The dance seems to back up in high gear as if the Akuma attack never happened. All the Dupont students were still chatting and dancing with each other. Having a good time. Not all the students, however, were enjoying themselves. Lilia was still seething in her hatred of the continuous defeat of Ladybug. If only she knew who she was, then she could easily find a way to make her life miserable. Lila decides that her next mission would be finding out Ladybug's true identity. It could be anyone here or possibly another school. Biting her bottom lip, she plotted a way to figure out who she was.

Marinette returns to the dance where Luka was waiting for her. With all the things that were going on, she felt bad not getting a proper dance with him. A small smile formed on her face as she went over to her date for the evening. It was unfair to Luka that she still put Adrien before him, even though Adrien didn't want to be with her.

"Luka, I'm so sorry," Marinette apologizes.

"It's fine Marinette," Luka responds with a smile of reassurance.

Extending his hand out, Marinette had taken a hold of it as he leads her to the dance floor. One hand was place on her lower back and the other on her shoulder. Marinette smiles up at Luka as they dreamily dance with each other. The way he looks at her with such warmth. Luka was obviously the one she should be with tonight. But why? Why does she think of Adrien? She remembers Adrien was going to tell her something as Ladybug before the Akuma attack. She sighs and wonders where he was at the moment.

Adrien was back inside, he sighs as he knew the moment he was waiting for was ruined. He had everything planned. He and Ladybug would dance while he told her how he felt. Maybe this was fate telling him that they weren't meant to be. Disappointment wash over his board, masculine features as he didn't want to accept it. Maybe he should call it night early. He was gazing at his classmates that seem to be having fun, including Marinette who was dancing with Luka. A forced smile forms as he decided to go get some air.

Marinette's eyes linger to Adrien's form as she notices how disappointed he look at the time. Luka's gaze went from Marinette towards the direction of her view. He knew that guy she wants to be with tonight, it wasn't him. Once again, he'll always be second to Adrien. Releasing Marinette, he gave her a gentle smile and plants a kiss on her forehead.

"Go," he told her. "I know it's not me that you wanted to be with tonight. I do thank you for letting me take you to the dance."

Marinette's expression turned into a heap of guilt. She feels bad because she knew that it was cruel what she was doing— thinking of another guy when she was with someone else. "I'm sorry, Luka."

"Don't ever apologize for your feelings, Marinette," Luka answers. "Instead just follow your heart, no matter what, I'll always be here for you and support you."

"Thank you for everything, Luka."

Turning her back on Luka, she chases after Adrien. Luka could only shake his head to himself for being a fool to let her go once again— but he knew that chaining her to him would make neither of them happy.

Marinette looks all over until she found Adrien alone outside in front of the school. He was sitting on the steps and gazing up at the stars. He seems to be lost in his thoughts.

"Adrien!" Marinette calls to him.

"Marinette?" Adrien turns around surprised to see her there. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be dancing with Luka?"

"I was, but I saw you leaving and looking kind of sad," She said as carefully joins him by sitting beside him. "I didn't want to leave you alone, we did plan the dance together after all."

"Sorry, Marinette," his expression went from her to the ground.

His digits intertwine together and rest in his lap. Could he confide in Marinette? She was a good friend. Always helping him and looking out for others. It was just the way she was. She had a good heart. Sometimes, Marinette reminds him of Ladybug, his true love.

"This night was supposed to be perfect," He told her. "I finally had the courage to ask the girl I like to the dance. And when I finally was going to admit how I feel about her, it got interrupted. I'm thinking she and I aren't meant to be."

Flushed red and her jaw slightly open at Adrien's declaration for his feelings. Could it be that the girl he was in love with this whole time was Ladybug? Her? She quickly gains composure, not wanting to reveal herself or her thoughts. She had to play it cool— even if it means she knew the truth behind it all.

"Y-You're in love with ladybug?" Marinette stammered.

"Yes, I know it's silly being in love with a Super Hero," He sheepily smiled. "But she's amazing. Someone who shines brighter than anyone. She's smart and always helping others. I think she's the most beautiful person in all of Paris."

These words made Marinette heart flutter, all this time. He was in love with her. If only she could tell him she was Ladybug, but she knew that her secret would be protecting him. Someday, when Hawkmoth threat was over, she could reveal the truth and maybe, they can be together.

"Ladybug is really lucky to have you be in love with her." In a way, she almost feels jealous of herself. If only Adrien could have these feelings for her as Marinette and not the girl she was under her mask.

"I know, but I don't think it's meant to be," he sighs.

"Hey, don't give up Adrien," Marinette encourages. "Fate has its ways of working things out, even in love. You just have to push forward and believe in yourself and your feelings for her. Who knows? Maybe she'll feel the same way?"

All the uneasiness Adrien felt was melted away by Marinette's words. As usual, she was always such an amazing friend. An amazing person. If things didn't work out with Ladybug, maybe he could change his affection towards Marinette? His hand gently place over her own, flashing her the most tender of smiles.

"Thank you, Marinette."

"Ant at Nall," She fumbled. "I mean not at all!"

He laughed at her awkwardness, it could be really cute at times. He stood up as he gently extended his hand out towards her. "Marinette, would you like to dance with me."

Speechless at his sudden offer, she could only nod. She took his hand and stood up as she was now in his arms. The two both look at each other and began to waltz gently on the pavement. At the time, neither of them said a word and dance silently to the music that was heard from inside. It almost feels like a dream. Like Cinderella dancing with her prince at the ball.

"You look really beautiful tonight, Marinette."

"You're a really amazing dancer, Adrien."

The two share a flustered smile at each other as they danced the rest of the night away. Hand and hand with the sound of their heartbeats in sync. Even if the night wasn't perfect as they planned, tonight was something special that they wouldn't forget.

After the dance was over and everyone returned home, Marinette spins gently around and landed on her bed. She was on cloud nine and nothing nor no ruin her happiness. It almost felt like a dream, dancing with Adrien. Finding out Adrien was in love with her, well in love with one side of her. Still, her happiness knew no bounds that night.

"Tikki, Adrien is in love with me!" Giddily she confines in her Kwami.

"That's amazing, Marinette," Tikki rejoiced. "However, he's in love with Ladybug. You have to be careful. Hawkmoth can use this as his advantage if you two got closer."

"I know, Tikki," She sighs. "That's why I need to hurry up and defeat Hawkmoth. Then that way Adrien and I can live happily together without any worries."

"We'll do our best," Tikki smiles.

Marinette smiles back as she cuddles her Kwami closer. Now that she knew how Adrien really felt about her. Felt about Ladybug, she was determined to protect him and keep him safe at all costs.

The End