Note: So sorry if this chapter is way too long...I've tried my best to make it interesting though...
Chapter 12 - Trust & a Theft
October 17th, 2016
"I swear, I didn't do it."
Marinette could hear Adrien's voice quiver, each word heavy with both desperation and hurt.
Just then, the jangle of the school bell cut through the tense atmosphere, and Ms. Bustier's voice rose above the murmur of whispers. "It's time for the Parent Teacher conference. We need to attend to that now."
Marinette, sensing the gravity of the situation and feeling the collective anxiety of her classmates, stood up resolutely. The eyes of her classmates, including Adrien's, turned to her with a mix of hope and uncertainty. "As class representative, I'll manage the class and handle the students for the next two hours. The other class representatives will do the same for their classes."
Ms. Bustier nodded, a look of relief crossing her face. "Thank you, Marinette. We'll get back to this after the conference."
Ms. Bustier then turned to the Mayor, who had been waiting by the door, clearly impatient. "Mayor, if you could please grant us these two hours to resolve this matter properly?"
The Mayor, his expression stern and unyielding, hesitated. "I'm not sure this delay is appropriate. This is a serious matter."
Ms. Bustier took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "I understand your concern, but it's crucial that we handle this situation with the utmost care. Rushing this could lead to further complications and misunderstandings. Trust me, this brief delay will allow us to approach the matter more thoroughly."
The Mayor's eyes flickered with indecision. After a moment, he sighed and nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But make sure this is resolved by the end of the day. I don't want this dragging on."
"Thank you, Mayor," Ms. Bustier said with a relieved smile. "We'll address this after the conference. Roger, please make sure the bracelet is placed in police custody.""
Roger carefully secured the bracelet in an evidence bag, his expression somber. Sabine, Marinette's mother, approached her daughter, concern etched into her features. "Are you sure you'll be okay, dear?"
Marinette met her mother's gaze with a determined nod. "I know what I'm doing, Mom."
With a final reassuring smile, Sabine and the other adults filed out of the classroom, leaving the students behind. Marinette swiftly locked the classroom doors from the inside, ensuring they were not disturbed.
For a few moments, the room was enveloped in a heavy silence. The tension was palpable, as if everyone was holding their breath, unsure of what would happen next.
Max, his brows furrowed in confusion, broke the silence. "I didn't expect Adrien to be the one who stole the bracelet. Given its diameter, it wouldn't even fit his wrist. So why would he steal it?"
Nathaniel, still grappling with the situation, chimed in. "Yeah, I don't get it either. Adrien's already rich. Why would he steal such an expensive bracelet?"
The classroom buzzed with tension. Adrien, still reeling from the accusations, stood rooted to the spot. His eyes darted nervously around the room, filled with disbelief at how quickly things had spiraled out of control. But before he could gather his thoughts, Chloé stormed over to his desk, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.
She slammed her hands onto his desk, her face contorted in anger. "I can't believe this, Adrien! After everything I've done for you as your girlfriend, this is how you repay me?" Her voice was shrill, echoing through the room. "You stole something precious from me! Do you have any idea what the media will say? That I was taken advantage of by you? You've ruined my name!"
Adrien blinked, completely caught off guard. "Chloé, I didn't—"
But Chloé wasn't listening. "Do you have any idea how bad this looks for me? What's wrong with you?"
Alya leaned over to Nino, whispering just loud enough for the students around them to hear. "This drama is worth watching. Two snobby rich kids having a confrontation." She smirked as she watched Chloé continue her rant.
Rose, sitting a few rows away, clutched her hands to her chest. "I can't believe it was Adrien!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief.
Juleka, sitting next to her, muttered softly, "Maybe it's not Adrien, Rose. Something about this doesn't add up."
Ivan, who had been sitting just ahead of them, turned slightly to join the conversation. "I have to agree with Juleka on this one. I've got a feeling there's more to this than we know." Mylène, seated beside him, nodded silently in agreement.
Kim's voice cut through the murmurs. "Wait! So, the thief is Adrien? What would he even want with a girl's bracelet, especially a gold one with blue sapphires inlaid in a delicate floral pattern?" He furrowed his brows, clearly puzzled. "I mean, the design doesn't even look like something a guy would want."
Sabrina, with her arms crossed, glanced smugly at Alya. "Looks like it was your boyfriend's BFF after all."
Alya, her arms crossed, turned to Nino, frustration evident on her face. "I told you Adrien was bad news."
Nino sighed, holding up his hands in defense. "Wait a minute, Alya. Just think rationally for a second. When did Adrien even have a chance to steal the bracelet?" He turned to Adrien, his voice soft with apology. "Sorry, dude. I believe you, and I wish there was something I could do. But, there's just… nothing I can do."
Alya's sharp voice cut in before Adrien could respond. "Then why was the bracelet in his bag? Hey Chloé, you might want to start looking for a new boyfriend."
Chloé whipped around, glaring at Alya. "Oh, shut up, Alya! You don't know anything!"
Nathaniel sighed from his seat. "And to think I was blamed for just doing a sketch…"
Alix, leaning back in her chair with arms crossed, scowled. "So, it's because of these two rich kids that our privacy was invaded."
