Since that fateful Monday, Marinette and her friends at the art club have been busy preparing for Kitty Section's first concert performance at her school. Marinette wondered how they could get so lucky despite everything, and she ensured that everything would be perfect for the first concert. The tiny stage before her school looked beautiful on Friday night when the stars started showing in the night sky.

More and more students started to come from both schools, and the anticipation was high. As Marinette waited at the front of the stage for the curtain call, a cute girl with short hair greeted her.

"Hello there, my name is Kagami. It's a pleasure to meet you," she said as she held out her hand.

Marinette grinned and shook her hand. "My name is Marinette. It's nice to meet you!"

Kagami took a moment to glance at the art club's work. "I have to say, you should be a part of our school if you planned all this. This stage looks beautiful."

Marinette placed her hand over her lips to hide her blushing face. "Oh! It wasn't just me who made this. Everyone in our art club did their part."

"Mind if I join in on this girl talk?" Alya said as she walked up from behind.

"Alya!" Marinette cried before the two girls hugged each other. When they broke their hug, Alya smiled at Kagami, and Kagami gave a shy smile in return.

"I got to meet Marinette's new friend!" Alya said.

Kagami giggled and held out her hand. "My name is Kagami." And Alya enthusiastically shook her hand in return.

But while the girls were enjoying each other's company, the audience was practically dying from anticipation.

"I hope they will make their debut soon," Alya said.

Just then, Marinette's phone beeped with a notification, and Marinette smiled.

"They are just about ready," Marinette said.

"I hope they start playing soon as well! I'm dying here!" Said the voice of a boy.

The girls were caught off guard by a handsome blonde-haired boy hugging Kagami from behind and playfully cuddling her. "Hey princess!"

Kagami was so over the moon as her boyfriend lovingly kissed her on the cheek. Alya gave a pleased smile, and Marinette was a bit stunned.

"Marinette, Alya, this is my boyfriend, Adrien," Kagami said.

Marinette blinked a few times before looking at Alya and then at Kagami's sunshiney boyfriend.

"I'm sorry, you are probably thinking about my 'evil' cousin Felix Graham De Vanily," Adrien said "evil" in a joking tone. But Marinette felt that was a term that should seriously be considered.

Adrien took a moment to let go of his girlfriend and bow to Marinette. "I apologize for him. He does plenty of messed-up things and should just let you be." He turned back to Kagami and smiled before taking her hand. "He just doesn't know how to court a lady."

Marinette pursed her lips, and while she and her friends were distracted, the curtain opened, and everyone cheered as Kitty Section presented themselves as the colorful spotlights shined on them.

"Hello everyone!" Mylene cried.

"We are Kitty Section!" Rose chimed in.

Marinette gasped and placed her hand over her heart as she saw Kitty Section shine on stage for the first time, even if it was a small, humble stage.

Rose and Mylene looked like beautiful musical muses. Ivan and Juleka looked so relaxed while wearing dark colors, and even though Luka was behind Rose and Mylene, Marinette still noticed him smiling at her.

Marinette placed her hands over her lips and was grateful that she and the other art club members made the stage look good enough for her favorite band.

"We want to thank all of you for allowing us to have our first-ever concert!" Rose cried gleefully.

"Our first of many! I hope all of you enjoy the show!" Mylene chimed in.

Rose turned back to the band and raised her hand in the air. "Alright, let's do it!"

"4! 3! 2! 1!"

When they started playing their song, there was so much energy that it felt like the entire world had shifted. Soon, the whole audience was jumping along with the music and vocals.

Marinette always knew how amazing this up-and-coming band was, but finally seeing them take the stage was a dream come true.

Marinette waved to her bandmates with modesty, but eventually, she couldn't help but scream wildly like the rest of the audience as Kitty Section played their fantastic song.

And the music was calling her. Marinette took her harp out of her backpack and quickly ran backstage. She hoped her friends wouldn't mind her stepping out for a moment. Backstage, she hid behind the curtain and got the perfect view of Luka being completely in the zone, playing his guitar under the blue spotlight.

