Marinette spends the next two days working on her dress, after many trial and errors as well as final adjustments, Marinette's dress was perfect for the dance! The dance was that tonight. After adding a few final touches to the brilliant red dress that was covered in glitter and a ribbon with a rose tied to the side of it, she was ready and had the perfect matching mask to match it with. A sigh of relief washes over her, now all that was needed was to go to school and help everyone set up the gymnasium for the dance!

Marinette rushed to school as she arrives, all of her closest friends: Alya, Adrien, Nino, Juleka, Rose; and many more were there to help her. Of course, Chloe was there to play "supervisor" and watch everyone decorate. The gym was finally perfect for that evening after spending most the day doing so.

"Great job, everyone!" Marinette smiled.

"I'm so excited!" Rose gleed.

"So cool…" Juleka mumbled.

"Yeah, Marinette, I'm so pumped for this dance!" Kim nodded.

Adrien smiles at Marinette; he placed his hand gently on her shoulder. Marinette's cheeks turned red whilst feeling his hand upon her; His warm emerald eyes locks onto hers. Marinette's heart was beating faster— due to how close they were. Even though she was going to the dance with Luka; her heart still longed for Adrien. But if she was only his friend? Then she needs to act like it, but was it really okay for her to accept this as it was?

"Marinette, you're amazing as always," Adrien told her. "Everyone is already excited and ready to have a good time!"

"Thank you, Adrien," Marinette beamed. "I really hope everyone has a good time tonight."

Classes have come and gone for the day: Everyone was off preparing for the grand event! Marinette has gone to the salon; She receives a magical transformation with her hair— she wearing it down instead of the usual twin tails. She lightly places on lip gloss and she was ready herself for the magic. She gazes at herself in the mirror; holding onto her mask in the process.

"Tikki, I feel so nervous," Marinette told her. "This is my first school dance, I hope things goes well. I really hope I'm doing the right thing by going with Luka."

"Try not to think about and just have a great time!" Tikki encouraged.

"You're right as always Tikki."

Tikki hides in her red purse that she also made with the dress. The red high heels were a bit much, hopefully, she could walk in them without tripping all over herself. Marinette lets out a heavy sigh before she smiles. That's when she hears her mother calling her.

"Marinette, your date is here to take you to the dance!" Sabrine said.

"I'll be down!" Marinette called.

The married couple downstairs was in a frenzy. They were happy to see the moment that their beloved daughter was going to her friend school dance! The memories of their own youth took over with nostalgia. Tom was scrambling within the room in search of something. Sabrine was on the couch sipping her cup of tea, while Luka has joined her. His teal-blue hues were scourging the pacing Mr. Dupain.

"Marinette is going to her first dance! Honey, where did I put that camera?" Tom asked.

"Let me help you find it dear, I think I know where you placed it." Sabrine offered.

Hearing the commotion downstairs, Marinette rolled her eyes; but she was ready to go. Slipping on the red masquerade mask that she had made for her dress; Marinette had made her way downstairs to accompany her date.

At the Agreste Mansion, Adrien was dressed in a formal black suit. His hair neatly combed to the side as he was prepared for the dance. He had a red rose in the pocket of his suit tucked in. Plagg rolled his eyes— human clothing could be so nauseating at times.

"Is that the getup humans wear these days?" Plagg inquired.

"Only to formal events like a dance, I hope I look okay," Adrien's tone was filled with slight unease in it. "If Ladybug is going to show up, I have to look my best."

"I wouldn't get my hopes up, you sure you didn't want to go with Lila?"

"Er… Lila is a nice girl but-"

Before Adrien could finish, both he and Plagg heard footsteps; Plagg had hidden inside the pocket of where his rose was. It was Nathalie that had came to the door with her usual impassive expression.

"Adrien, are you ready to go?" She asked.

"Yes." He replied almost immediately.

He exhaled for just a brief moment, tonight was the night. Now all he hoped was for his beloved to show up.

Marinette had found her date, Luka enjoying a casual conversation with her father. Uh oh, Marinette had to stop it before he told him some embarrassing childhood story. Sabrine was sitting next to Tom as she would chuckle at the enthusiasm on her husband's expression.

"You see when Marinette was five years old she-" Tom had monologued on with his story about his beloved daughter.

"DAD!" She cried out.

Everyone's eyes were on Marinette in such awe. Especially Luka, who couldn't believe his eyes that laid on such a beautiful girl before him. His teal-blueish tints roamed over the girl he had deep feelings for— he felt like the luckiest boy alive at that moment. Tom had beat him to the punch before he could speak.

