Adrien knew deep down that he wasn't in love with Kagami, but he also could see himself with her. Kagami was one of the loveliest people he'd had the pleasure of meeting and, by some miracle, she found something in him that was worth loving.
He was honored.
"That was a rough practice," Kagami remarked, removing her mask. "Should we go grab some ice cream?"
"I'd like that," Adrien replied with a sunny smile.
He offered the girl his hand, pleased when a pretty pink blush bloomed across her cheeks. In a motion uncharacteristic for Kagami, she gently accepted his hand, holding onto it firmly. A shy smile curled up onto Kagami's face and Adrien could feel a fluttering in his stomach.
"Let's go."
The past few weeks had been a whirlwind for Adrien, to say the least. Master Fu had surrendered his rights as Guardian to Ladybug, thereby losing his memory. Ladybug had taken up the mantle of the new Guardian, performing her role as well as he knew that Ladybug was capable of.
Ladybug was the best person for the job.
She was simply the best person that Adrien knew.
Which is why letting her go was one of the hardest things that Adrien had to do. Even here, with Kagami's hand in his own, his heart still beat for his Lady.
He cursed the effect she had on him, but he was doing his best to move on.
He wasn't entirely sure how Kagami came to like someone like him, but he's glad that she'd made her feelings known. Adrien glanced over at the girl, who seemed to be quietly enjoying their afternoon stroll. Fall was among them and the leaves had begun to change color, creating a dazzling red and orange foliage on the streets.
It was the perfect afternoon.
"Kagami," Adrien said, "Why do you like me?"
He had to admit that even he was surprised by the forwardness of his own question, but he knew Kagami well. She didn't like beating around the bush.
She didn't even have to think long for an answer.
"Because," she replied, "To me, you're perfect."
She spoke with quiet reverence, and though Adrien was sure she meant well, he also couldn't help but frown at the word. Perfect. A word, with millions of different meanings, used to describe Adrien. He knew it well.
His father made sure that he was well-associated with the word.
Adrien Agreste, the perfect son.
The perfect model.
The perfect person.
He felt anything but.
Kagami didn't take note of Adrien's change in mood, continuing, "I enjoy your company, and, honestly, you're the only person in my life who can understand the suffocating pressure our parents put on us. We aren't like other kids at school"
Adrien wasn't entirely sure what to say to that.
When they were a block and a half away from Andre's cart, the pair ran into Nino and Alya, who were also out on a stroll.
"Hey dudes!" Nino greeted, grinning widely at Adrien and Kagami's joined hands. "I see you're out on a date?"
"Something like that," Adrien replied. "We just wanted to get some ice cream from Andre's."
"Fencing practice was rough," Kagami added. "We thought we'd treat ourselves to it."
"Nice!" Nino replied, "That's actually where Alya and I are headed right now."
Adrien beamed at his best friend, an idea suddenly popping into his head. "Oh wow, do you guys want to go together with us? We're all on the way after all…"
"That sounds good to me!" Nino agreed, "What about you Al?"
Adrien's gaze slid over to Nino's girlfriend, who was uncharacteristically quiet. In the back of Adrien's head, he'd noted that she'd been somewhat more distant towards him in the passing weeks. She wasn't outright hostile towards him, just more…removed. It was subtle, but enough for Adrien to take notice.
Had he done something wrong?
So much for perfect, a small voice in the back of his head sneered.
Alya quietly observed Adrien for a few moments, and then Kagami, who appeared to be scrutinizing Alya as well. After what seemed like forever, she nodded.
"That sounds fine."
Together, the two couples headed down towards the cart by the edge of the Seine, with Nino and Adrien chatting the entire time. Adrien was glad he'd found Nino, who was able to fill up awkward silences with his jovial personality.
Andre was just in site when an explosion boomed from behind the four teens. Together, they whirled around, startled by the sudden noise. In the distance, Adrien could make out the shape of someone sprinting at them full speed.
"Is that Marinette?" Nino asked, squinting at the approaching figure.
"It is," Alya replied. She cupped her hands around her mouth, and yelled after her best friend, "Marinette! Hey, Marinette!"
It was Marinette.
Adrien's classmate slid to a stop before the couples, panting. Her cheeks were a bright pink and her hair was disheveled, no doubt as sign that she'd been running for quite a distance. In her arms, Adrien noted, was a little black kitten, wrapped in a thick scarf. He peered up at Adrien, his startlingly bright green eyes quietly observing the teen.
Alya's voice cut through the still air, commanding Adrien's attention.
"Where's the fire, girl?" Alya asked, "What's going—"
"There's no time," Marinette interrupted, "You all need to leave now. There's an akuma coming, and I need to get my kitty to safety!"
Alya spluttered, "Your what?"
"I'll tell you later!" Marinette yelled, taking off again at breakneck speeds, "Now, get going!"
Adrien watched Marinette sprint down the street and disappear around the corner. Despite the circumstances, he wondered if Marinette wanted to go out to eat ice cream with the rest of them. Maybe he'd ask her next time, after he defeated this akuma.
"Adrien," Kagami said, "Should we go hide out somewhere?"
She looked at him expectantly. Nino and Alya were already running in the direction of the akuma, no doubt prepared to capture footage for the Ladyblog. Adrien looked into Kagami's eyes for a moment before taking a breath and releasing her hand.
"I'm sorry," he said, "There's something I need to take care of. Like desperately need to take care of."
He spun on his heel and ran in the direction of the akuma, calling to Kagami over his shoulder, "Please get home safe, Kagami!"
Adrien quickly transformed the second he found a secluded alleyway, emerging as Chat Noir. He scaled the side of a building, leaping gracefully onto the roof. Iridescent eyes scanned the skies, looking for signs of the akuma and Ladybug.
When he heard another explosion, he took off towards the sound.
"There you are, Chaton!" Ladybug greeted, "I was worried you wouldn't show up."
"And leave you here alone?" Chat Noir replied easily, "Not a chance."
Despite Kagami's earlier words, Adrien knew the only person on this planet who could understand what he was going through was Ladybug.
"You ready?" she asked.
Chat Noir grinned, "Let's go save the world."
She was his best friend.