A/N: Ahhhh! Guys! Thanks for all your support! I've read what you guys suggested about the lengths of these chapters and I agree. I can't get the plot moving forward with short chapters, and because it would be impossible to update daily and it seems unfair to have you guys wait so long for such a short chapter.
So here's a long one for you with a bit of suspense! I really hope you'll like it.
We are 33 chapters in and yet it still feels like this story is just beginning.
I believe this one is a bit more than 5,000 words I just really love adding details, it just makes it more fun to read and enjoy.
Please forgive my unoriginality for Nino's dialogue( if that's even a word) I dont own it and drew inspiration from a song but hey its fanfiction. I'm not profiting from it and I do this for fun.
Special thanks to this story's editor which is wattpad user Freddy101 give them a follow and show them some love.
Also, thanks for 25k reads! We are almost to 30k! You guys are amazing!
I love you guys!
Marinette glanced at herself in the mirror.
She loved the way the dress fit her, and Marinette hated to admit that Chloe did a damn well good job. The dark red lipstick lay on her lips perfectly, and despite Marinette's reprimanding of Chloe using a ton of hair spray once more to restyle her hair, it actually came out quite nice.
Marinette smiled, occasionally turning her body so that she had a better view of the dress.
Excitement began to bubble in her chest, and Marinette wanted to rush out back towards the ballroom so that she could show her parents how beautiful the dress was.
"I think I'm ready to show my parents. The makeup looks amazing." Marinette glanced back at Chloe with a small smile. "Thank you so much..."
Chloe chuckled, placing her hands on to her hips proudly at the work of art she had just done on Marinette. It definitely would get her out there. She already knew her name would be on every magazine that features this wedding.
It was all about the hustle and the blonde was living for it.
"Of course, of course!" Chloe chimed, placing her hands on Marinette's shoulders and spinning her around towards the door.
"Now!" Chloe pipped, wandering over towards the door and tugging it open. "Go forth my work of art, and show everyone my makeup prowess!"
Marinette sighed, her eyes nearly rolling to the back of her head at Chloe's dramatization. She bit her lip, her heart racing in her chest as she rushed out of the suite.
It was like a child playing dressup. She really wanted her mom to see how much she loved the dress.
Adrien sighed, his eyes glancing up at the sky. There was a heavy feeling in his chest, and Adrien found himself only falling deeper into a hell hole.
He had felt so conflicted about everything. The words Marinette had confessed only moments prior began to swim in his head, and on top of that, he couldn't get the image of Kagami with Luka out of his head.
There was no room in his heart to hate anyone, but he was so damn angry.
He was so angry that someone would take something as vital as trust so lightly, and then completely rob him of it.
It almost felt like he had wasted his life and his time with a complete stranger. He had created such a perfect version of Kagami in his head, and that version of her was who he was in love with. He wanted that version of his girlfriend back, but he knew that there was no way that could realistically happen.
The Kagami that he loved was gone, simply because she never existed. He saw her for what she truly was, and that image couldn't be rid. It had completely shattered the life he wanted to live with her.
The thought of never getting that back tore at his heart relentlessly.
He needed to take his own advice and move on.
Then there was Marinette.
He knew there was something inside of him for her. She just had this way of bringing a bit of light into his life. When they had first met, he recalled her being very cold to him, but she would stop by with pastries from her parents' bakery and surprise him with sweets before Kagami chased her away.
She had been so patient with his relationship with his girlfriend and super understanding despite the many times his girlfriend was cruel to her.
He had caught her so many times crying, and she had sang her heart out when she was sad, and he unfortunately bore witness to that.
Adrien didn't want to believe that he had been breaking her heart this whole time when she was forced to leave a little room for Kagami's evasiveness and impertinence.
In the end, Adrien still couldn't make sense of it all. The whole time, Kagami was accusing him of doing things with Marinette behind her back, when she had taken the whole extra mile to violate his trust without a care in the world.
The male closed his eyes, exhaling deeply as he tried to rid his mind of prodding thoughts that threatened to release his emotions. Adrien simply couldn't cry.
Kagami wasn't worth that.
He relaxed, his muscles aching and his heart slowed. His fists clenched tightly, as he tried to create nothing but a black mass under his lids.
He would not allow himself to wallow in his own self pity on the biggest night for both his father and Marinette.
Adrien's eyes flickered back and forth beneath his lids, as he was finally able to rid the repulsive thought of Kagami wrapped around Luka.