Chloé, her eyes blazing with fury, continued her tirade. "You're such a disappointment, Adrien! How could you do this to me? Do you even know what loyalty means? After all these years, standing by your side, being the perfect girlfriend—and this is how you repay me? By stealing from me?" She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a low hiss. "You're a coward. You can't expect love or respect from anyone when you have no heart."
Adrien's face hardened, his fingers curling into fists at his sides. He opened his mouth to respond, but something stopped him. For a brief moment, he felt the sharp sting of her words cut deep. Normally, he wouldn't care less about what Chloé said, but for some reason these words hit him like a blow, and a flood of emotions—anger, frustration, hurt—rose up inside him, threatening to spill over. But instead of lashing out, he remained silent, his lips pressed into a thin line, eyes darkening with suppressed anger as he turned around to see the eyes of his classmates on him, some burning with judgment and some with confusion as they continued to murmur loudly, soon the students began to argue and talk over one another, the room growing more chaotic by the second.
Marinette, who had been watching everything silently, felt a pang of distress seeing her friend in such turmoil. She was thankful that she had locked the doors to keep the noise from spreading to the other classrooms. As the noise continued to escalate, Marinette thought about Chloé's harsh words and the pain they had inflicted on Adrien. Normally, she would have immediately confronted Chloé, but this time, she had a different plan.
Determined to clear Adrien's name, Marinette knew she had to act swiftly. The parents' conference would soon end, and time was running out. She needed to unravel the truth behind the theft before the adults returned. As the room buzzed with confusion and chaos, her mind raced, piecing together a plan to uncover the real culprit.
Adrien on the other hand, felt a whirlwind of fear and confusion. His reputation was at stake, and he could already feel the sting of another social media backlash—just like last time, rumours and hate messages would definitely fly around fast. His thoughts raced through potential consequences: the mayor would likely pressure the principal to expel him, and his father and Nathalie would be extremely disappointed, possibly confining him to his room and leading to being homeschooled indefinitely. The thought of losing his place at school and never completing the bet he made with Ethan crossed his mind. However, for some reason, his thoughts faltered as they led him to consider something beyond that bet, something deeper: the idea of never seeing Marinette again felt like a crushing blow. That particular thought made his heart ache more than any other consequence.
As his thoughts spiraled, Adrien's gaze landed on Marinette, who stood by the door with a thoughtful expression. Amidst the chaos, she appeared calm and collected, and Adrien's heart twisted with a mix of frustration and longing. He couldn't comprehend why her opinion mattered to him so much. Even though he had heard Juleka, Ivan, Mylène, and Nino somewhat voice their belief in his innocence, it was Marinette's support that he craved the most. He couldn't understand why he desperately wanted her to defend him, to stand up for him in this moment of crisis.
"Well, don't you have anything to say?" Chloé screeched, her voice piercing through the noise of the classroom. She crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing as she stepped closer to Adrien to whisper, "Or maybe I should show everyone that video?"
Adrien's heart skipped a beat, and his knuckles turned white as his hands tightened into fists. A cold wave of fear swept over him at the mention of the "video."
"Chloé, don't—" he started, but his voice faltered, the trepidation evident.
The corners of Chloé's lips curled into a malicious smirk. She knew she had hit a nerve. "Oh, what's wrong? Afraid everyone will finally see the truth? Afraid your precious reputation will be ruined even more?"
Adrien felt his pulse quicken.
Just then, Marinette walked towards him and Chloé, and Adrien felt a faint spark of hope—maybe she was coming to assure him that everything would be okay. He didn't know why, but for some reason, he needed her assurance. It was the only thing that might make him feel better, even if he didn't fully understand why.
To his dismay, Marinette's attention was focused on Chloe. She gently tapped Chloe on the shoulder. "Chloé, I need to talk to you. Can we step outside class for a moment?"
Adrien's heart sank, confusion clouding his thoughts as he wondered why Marinette was talking to Chloé instead of him.
Chloé, clearly taken aback, stared at Marinette for a moment before scoffing. "What? You need to talk to me?"
"Yes," Marinette said, her tone calm but firm. "Just for a moment."
Chloé's reaction was immediate and dramatic. She let out a loud, derisive laugh that drew everyone's attention. "Oh, really? And what makes you think I want to talk to you, Dupain-Cheng?"
The room fell silent, all eyes on the confrontation between Chloé and Marinette. Students murmured among themselves, their curiosity piqued by the scene unfolding before them.
Marinette leaned in close and whispered something inaudible to the other students in Chloé's ear. The sudden shift in Chloé's demeanor was palpable. Her eyes widened in surprise, and the anger in her expression softened. Adrien, who was watching intently, felt his mind spinning with confusion as he observed the exchange. Alya and Nino exchanged puzzled glances, their faces a mix of concern and curiosity. Sabrina, who had been smirking moments earlier, now looked on with a mix of intrigue and apprehension.
When Marinette finished whispering, Chloé looked at her in astonishment. The hostility in her gaze was replaced by a hesitant curiosity. Marinette, with a determined yet composed demeanor, started walking toward the door, motioning for Chloé to follow her.
Chloé huffed, flipping her hair over her shoulder, but she followed Marinette toward the door, albeit with a reluctant stride.