Marinette was absolutely in awe as she watched her amazing musician friend. She could watch him all night and take inspiration from him. Marinette smiled and held her harp close to her heart, and then she couldn't help but gasp and blush when Luka took a moment to smile at her, even though he was in the middle of playing with the band.

The blue spotlight certainly made Luka look radiant. Marinette could see his beautiful blue eyes as he shamelessly winked at her while playing the guitar. After he found the right moment, he reached out his hand to her.

Marinette was stunned and thrilled, but she couldn't reach him yet. This was all so sudden, her being asked to play with her bandmates for the first time.

But this would be an amazing new experience, so Marinette grinned and took Luka's hand as he led her to the stage.

Luka gave a pleased smile as he continued playing. Marinette danced around as she played her harp with her bandmates. The audience once again ate it up.

Meanwhile, Nino made his way around the audience and smiled when he saw Alya near the front. Alya knew her boyfriend was near even with all the excitement, and she turned to give him a sly smile.

"Is that Luka?" Nino said as he adjusted his cap.

Alya gasped. "You know him?!"

Nino realized he wasn't thinking what he said though, and panicked. "Yes!" He gaped. "I…I know him from the other school…"

Alya was stunned that her boyfriend hadn't mentioned Luka until now. But then she noticed Marinette and Luka playing joyously under the blue and pink spotlights.

"He's a really cool guy…" Nino stopped as he watched Luka and Marinette play their instruments in sync.

Nino was curious seeing his two friends together on stage, and Alya gave her usual devious look that showed she was starting to assemble pieces. Sometimes pieces that didn't fit!

"Maybe, just maybe…There is something going on between Marinette and Luka!" Alya proclaimed.

Nino was stunned, but then he smiled sheepishly before wrapping his arm around her.

"Alya, let's not jump to conclusions," Nino said.

Marinette focused on her heart rushing from playing on stage for the first time. With all her bandmates beside her, she would always play the music she wanted to convey. But then Marinette nearly lost her breath when everything went quiet, and the pink spotlight was on her while her bandmates were in the dark. Luka gasped, and Marinette stopped playing as she held her harp close and looked toward the crowd.

She didn't know what to do, but she heard Alya and Kagami cheer for her, and then it finally clicked for her that she was being put on the spot for a solo performance.

Marinette initially thought it would be wonderful, wearing a beautiful outfit and playing the harp on a regal stage with the biggest audience ever. But for this to be her first solo, she didn't ask for this.

But this was Kitty Section's big break, and this was probably her big break. So Marinette took a deep breath before running her fingers through her strings.

Marinette closed her eyes and pretended she knew what she was performing, but her fingers shook slightly. Luka watched from the dark, and he couldn't be more captivated hearing the raw emotion of Marinette playing her harp under the spotlight.

But Marinette felt her hand slip as she played a harsh chord, and she gasped loudly as she held her harp close and tried to look away. There were a few low gasps in the crowd.

Marinette cursed herself for ruining her debut, but she felt a familiar presence behind her.

"Let me help you Marinette."

Marinette felt her heart beat faster, hearing Luka's voice as he was right behind her but only partially under the pink spotlight as he played gentle chords on his guitar. She needed to listen to the song he was sharing with her, and then she felt the strength to run her fingers through her harp again as they played together.

It took a few moments for Marinette to realize they were creating a ballad together. Marinette smiled to herself and tried not to giggle. But it was amazing at that moment just playing music together. It was like they were the only ones in the world, even if both of them noticed smartphone lights from the audience. Marinette could pretend they were just fireflies on a beautiful night as she continued to play music with Luka.

This was much better, but Marinette ultimately felt terrible that it was her first solo performance, and Luka had to be the one to save her. As she reached the finale of the song they played, Marinette felt her legs give out, and she fell down as she and Luka played their finale.

The crowd roared in applause though, and Marinette felt like tears were about to form in her eyes.

Luka was so proud as he saw how happy Marinette made the audience. Still, Marinette was confused as she looked up at Luka, who smiled warmly at her and offered his hand.

