Going back to the vacation house, the group rests a bit then go grab some food for dinner and before they know it, it's already 8 PM.
Marinette and Alya have both apologized to their friend for pulling a dangerous prank on her but Himawari just smiles, telling them that she's okay and it's her fault for not saying anything about her thalassophobia. The apology session soon turns into a teasing talk as the brunette 'nudge nudge' and 'wink wink' at her friend, noting how Luka has not left her side since the incident. The raven head blushes, averting her eyes and hoping that the guitarist misses her friend's comment.
"I think that he really likes you."
"I'm not sure…" she smiles "I mean…"
Gazing at Marinette, she sighs. They all know Luka's feelings for the bluenette except Marinette herself. It's sad to see such a talented musician like him get caught in an unrequited love situation and…although they don't want to say this…Marinette has taken advantage of his feelings for her own good.
Seeing her friends' looks on her, the designer frowns. They have told her many times that she's as oblivious as Adrien and that's not true. Alya has tried to drill in her head that Luka is in love with her but Marinette dismisses the idea, saying that her friend is crazy and he is just being nice. Himawari smiles at her friend's sulked face, but before she can speak, Luka has called her to show her something.
Alya gives her a smug smile, feeling the love in the air when the raven head just pouts before leaving her spot. Following her friend, the brunette notices an annoyed expression of Marinette and frowns at her. With the absence of Himawari, she turns to the bluenette with a serious face. Fixing her glasses, she looks at Marinette and begins her 'investigation'.
"Marinette, what's with the face?"
"What is it?"
"Tell me the truth, girl. Are you jealous?"
Jealous? What kind of question is that?
Marinette scoffs at the comment, thinking that her friend is trying to play with her mind about how 'obvious' Luka's feelings are for her.
"You're being delusional!"
"Uh huh! I can hardly digest!" the glasses girl responds "Tell me, Marinette… Do you perhaps…fall for Luka's charm?"
"What? No! Alya, the only person I have my eyes on is Adrien and no one else!"
Alya smirks, feeling very proud of her friend's statement. At least her friend knows the difference between admiring someone and falling in love with someone.
"Then why are you feeling annoyed at Himawari and Luka?" she continues "Shouldn't you be happy for them?"
"I…well…" the bluenette stammers "I'm happy for them, I really do… It just… He doesn't look at me the same way he used to look at me anymore…"
"What?"
"Well, he's like a brother to me…" she lowers her head "This afternoon after Himawari's incident, he didn't even look at me…"
Alya slams her face with the notebook, hoping that her friend understands the fine line between friendship and lovers. Luka is slowly shifting his attention to Himawari and although he still has some feelings for the bluenette, it's faded away as time goes on. Marinette has reassured her that she's not that crazy to go after the guitarist and breaks her heart, she clearly knows her target and Adrien will always hold the number one spot in her heart.
"That's the spirit girl, that's how you do! But when will you confess?"
"Well…that…"
"Hey, Marinette!"
The bluenette startles, dropping her whole body on the floor in surprise. Clumsily standing up. Marinette awkwardly laughs as Alya shakes her head and leaves her two friends alone.
"Hey, uh…" scratching his head, Adrien bites his lips "Uhm, do you want to hang out a bit?"
"S-sure, l-let me call Alya and N-?!"
"I mean, just the two of us, if you don't mind…"
She stares at him, bluebell eyes widening to see a hand held in front of her. A smile forms on her lips as she accepts his offer, walking hands in hands with him while the blonde model takes her out for a night walk along the shore. No word can describe Marinette's happiness when Adrien holds her hand tightly like that, but the more excited she is, the more she worries about what he wants to say to her. Maybe he needs advice on something?
Adrien smiles when the bluenette lets him hold her hand like that, it's a nice feeling. They're strolling along the shore, enjoying the cool breeze against their skin and each other's company. Before leaving for this trip, Nathalie had told him to 'go all out and confess your love to the girl'. He wants to do that, to declare his feelings for the designer and asks her to be his girlfriend. But he's afraid, afraid that he can't bring happiness to her the way Luka does.
As perfect as his life seems to be, Adrien has his own issues that he's still unable to deal with. Stresses from his work, from keeping up with his father's expectations, from maintaining his picture in the public eye, etc. If Marinette accepts to be his girlfriend, she will have to deal with all of these. Marinette is a great girl. She's smart, kind-hearted and full of determination, but none of that can help her deal with all of the problems that come along with dating Adrien Agreste.
"Adrien, is something wrong?"
Marinette turns to him, noticing the weird silence between them. Is he not comfortable walking with her? Did she do something wrong?
"Marinette…"
Does he want to tell her his feelings? Will she feel the same way?
"Are you okay?"
Now, alone, just the two of them, Marinette smiles and caresses his face in a gentle hold. She has never been the person who engages in these kinds of bold actions yet right now, seeing Adrien's expression makes her feel like he's just a teenage boy who has lost many things in his life. He lost his mom at a very young age, he lost his childhood due to his neglected father, he never had friends besides Chloe and many more. Like a broken child, Adrien has never had a chance to find love, too afraid to lose someone as a friend and too afraid that his complicated life will hurt the one he loves.
