Alya sat cross-legged on the couch, eyes narrowed with suspicion as she watched Marinette pace the room, her movements restless. She could feel something was off—it wasn't like Marinette to be so jumpy, especially when they were supposed to be relaxing before their patrol.
"Alright, spill," Alya said, her voice playful but firm. "Something's going on. I know you too well."
Marinette paused, biting her lip. "Nothing's going on," she muttered, her eyes darting toward the window like it might hold the answers.
Alya raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. "Come on, don't give me that. I've known you long enough to know when you're hiding something."
Marinette hesitated, then shook her head. "It's… nothing important."
Alya wasn't buying it. She scooted closer on the couch, folding her arms. "Nothing important? Marinette, we both know that's not true. You've been acting weird all night. I can feel the tension from here." She gave her friend a pointed look. "Spill. Or I'll share that embarrassing video of you singing along to that cheesy pop song last week. You know the one."
Marinette froze, her eyes widening. "Alya, don't you dare!" she said, half-laughing, half-panicked.
Alya smirked, crossing her arms. "Then talk."
Marinette groaned, her cheeks turning pink. "I… I don't know if I can—"
"Come on, just tell me what happened! It's me, I'm not gonna judge."
Marinette bit her lip again, clearly struggling with whether to speak. Alya could see the fight inside her, the internal battle to keep the secret hidden. But after several more minutes of gentle teasing, nagging, and a few exaggerated threats involving social media posts, Marinette finally broke.
With a deep sigh, she sat down next to Alya, looking utterly defeated. "Okay, okay," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I kissed Chat Noir."
Alya blinked, her breath catching in her throat. "Wait… what?"
"I kissed Chat Noir. As Ladybug. Last night, during the fight… it just happened," Marinette continued, her eyes downcast, her fingers twisting in her lap.
Alya blinked, utterly shocked, her eyes widening. "You kissed Chat Noir? The villain ? The enemy ?"
Marinette's face flushed deep red as she nodded, avoiding Alya's gaze. "I know. I don't even know how it happened. It was… just a moment, and then it felt right, but now I don't know what to think. I can't stop thinking about it."
Alya sat there, her mind struggling to process. "Marinette, are you serious right now?" She shook her head, clearly trying to wrap her head around it. "You kissed him? Chat Noir, the guy who's tried to steal your miraculous multiple times?"
Marinette covered her face in embarrassment. "I didn't mean to! It just… happened. It wasn't part of the plan, Alya. And now I don't know what it means or what to do."
Alya exhaled slowly, trying to keep her emotions in check. "I can't believe you're telling me this. I mean… I get that it was a kiss, but he's the enemy , M. He's trying to hurt us! To hurt Paris! And you… kissed him?"
"I know!" Marinette almost wailed. "I know it was wrong, but it felt… real . And now it's messing with my head."
Alya bit her lip, thinking it over. "Okay, okay… this is big. But we can't just ignore what he stands for. You know that, right? Chat Noir is dangerous. Whatever happened between you two—don't lose sight of who he really is. He's still the enemy ."
Marinette nodded slowly, her hands gripping her knees. "I know. I haven't forgotten that. It's just… hard to separate how I felt in that moment from everything else."
Alya softened, reaching over to pat her friend's arm. "Look, you're not alone in this. We'll figure it out. But please, don't let yourself get distracted by him . Chat Noir doesn't deserve that kind of power over you."
Marinette took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. "You're right. I just… need time to process it."
Alya nodded, her voice gentle now. "Take all the time you need. But just remember, you're Ladybug , not anyone's pawn. Don't let that kiss change who you are."
As Marinette sat there, her mind spun in circles. That kiss. She hadn't meant for it to happen, not really. It had been a challenge, a way to confront Chat Noir's arrogance, to throw his own beliefs back at him. But when their lips met, something shifted. It was like a spark in the air, something electric that made her heart race and her stomach flutter in ways she couldn't explain. She wasn't sure if it was guilt, anger, or something else entirely. But there was something… there. Something real .