"Marinette, you look beautiful!" Tom smiled. "I can't believe this is my little Marinette, you're growing up so fast…"

"Yes, dear, you look stunning," Sabrine added. "It seems like your date likes it too."

Luka's cheeks turned a bright shade of red at the comment that was made by Mrs. Chien. Marinette's cheeks would match the same color as well: her parents sure knew how to embarrass her well.

"Mom, Dad! Don't make such a big deal of it," Flustering over her words; She could only imagine what Luka was thinking.

Luka had walked toward Marinette with a small box in his hand. He opened it as he had a lovely corsage that matched the pink shades of her dress. He would gently slip it on with a smile that was so sincere.

"You look amazing, Marinette," Softly his lips would grace the back of her palm. "I'm really glad you're letting me take you to the dance."

Marinette was so speechless at his kind words. The way he gazed at her made her heart do somersaults against her chest. For a moment, only a moment: She forgot about her struggles with her conflicted feelings for Adrien. Luka was a nice boy. Cute. Sweet. He was always there for her. Maybe she didn't make a mistake agreeing to go with him. Her bluebell eyes soften as at his words and gesture.

"Thank you, Luka." Sincerely she responded in kind.

"Awww…" In a union of the married Dupain-Chein couple that watched the moment unfold.

"Now let's get a few pictures in before we head out!" Tom beamed.

All the students of Collège Françoise Dupont were flooding into the dance. The sound of the stereo blasting from inside the gymnasium could be heard before the full volume was in play. Of course, the DJ of the school dance was Nino—the best DJ ever known there. Everyone was either dancing, chatting, or hanging out the refreshment table. Alya was dressed in a beige and black dress that made her features stand out, she was chatting up with the usual girls' entourage when Adrien had arrived.

"Hey there, Adrien!" Alya smiled.

It was time for her to play wing-woman, it'll be easier— now that her best friend was not in sight as of yet. Her eyes twinkle with amusement as she slinks her way towards the solo blond that made his entrance at the dance. Adrien would smile and wave at one of his good friend's and best friend girlfriend, Alya.

"Hey Alya," he grinned. "You look great. I see Nino is taking the shine by being the DJ."

"Well, that's Nino for ya, he's really awesome. But enough about me," She quickly shift the conversation. "Why are you here alone at the dance? I didn't think the most popular model, Adrien Agreste would be here alone unaccompanied."

"Well, you see I have a date, she's just not here yet," Adrien had told her.

"I see, so who is the lucky girl?"

"That's a surprise." Adrien would toss a wink at her. "Well, I hope you enjoy the dance. Marinette isn't here, yet?"

"Not yet, but she's well on her way. Speaking of Marinette, maybe you ask her to dance when she gets here."

"Sure, why not? I'm wouldn't say no to dancing with a friend!"

"Cool, I'm going to mingle with the girls until Nino gets a breakaway and gives me a dance."

After the few exchanges between the two, Alya slips out into the crowd. Watching from the background, Lila has decided to make her way over to Adrien. It seems he didn't have a date, after all, lucky for her. Her brown tints would mischievously make their way over to Adrien as she taps his shoulder and then scoops her arms around his own.

"Hi, there Adrien, you look really handsome in that suit." Tossing a compliment over his way, her eyes fluttering with innocence; though she was more like a fox that has caught her mouse alone and defenseless.

"H-Hey Lila," Adrien nervously greets.

It was too late to avoid her and escape as she already has him lock on her. Looks like for now, he was at her mercy. He forces a smile as she leers in closer to his face.

"I see you're here alone, why don't we dance for a bit?" Lila asked.

Before Adrien could politely decline, he has whisked away upon the dance floor; Lila took her lead as she begins to dance with him. Reluctantly, he starts to dance with her in return. His emerald shades scouts around the room, no sight of Ladybug yet.

'She'll come. She's probably doing something heroic on the way there.' He thinks to himself.

Finally, after many pictures were taken with her parents and date, Luka and Marinette were finally on the way to the dance. They arrived at their rendezvous; Luka helps Marinette out the car. Tom waves the two off before leaving the scene. Luka takes Marinette's arm with his own as he escorts her into the dance.

As soon as the two had entered the room, all eyes were on them: More so it was on Marinette. It was almost like seeing Cinderella at the ball. The room suddenly was in whispers from the other students. The shyness in Marinette seemed to had taken over where she wanted to hide. Was everyone staring because the dress didn't look good? She felt a reassuring hand grasping her own. Her cheeks turn pink as she looked up at Luka.

