperle looking like he wanted to scold her for the jump but she had already run over to Ivan.

"Ivan, I need to talk to you," announced Alya, surprising Ivan and Mylene who had both taken seats in the middle of the theater.

"Um," he looked between Mylene and Alya,"sure."

"Oh, we can talk right here." Alya crawled over the row of seats so she was able to face Ivan and Mylene.

"I need your help with a little lighting problem."

She pulled up her phone, opening to a page she had already set on her phone. She passed it to Ivan then pressed play on the video. Mylene leaned over to watch the video.

"This was last year's Christmas performance," commented Mylene.

"Yep, I don't know if it's come up yet, but our drummer, you can't really see him. Granted his hat doesn't exactly help, but is there a way to get the lights on him?"

Ivan paused the video, grimacing as he looked at the frozen image. From what Alya could see, everyone else in the band was well lit, with the exception of the sharp shadow on Nino's face. Even when Nino lifted his head, his face was still overshadowed.

"Is it normal, for the drummer out of the spotlight," asked Mylene, looking between her boyfriend.

"Depends on the band. Some bands focus more on the singers, so the background instruments are under-lit, whereas other bands try to focus on all the musicians," answered Ivan.

"We need everyone lit up, especially Nino. Technically we wouldn't have the light music club without him," explained Alya.

"Nino started the Light Music Club," asked Mylene?

"Yep, from what he and Marinette told me they wanted to join a band in high school, but our school doesn't exactly have pop or rock bands. Just Jazz, marching, choir, and orchestra. So they started the light music club, or more like restarted the light music club since it was a thing back in the 2000s. Anyway, do you think you could help with the lighting?"

Ivan had pressed play on the video and was watching again when Alya asked her question. It took an elbow from Mylene to shake him from the zone.

"Um sure."

He passed the phone back to Mylene, Mr. Harperle already started his introduction as Ivan led the other two to the stage.

"The drums will be around here, right," he asked, standing in the middle of upstage.

Alya rested her chin on her hand as she examined the stage, then stepped into her spot. She looked back at Ivan.

"Two steps up I think."

Ivan nodded, Mylene already ready with white electrical tape. Ivan striped a piece off and set it right in front of his feet.

"Make sure his seat goes here. I'll work on the lights."

"Thank you!" Alya squealed, jumping Ivan in a hug.

"Our club's full of huggers," she explained to Mylene before letting Ivan go.

"Everything alright," asked Juleka, carrying her guitar and Marinette's bass as she walked on stage. Mr. Harperle had finished his speech, interested students talking to the director or senior students.

"Yep, just fixing up some things. Where's everyone else?"

"Adrien's passing out flyers in the catsuit. Nino and Marinette are getting his drums."

"The cat suit? I thought Nino hid it so he wouldn't have to wear it again."

Juleka shrugged,"He brought it out for Adrien. The suit is a little small as it doesn't cover his wrists or ankles."

Juleka tried to hide her amused smile as she pulled out her phone, showing the other three the picture of Adrien, the black suit baggy enough for him to wear but not long enough. At least the cat head still fits. The boy attempted to strike a model pose, making the suit more hilarious.

Mylene giggled, trying poorly to hide it behind her hand, Ivan looked confused, Alya laughed, drawing a couple students attention.

"What did Marinette say when she saw him?"

"Not really sure. Adrien was leaving as Marinette came in. So they just kinda passed each other. Then Marinette kicked herself and Nino out so I could try on the costume. When they came back, everything was normal."

"Send the picture to me then, I'll post it on the blog later."

Juleka nodded, forwarding the picture as she set down Marinette's bass before setting up her own guitar as the sound people started to work.

"You guys have a lot of fun in your club," Ivan asked as Alya confirmed she received the text from Juleka.

"Oh always. I didn't think we would at first, but everyone's been really fun. Juleka especially has come more out of her shell since she joined." She looked over to see Juleka talking to the sound people as they set up the microphone in front of her, Juleka directing where to put the other stands.

"Hopefully we get her more club members so she won't be alone next year. Or maybe we make her a video for advertising." Alya started thinking as she wandered off to get her guitar. When she came back, Ivan was already gone and Mylene was talking to Juleka. Nino and Marinette were moving his drums to the stage.

"Your boyfriend's more the silent type, isn't he," Alya asked as she took her spot, plugging a cord into her guitar.

"A little, he talks where it counts."

Alya nodded before looking back to Nino and Marinette. "Oh, Nino, your chair goes here," Alya pointed with her foot at the electric tape on the floor as Nino was about to set his stool and a drum down.

"Okay." He dragged out his response, complying with Alya's demand.

"Alya, when you have a chance, can you go try on your costume, I need to double check your measurements," asked Marinette as she set down Nino's cymbals.