Adrien, along with the rest of the students, watched in confusion as Marinette and Chloé exited the room. As the door closed behind them, the classroom buzzed with a new wave of speculation. Whispers and theories floated around the room, as the discussion quickly shifted from the question of Adrien's theft to the more pressing mystery of why Marinette had chosen to speak to Chloé in the first place.
Outside the Classroom:
As Marinette and Chloé stepped into the dimly lit hallway, the cacophony of whispers from the classroom faded into the background. Chloé leaned against the wall, arms crossed defiantly, her expression a mix of curiosity and irritation.
"Hey, Dupain-Cheng," Chloé snapped, her tone sharp. "What is it? What did you mean when you whispered that 'you could save my reputation'?"
A sly smirk crept onto Marinette's face, her eyes glinting with determination. "Chloé, your boyfriend is innocent. We should prove his innocence."
Chloé's brows furrowed, disbelief etched across her features. "Why...? He ruined me! I couldn't care less about his innocence now." Her voice was laced with frustration, as if the very thought of Adrien's name was a bitter pill to swallow.
Marinette took a step closer, her voice low and compelling. "What if I told you that by helping me, you could save your reputation? You know, quid pro quo—help me prove Adrien's innocence, and I'll help restore your image."
Chloé raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism flickering in her eyes. "Ha! Are you saying you can actually prove Adrien's innocence? The evidence against him is... well, damning."
Marinette took a breath, her resolve unshaken. "I might have an idea of who did this, but I need your cooperation."
Chloé paused, surprise washing over her features. "Wait, then why didn't you say so in class?"
"Because it's still conjecture," Marinette replied, her voice steady. "I would need solid evidence to back it up."
Chloé, her mind racing, weighed the implications. If word got out that "her boyfriend" had stolen her bracelet, it would tarnish her reputation as someone who had good taste in men—even if nobody knew they weren't together anymore. With a reluctant sigh, she nodded, her expression softening. "Fine. I'll cooperate... for the sake of my reputation."
Marinette smiled, a flicker of hope igniting in her chest. "Thank you, Chloé. Together, we can set things right."
As the two girls stood in the empty hallway, a tentative alliance formed in the wake of chaos, the air buzzed with unspoken possibilities as the tension from earlier slowly dissipating. Marinette took a deep breath, her expression earnest as she asked Chloé some questions, eager to gather information. Chloé crossed her arms, her brows furrowing in thought, reluctantly sharing whatever she could.
After a while, Chloé and Marinette returned to the classroom, the atmosphere felt charged with a new sense of purpose. Marinette glanced at Chloé, who wore an expression of reluctant resolve, and together they stepped back inside.
The moment Chloé settled into her seat, she turned to Marinette, arms crossed defiantly. "Now what, Dupain-Cheng? I did what you asked me to do and answered your questions..." Her voice dripped with a mix of sarcasm and exasperation.
The other students couldn't help but stare at the exchange, whispers rippling through the classroom like a wave. Adrien, still confused about what had transpired, watched them intently, curiosity and concern etched on his face.
Marinette, sensing the eyes upon them, turned to Chloe with a reassuring smile. "Now, just leave everything to me, Chloé. You can relax in the meantime."
Chloé groaned, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Relax? You'd better hope this works, or things will be bad for you, Dupain-Cheng." Her tone was a warning, laced with the tension that still hung in the air.
Adrien, overhearing the exchange, felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He couldn't shake the worry that Chloé might pull something on Marinette, and the thought made him clench his fists, unease swirling within him.
Marinette, unfazed by Chloé's threat, took a deep breath and called out to Alya and Nino. "Hey, you two! Can you come outside with me for a moment?"
As she passed by Adrien, she caught his gaze and winked playfully, mouthing the words, "Don't worry." A warm smile spread across Adrien's face, the simple gesture filling him with a flicker of hope. Marinette believed in him, and for now, that was all he needed.
But just as quickly as that smile appeared, a nagging thought tugged at his mind. What if Chloé had something up her sleeve? The idea made his heart race, and he clenched his fists tighter, determination hardening in his chest. He couldn't let anything happen to Marinette—not now, not ever.
As the classroom door clicked shut behind Marinette, Alya, and Nino, the whispers escalated, curiosity bubbling among the remaining students.
As they stepped outside the classroom, the tension in the air gave way to a buzz of curiosity, and Alya's eyes lit up. "Marinette, what's going on? You look like you've just made a deal with the devil." Her voice was laced with both intrigue and concern, as if she could sense the gravity of the situation.
Marinette took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I struck a deal with Chloé. That's why she cooperated with me to help prove Adrien's innocence." Her voice trembled slightly with a mix of hope and panic.
Alya's eyes widened in disbelief, her mouth hanging open for a moment. "You're out of your mind for two reasons: One, how can you possibly think Adrien is innocent? And two, how could you strike a deal with Chloé?" Each question was punctuated with a tone of urgency, her concern for Marinette evident. She crossed her arms, her brows furrowed, reflecting her disbelief and protectiveness.
Nino, standing beside Alya, shifted his weight slightly, his brows knitted together in thought. "I actually agree with Marinette on this one," he said, his voice calm yet firm. He could see the resolve in Marinette's eyes and wanted to support her, even if it seemed risky.
Alya shot him an incredulous look, disbelief washing over her features. "You too, Nino? Seriously?" Her voice was a mixture of frustration and confusion, as if she couldn't fathom how both of them could be siding with such a precarious plan. She felt torn between wanting to back her friends and the nagging fear that they were stepping into a trap.