A small smile appeared on his lips as for a brief moment he could spot the freckled face of a young dark haired woman with wide blue belle eyes.
"Hey,"
Adrien immediately opened his eyes, nearly toppling over as the voice cut through the silence that he was so close to drowning in.
He pressed his lips together, his heart pounding rapidly inside of his chest at the sight of Marinette who stood awkwardly by the pool.
She smiled at him, a small blush on her cheeks as her skin grew pale in the moonlight. The dark lipstick and her dark red dress contrasted perfectly in the dark, and Adrien was completely enamoured by how well her eyelashes framed her delicate blue eyes.
"H-Hey-" Adrien stammered, his eyes glancing down and taking in the traditional dress he wore. He was almost at a loss for words, as it was certainly the first time he had even seen the dress.
Sure, she had mentioned it one time before, but he had never actually seen it on her. It was a completely different center of gravity.
"You look beautiful- I erm. I mean you look really great in the dress." He bit his bottom lip, suddenly feeling like some sort of fool. "The dress looks great." He sighed, finally able to get the appropriate words out as they wanted to tumble out of his mouth faster than he could catch them.
Marinette briefly glanced down at herself with a shy smile.
"T-Thanks." She murmured timidly before she averted her gaze to the sun chair beside him. "Do you mind if I have a seat beside you?"
Adrien shook his head, gesturing her to have a seat beside him.
The blonde glanced at the rooftop pool in front of him, his green eyes following the subtle glare of the dancing pool water in the moonlight. Adrien gently folded his hands against his lap, his cheeks remaining flushed as he thought back to what she had confessed earlier, but he was worried that it would be too awkward.
He had so many questions, and he needed answers. He didnt want to step on her toes or make her uncomfortable. The better choice would be to let her bring it up.
"I know you said you'll be fine, and that with time you'll move on..." Marinette's voice trailed off as she followed his gaze towards the pool water. "But I still can't help but to feel a little worried."
Adrien chuckled, exhaling at his worry wart of a wife. He reached up, running his hand through his hair as he tried everything he could to keep the facade that he was alright.
Marinette didn't need to see him in such a state, especially this night of all nights.
"I wonder what gave you the implication that I wasn't okay." Adrien murmured, dropping his hands down towards his lap as he chewed his bottom lip. "I always thought I've been calm and collected since this evening started."
Adrien glanced down at his lap, his hands squeezing tightly into fists as he tried his best to will away the thoughts the conversation had began to trigger.
There was a moment of silence between the two of them, and Adrien was almost sure he was going to break at any moment.
"I haven't seen you cry. Not one tear. You act as if it didn't affect you. I understand that you want to hide away your feelings, but I worry that's not doing any good for you." Marinette explained, pausing briefly as she pressed her lips together. "I know your father has trained you to conceal your emotions, but you know that I know you're more than just merchandise. You're a human being with real feelings. You can show your feelings around me. I want to be here for you when you cry-"
"No," Adrien interjected softly, his chest rising as he took a deep inhale before he let out a dejected sigh. "I won't cry over Kagami." Adrien paused, turning his head to look at Marinette who inclined towards him with a look of pure concern.
Adrien felt a tightness into his chest the moment he looked into her glossy blue eyes, it took everything he could to turn away.
"I mentioned to you before that some people aren't worth the tears. I don't believe Kagami is worth my tears."
Marinette frowned, reaching up to gently rub her cheeks nervously.
"Yes, but, Adrien, this was four years of your life. I can understand how devastating this can be. This was a serious relationship."
Adrien shrugged, his hands slowly overlapping one another as his features remained impassive. He had began to build his walls, and though he didn't initially want to, he was fully focused on shutting Marinette out.
"I know, but since I've lost my mom I've been taught to deal with things. I know when there's a time and place for things, and tonight isn't the time and place to cry or make a scene about my girlfriend cheating on me." Adrien replied, his voice remaining closer to a whisper than a casual conversation. "But I'm used to dealing with these things on my own."
Adrien briefly glanced at Marinette before he averted his gaze back towards the stars with a grimace.
"Things didn't change then, and they certainly haven't changed now."
Adrien felt her gaze permeating through his skin beside her.
"There is a change..." Marinette murmured, her soft voice piercing through the silence between them once more.
