soft but not subtle

Adrien isn't oblivious and his lycée classmates aren't subtle. He knows when excuses are being made, a few years of having Chat Noir as an alter ego has given him some experience in that field, so he can see through a rushed lie when he hears one.

The way one of Marinette's friends glared threateningly at two of their study buddies before they all scrambled out was also a big tip off. One of the poor guys was even in the middle of eating his shawarma when he was practically dragged out the door. While she was rushing everyone up, she explained that they had to get back to their resident building for some room maintenance they wanted to supervise.

Marinette was paying far too much attention to the online lecture videos to give them a grand farewell, but Adrien had a feeling he knew what was going on.

Not that he had a big problem with it. They had planned a group study but half of them were slacking off and being loud. And by half, he meant everyone but Marinette. Maybe it hadn't been the smartest idea for them to let the others tag along on their study date.

Uh—study session.

But instead of wasting their time looking for a place to study, the large number allowed them to them covet a closed off study room and why would he ever say no to some peace and quiet and the delight of rolling chairs? At least now it was only the two of them.

Except now it was a little too quiet. Adrien glances to the left and Marinette is still watching a video and so he scoots closer. The side of his arm brushes hers and she is startled as she hurries to pause the video and take out her headphones.

He feels his lips turn as he gives her a bashful smile, "Didn't mean to interrupt."

"It's fine!" She says hurriedly, her eyes flickering away from him. Marinette lets out a nervous giggle as she stretches her arms in front of her, looking around the room. "Oh? Everyone went for a coffee break or something?"

"Something like that," Adrien says with a smile.

"Well! We should probably get started on figuring out how to work with the framework. Let's see how the book says to start."

They both scoot their chairs toward the textbook at the same time and their chairs collide, as his head connects with hers. She lets out a groan as he barely holds one back. Adrien glances over at her while rubbing his head and is surprised by how close she is. He can feel his face heat up to mirror her own, as he starts feeling butterflies crawl up his throat. "Sorry."

There's a glint in her eyes, her wide, wide eyes, and he watches entranced as his reflection in them gets bigger and bigger as she moves closer. Or maybe it's him that moves closer.

Her mouth opens slightly and her gaze drops to his mouth and Adrien just barely feels his breath catch before she slowly bends her head forward and kisses him.

He's a little dazed as she kisses him tenderly. Her hands gently skim the side of his face, one hand cups his cheek as the other goes to the back of his neck to tug him closer. He obliges before he even registers what she's doing. Her fingers scratch the hair at the nape of his neck. His mind reels at the sensation, his body electrified and nervous. He shivers and the vibration startles her.

Marinette pulls back and quickly scoots her chair well away from him, her face reaching deep shades of red. She's staring at the ground, once again avoiding looking at him as her fingers reach up to touch her lips. She shakes her head and tries to meet his eyes.

All Adrien can think about is how pretty the blush on her face looks.

He manages to overcome some of his surprise when he realizes she's packing up her things and she's talking. She's talking and Adrien finally tunes in, "-I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do that. I mean I did, but I didn't. I'm so so sorry. You must be so surprised. I'm just going to go." Her fingers are shaky and some of her pencils fall out of their case and she lets out a squeak. Adrien reflexively bends down to help but his hand touches hers, maybe on purpose, and she snaps her hand back with a louder squeak.

He can't stop smiling as she rushes to collect her things.

"I'm so so so sorry," Her voice is quiet as she rushes the words out of her mouth while opening the door. Marinette's face looks even redder than before and Adrien really is just grinning as she leaves.

Adrien is still sitting in his chair, fully upright. He wonders why the mood in the room is still nervous and then he realizes it's just him. His body still tingles from the kiss. It was gentle and soft. Marinette was so soft. And bold.

He looks around the empty room, at his school supplies scattered on the table. A sigh escapes him and he slumps in his chair.

He knows he won't be getting any more studying done.

At least, not while his mind won't let him forget the image of Marinette's hair covering her eyes, cheeks blushing while she let her fingers graze her lips.

A/N: going through old work and posting it on my writing blog. this was a simple ficlet from 2016 that i found and edited. figured i might as well post it here!