Marinette tried to explain, her voice steady but tinged with urgency. "Alya, being a journalist is about finding the truth. If we can uncover what really happened, we can clear Adrien's name." She spoke passionately, her eyes glimmering with determination. It was this conviction that made Nino lean in closer, intrigued by her conviction.
Reluctantly, Alya nodded, her skepticism softening just a bit. She could see the fire in Marinette's eyes, a spark that made her feel a little more at ease. "Okay, I guess you have a point. You have a way with words, Marinette." Yet, even as she agreed, the tension lingered in her shoulders, revealing her internal struggle between caution and support.
"So, how can we help?" Nino asked, his voice steady and filled with eagerness. The tension in the air seemed to dissolve as the trio prepared to dive into the investigation together.
Marinette nodded, her mind racing as she recalled her earlier conversation with Chloe. "I asked Chloe a few questions when we were outside, and she mentioned that she thinks Nathaniel is highly suspicious after Adrien." Her brow furrowed slightly at the thought of Chloe's manipulative tendencies.
As she continued, she added, "As part of the deal, Chloe promised to stay silent in class and not say a word to Adrien until this investigation is over." Alya facepalmed herself, shaking her head in disbelief. The frustration was evident on her face. "Why are you going out of your way to help Adrien?" she muttered under her breath, her protective instincts for her best friend kicking in.
Marinette, sensing Alya's frustration, took a moment to gather her thoughts. Then, her eyes brightened with determination. "I want to review the footage of Sabrina holding the bracelet again. We need to see exactly what happened." The excitement in her voice was contagious as the trio gathered around, each of them eager to uncover the truth.
As they watched the video, the screen illuminated their faces, showing Sabrina holding the bracelet before slipping it back into Chloe's bag. Marinette leaned closer, her heart racing with anticipation.
"Wait a minute," Nino said, his face lighting up with realization. "I recorded this before the parents arrived! I was testing my camera and accidentally captured the whole thing. After that, when the other students and parents showed up, I thought it would be best to keep recording and edit it later." His enthusiasm was infectious, and Marinette felt a rush of hope.
Marinette's mind raced as she pieced things together, excitement mingling with concentration. "Nino, who else was in class besides you, Chloe, and Sabrina before everyone came?" Her eyes sparkled with determination as she sought to uncover more details.
"Um, well, Mylène and Ivan were there, and so were Kim, Max, and even Nathaniel," Nino replied, recalling the faces of their classmates.
"Hang on a moment," Marinette said, her eyes narrowing as a thought struck her. "Nathaniel might have started sketching at that time. He's an incredible artist who can sketch in detail after just a glance, which means he wouldn't need to steal the bracelet for that. That's why his sketch was so detailed!" Her voice was filled with conviction, the pieces of the puzzle starting to fit together in her mind.
Alya nodded in agreement, a look of understanding dawning on her face. "That makes sense. But do you remember if Nathaniel ever got up from his seat to be near Chloe?" The thought of Nathaniel's innocent nature made her hopeful.
Nino shook his head, his brow furrowing in concentration. "No, he was sitting the entire time. But Max, Kim, and Ivan did get up to look at Chloe's bracelet before she shoved it back in her bag." The realization weighed heavily on them, and Alya's concern deepened.
"What if Ivan took it?" Alya suggested, her mind racing with possibilities. "Maybe he wanted to give it to Mylène?"
Marinette quickly countered, shaking her head. "Ivan wouldn't do that. But I might have an idea of who did." Her tone shifted, seriousness enveloping her as she prepared to share her theory.
Alya and Nino exchanged surprised glances, curiosity piqued. "Who?" Nino asked eagerly, leaning in closer.
Marinette took a breath, her expression serious yet resolute. "I've singled out Nathaniel, Sabrina, Kim, and Max as the four suspects. But we just established Nathaniel's innocence, and Sabrina is loyal to Chloe. She wouldn't want her dad to be in trouble." The weight of the implications pressed on her, and she felt a mix of apprehension and determination.
Alya raised an eyebrow, her interest deepening. "I get why you think Nathaniel and Sabrina might be suspects—Sabrina touched the bracelet and Nathaniel sketched it. But what about Kim and Max?" The wheels in Alya's mind were turning, piecing together the layers of the mystery as her journalistic instincts kicked in.
Marinette took a deep breath, her mind racing as she gathered her thoughts. "So, let me explain why I think Max and Kim are suspects too," she began, her voice steady. "I remember Max mentioning that the bracelet wouldn't fit Adrien's wrist. Now, there's a difference between the wrists of boys and girls, but consider this: Adrien was a model. At first glance, one can see that his wrists are skinnier than your average teenage boy's. The fact that Max said this so confidently means he must have seen the bracelet up close before."
Her brow furrowed slightly as she continued, "But again, this is just conjecture on my part."
Alya nodded, impressed. "That's clever, Marinette! What about Kim?"
Marinette straightened, her eyes shining with determination. "As for Kim, keeping aside the stereotype he has about what boys like, he specifically described the bracelet as a gold one with blue sapphires inlaid in a delicate floral pattern. That's a pretty accurate description and implies he's seen it up close too."