Adrien felt his heart jerk up towards his throat. He parted his lips, ready to offer a rebuttal but froze the moment he felt her hand gently caress his cheek.
Marinette very meticulously guided his face in her direction and in that moment their eyes connected.
Her blue eyes permeated through his soul, and with ease she was able to level him with just a simple look.
Adrien blinked, immediately faltering under her touch, he was going to crumble to the ground had he not been able to remain in tact with just a simple caress.
"You don't have to go through it alone this time." Marinette murmured, her thumb gently caressing his cheek. "Then, you had no one, but this time you have me. I'll always be here for you. You can lean on me this time."
Adrien widened his eyes, a subtle blush brewing on his skin as the young woman leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.
Marinette stood up, a small grimace on her face before she turned her back towards him and helped herself back inside the ballroom to join the reception.
Adrien remained frozen in place, still feeling her lips on his skin. His heart ached in his chest as Marinette's words began to sink inside his brain.
There was a strange feeling in his chest, and Adrien glanced down.
He was sure he hadn't felt that way about Marinette before.
"It's been awhile since I've seen you..."
Alya sighed into her drink, her heart sinking at the familiar voice the emanated from behind her.
The young woman kept her lips on the rim of the cup and she took a quick swig of her soda.
"You're not gonna start following me around the ballroom are you?" She asked, chastely turning over to face Nino who appeared to look like a deer in headlights.
Nino stuffed one of his hands into the pockets of his tux, while the other clutched to the drink he held.
"I can assure you that I won't go prodding corners, hoping to find you in one." Nino lifted the drink to his lips to take a quick sip.
"But it doesn't mean I wasn't looking forward to the possibility of running into each other."
Alya hummed, taking another sip of her drink.
"Well, you've found your way behind me. You got two words in, so I guess you can say your night was a success." Alya murmured flatly, her heart aching in her chest as Nino glanced down into his drink.
She turned her back towards him, knowing full well that Nino wasn't aware of the child Alya was now carrying.
"Alya..." Nino sighed, hurt sinking into the base of his voice, as he had grown desperate when it came to reasoning with her. "I'm trying. I can't just move on the way you want me to if I'm not told what I did wrong."
Alya pressed her lips together, her hand clutching even tighter to her drink.
"It's not that I want you to move on." She explained, her eyes glancing hard into the ice cubes that floated to the surface.
"I just wish you understood boundaries. If I ask for a little space, then you should give me that."
Nino furrowed his brow, his jaw clenching as his heart began to beat so fast, his fingertips were beginning to feel numb.
"Alya, I'm just worried about you. I have a half a mind to know that something is wrong when you completely shut me out like that." Nino explained, his other hand snaking out of his pocket to run through his hair.
Alya glanced up, her eyes following Marinette from across the room as she kissed her parents and stepped away so that they could dance.
Marinette watched her father take her mother on to the ballroom floor and pulled her close as they slow danced.
The young woman wandered over to the center table where she took a seat beside Chloe who scrolled through her social media on her phone.
Alya pressed her lips together, seeing that as a way to escape her current situation.
What friend would she be if she wasn't with the bride?
"I don't think that Marinette and Adrien's wedding night is the appropriate time to converse about this. You know how highly publicized this event is. We don't want to create a scene and upset or embarrass either of them." Alya murmured, briefly glancing back at Nino.
"I've gotta go." She sighed, pressing her finger into her drink to stir the ice around her cup. "Isn't there a groom alone somewhere that might need you?" Alya mused perking a brow.
Alya's expression fell flat as she turned her back, not giving Nino even a chance to explain, she had left him far behind her.
She didn't have any intentions to eject him from her life permanently, especially since she decided that she was keeping the baby she was having.
Marinette smiled, resting her chin on to her palm as she watched her parents slow dance on the ballroom floor.
Alya pulled out a seat between both Marinette and Chloe and nudged her way in between the two girls with a disgruntled sigh.
Marinette blinked, sensing that something was off about Alya, but knowing full well that she was pregnant and probably had some hormonal issues, Marinette found it a better idea not to bring up the irritant.
Alya placed her soda on the tabletop, her eyes scanning Marinette's attire at a close angle, a small smile spread across her lips and for a brief moment, Marinette had felt a little calm.
Perhaps Alya wouldn't pummel anyone tonight.
"Wow, I hate to admit it, but Chloe did a wonderful job styling your hair and makeup." The brunette murmured, ignoring the scoffs from Chloe who sat beside her. "But you look completely beautiful regardless."
