Himawari brings up the topic to Luka when she visits his house later that day. Although she still feels a bit awkward about what happened before, it's not the right time or the right place for her to bring up that topic.
Luka stops strumming his guitar and looks at her, puzzling. She wants to come to the event as Adrien's date?
"Are you sure you want to do this Himwarari?" he asks "I know you want to help, but it's Chloe Bourgeois we're talking about."
"I want to try. I want to know if Chloe truly wants this." she lowers her head, playing with her hair "I mean, if there's anything I can help, I do want to try."
She can feel his teal eyes on her, staring. Himawari doesn't want to meet his gaze, they are so intense right now that she feels like her whole body would melt if she looks at him. She flinches a little bit when she hears his footsteps coming toward her and when he makes himself comfortable right next to her, Himawari freezes in her spot.
But instead of saying anything, Luka holds onto her raven lock and plays with them. Her hair feels soft in his touch, the flowery scent of the shampoo is soothing, and he likes it a lot. Himawari steals a few glances at him and turns her attention back to the wooden floor when he catches her looking at him, her face grows various shades of red.
Luke almost can not hold back his chuckle. Himawari becomes so nervous around him whenever they're alone, but in a good way. The young artist bites her bottom lips, holding back a gasp when she feels his warm hand patting her head, which makes her face becomes hotter.
"Would you look at the time…" Luka looks at the clock on the wall "I have to go, got something to do with my old man."
She looks at him, wanting to ask if he's going to the event with her. Luka doesn't give her a straight answer and now she is stuck in the middle, not knowing what to do.
"And I'll take these treats if you don't mind."
Himawari follows him out of the boat house, a small smile forms on her lips as Luka is taking her homemade cookies with him. Like always, he escorts her back to her place, making her heart flutters even more. The way he takes care of her makes Himawari feels like she is the luckiest girl on earth.
"I'll see you later?"
"O-okay. Be careful on your way there."
"Of course."
He gives her a charming smile before taking his leave.
The raven head walks back into her house, preparing to make dinner. She thinks about what she should do about Chloe's situation, Luka doesn't seem like he wants to get involved in this mess and yet, Himawari wants to help. Maybe she can look into Adrien's offer and sneak into Chloe's room and ask her about it. That would be a good plan.
Luka might not be happy about this, he's her partner in crime after all. But facing his 'scolding' is still a better outcome than just sitting here and seeing Chloe get married off to someone who, she assumes, doesn't care about the blonde.
Himawari cleans up her hand and scrolls her phone, looking for Adrien's number. She has good reasons to be the blonde's date to the event and knowing Marinette, she will understand her reasons. Although Marinette doesn't entertain the idea of helping Chloe, she can be persuaded easily if Himawari puts her words to good use.
That might be a good plan…
The raven head looks at herself in the mirror, checking the outfit she's wearing. Kagami is kind enough to lend her some formal dresses as she too, is attending the event.
She remembers how Luka shrugged his shoulder when she told him that she's going to the party as Adrien's partner. For some reason, she was offended when he wished her a good time. His nonchalant expression at that time was so hard to read, she was baffled and a little angry at how calm he was at receiving the news.
Was he mad at me?
That Himawari can't tell. She doesn't have time to think about any of this as it's time for her to meet up with Adrien and Kagami. The blonde has promised her that he will pick her up at her place, so she doesn't have to go to the Agreste manor.
Himawari giggles as she remembers when Adrien broke the news to Marinette, who raised a brow at her before telling him to make sure that she is safe. Everyone seems to be worried about her a lot rather than a certain blondie, which makes the raven head feels quite guilty. This 'operation' is to help Chloe and yet, no one bothers asking about her. After the bad reputation Chloe builds for herself, Himawari is not surprised when no one is there to help her.
Himawari goes downstairs when she heard the doorbell, Adrien is here to pick her up. She will have to thank the blonde later for going so far to help her like this, Kagami too. Maybe she can cook up some sweet treats for them, that will be a good thank-you gift. When she opens the door, Himawari almost stops breathing when she realizes who is standing in front of her.
"L-Luka?!"
She blinks again, almost bringing a hand up to rub her eyes to make sure she's not imagining things. But here he is, donning a black suit with a white dress shirt, teal-colored tie and a handkerchief in his suit pocket. His hair is the classic side swept, with a few strands falling onto his forehead, and that fresh sandalwood cologne scent he's wearing…
T-this is not good… Not good at all…
She cries inside, this picturesque person can't be Luka, it just can't…
"Hello, Himawari. You look very nice tonight."
"Y-you…How…W-wha…?"