Alya couldn't help but praise her. "Wow, you're really thinking this through! You're so clever!"
Nino chimed in, a puzzled look crossing his face. "Wait a minute, what do you mean by stereotype regarding what boys like?"
Marinette shrugged slightly, her expression earnest. "I was referring to Kim saying that boys wouldn't like jewelry or floral patterns. Some do, and there's nothing wrong with that! It's like any other normal person liking normal stuff. No boy should feel bad about liking things that girls like, and vice versa."
Nino grinned, clearly impressed. "You're wise beyond your years, Marinette."
But then the weight of the situation settled back in. "So, what should we do? The parents' conference will be over in about thirty minutes," he said, glancing around nervously.
Marinette's eyes lit up with an idea. Leaning closer to Nino, she whispered her plan into his ear. "Got it!" he replied, a determined expression on his face. She then turned to Alya, whispering instructions to her as well. Alya nodded but raised an eyebrow. "Why are you whispering these instructions in our ears?"
Marinette looked around, her voice lowering further. "In case someone eavesdrops," she replied smiling.
With their plan set, they made their way back to the classroom, a mix of anticipation and anxiety swirling within them. As they entered, a palpable hush fell over the room. Students looked up, curiosity etched on their faces as they observed the trio's return. Adrien, who had been lost in thought, snapped to attention, his heart racing as he noticed Marinette's determined demeanor. Her eyes sparkled with purpose, and for a moment, he felt a surge of hope.
Alya strode confidently over to Max, motioning for him to follow her to a corner for a private conversation. The tension in the air thickened as Marinette approached Chloé, her expression serious yet reassuring. "Just wait a bit longer, Chloé," she urged softly as she bent down to whisper something in Chloé's ear. Chloé's brows furrowed slightly, but she nodded, a flicker of determination crossing her features.
Marinette then made her way to Nathaniel, her heart pounding in her chest. She felt a mix of anxiety and determination as she explained to him how she knew of his innocence and had conveyed the same to Chloé. "Thank you for proving my innocence," Nathaniel said, relief washing over him. His voice was barely above a whisper, but it held a weight that made Marinette's heart swell with pride.
As she turned and walked away to face the front of the class, Nathaniel continued to stare at Marinette, awe reflected in his eyes. He couldn't help but admire her courage and tenacity; it was as if she had illuminated the whole room. A soft blush crept onto his cheeks, deepening as he recalled her words. The way she believed in him made him feel seen, appreciated, and a little bit braver.
The other students exchanged glances, whispering among themselves, their interest piqued by the unfolding drama. Adrien's heart raced, a mixture of hope and anxiety flooding through him as he watched Marinette, Alya, and Nino in action. The way Marinette had approached Chloé, her confidence radiating even in the face of adversity, made him feel a swell of admiration. He found himself leaning forward in his seat, captivated by her strength.
For a brief moment, he allowed himself to fantasize about what it would be like if she were by his side, fighting for the truth together. But a nagging worry pulled at him—what if Chloé does something to her later? The thought made his chest tighten, and he clenched his fists in frustration, determined to trust Marinette's instincts.
Meanwhile, Nino sauntered over to Kim's desk, casual confidence radiating from him as he struck up a conversation. "Hey, Kim, did you see anything suspicious earlier? Like, I don't know, anyone acting weird or anything?" Nino asked, his tone light but his eyes scanning for any hint of valuable information.
As they chatted, Nino leaned casually against Kim's desk, trying to maintain a relaxed demeanor. Suddenly, with a practiced misstep, he "accidentally" dropped his phone onto the floor. "Oops!" he exclaimed, bending down to retrieve it.
Around the classroom, whispers floated through the air, students exchanging curious glances. Some were intrigued by the dynamics between Marinette, Alya, and Nino, while others speculated about the nature of the investigation into Adrien's predicament. Adrien watched from his seat, a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach as he noticed Marinette's serious expression, her brow furrowed in concentration.
Nino straightened up after a moment, slipping his phone back into his pocket as he quickly wrapped up their conversation with Kim. He headed to the front of the classroom to join Marinette, his heartbeat quickening as he felt the weight of the moment. Leaning in close, he whispered something in Marinette's ear, a brief exchange that carried an undercurrent of urgency. Marinette nodded, a spark of understanding flashing in her eyes, her expression serious yet appreciative.
Alya, a blend of excitement and apprehension on her face, soon joined them at Ms. Bustier's desk, ready to lend her support. Nino gave Marinette one last encouraging look before retreating back to his desk, the tension in the air palpable as he took his seat. The classroom was alive with murmurs, the other students eyeing Marinette, Alya, and Nino with curiosity as they sensed the unfolding drama.
Adrien, ever observant, caught a glimpse of Marinette and Alya deep in conversation. He felt a pang of curiosity, wanting to know what they were plotting. Just as Nino sat down, Adrien leaned over slightly, his expression a mix of concern and eagerness. "Everything okay? What were you whispering to Marinette?"
Nino grinned reassuringly, leaning back in his chair. "Don't worry, man. Marinette knows what she's doing. She even struck a deal with Chloé of all people just to help clear your name. They're working together on this!" The words tumbled out, and as he spoke, Adrien felt a warm rush of gratitude wash over him. The thought of Marinette trusting him and going out of her way to help him filled his heart with a fuzzy warmth.