Marinette smiled back at her friend, a subtle blush on her cheeks as she bashfully accepted the compliment.
"The story of it is funny." Marinette confessed, her eyes moving down towards her hands that fiddled with the ring on her finger. "Chloe's probably the millionth person to see me naked and the summer barely even started."
Alya snorted, shaking her head at Marinette's fluster.
The blunette quickly waved off her friends snickering, the small smile remaining on her face as she tried to keep up with the joke.
"I'm serious!" Marinette retorted, his chest resting as she exhaled. "I'm better off opening my legs to a camera...publish it on every cover of every magazine. At least then I'll get paid for it."
Marinette buried her face into her hands, a small groan emanating from the base of her throat.
"Mmm," Chloe hummed, reaching over to grab her glass of champagne. "You see one tit, you've seen them all." She muttered, bringing the lip of the glass to her lips and taking a sip.
Marinette furrowed her brow, a small blush crawling against her freckled cheeks.
"Really? I thought boobs came in all shapes and sizes? That saying it fits more with a dic-"
"You can't fuck tits-" Alya interjected as she reached for her drink. "At least not the way a man fucks you." She murmured coldly, her hands resting on her belly briefly.
Marinette felt her heart sink at the gesture, and she neatly caught herself from leaning forward and taking Alya into her arms.
"I mean- why can't we fuck ourselves? At least then we can truly blame ourselves when we get pregnant." Alya muttered, taking a large sip of her drink and finishing it off.
Chloe chortled, shaking her head as she swirled the glass of her champagne between her palms.
"Don't be silly, honey," she murmured, leaning more so into the seat. "We fuck ourselves everyday. When the people in our lives aren't fucking us over, life itself is fucking us and then we fuck ourselves by letting these fucks, fuck us over and then give two fucks that we're fucked."
Marinette pressed her lips together and she sighed, her eyes staring off into space to process what Chloe had said.
"Wow, that's a lot of fucks."
Chloe hummed in acknowledgment, taking another gulp of her drink.
"Tell me about it, yet I get called a bratty bitch when I spoil myself..."
Alya played with her empty cup, her eyes glancing into the bottom of it with a blank expression.
"I could use a day to be a bratty bitch, but money's always tight." She sighed, her shoulders rolling as she attempted to shrug it off.
Chloe ran her fingertip along the lip of her cup, a small smile spreading across her lips.
"We're gonna have to change that..."
Alya furrowed her brow, her head whipping in the blonde's direction.
"Bitch, please tell me that you just offered to take us all on a vacation-"
Marinette quickly averted her gaze, something catching her eyes almost instantly.
Her heart dropped into her stomach as Audrey Bourgeois stood beside Gabriel, her arms folded as she watched the ballroom from where she stood.
"Holy mother of God, bless the Angel's above," Marinette breathed, her breath quivering as she spoke. "Is that Audrey Bourgeois? Here? At my wedding ceremony?!"
Alya paused, glancing over to Marinette as Chloe looked over to her mother who stood on the far end of her.
"Erm, I think so?" Alya mused, her brow perking up at Marinette who was slowly exploding from the inside. "Why, does a fashion model's wedding full of fashion designers surprise you?"
Marinette reached up, rubbing her cheeks nervously.
"No. Audrey Bourgeois is just as elusive as Gabriel Agreste. This may be my only home to schmooze her and possibly get her to hire me directly for my intern!"
Alya was completely dumbfounded. She didn't know why it was a trend for famous fashion designers to be elusive, but it did sound a little gratuitous.
"Why is she elusive? Is she sick or something?" Alya asked, turning her attention to Chloe who reached over for the bottle of champagne so she could top her drink.
"Your guess is as good as mine." Chloe muttered, pressing her filled glass to her lips before she took a large sip. "I haven't seen that woman since she expelled me from her golden womb."
Alya chuckled, her eyes returning back towards Audrey.
"Sounds fruity."
"Do you think you could put a good word in for me?" Marinette asked, her blue eyes pleading towards Chloe as she pressed her fingers together nervously. "Surely your mother would-"
"Sorry!" Chloe piped, interjecting immediately. The blonde reached into her bag, sliding out her sunglasses and placing it on to her nose. "I'm much too busy being fabulous." She breathed, leaning into her seat and bringing her drink up towards her lips.