Luka chuckles, amused at her reaction. It's quite rare for him to wear a suit and tie like this, but since it's a formal event, he needs to look decent enough to be someone's date, that someone being the young artist in front of him. The raven head looks so cute in that dark teal dress, it even has a sheer cover for the skirt with star decoration. Her hair is worn in a French braid with a matching color ribbon. In a way, they almost look like a couple attending the event.
Himawari doesn't understand why he is here, and why he is wearing a suit, and where Adrien is. Isn't the blonde suppose to be the one who picks her up?
"You wanna go now?"
"I…wait…W-why are you here?"
"What do you mean?" he asks again, almost in a teasing way "Didn't you say that you want to go to Chloe's party?"
"Yes, but with Adr-?! W-wait!"
Luka doesn't let her finish her words as the teal-haired boy starts pulling her to the car in front of them. Himawari is too shocked to even ask whose car it is as he gives the driver the address and sits comfortably at the back of the car, with her by his side like always.
The ride to Le Grand Paris is dreadfully long, or maybe it's her imagination, maybe because the person next to her is looking at her with amusement in his eyes. He is teasing her. Himawari knows this. She really wants to whip that silly smirk off his face but holds herself back from the inappropriate idea.
Why is he here…? She has to know.
Showing up at her place with no reason, literally kidnapping her without letting her say anything, and worst of all, being so attractive in that suit, that is his worst crime.
"You are awfully quiet, Himawari. Is something wrong?"
There it is, that teasing tone of his. Luka knows full well why she is reacting like this and yet, he acts so innocently, like he does absolutely nothing wrong. Himawari honestly wants to smack him so bad, that handsome yet smug face of his. That cheeky grin of his…
For some reason, she feels like she has been ambushed by him…
Luka smiles to himself, satisfied at how flustered she is before turning his attention to the window. One hand resting underneath his chin, Luka looks out to the scenery outside with a nonchalant face, his other hand seeks her small palm and holds onto it. When Himawari feels his warm hand covers hers, her face becomes redder and tilts her head to her side, too embarrassed to even look at him.
The ride to Le Grand Paris is slow, long and in silence, as both parties mind their own thoughts while still holding onto each other hand.
When they arrive, Luka is the first one to come out. He walks to the other side of the car and opens the door, letting the raven head walk out. One of the workers walks up to them and asks for their names, Luka gives his father's name and the guy nods his head, checking for it in the name list.
"Yes sir, two people under Mr. Lukka Couffain. Please, this way."
The older boy nods his head and holds out his hand, Himawari grabs onto it without saying anything. She never thought that Mr. Couffain got invited to the event in the first place, maybe Luka is here as his representative?
When they finally come inside the building, Himawari is welcomed by two familiar faces. Adrien sheepishly scratches his head while Kagami just gives her an 'I-know-what's-going-on' look. Looking at her makes the raven head blushes even more, not only that, but her friends also see that they are hand in hand. She honestly wants to bury her head in the ground.
"Hello there, Mr. and Mrs. Couffaine!" said Kagami in a teasing tone.
"K-Kagami, that's not…"
"Are you sure?" she gives her a suggestive smile "Not everyone here decides to wear matching color, you know?"
The look on Himawari is absolutely priceless. She is too nervous to realize that they are wearing the same color, her teal dress with his teal tie and handkerchief. Steam comes out of her head as the raven head turns redder than ever, speechless at her friend's comment. Adrien, although very amused at the 'discovery', decides to step in and clear the air. He owes his friend an apology for breaking their promise after all.
When Luka walked up to him and said that he doesn't have to come and pick Himawari up, the blonde was confused by his words. The way he said it sounds more like an order rather than a regular statement. Then his father informed him that the great musician, Lukka Couffain, is coming to the party, and he understood what was going on immediately.
"Well, we're all here and we still have some time before the main event…" Luka looks at his watch "Why don't we go ahead and steal the main character away?"
They all turn to the attention he is looking at and spot Chloe, sitting at a table surrounded by other people. At least they don't have to sneak to her room to find the spoiled blonde. Adrien nods his head, understands his task and walks up to his friend while they sneak out of the ballroom, waiting for their friend to come.
"What are you doing Adrikins? Where are you taking me?"
"You'll know very soon, Chloe. Let's go now!"
Adrien opens the door, just small enough for them to sneak out and meet up with the rest of his group. Chloe frowns at the secretive actions, she doesn't understand what's going on until her blue eyes widen as she sees the familiar faces.
"What are you guys doing here?" she asks, almost raising her voice "This is a private event, you guys do have invitations, right?"