"Really? That's... wow," Adrien said, his voice soft but filled with awe. He couldn't help but admire Marinette's determination and compassion. A friend who would stand up for him like this made him feel valued, cherished even. It was as if a weight he hadn't realized he was carrying had begun to lift.
Just then, the classroom door swung open, and the atmosphere shifted. Ms. Bustier entered, followed closely by the Mayor and the parents. The tension in the room escalated as the adults settled in, and the students exchanged nervous glances. All eyes turned toward the front as the weight of the investigation loomed over them like a storm cloud.
Marinette and Alya straightened up, the gravity of the moment settling in as they prepared to face whatever revelations lay ahead.
As the classroom settled into a hushed anticipation, Marinette stood at the front, her heart pounding in her chest. The presence of the Mayor, Principal, and Ms. Bustier added weight to the moment. She took a deep breath and began, her voice steady yet filled with conviction. "I'm going to present the facts and clear Adrien's name. He is innocent."
A wave of relief washed over Adrien, a smile breaking across his face as he felt the warmth of support radiating from Marinette. The students exchanged glances, whispers of disbelief and curiosity floating through the air. Marinette continued, "In my investigation, I suspected four people: Max, Sabrina, Kim, and Nathaniel."
She paused, looking at each of the four suspects as she spoke. "First, I can confidently say that both Sabrina and Nathaniel are innocent." As she elaborated on her reasoning, explaining how Nathaniel's skills as an artist aligned with his innocence and Sabrina's loyalty as a friend and daughter along with the fact that Chloé does give her expensive presents occasionally would mean that she wouldn't try to commit a theft. As Marinette explained, a soft murmur of agreement swept through the classroom.
Alya then stepped forward, her expression determined. "I had a conversation with Max earlier. He told me he saw the bracelet up close last week, but he swears he didn't touch it at all today." Her words echoed in the room, prompting a flurry of whispers.
Alix scoffed, arms crossed defiantly. "What if he's lying?"
Chloé, her brow furrowed, echoed the sentiment. "Yeah, why should we trust him?"
Kim chimed in, his tone defensive. "I'm offended you'd think I'm capable of theft!"
Marinette raised her hand, cutting through the rising tide of doubt. "But there's evidence that Max isn't lying," she declared, her gaze sharp and unwavering. "I believe Kim is the real culprit."
The revelation sent a shockwave through the classroom. Gasps filled the air, disbelief plastered across every face. The Mayor leaned forward, eyebrows raised in surprise, while Ms. Bustier's expression turned serious. Adrien's smile faltered, his heart racing with a mix of shock and concern.
Sabrina, who had been recording the proceedings on her phone, widened her eyes in astonishment, capturing the moment for posterity. The atmosphere was electric, the students frozen in place, their whispers turning into a cacophony of speculation and disbelief.
"Wait, what? Kim?" Chloé murmured to himself, a knot of uncertainty tightening in her stomach. The room felt charged with anticipation as everyone awaited Marinette's next words, all eyes fixed on her as she prepared to unveil the evidence that would turn the tide of the investigation.
The room remained steeped in shock, the air thick with tension as Marinette continued her revelation, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place with each word she spoke. "Kim is the culprit," she declared, her voice steady but tinged with urgency. "He had a duplicate of Chloé's bag made."
Gasps rippled through the crowd, eyes widening as they processed the gravity of her statement. Marinette pressed on, her heart racing but her resolve unyielding. "Earlier in the classroom, when only Sabrina, Chloé, Nino, Nathaniel, Ivan, Max, and Kim were present, Kim, along with Max and Ivan, took the opportunity to go near Chloé's desk to glance at her bracelet. It was during that moment, when Chloé wasn't paying attention and was talking to Sabrina, that Kim sneakily swapped her bag with the duplicate he had brought."
The incredulous murmurs grew louder, students glancing at one another, struggling to reconcile their perceptions of Kim with this new revelation. Marinette took a deep breath, her gaze sweeping the room, ensuring she had everyone's attention. "After that, when the other students and parents arrived, it created quite a crowd before Parent Day officially began. Kim took advantage of the chaos to slip the bracelet into Adrien's bag."
Alya exchanged a wide-eyed glance with Nino, both of them captivated by Marinette's deduction as Adrien felt his heart race.
Alya nodded vigorously, her brow furrowed. "Yeah, Max revealed that Kim got up when the parents started coming in, right when Adrien and Marinette just arrived, but other than that, he was at his desk the whole time."
Marinette's determination only deepened as she pressed forward. "And as evidence, Nino found Chloé's real bag under Kim's chair, he likely hid it there after the swap. Officer Roger can check around Kim's desk if he wishes. The reason Officer Roger didn't find anything earlier was because he only instructed to check Kim's bag."
Suddenly, Kim's voice rang out, cutting through the tension like a knife. "What? Are you kidding me? You're seriously accusing me of stealing?" His face flushed with anger, fists clenched at his sides. "You're the one who's acting all sly, Nino! Why would you do something like that?"
Nino straightened up, unfazed by Kim's outburst. "Hey, calm down! It was Marinette's idea," he replied firmly, holding his ground. "I was just following her instructions. If you didn't do anything wrong, then you have nothing to worry about, right?"
