Why was it so easy? Why did those words come out so smoothly? How come when I saw that picture of her family, I craved to be a part of it? How come pain seared through my chest when I saw Nino and her sitting together, even though I was supposed to be happy for my friend?
Thoughts ran through Adrien's head; they bounced against the walls of his skull and made his head ache. None of this made sense. Marinette was the quiet girl that now sat next to him in class, the girl who was a surprisingly great leader, and the girl who could kick anyone's butt in video games. But she wasn't anything more than that to him. He didn't have feelings for her like Nino had thoughts he did. His heart belonged to his lovely little Ladybug. So then, why did his hear flutter every time he looked at Marinette?
Ever since that day at the zoo, when Nino's feelings turned from Marinette to Alya, Adrien has been confused about the feelings that he felt rising whenever Marinette was near. They now sat together in class and Adrien couldn't look to his left without his heart jumping into his throat. Sure, Marinette wasn't the amazing hero Ladybug was, but she was definitely something different. This was what Adrien had come to realize.
Marinette's eyes were such a clear and honest blue. Her smile seemed to light up an entire room. Her laugh and her voice were like music. Not just any music either, but like an angelic choir singing of happiness and warmth. That was another thing; her warmth seemed to always grow. Even if she was simply sitting there humming to herself as she doodled in her sketchbook, Adrien felt the warmth of her heart fill his entire being.
Adrien was starting to realize that yes, maybe he did have a bit of a crush on Marinette.
But what about Ladybug? I love her more than anything else, and yet… Adrien's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of laughter from next to him. Marinette was laughing brightly at some joke Alya made. He decided that whatever he was feeling could wait to be figured out. Right now, he was just going to enjoy the happiness he felt from this beautiful and wonderful girl smiling next him.