"Relax, you look beautiful Marinette," He consoled her.

A darker shade of pink was seen, but she flashes him a very warm smile in return to his compliment. Self-consciously, her finger laces within his own. The commotion seemed to reach out to where Adrien and Lila were dancing at. Adrien turned to his head towards the source: his eyes suddenly found themselves captive upon the soft blue hair and blue eyes of Marinette that was within the room. He was speechless forgetting the uncomfortable dance with Lila at the very moment.

"Wow… Is that really Marinette?" He uttered.

If looks could become knives, Lila's would have an arsenal of them; her lips curved into a snarl as she saw Marinette stealing the spotlight and the attention of Adrien before her. The emotion of jealousy would consume her, but this wasn't over yet. After all, it seems she has nothing to worry about catching the sight of Marinette and Luka holding hands. She decides that it was the perfect time to not only bother Marinette— but to make certain that Adrien was hers for the night. Dragging off Adrien, Lila had gone over to Luka and Marinette with a smile that was fake and stiff as plastic.

"Oh my gosh, Marinette? Is that you? I love your dress!" Lila told her.

The expression of Marinette's eyes turns from warmth to the sheer anger seeing Lila's paws all over Adrien. Yet, she has to keep her cool. She didn't want to cause a scene before everyone. She decides to accept her compliment and brush it off.

"Thank you, Lila." She responded with a warm smile. "I made it myself."

"Really? You're so talented, but my dress was made by a really famous designer and it's very exclusive."

"Really? What's the name of this designer?"

"It's really secret and they don't want anyone to blab and have their work stolen; so I can't tell, sorry!"

The lies. Both Adrien and Marinette knew it was, but they kept it quiet. Whatever it took to make self feel better. Luka would blindly believe her lies, but he only nods.

"That's really cool," Luka told Lila.

"So, who is this? Your date?" Lila asked.

Adrien's eyes would notice Marinette and Luka holding hands. That was right, Marinette was going to the dance with Luka. After all, she did ask him for advice. Why did this bother him in a way? He already knew that Marinette was interested in Luka. Luka was cool and talented. Someone that would be a great match for Marinette. Hiding his mixed feelings, he decides to force a smile. After all, she was just a really good friend.

"I'm Luka and yes, I am Marinette's date," He answered without any hesitation.

"That's awesome, you two make a really cute couple," Lila egged on. "I mean you're already holding hands!"

The blush would form on both Luka's and Marinette's face, yet, Luka nor Marinette didn't release the hold they have. Lila would smile deviously as she continues to clings onto Adrien's arm.

"Adrien looks like you're my date for the night. Since you came alone after all."

"I have a date, she's just not here, yet. She's running late." Adrien told Lila.

Finally, releasing his hold from Lila; Adrien would take his leave from the small group. The disappointment washes over his face. Was Ladybug really coming? Maybe Plagg was right? Maybe a superhero like her wouldn't show up to a silly event like a school dance. Even now, even though he told Alya he would dance with Marinette— it would be rude of him to try to interfere with Luka's plans for her.

Guilt had consumed over Marinette, she knew that she averted this moment to protect the students here and Adrien himself, but she feels bad that she disappoints Adrien by not showing up as Ladybug. Before her mind could change, Luka gently escorts her over to the dance floor to share a dance with her. Marinette remembers that she made her decision to be Luka's date. However, her heart wasn't fully in the dance.

It's been over an hour since the dance had begun, Luka and Marinette dance together. Lila went to look for Adrien, but no luck. Adrien decided to hide off into the crowd to avoid Lila— but his heart was heavy due to the fact that Ladybug still hasn't shown up. He decides to go out and get some fresh air. A slow song plays for a slow dance, but Marinette's eyes and mind wasn't focused on her date— instead, she couldn't get Adrien off her mind.

"Sorry, Luka, may I get some air for a bit?" Marinette asked.

"Sure thing, we can take a break. Do want to get some punch?" Luka offered.

"Yes, some punch is nice, but I need some time alone if that's okay."

"Oh, okay, Marinette."

A bit of disappointment was heard in his tone; but he respected her decision as he knew that Marinette still has feelings for Adrien.

Marinette heads outside, where she spots Adrien alone looking at the sky before them. She wasn't expecting to see him out here alone— especially with such a lonely expression on his face.

"Adrien?" Marinette called out to him.