Marinette shook her head, trying to focus. What does it mean? Her thoughts tangled in a mess of emotions. She didn't have time to dwell on it, not now. The fight, the mission—it was all supposed to be about saving Paris, about protecting the city. Not… that . Not the kiss.
Her inner turmoil was interrupted by Alya's voice, sharp and direct. "Hey, are you gonna focus or what? This is serious, Marinette."
Marinette blinked and looked up, suddenly aware that her friend was watching her with a raised eyebrow. Alya had that look—the one that meant she knew exactly when something was wrong. "What?"
Alya leaned forward, her tone softening just a little. "You're distracted . Something's going on, and we're supposed to be focused on patrol tonight. You're the one who said we can't afford distractions."
Marinette took a deep breath, letting the tension go. Alya was right, of course. She couldn't let herself get caught up in this. Not now. "I know, I know… I'm just… processing."
Alya nodded, still not entirely convinced, but she let it go for now. The two kwami, Tikki and Trixx, were sitting on the table, quietly nibbling on a bag of choquette, their attention elsewhere. It was a moment of calm before the storm—before they would both have to face the chaos of what would come ahead.
Marinette looked over at the kwami, hoping for some kind of sign. Tikki met her gaze, her small, wise eyes full of understanding, but said nothing. Maybe it was better that way. Marinette had enough to think about already.
"You're right," Marinette finally said, standing up. "I need to focus. This is bigger than… than whatever that was. Let's get ready for patrol." She gave Alya a small, determined smile, though inside, her heart was still racing from the memory of that kiss.
—
The quiet of the night stretched on as Ladybug and Rena Rouge made their way through Paris, the usual hum of the city's nightlife barely a whisper. There were no akumas, no signs of trouble. Just an overwhelming silence that made it feel like the whole city was holding its breath.
As they passed by the charred remains of the warehouse from the night before, Ladybug couldn't help but glance at the blocked-off area. The shattered windows, the remnants of destruction—she had been there. She had witnessed the aftermath of Chat Noir's outburst, the chaos that he had unleashed. But now, the place was eerily still, a cold reminder of the fight.
Her heart thudded unexpectedly in her chest. Where is he? She couldn't shake the thought. After the cataclysm, after everything, had he gone in hiding for a while? Or was he avoiding her?
Marinette halted mid-step, her mind racing. Why am I even thinking about him? She shook her head, her fingers gripping the chimney nearby, grounding herself in the moment. He's the enemy. He's dangerous. And I don't owe him anything.
She stood still for a moment longer, her breath catching. Her chest felt tight, and she could feel the ticklish flutter in her stomach again, like it had the night of the kiss. She wanted to dismiss it, but it wouldn't go away.
Focus, Marinette, she told herself firmly. Focus on the mission. Focus on your new job. You have enough going on right now.
With a deep breath, she forced herself to look away from the site and continue walking. He'll show up when he needs to. For now, just finish the patrol. Focus on what's ahead. Let him go for now. He's the enemy… But even as the words repeated in her head, a small part of her hesitated.
No, she wouldn't let herself be distracted by him. She had bigger things to focus on—her job, her life. Chat Noir would be out of her mind in no time.
Or so she hoped.
As they continued their uneventful patrol, Rena, ever the observant one, noticed Ladybug's distracted demeanor. Her gaze kept drifting, like her mind was elsewhere, lost in thoughts that clearly had nothing to do with their mission.
Rena grinned, clearly seeing an opportunity. "Alright, Ladybug," she said, her voice light but laced with mischief, "I think it's time for a little challenge."
Ladybug snapped out of her thoughts, raising an eyebrow. "A challenge?"
Rena pulled out her flute, giving it a few experimental notes before looking at her partner with a sly smile. "Yep. I've got a little game in mind. You up for it?"