Alya and Adrien exchanged glances, their smiles widening at Marinette's wit. A silence enveloped the room as the implications of Marinette's words settled over everyone. Chloé, visibly relieved, let out a small breath. She had feared her reputation would suffer irreparably; now it seemed that wasn't the case.
Kim glared at Nino for a moment longer, but the fire in his eyes flickered as uncertainty began to seep in. He opened his mouth to retort but was interrupted by Officer Roger, who stood tall, preparing to investigate Kim's desk.
Marinette continued, her voice gaining strength. "And as a budding designer, I know for a fact that Chloé's designer bag is a counterfeit one. I realized this during the bag check, but without concrete evidence, speaking up could have made things worse for everyone involved."
The weight of Marinette's knowledge resonated with the group, and in that moment, a mix of admiration and disbelief washed over the room. The students, parents, the Mayor, Principal, and Ms. Bustier stared at her in awe, their expressions reflecting a range of emotions from respect to astonishment.
As Officer Roger knelt beside Kim's desk, rummaging underneath with a focused expression, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation, each heartbeat echoing in the silence. Adrien's heart swelled with pride for Marinette, admiration blossoming within him. She had turned the tide of the investigation, unraveling a complex web of deceit with nothing but her keen intellect and unwavering determination. Nathaniel, who had been quietly observing, felt a blush creep up his cheeks as he looked at Marinette, his heart fluttering in admiration. "How does she do it?" he wondered, utterly captivated by her strength and tenacity.
"Got it!" Officer Roger announced, pulling out Chloé's real bag from its hiding place. The gasps echoed through the room, eyes wide in shock as they witnessed the culmination of Marinette's investigation.
Marinette felt a rush of satisfaction, relief washing over her like a wave. She had done it—she had cleared Adrien's name, solved the mystery, and perhaps even strengthened her friendships in the process. She turned to glance at Adrien, his grateful smile sending a warm glow through her heart.
Meanwhile, Kim's face twisted with rage as he glared at Adrien, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. "This is all your fault, Adrien! And Chloé's too!" His voice was laced with pain, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. "Do you know what it feels like to be humiliated like that? To be the laughingstock of the entire school?"
Adrien's expression shifted from surprise to concern. He opened his mouth to respond, but Kim continued, his voice rising with every word. "Last Valentine's Day, I poured my heart out to Chloé! I thought we had something special. I saw her with the bracelet last week; she brings it to school every day, flaunting it like some trophy! I just wanted to get back at you two for what you did to me!"
With that, Kim began narrating the heartbreaking story, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and sorrow. "It all started on Valentine's Day…"
Flashback to last Valentine's Day at Pont des Arts:
The scene was picturesque, with the sun shining brightly and lovebirds scattered around the bridge. Kim stood nervously by the fence, glancing around until he recognized Chloé's voice.
"...and that's right, in a 24-karat gold frame. Deliver it to Le Grand Paris Hotel and bill it to Daddykins—uh, I mean Mr. Bourgeois." Chloé's voice dripped with entitlement, her phone pressed to her ear.
Kim took a deep breath and stepped forward, summoning every ounce of courage he had. "I-I..." he stammered, but Chloé interrupted him, her eyes narrowing.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her tone mocking.
Clearing his throat, Kim knelt down, only to find himself in a puddle of water. "Will you be my Valentine?" he asked earnestly, holding out a delicate brooch, his heart racing.
Just as he made his heartfelt confession, a passing bike splashed water all over him, drenching his clothes. A chip bag blew into his face, sticking there like a cruel joke.
"Don't move!" Chloé gasped, her eyes lighting up with mischief. She whipped out her phone and snapped a humiliating photo of him, pressing the send button before he could react.
"Wait till everyone gets a load of this! Hahaha! No offense, Kim, but my heart's saved for someone more awesome than you. His name is Adrien Agreste, son of Paris' famous fashion designer, Gabriel Agreste" Chloé started to walk away, only to turn back with a mocking smile. "Don't you just hate how harsh love can be?"
Kim felt the world collapse around him. He dropped the brooch, tears streaming down his face as he pulled the chip bag off, exposing his embarrassment to the world.
End Of Flashback.
As Kim finished recounting his heartbreaking story, he looked around the classroom, pain etched on his features. "That picture went viral on social media, and even though most people have forgotten about it, people in my neighborhood still make fun of me. This is all Chloé's and Adrien's fault!" His voice broke, and without another word, he turned and fled the classroom, sobbing uncontrollably.
Silence enveloped the room like a thick fog. The stunned students and parents sat frozen, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. Marinette's heart ached for Kim, a wave of empathy washing over her. She bowed her head, her shoulders slumping as the weight of the moment settled heavily upon her.
Adrien exchanged glances with Alya and Nino, his own heart heavy with regret. "I had no idea…" he murmured, guilt flooding his chest.
Nino's brow furrowed, his eyes filled with concern. "We never knew what he went through… It's terrible."
The atmosphere in the room felt stifling as everyone processed the raw emotion that had just unfolded, except for Chloé, who turned to her father with a simple shrug, her expression as indifferent as ever. The gravity of Kim's story seemed to wash over everyone else, but for Chloé, it was just another moment to dismiss as her reputation as an influencer wouldn't be ruined after all.