"Sure, let me just check this then I can go."

Marinette nodded, her and Nino leaving to collect more of his drum set.

Alya noticed a few lights flicker on, directed at Nino's drums. Alya turned back to the audience to give a thumbs up to Ivan, wherever he was. This show was going to be great.

Alya bounced up and down in the greenroom, enjoying her poofy cream dress, a black arm sock, striped tights and little cream heels with purple pom poms. Marinette had made her a cream and purple flower flower for her hair, Alya enjoying every minute of her outfit.

"Can we please wear these for graduation," she begged, Marinette giggling. Marinette had a black puffy dress with a turquoise and black striped arm sock, turquoise tights, and black heels. Her hair was down and adorned by a small top hat.

"You can wear whatever you want to graduation. I'm glad you liked it so much."

"Of course we like it, we love all your creations," encouraged Nino, wrapping an arm around Marinetter's shoulder. He wore a black vest and puffy blacker knickers with grey tights underneath. His usual baseball cap had diagonal black and white stripes.

"I never see you wearing them though."

"I wear them," piped up Adrien. True, Alya ahd seen Adrien wearing them on more than one occasion, even asking Marinette for extensions when he grew out of them. Today he wore a button down where half the shirt had big diagonal black and white stripes while the other half was black. His skinny jeans were a neon green and cuffed at the bottom. He wore black converse and black cat-eared headphones.

"Your outfits are just too nice to wear every day," offered Alya, weakly.

Marinette frowned, but smiled. Other than Adrien and Marinette not talking to each other, the day was pretty normal. Adrien making casual love-lorn glances behind Marinette's back, Marinette hiding her blush, just normal Adrienette things. The one difference was Nino knowing what was up, leaving Juleka and Alya in the dark.

Marinette shuffled in place, glancing at Adrien only to quickly look away when she saw him watching her. Nino was looking expectantly between them, waiting for something to happen.

"You ready Juleka," Alya looked at the only non-invested member of the group. Juleka wore a similar cream dress but with puffy sleeves and magenta tights to match her bangs. Her hair had been put up in a knot with a magenta flower sticking out the bottom.

Juleka had been staring at the doorway leading to the backstage, waiting to be called on the moment the school bell rang. She nodded in response to Alya's question, not taking her eyes off the stage.

"You alright?"

"A little nervous, since this is the last time we'll have a welcome concert together," she admitted. The group all turned to Juleka, sad smiles on their faces as it hit them it was the start of their last first day of high school.

"Then let's just enjoy today. One day at a time," offered Alya, Nino nodding in an agreement. Marinette and Adrien both looked away, hopefully wheels spinning in their heads.

"Alright, we're ready for you," called out Chloe, everyone jumping at her arrival.

"What are you doing here, I thought you had a meeting," asked Marinette as Chloe was about to leave.

"No one could pay attention because everyone wants to see your band. I might have to find you a bigger stage for the Christmas show at this rate. So practically all clubs were cancelled to come see the show. Now go on!" Chloe pushed them all towards the backstage before waving them off. Mr. Harperle gave them a thumbs up as they passed by, the band taking their positions on the stage.

"And now presenting, Francois Dupont's Light Music Club, Afterschool Tea Time!"

The crowds screamed as the curtain rose, Alya seeing even the back doors to the auditorium were open to allow more students to listen. She looked back to Nino to see him fully covered in lights, the same as the rest of the band.

Alya stepped up to the microphone as the rest of the band started to play their new song. She looked over to Marinette and Adrien who were both looking at her before she winked.

A treasure chest filled with this and that, little things

When did I lose it? It's disappeared somewhere

Beads, charms, candles, ribbon, soap bubbles and clovers

But, you see, a real treasure chest is inside my heart

I've become aware of an everlasting treasure just by being near everyone

It's strange, fun, pleasant, delicious, cute and lovely

Perhaps we're supposed to cherish the day, every day

Time's passing by in fast forward – it may be wrong but I can't wait for tomorrow

Just being like this is great; it's fine as it is

I'll sing my favorite songs and have hot tea with everyone

These are treasured days; dazzling, shining days

It's written in the music score of the heart, where there are infinite riff marks

Let's go forth with loud voices and share them...that's bliss!

One, two, three years; even after a hundred years I can't be stopped

It's my dream to dance and make some noise on-stage anywhere

At the club competition, training camp; during live events, camping, Christmas, New Years

From the classroom window I can see outer space, become a bird, become a star

At this moment we're sending out sparks; even the wind is awakening from this hot melody

Just being like that is great; it's fine as it is

Even though we're ordinary kids, we're stars! We'll excessively praise each other

These are treasured days, days when we cried and laughed together

The music score of life is constantly changing key, but we'll be fine

Since it's wrapped in lots of love...thank you!