Those who have lost many things in their lives experience the fear of being alone…
Adrien is afraid of loneliness. With everything that has happened in his life, the young model wishes nothing more than to experience happiness and love. Meeting everyone has shone lights of joyfulness into his life and meeting Marinette… Never before has Adrien felt the joy of love and it's all thanks to her…
He sighs…This is it…The moment of truth…
"Marinette, I have something I want to tell you…"
"Yes? What is it?"
"I…"
Feeling the heat rushing in his body, Adrien bites his lips as he moves closer to her, close enough for the bluenette to feel his breath against her ears. Marinette flares up, feeling weak in her knees when he plants a kiss on her cheeks then pulls back, emerald orbs look straight into her bluebell eyes, full of hope, adoration and…love…
Oh…
"I like you, I love you. Will you be my girlfriend?"
Marinette looks at him, she can imagine the beautiful fireworks shot behind her, the beautiful pink aura that she has seen in those romantic cartoons as the male character confesses his love.
She's not dreaming, is she? If this is a dream then she wishes for this dream to never end…
But no…she can feel it…his touch on her skin…his eyes shining with love…his voice is still lingering on her ears…
Adrien…Adrien just confessed to her…
Her crush just said that he loves her…
"I…"
A hand wipes away the tears in her beautiful bluebell eyes. He caresses her cheek, such soft and gentle touch like she's the most delicate doll he has ever seen. She sobs a bit, unable to control the overflowed feelings as she touches his hand, rubbing against his palm. She has dreamt about this moment for so long and now, it's finally coming true…
"I love you, too…" she smiles "And yes, I'll be your girlfriend."
Hearing this, Adrien sighs in relief. The tension on his shoulder has finally lifted off as the blonde model smiles. Marinette has accepted his love confession. Leans down to plant a kiss on her cheek then he looks at her, closing the gap between them. Feeling her soft lips against his, Adrien promises to himself that he will do everything to protect her, their love and their future…
Watching from afar, Himawari smiles when she sees her friends share a sweet moment together. Looking at the scene, the pencil in her hand moves up and down, the drawing of Adrien and Marinette kissing each other under the beautiful moonlight.
"Seems like Adrien finally has the courage to confess…"
Himawari startles when a soft, velvety blanket rest on her shoulder, shielding her away from the cool ocean breezes of the night. A cup of hot chocolate is held in front of her as she smiles, accepting the warm cup as she says thank you to the person.
Plopping down next to her, Luka lounges on the seat with the guitar in his hand. Strumming on his guitar, Himawari closes her eyes as she listens to his melody. This time, she can feel the softness of the tune that suits the romantic scene in front of her so perfectly. Turning to Luka, the raven head expects him to be sad and all gloomy about the situation but his expression is the total opposite of what she believes. He looks so calm and peaceful like a weight has finally lifted off his chest.
"You don't mind about this?" she asks, her voice full of concern.
"Why should I?"
"Uhm…well…"
"I like Marinette but…" he smiles, his eyes close like he's in a moment of realization "I don't think my feelings for her are the same anymore. And I know that Adrien will take good care of her."
She looks at him, admiring his strength to let go of someone he has loved in all these years. However, as she sips the hot chocolate, amethyst eyes snap open…
I don't think my feelings for her are the same anymore…
What does that suppose to mean? Is he trying to say that he has fallen out of love with Marinette?
Turning to him, her face heats up as she sees his smug smile as he looks at her, observing. Blushing madly, she averts her gaze and tries to calm herself down by doodling on the sketchbook. He is teasing her, he is just teasing her…
Come on, Himawari! There's no need for you to get all thrilled like that…
Focusing on her drawings, Himawari stops herself as something just pops into her mind. This afternoon when she went through a panic attack, Luka had been there to help her. He was amazing, aiding her through the breathing session without any hesitation as he has gone through it several times. She didn't even have a chance to say thank you.
"Thank you for your help, Luka…"
He turns to her and raises a brow before realizing what she's talking about.
"It's fine. You don't have to say thank you to me all the time, Himawari."
"I don't think that's a possible solution." she giggles.
She bites her lower lips, feeling uncomfortable yet curious at the same time. Luka is very skillful about helping people get through the panic attack and she can't help herself but get all interested in how and where he learns to cope with them.
Would it be weird for her to ask him that? Would he feel comfortable telling her about it?
Sensing her curiosity, Luka chuckles. The girl has never failed to make him laugh, even at the smallest thing like her pouting expression. Thinking about what he has gone through in his life, Luka smiles to himself. There is a reason why he is very skillful in helping others get through panic attacks, Juleka and his mother has always been the victim of anxiety and depression, especially when 'that person' left them…
'That person'…
Thinking about them makes his blood boil…
Himawari is still deep in her thought when she heard a loud, disturbing guitar sound coming from Luka. Turning her attention, the raven head is astounded when she sees the young guitarist's grimace expression, his brows furrowed, his teeth grits tightly, his hand grips onto the guitar like he's going to break it…
"Luka?" she slowly opens her mouth "Are you okay?"
He snaps out of it and turns to her, smiling as if nothing has ever happened. Telling the girl to go back as the night is getting colder, he retreats back to his room with Himawari's gaze still following him.
Never before has she seen Luka this angry, so much that she can see that venomous glint in his aqua eyes, the similar expression when he helped her get away from the bullies. What is it that provokes him, making the guitarist this enraged?
I might have to talk to Juleka about this…