After taking a moment to breathe, Marinette took his hand as he gently helped her up. But Marinette felt her legs give out again, and she fell into Luka's arms as her head landed on top of his chest. Marinette blushed hard and was about to apologize, but Luka didn't seem offended by it as he smiled down at her and held her safe in his arms.

And for a moment, Marinette couldn't bring herself to remove her hand from Luka's chest as she noticed his heart was beating fast. It was such a warm heartbeat, but she snapped back to reality, not wanting to come off as creepy, and she found the strength to stand alone. But Luka's smile didn't waver as he pointed to the crowd cheering for the entire band, including her. The two of them walked toward the edge of the stage and bowed. A memory flashed through Marinette's mind.

"Keep on expressing the melody of your heart," Viperion said not too long ago.

Yes, Marinette thought as she bowed her head.

She thought Luka must have the most beautiful heart in the world, like Viperion.

Afterward, the band had time to relax and recharge by the flower bushes. But Ivan, Rose, Juleka, and Mylene couldn't stop hollering about how fantastic their first concert was. At the same time, Marinette sat on the stone bench next to Luka, smiling at her bandmates while holding her harp safe against her chest. Luka smiled as well; he was thrilled that his band was reaching new heights, but after such an unforgettable performance, he needed a little time of silence with Marinette.

Marinette couldn't help but give a half-hearted smile as she watched the members of Kitty Section rejoice. They were all so talented, and she gave a lackluster first harp performance in front of everyone. Luka couldn't help but notice how Marinette was hiding something deep within her.

"We totally lit up the stage together!" Rose cried as she and Juleka held hands.

Marinette couldn't help but let out a soft sigh. "Yes, you guys gave the most amazing first performance in the world, and I couldn't be more proud."

"Marinette?" Luka said as he looked down at her with his gentle blue eyes.

Marinette noticed Luka's concern and smiled at him, trying not to be negative.

"And Marinette plays the most beautiful harp music!" Juleka chimed in.

Marinette gasped as her face turned pink.

"Yes! That was the most moving performance I ever heard." Mylene said. "I never heard a harp performance for myself before."

Marinette shivered as she held onto her harp, overwhelmed by the sudden praise.

"No! No!" She cried. Then she frowned and ran her fingers through her hair. "My first performance was a disaster!"

Marinette continued to blush as the girls huddled around her to assure her, and then Ivan also chimed in.

"Your harp performance was unique Mari! On our journey as an up-and-coming band, I didn't expect a girl with a harp to join us. Your performance was great!"

Marinette giggled as she finally took her friends' praise to heart, and the girls eased up on her. But Marinette still had to be honest with herself.

"Thank you everyone! This was one of the most amazing nights of my life being able to perform in front of an audience." Marinette gave a slight melancholy smile as she pondered her first performance. "But I still have a lot to learn…"

Then Marinette felt she lost her breath momentarily when she felt a familiar hand on her shoulder. She was absolutely dumbstruck by Luka giving her the sweetest smile, all for her.

"I loved your performance so much Marinette."

Marinette gave a low gasp as she blushed. All their bandmates were looking intently as Marinette and Luka locked eyes.

"Oh Luka…My first performance was forced! I wish I could've had more time to mentally prepare…"

Luka slowly shook his head. "You're destined for great things just like us. You were born to make an amazing melody all your own."

Marinette felt her face heat up even more and almost felt like she was about to pass out. Still, she breathed and tried her hardest to compose herself before answering Luka's amazing, flattering comment.

"Well!" Marinette yelped as she tried not to fall off the stone bench. "I would love to play my harp on a big stage and wear a beautiful gown, but I am just not ready yet!" Marinette gasped as she looked at her feet. "I need to practice more…"

"Besides, I have other important things," Marinette said. "Like the art club, I want to keep it safe."

Luka remembered how even though Marinette had no powers, she wanted to protect the art room with everything she had.

"Maybe we could donate some art supplies from our school," Luka suggested. The members of Kitty Section quietly agreed.