Adrien jerks slightly, not expecting anyone to come out here. More importantly, not Marinette. He tries to hide his seldom mood from her by giving her a small smile. Marinette could see through it; a smile filled with disappointment.

"Hey Marinette, aren't you having fun with Luka?"

"I am, but why are you out here alone?"

"Oh, well, I guess I thought I'll wait outside for my date."

Such a lie, but he thought it would cover up the fact that he didn't want to look like a fool in front of everyone. His knew that his date was never going to show up. Marinette felt her heart sinking against her chest. She never knew that being here with Ladybug was really important to him. Could it be that girl Adrien loves is Ladybug?

"She's really late, are you sure that she'll even show up?" Marinette asked.

"I…" A pause filled with hesitation. "I don't know anymore. I don't think she is."

Marinette placed a hand on his shoulder to ease his heartache. Bell blue hues were filled with determination.

"Adrien, don't give up hope! I'm sure something held her back. In fact, I bet she's on her way right now!"

"How would you know?" Curiosity and confusion filled Adrien's face.

"Er… Um… Girl's intuition?"

A laugh would leave the lips of the boy she loves. Seeing his happy expression; that was the most precious sight in the world. What was she doing? Giving him false hope, but then again: She didn't have to. She knows what she has to do. Leaving his side, she would only give a warm smile.

"I'm going to go get some punch and find Luka. Remember don't give up hope on her!"

"Marinette, Thank you," Adrien told her.

Rushing off, while she almost tripping over her heels— she manages to get to a secluded place. Tikki floats out from her bag and appears before Marinette with a look that was slightly concerning.

"Marinette, are you sure that this what you want to do?"

"I know it's a lot at risk, but Ladybug shouldn't go back on her word. Besides, what one dance with him shouldn't hurt right?"

"Well…okay. One dance."

"Thanks, Tikki, I'm glad I can always count on you," Marinette smile. "Tikki, Spots on!"

Adrien decides to head back inside with the other students. Marinette's words gave all the hope he had lost back in him. He had to believe in Ladybug, after all, she hardly ever breaks her word. It was as if his wish was granted, the doors open and there stood Ladybug in the flesh. Her entrance put the entire dance at a halt. The music stops from where Nino was still being a DJ. The loud chatter was filled with silence and everyone: including Chloe; has a flabbergast expression on her face.

"L-Ladybug is here?" Chloe stammered.

"Oh no, does that means there is an akumatized victim somewhere?" Sabrina quivered.

The same question had floated in everyone's mind, but they didn't see a villain or any signs of a threat around. Ladybug didn't even have her magical yo-yo drawn out. So why was the famous superheroine in all of Paris there at a high school dance?

Approaching through the crowd, Ladybug spots Adrien Agreste, who was just as stunned that she was there. His eyes widen and his jaw hanging open as he lost his will to speak for a moment. Ladybug stops before him as she outstretches her hand before the boy. Her bluebell mysterious eyes glint with kindred emotion inside of them.

"Adrien Agreste, may I have this dance?" She asked.

All eyes turn on Adrien, who blocks out all the students in the room. It feels like a dream; the woman of his dreams was there before him. Taking her hand within his own, Adrien would smile brightly. His cheeks flushed in rose red.

"I would gladly accept, Ladybug." He told her.

The floor cleared away from students, leaving the space only for Ladybug and Adrien. Nino would resume the music, playing a familiarly slow song that was a personal favorite of Marinette's. Adrien would gently one hand on her lower back, while Ladybug's arm would rest on his shoulder. The two would lock gaze upon each other, their cheeks both filling with heat and both holding sheepish smiles at the other. As Adrien would lead, Ladybug would follow his movements as they slowly dance together.

The students of Collège Françoise Dupont watches the two in awe. Alya was already there with her phone in hand; filming this moment on her Ladyblog. Rose would only sigh with admiration watching such a beautiful scene unfold. The only student that wasn't thrilled at this romantic moment at hand: Was Lila Rossi.

Seething at the moment, the anger. The hatred of her enemy standing before her: Ladybug. There she was stealing the spotlight. There she was taking Adrien from her. There she was stealing all the glory from her. Ladybug needed to be removed— once and for all. The powerful emotions consumed her completely. An emotion so powerful; the supervillain, Hawkmoth senses them in his liar. This was the opportunity that he was waiting for and the emotion was coming from his most favorite ally.

"Yes, finally, these emotions are so powerful! This time Ladybug your Miraculous will certain to mine!" He sneered.

To be continued…