Ms. Bustier stood up, her voice steady as she addressed the room. "I believe we have reached a resolution," she announced, her tone both authoritative and calming. The principal nodded in agreement, his expression serious. "Kim's actions were misguided, and I hope he can find the courage to apologize to Chloé. We will work together to ensure this doesn't happen again."
The Mayor cleared his throat, stepping forward with an apologetic expression directed at Adrien. "Adrien, I'm truly sorry for the distress this situation has caused you. I hope you can forgive this misunderstanding and the actions of others."
Adrien nodded, his heart feeling lighter despite the emotional turmoil of the day. "Thank you, sir," he replied, his voice sincere.
With the matter settled, parents began gathering their children, exchanging murmurs as they filed out of the classroom.
Marinette was searching for her mother amidst the crowd when Ms. Bustier approached her, a warm smile on her face. "Marinette, just a moment," she called gently.
"Ms. Bustier!" Marinette turned, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"I wanted to let you know that your mom had to leave earlier to manage the bakery," Ms. Bustier explained, her tone encouraging. "But she would be very proud of you for how you handled everything today."
Marinette's shoulders relaxed slightly at the reassurance. "Oh, okay! Thank you for telling me," she replied, a small smile breaking through the remnants of her earlier tension.
Adrien, who had been silently watching the exchange, felt a swell of admiration for Marinette. Her unwavering dedication to her friends shone brightly, illuminating her character like the sun breaking through the clouds. She had navigated the storm of chaos with grace and confidence, a trait he had always admired but had never fully appreciated until now. Her quick thinking not only defended him but also helped Kim confront his feelings, showing the depth of her compassion. He could feel his trust in Marinette growing deeper, intertwining with something he couldn't quite put his finger on—something warm and fluttery that made his heart race.
As they walked out of the classroom, Adrien felt a sense of relief wash over him, grateful that the chaos of the day had settled into a resolution. But just as he was about to step outside into the fresh air, he caught sight of Ethan and Leo leaning against the wall, their eyes glinting with mischief.
"Well, well, if it isn't the thief of the hour!" Ethan called out, a mocking smirk plastered across his face. "Nice job getting caught stealing Chloé's bracelet, Adrien. What were you thinking? That it would make you look cooler?"
Leo chimed in, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Yeah, Adrien! What a move! Next, you'll be taking selfies with it and posting it all over social media, right?"
Adrien felt heat creep up his neck at their taunts, his stomach twisting uncomfortably. He had faced ridicule before, but this felt different—sharper somehow. Yet, he took a deep breath, determined not to let them get under his skin. He could feel Marinette's hand squeezing his reassuringly, and that steadied him.
"Joke's on you!" Adrien shot back, his voice steady. "I was proven not guilty! If you want the details, you can ask your beloved Chloé herself!" His declaration rang out with newfound confidence, echoing against the walls of the school. Saying this, Adrien walked down the stairs while holding Marinette's hand. "Come on, Marinette," he said, looking back at her. "I'll drop you home first."
As they reached the bakery, the soft orange glow of the sunset bathed the cobblestone street in warmth, casting long shadows behind them. The scent of fresh bread lingered in the air, a comforting reminder of simpler times. Adrien hesitated for a moment, glancing at Marinette before he spoke.
"I forgot to thank you... for proving my innocence. You were amazing," Adrien mumbled, his cheeks tinged with a faint pink. He looked down, kicking at a small pebble as if the ground suddenly fascinated him.
Marinette let out a soft sigh, leaning against the doorframe of the bakery. "I'm just glad the real culprit was caught," she said, her voice light but tinged with the exhaustion of the day's events.
Adrien glanced up at her, his eyes soft with curiosity. "You... why did you put up with Chloé for me?"
Marinette blinked in surprise and then laughed, the sound filling the quiet street like the melody of a song. "Because we're friends, silly! What are friends for if they can't help in times of need, even if it means putting up with brats like Chloé?" her laughter bubbling up again, lighting up her face with a warm, radiant smile.
Adrien couldn't help but smile back, feeling something unfamiliar stir inside him as he wondered just when Marinette's laughter had started to sound like music to his ears. He found himself wanting to hear it again, to see her smile like that forever. He glanced toward the horizon, where the vibrant colours of the sunset blended into soft pinks and purples, painting the sky in hues that seemed to mirror the warmth growing inside him.
"Thank you, Marinette," he said quietly, his voice carrying a weight of gratitude that went beyond just today.
Marinette gave him one last smile, her eyes reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun. "Anytime, Adrien."
Thanks for reading, please review : )
Chapter 12 published on: September 28th, 2024
Author's Note:
Chapter 12 has some dialogues from the Miraculous Season 1 Episode: DarkCupid. I do not own those few dialogues, the rights to those dialogues belong with the original creators.
The whole mystery thing in this Chapter is an idea I borrowed from another fanfiction of mine. The title is "Claws Of Suspicion" if you want to read it. You can just copy paste this thing in bold on google and it'll come: www.s/14248852/1/Claws-of-Suspicion
Also, I'm going to start giving little spoilers for the next chapter at the end of each chapter, like a word or phrase - Spoiler word for the next chapter is Luka ; )
That's all for September. I'm going to be really busy, so I'll get back to posting by December at the latest. Hopefully, before December, if possible but if not, then definitely sometime in December.