"Really?!" Marinette cried as her eyes sparkled.

It was a beautiful day on Saturday. The sun was shining, and Marinette's school was tranquil, except for the celebration that was going on in the art room. The other members of the small and humble art club were chatting up the members of Kitty Section and showing their gratitude that they donated art supplies from their fancy art school to their art club in their dull, mundane high school. The members of Kitty Section also learned what it felt like to talk with adoring fans in person. Eventually, the door opened, and Luka's heart skipped a beat again. Marinette, Marc, and Nathaniel returned to the room with warm pizza boxes in their hands.

"Sorry for the wait everyone!" Marinette said.

But nobody seemed to take offense. The art club members made their way to help Nathaniel and Marc with the pizza boxes and get their share. Marinette smiled as she walked over to the members of Kitty Section and presented them with a lovely pizza she had picked specifically for them. She hoped they would love it.

"Here! You guys deserve a special pizza!"

Ivan, Juleka, Mylene, and Rose eagerly got on it and took the box from Marinette. The four of them thanked Marinette in unison as they opened the box, ready to dig in. Luka had to admit he was also hungry, and he couldn't help but take the slice that Ivan generously gave him. But as Luka took his first bite, he couldn't help but notice Marinette was more focused on the art supplies he and the others donated.

They were like treasures to her. Sure, she liked how old-fashioned the art room was. She didn't need an expensive one like in Luka's art school, but she still couldn't be more grateful that Luka bought something from their fancy art school for her ordinary art room. And maybe they could recruit new members and the art club would be unstoppable…

Marinette lost her train of thought when Luka brought a plate with a slice of pizza that was clearly meant for her. Marinette raised an eyebrow and smirked.

"I was thinking of a project Luka!"

Marinette truly was grateful for how caring Luka was. So she wasn't upset. But you don't just disturb an artist when they are in the zone.

"But you need to eat to help the wheels in your head," Luka said. Plus, he was worried all the excited people at the party would eat all the pizza before Marinette got a piece.

Marinette breathed in the scent of the delicious custom-made pizza and felt she should relax a bit.

"Alright," she said as she took the plate for him. My projects could wait a moment.

But before Marinette could take a bite, Ivan arrived with a slice of pizza, which he gave to Luka, and then he turned to Marinette.

"It's tradition for us to cheers with pizza slices," Ivan said.

Marinette had not thought of that before, but it was clever. So she and Luka turned to each other and tapped their pizza slices together like glasses of non-alcoholic champagne. And everyone else in the classroom followed suit.

"Cheers!"

It was a lovely day to celebrate that no bully or thick-headed school board would bring down their art club. Thanks to Viperion and the other heroes, their art club was saved.

But Marinette couldn't help but also think that Luka was an everyday superhero in his own way.

It inspired her and made her wish she could be the hero to protect for once.

But for now, she would try her best in her art and music and be her own everyday hero.

That way, no rich jerk would ever be foolish enough to cross her.

Back at the dark penthouse apartment that Felix lived in, the butterflies that floated in the room tried to find solace in the one light that shone on the devious rich boy. They desperately flew around for warmth.

But Felix sat there collecting darkness and thinking about those two opponents in his life. The boy with the guitar and the snake boy with the harp. Oh, how he would love to teach Couffaine what it feels like to be overpowered in a fistfight. And oh, how he would love to put that snake in a cage.

But he could make both of those wishes come true.

If he learned how to utilize the power of the Akuma properly.

A little inspiration hit him as the dark energy in his finger reached for a butterfly that tried to fly away. Still, Felix infected it, and the curse of the Akuma was too strong for the little butterfly as all its good nature got stripped away.

"Foolish butterfly!" Felix scoffed.

There may have been new rivals in the game, but that didn't mean that Marinette Dupain-Cheng would eventually play the beautiful harp for him and only him.

The power of the Akumas would overcome Viperion and the other heroes.

Because dark moths were supposed to rid the entire world of light.

And hawks were supposed to eat snakes alive.