"Yes to me, Adrien and Luka. For Himawari…" Kagami stops for a moment, choosing her words carefully "She's Luka's date."
"Wait, what?"
Chloe looks at them with pure shock. But then again, how can she be focused on things other than herself?
Himawari pouts at her friend's answer but shakes off the embarrassment, there is something more important for her to do right now.
"Chloe, I… I heard that this party is…uhm…"
She doesn't know how to phrase it without offending the blonde. It's quite a sensitive subject after all.
"Is this party your engagement celebration?"
Condensed and straightforward, Luka delivers the question to the blonde girl without any hesitation. His bluntness makes everyone jumps, believing that it might come up a little bit strong. But this is Luka, he has no obligation to walk on eggshells. For someone like Chloe, he believes it's better for the question to get straight to the point and not make any detours.
"L-Luka…" Himawari squeezes his hand "Sorry, we were just, uhm…"
"Interesting, where did you guys find out about it?" Chloe doesn't seem to be fazed by his words.
"It's…complicated…" the raven head trails off, not knowing what to say next.
"Himawari Ono, I never thought of you as a nosy person." the blonde looks at her, but there is still some sassiness in her voice "So what if it is? I don't believe it has anything to do with you all."
"Actually, we want to know if you truly want this engagement in the first place." Himawari lowers her voice, gentle and as light as a feather "Is this what you really want?"
Chloe widens her eyes a bit, not knowing how to respond. This is the first time someone has come up to her with this question. All the guests she meets tonight only gives her congratulation for getting into such a good engagement. She would be lying if those comments didn't leave a foul taste in her mouth.
"You don't, do you?"
"Does it really matter?" she said in the most nonchalant way, like she doesn't care about it anymore "Why do you even care?"
"Well, I think that… since it's your engagement, you should at least have something to say in it." the raven head chooses her word carefully as she continues "It is a big decision, after all…"
"Heh, never thought you truly care."
Although the blonde acts like she doesn't care, checking her nails instead of actively listening to them, Himawari can sense bitterness in her voice.
"Chloe, don't say that to Himawari. We're just-?!"
"Care about me? Is that what you're going to say Adrikins?" she turns her attention to her blonde friend, almost mocking him "Since when did you even care about what happened in my life?"
"I… You're my friend, Chloe. I want to help."
"Help? Oh please, drop the act. We all know that no one likes me, not even you." Chloe raises her voice "You are my friend, Adrikins, but I am not your friend."
Adrien wants to fight back, but he can hardly find anything to retort back. Ever since his home school period ended, Adrien has been friends with everyone but her. He talks to her sometimes, but most of them are just him telling her to back off from bullying people. It's not his fault for thinking ill about her, not when she's known to be a big bully at school.
"If I am your friend, then you would sit down and listen to what I have to say. But what did you do when I ask for help? You should remember very well what you told me."
Chloe comes off as very strong, her voice almost cracks, but she refuses to give into this vulnerable side of her. If anything, she has to make Adrien remembers the exact words he told her weeks ago.
"I… I didn't know about…" Adrien tries to reason, but he realizes that it's not important anymore "Chloe, please. I just want to help."
"I don't need your help. Go back to that stupid girlfriend of yours and leave me alone."
With that, she takes her leave, storming off to somewhere else. Kagami looks at the blonde, expecting him to explain everything. For Chloe to accuse Adrien of not being there for her when she needs help, the situation just turns from bad to worse. Adrien pinches the bridge of his nose, sighing heavily. He honestly doesn't know where to begin.
He remembers that it was a rainy day, just a few days after he and Marinette started dating. While he was waiting for his girlfriend, Chloe walked up to him, asking if she can talk to him in private. Adrien assumed that Chloe was trying to talk him out of dating Marinette, she held a big grudge against the girl after all. He declined, telling the blonde to not bother him and Marinette anymore.
Adrien didn't know, he truly didn't know about this whole marriage thing. He didn't even give Chloe a chance to say anything and walked off, leaving the blonde behind. If he had only turned around a look at his friend, maybe he would catch her disappointed look, or her trembling shoulders, or how a tear slid down her face.
"Oh Adrien…" Kagami's voice is full of disappointment "Well, any plans? Himawari?"
"Let me go and talk to her." the raven head looks at them "I'm the only one here who is technically a stranger to her. Maybe she would trust me enough to open up."
"Are you sure? I can come with you."
"No, it would be better for me to talk to her alone." she smiles, putting a reassuring hand on Luka's arm "I'll be okay. Maybe she was just overwhelmed because there are too many of us."
The older boy wears a complex expression on his face, he doesn't want to leave her alone, but maybe this is the best option for them.