Would I be reading at the convenience store on the way home? Maybe eating fast food alone? Maybe taking an afternoon nap?

Just being like this is great; it's fine as it is

We'll give it our all when playing our music, stuff ourselves with sweets

These are treasured days; dazzling, shining days

It's written in the music score of the heart, where there are infinite riff marks

Let's go forth with loud voices and share them...that's bliss!

The crowds cheered, not a single student sitting in the audience as more crowded in front of the stage.

Alya looked back over to Adrien and Marinette, Marinette looking at Adrien the same way Adrien looked at Marinette all day: full of love and longing.

Smiling, Alya turned back to Juleka and Nino who were both smiling at the display. Then Alya turned back to the audience!

"Are you ready for more!?"

"YEAH!"

Nino immediately started taping his sticks for the next song.

Alya watched Marinette and Adrien sitting at their table in the clubroom, both nervously sipping their teas at the same time. If anything happened after the concert, Alya didn't know about and apparently, neither did Nino or Juleka.

"So did you two make up or make out yet? Because the awkward tension is killing me," groaned Alya, only to be shushed by Juleka and Nino by stuffing for cookies into her mouth.

Adrien and Marinette spat their tea out, successfully drenching the other.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Marinette reached for a napkin, trying to clean Adrien's face and shirt. Only for Adrien to grab her hand.

"I don't want us to end."

Marinette stopped her rambling, freezing at Adrien's words. He moved his hand so he was intertwining his fingers with hers.

"I know we were just 'testing' things out last year, and even though things got way busier than we thought, I enjoyed every moment I spent with you. Whether it was late night panic phone calls or working on homework while you worked on your designs. Every little mundane thing, I loved doing it with you."

Alya tried to chew the cookies as softly as possible to not ruin the moment, the others remaining silent as Adrien spoke again.

"And even though we're going to different schools, I don't want that to be the reason I lose you now. So Marinette Dupain-Cheng." Adrien got off his seat and got on one knee, the onlookers gasping.

"Would you make everyday with you the happiest I've ever been by becoming my girlfriend?"

Marinette was bright pink, trying not to cry while she smiled.

"Dangit, I wanted to have this conversation when we were alone."

Adrien looked at the viewers, who promptly turned in their seats, pretending there was something interesting on the opposite wall. They all heard Marinette take a deep breath.

"I'm sorry I freaked out, but after talking to some wiser people, coincidentally timed words of wisdom, and a song that I didn't fully understand until now; I don't want to miss a moment with you either."

Alya squirmed in her seat, so tempted to turn around.

"So yes, Adrien Agreste, I would love to be your girlfriend."

"Freaking finally!" Nino was the first to give in, jumping from his seat to pull Marinette and Adrien into hugs.

"Nino! You ruined a kiss," Alya yelled!

"KISS!" Adrien and Marinette turned bright red, avoiding looking at each other.

"My precious favorite people, still too adorable and pure for kisses," Nino teased, rocking the happy couple.

"As a gift, no telling this to the Adrienette club, unless you want to," offered Alya before pulling Juleka with her to join the hug.

"Yeah, I think we'll let them know later," answered Adrien.

"Great, noted to divert all attention from the actual couple. Now if we found someone for Juleka we could get them to ship next year…" started Alya, only to be interrupted by a knock at the door.

Oh right, they were looking for new members.

The group quickly resumed their places, Marinette and Adrien still dripping with tea as Marinette refilled their cups.

"Come in," called out Nino.

The door was opened to reveal Ivan. The club dropped their proper manners, Nino grabbing another cookie.

"Hey Ivan, are you looking for Mylene," asked Juleka.

"We have tea and snacks if you want," offered Nino.

"I actually wanted to ask you guys something."

The club stopped what they were doing, Marinette nearly filling Adrien's tea to overflowing before noticing. She sat the pot down, the group waiting to hear out Ivan.

"I've been noticing your group. How much fun you have, and how you care for each other. Mylene and I have really seen how much better your group makes people."

The group smiled, glancing at each other before looking back at Ivan.

"I think this group should stay open for next year, for people to still have that fun and care, and you definitely taught Juleka well."

Alya rested her hand on Juleka's shoulder, the girl grabbing it in return.

"So if no one else offered, I would like to learn to play drums so I can be in the band next year."

"DUDE! TOTALLY!" Nino jumped up, trying to hug Ivan. Juleka also ran up to hug Ivan.

"What can I say, we're a bunch of huggers," said Alya.

Nino and Juleka stepped back, Nino gesturing to the room and its inhabitants.

"Welcome to the Light Music Club!"