"You're gonna have to do this on your own."
The blunette frowned, not even questioning why Chloe would wear sunglasses inside a venue, but that didn't matter.
Marinette bit her lip, her two index fingers pressing on one another more frantically as she shifted her gaze towards Alya.
"Alya, can you-?"
"No can do," Alya murmured, shaking her head. "I agree with blondie over here." The brunette replied, jolting her head towards Chloe. "This is something you're gonna have to do on your own."
Marinette groaned, her palm slamming straight into her face.
"Come on," Alya whispered, placing her hand on to Marinette's shoulder. "You've got this. You were literally the woman of the night. Have some confidence in yourself, don't luck out because you're nervous. This could be your only chance."
Marinette whimpered, her heart racing in her chest at the thought of facing Audrey Bourgeois alone. The worst thing she could do was fumble her words.
Or perhaps the worst thing she could do was fall on her?
Marinette was just a klutz all around.
"Okay." She breathed, taking a deep breath as she stood up. "I'm going in."
Adrien ran his hand through his hair.
He had no idea what the fuck was going on in his head.
If he loved Marinette, that would make him just as guilty as Kagami. He would have emotionally disconnected from his own girlfriend because of the woman that slept beside him at night.
Adrien was so confused. He swore to the skies that he was loyal to Kagami, he put everything he had into this relationship.
He was looking forward to moving in with Kagami and making things work. He had planned to divorce Marinette so that he could marry Kagami, but he wanted Marinette to remain in his life as his best friend.
Aside from Nino, that's what Marinette was.
She was just a friend, right?
Adrien sighed, his hands bunching into his pockets as he glanced at the sky. His heart began to jump erratically in his chest, but Adrien wanted to make sure that he was calm and collected before he went back inside to continue his facade.
"Got a lot on your mind?"
Adrien paused at the voice, the male quickly turned, the redness draining from his cheeks as he was beginning to calm down.
"I'm alright, Nino." Adrien replied, watching as his friend approached him from his left side. "Just trying to collect myself from going back in there."
"Still thinking about Kagami?" Nino asked, stuffing his hands into his pockets casually. Nino glanced up at the sky, a dry smile on his lips as he had a few of his own love troubles.
"I'd like to deny it." Adrien deadpanned, his lips pressing together as he soon turned his attention back to the sky.
"But I can't seem to eject the concept out of my head. I put everything I had into us, and now I just...feel confused. I wondered if she ever really loved me."
Nino hummed, his form remaining completley still as he ogled the sky above the both of them.
"How do you know you've loved Kagami?" He questioned, turning his gaze back to Adrien who simply shrugged.
Nino sat down on to the poolside chair, leaning into it as he placed his drink to the ground and folded his hands across his lap.
Adrien shifted his gaze, his visage peering through the windows of the ballroom. There was a warm feeling in his chest the moment he saw his wife, wearing her beautiful traditional Chinese gown. She had appeared to be talking to Audrey and Adrien set aside that curiosity to focus on Nino.
"Are you going to give me a lesson about love?" Adrien teased, keeping his eyes on Marinette. "You've been chasing Alya since day one. Would you say you're in love with her?"
Nino exhaled, his lips pressing together as his thumbs pushed against one another as he contemplated.
There was a brief silence in the air, and Adrien bit his lip, worried that he had crossed a line somewhere.
"I'd like to believe that when you suffered a terrible loss, then you could truly understand the meaning of love." Nino murmured, his eyes moving down towards the surface of the pool.
Adrien kept his eyes on Marinette through the window, his eyes witnessed the way her cheeks grew pink, the way her nose scrunched up when she laughed, and he was enamored with the way she glanced down shyly whenever she felt bashful.
"Does that mean I loved Kagami? It almost felt like I lost everything, especially my trust. I almost feel flat out fucked and confused." Adrien explained, his chest feeling heavy at the thought of Marinette's terrified expression when he started fighting with Luka.
"I don't know much about love, in fact I'm probably the last person experienced in it" Nino murmured, leaning back into the chair with a grimace as he reflected on his relationship with Alya.
Adrien clenched his fists into his pockets as his eyes drew away from Marinette for a brief moment.
"But I don't think I've ever felt like a changed man..." Nino continued, a grimace etching on his face.
Adrien furrowed his brow, his eyes moving back to Marinette once more.
