Dear Journal,

I place my hand against the cool pane of the mirror, wondering who I truly am. To most people I'm Adrien Agreste, son of the famous fashion model, but they don't know when Cat Noir helps Ladybug, that's me as well.

At school I have always been the golden sunshine boy, smiling and being kind to everyone, and that's fine and good, but there are days I really want to make a Cat pun. But I don't. Usually, only Marinette or Ladybug gets to hear my puns, but lately when I have tea with Mama Cheng, she likes to hear them too.

Lately, she's been so busy with the painting class she teaches she doesn't get a lot of time to help Tom (Papa Dupain) in the bakery. Though I see Ladybug most days for patrol, I think I know how she feels.

So much of my life I've spent alone, until Master Fu gave me my Miraculous, and my world changed for the better. Though I have freedom now, I have to be responsible with it. Plus, when your in high school and projects due, you have to be home by the certain time. I don't know if Ladybug is a student like me, but she must feel the pressure of homework, school, and being Guardian. I try to make her laugh when I can, or be there when she needs to talk.

I wish I could do that, even if I'm talking to you, Dear Journal. There are so many things I want to say, but I keep quiet. Is it because every time I tried to show Father what I had done in school, or got a good grade all I got was a frown or "I'm working, Adrien"?"

I remember when I got a A in a really hard project in art, Mama Cheng made a cake for me, and she gave me some paper and brushes so I can either paint here at home, or at their place. Though lately, and I've felt this way for quite awhile, I've been starting to think as the Dupain-Cheng's as home.

We have conversations there, we hug and cry, but most importantly, I'm loved there. I don't know if Marinette has any romantic feelings for Cat Noir, but she has been holding my hand a lot. I try not to get to excited about it, but's its hard.

Besides Alya she doesn't get many calls, and even though she has sewing class and her projects I think she gets lonesome. The other day she walked in and asked if she doesn't have many friends because she clumsy. I gave her a hug, and told her I would be here no matter what. I sometimes worry a bit about Marinette.

I know what its like to be lonesome, and that's when I turned to writing poetry and journaling and doing art. I like my after school activities, yet my favorite activity has nothing to do with school. When Marinette is at sewing class (which is right after school) Mama Cheng and I have tea and she tells me stories about growing up in China, or she wants to hear all about my day. What classes I had, who I sat with at lunch….

Its really nice. I like to when I have a hard day, I can talk by making art, and it calms me down. I wish I could tell her its Adrien Agreste behind the mask, but of course I can't yet.

I just wish I could act like Adrien and Cat Noir all at the same time. Maybe I should try to relax a little, see how it goes. I mean, a pun or two never hurt anyone right?

Oh! So earlier I mentioned Papa Dupain, and on Mondays and Wednesdays I help him in the bakery as Adrien, and on Tuesdays and Fridays as Cat Noir.

When Papa first mentioned I should help in the bakery, I wasn't interested but of course I was just beginning to know Marinette as Cat Noir. I never thought I would love it so much. I especially like rolling out the bread dough, and giving a little kid a treat and sometimes a photo.

Tom loves to sing as he bakes, but we have to be careful how much we do it, because Sabine will come downstairs and give us a look. And I thought my yowling with the alley cats attracted attention.

He likes to use modern recipes, but he likes to use ancient recipes as well. Some turn out well, and some unfortunately end up in the trash! But I love trying new things, so each day is a adventure.

I should close this pages soon as I still have to eat breakfast and brush my teeth before school, but its so good to write you, Journal.

I walk out of the bathroom, pulling on a charcoal sweater. I hope Marinette likes it. Its drizzling at the moment, and I'm thinking of asking her if she'd like to get a hot chocolate after school.

I make sure I pull on my lucky charm bracelet Marinette gave me. It really works, because whenever I wear it I think of her. I wonder, do I even have it when I'm wearing my Cat Noir suit? I like to think so, for a bit of luck, for the black cat.

Even if I'm still trying to figure out who I really am, I know I'm helping people, and that's all I want to do.

I don't need to be famous

To give someone a smile

Be my best friend's day brighter

by telling her how pretty she is.

Whether I'm with my Princess or my Bugaboo

My heart is light and happy when I'm with them.

Strong and confident they may be,

but even they need comforting words at times.

Even if I'm a black alley cat who loves to pun,

I be there when you need a smile and hug.

Maybe I'm like a recipe in one of Tom's books, a bit of this and a little of that. But put it together, and you get me.

Adrien Agreste

-Cat Noir