When Chloé got to class, she was enthused by the presence of her Adrikins. The hood slipped back a bit as she hugged him, revealing more of his blond hair, but he quickly pulled it back after she left him alone. He had yet to attempt to speak or even look at Marinette. What's he even doing here again? she wondered.

She knew she wasn't the only one that was thinking that, though. A quick glance around her told her that all her girlfriends had noticed him come in and were giving him glares that looked like they could kill. Rose and Mylène glanced sympathetically at Marinette as well, as though to give encouragement.

When Alya and Nino finally walked in a minute later, both were equally surprised, but everything else about their reactions were opposite. Alya looked cross, marching past the front desk without a word and taking her seat next to Marinette. "Are you all right?" she asked her friend softly, putting a hand on her shoulder as she sat down.

"Yeah," she nodded, giving a small smile, "I'm fine."

Nino, on the other hand, walked up to Adrien with an enthusiastic shout of "Bro!", clasping his hand emphatically. He sat down and the two talked in hushed tones.

Nino knew what had happened as well as the girls; Alya had told him about it, thoroughly denouncing his friend. Nino wouldn't have it, though, insisting that Adrien had a good reason, refusing to accept he would be that cruel. As much as Marinette hated his loyalty at first, she had to admit that it was impressive how much he valued his friendship. He was truly a good friend.

What had really bothered her, though, was the she knew he was right. Marinette had first met Adrien less than a year ago, and the two had only become close in the last few months, yet she felt she knew him really well, and one thing she knew was that he was not cruel. She could never understand why he did what he did, but she was so blinded by her despair and anger that she also hadn't given it much thought. Thanks to Cat Noir's suggestion, though, she was trying to push past the emotional tangle she was lost in and apply her formidable analytical abilities to try and figure out what had happened.

Adrien was not a cruel person, not from everything she knew about him. He also seemed to genuinely enjoy the time spent with her on their date, and the look in his eyes as he made the declaration that broke her heart was clearly one of regret. It seemed more like he made a bad choice and was trying to fix it than that he set up the whole situation just to tear her down. I just need to hear what he has to say, she sighed, but first I have to get through class knowing he's here.

All day, Adrien was there, but never once did he try to talk to Marinette. He persistently avoided eye contact and wouldn't even acknowledge her there. Marinette wasn't sure if she should be grateful or frustrated. She wasn't ready to talk to him, and certainly she didn't want to do it around others, but she still found herself hoping he would approach her.

Finally, the last bell rang to signal the end of the day. Marinette and Alya were quick to pack up their bags and head out. As much as Marinette wanted to give Adrien a chance, she still felt the need to avoid him. It was a complicated feeling. Before they could make out of school, though, she heard a voice calling her from behind.

"Hey, M-Marinette," Adrien called out, sounding nervous. Marinette and Alya turned as one to see Adrien and Nino standing there. Adrien looked incredibly awkward with his hood finally pulled down and his hair a sweaty mess.

"Hey, Nino," Alya said, pointedly ignoring Adrien's presence.

"Marinette," Adrien said, looking shyly at her, "Can we talk? Please?" His expression was so pathetic and pleading that Marinette almost pitied him. Almost.

"Didn't you talk enough?" Alya put in, hands on her hips, now glaring at Adrien. Around them, some of their other classmates had noticed the exchange, various expressions on their faces. Marinette ignored them and focused on Adrien, trying to find her voice.

"It's all right, Alya," she said gently, placing a hand on her friend's arm as though to hold her back, "I'll… I think I can give him one more chance."

Alya turned and gave her friend a scrutinizing stare. "Are you sure?" she whispered in her ear, leaning in close, "I can scare him off if you need me to."

"Yeah," Marinette smiled at the offer, "I'll be fine."

"All right," Alya turned back to Adrien and jabbed a finger at him, "but I have my eye on you, Agreste." After giving him a meaningful glare, she grabbed Nino and pulled him away, whispering angrily in his ear.