There was an overwhelming feeling bubbling in his chest as he listened to Nino, he recalled the time he had first seen her walk down the aisle.
"Someone that makes me want to be a better version of me, someone who was able so save me from my demons..."
Nino's words rang into his ears, as Adrien could almost see Marinette's blue eyes looking into his, leveling him and withdrawing him from self deprecation.
"Someone who could see something inside of me when no one else could. Someone who gave me that light to finally see in the dark."
Adrien felt his chest grow tight at the feeling of Marinette's hand touching his face, assuring him that he wasn't alone and that she would be here for him.
He could see her sleepy blue eyes when he first woke up in the morning, the way she held on to him when they both played around in the pool. He could faintly hear the sound of her voice when she sang and the smile on her face when she stopped by his photoshoot to drop of sweets before Kagami tore her confidence.
Nino turned his head, his eyes fixated on the back of Adrien's head as he furrowed his brow.
"So when that day comes, that you don't see the sun anymore, or that you've no longer become the breathing proof of the result of everything she's ever done you...you'll truly realise the feeling of true loss in love." Nino briefly turned his head towards Adrien.
"I don't think you've ever loved anybody that much."
Adrien furrowed his brow, his heart sinking as he remembered the tears in Marinette's eyes when he walked in on her on the balcony, he recalled the way her face dropped when he mentioned that he wanted to divorce her so that they could be friends. He could still hear her voice, asking him why he was abandoning her.
Nino shook his head, reaching down to grab his glass so that he could take a long and hard sip.
Adrien's heart shattered in his chest, his brow furrowing as he recalled the frightened look on her face the night prior and in fact, Adrien swore he could pinpoint every broken smile on her face. He didn't see through it then, but he was beginning to see through it now.
"You're wrong..." Adrien breathed, his heart pounding in his chest, as the realization began to settle inside of him.
Nino glanced up at him, his brow perking up at Adrien's response.
"Excuse me?" He mused, a small smile spreading across his face. "I'm wrong?"
Adrien moved his gaze back to Marinette, his eyes nearly pinpointing every freckle she had on her nose and cheeks.
"I..." Adrien breathed, his heart nearly jumping into his throat as the words pushed towards his lips. "I love her..."
Nino froze, his eyes blinking as Adrien turned to him with flushed cheeks.
"Nino, I love her." Adrien reiterated, his chest heaving as he spoke away any last doubt.
"Her? You love who?" Nino questioned, slowly sitting up and grabbing his drink before standing up completely.
Adrien reached up, his hand rubbing the back of his neck.
"Marinette..." He replied, his heart aching in his chest as he knew Marinette felt the same way. As he recalled, Marinette had said he didn't love her back, the broken smiles she put on for him was because of his relationship with Kagami.
Nino widened his eyes, one of his hands sliding into his pockets as he had suspected it was going to happen eventually, but didn't think he'd see the day when Adrien actually admitted it.
"Shit, dude..." Nino breathed, shifting his weight to one of his legs and running his hand through his hair.
Adrien shook his head, his eyes moving back to Marinette from the sight of the window.
"She thinks that I don't feel the same..." Adrien felt the tingles in his legs that told him to run. He couldn't let her believe that.
"I have to tell her. I can't- " Adrien licked his lips, moving past Nino before he could even reach him. "She needs to know!"
Nino stumbled back, completely flabbergasted as Adrien rushed back inside, leaving him with little time to think.
The male quickly set his drink down, and ran after Adrien, following closely behind as the men ventured their way back into the ballroom.
Adrien could faintly hear the environment around him, his chest grew tight as all he could hear was his heart pounding in his ears.
He could smell the delicious aroma of the food that was served, he could see the warm lighting from the chandelier, he could feel the smooth glossy ballroom floor beneath his shoes and straight ahead of him, he could see the woman of his dreams.
Though her back was turned to him, Adrien began to brush past the crowd of people that had began to stand in his way towards Marinette.
Adrien could faintly hear Nino following close behind.
"Marinette!" Adrien called. "There's something I have to-"
His voice dropped, the moment Marinette had been covered as Alya stepped into Adrien's trajectory.
Before Adrien could manage two words, Alya had taken his hand, tugging him away from the crowd so she could have him to herself, unbeknownst to Marinette but right in front of Nino.
Adrien stumbled back, following Alya as she tugged him into a secluded area. His heart sank, Marinette fading from view as a door closed in front of him.