Ladybug's curiosity piqued. "Okay, I'm listening."
Rena quickly unrolled an illusion of a 3D map of Paris, pointing out specific spots on it as she spoke. "Here's the deal: we pick a starting point, and I'll give you a series of checkpoints marked on this map. We've got to race through each one, and the first one to reach the last checkpoint—your place—wins. But there's a twist. We must detransform back at the last one in a secluded area before hitting your apartment."
Ladybug grinned, immediately on board. "Alright. Sounds like fun. What's the catch?"
Rena's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Catch? Well, you know, we're both superheroes, so this won't be as easy as it sounds. You'll have to pay attention to the path, but not get too distracted. Oh, and of course, there's ice cream at the end for the winner."
Ladybug chuckled, her competitive spirit lighting up. "You're on, Rena Rouge. Let's see if you can keep up."
Before Ladybug could think any more about it, they were off—darting through the city at top speed, Rena playing her flute to guide the way with illusionary checkpoints. The path she had mapped out wasn't simple, weaving through side streets, alleyways, and over rooftops. Each new checkpoint was just as challenging as the last, forcing them to be creative and quick.
What Ladybug didn't notice, however, was the figure who silently followed their every move from the shadows. Chat Noir, his green eyes glowing faintly in the darkness, watched as Ladybug and Rena Rouge raced through Paris with all the speed and grace of trained superheroes. He'd been waiting, following their every step, his focus entirely on Ladybug, a mix of curiosity and something darker flickering behind his gaze.
He couldn't tear his eyes away. The kiss from the other night, the inexplicable feelings that had followed it—he couldn't get them out of his head. And now, as he watched her race through the city with such freedom, he felt that same pull again. Why am I always drawn to her? he wondered. She's my enemy… but she's not like anyone else.
Chat's lips twisted into a half-smile as he disappeared back into the shadows, letting them lead the way ahead.
He wasn't going to interfere— yet. But tonight was going to be interesting.
Chat Noir watched them for a moment longer, his sharp gaze following the swift movements of Ladybug and Rena Rouge as they dashed through Paris. His curiosity gnawed at him, but so did his confusion. After everything that had happened— the kiss , the fight, the chaos—he felt torn. He could follow them, disrupt their race, or maybe even confront Ladybug, but something held him back.
For once, he wasn't sure what his next move should be.
As he crouched on a rooftop, watching them disappear into the distance, his mind flashed back to the memory of their lips meeting, the strange and powerful sensation it had left behind. Why had she kissed him? What did it mean?
But the reality of their roles couldn't be ignored. Ladybug was his enemy. She had never given him any reason to believe she was anything other than that. And yet… He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than that.
He pushed those thoughts aside, just for a moment. Focus, Adrien.
With a silent sigh, Chat Noir stood up and, after one last lingering glance at Ladybug's retreating form, he made the decision to stay hidden for now. He wouldn't interfere—at least not tonight. This wasn't the right time to act, not when his emotions were all tangled up in this confusing mix of anger, longing, and something that felt dangerously close to affection.
But I'll be watching, he thought. I always am.
With a flick of his staff, Chat Noir melted into the shadows, his green eyes glowing faintly as he chose to leave Ladybug and Rena Rouge to their game—for now.
—
Rena Rouge won the race. Despite Ladybug's quick reflexes and acrobatics, Alya's deep knowledge of the city's hidden paths and shortcuts gave her the edge. Throughout the race, Ladybug was momentarily distracted by the occasional glance back, and her mind kept drifting—something she couldn't afford in a race like this.
Meanwhile, Alya had the advantage of knowing exactly when and where to take a shortcut, especially after playing her flute to direct the course. At the final checkpoint, where they had to detransform, Alya had already made it ahead of her, cheekily grinning as Ladybug rushed to the last turn.
By the time Marinette arrived at her own apartment, Alya had already detransformed, enjoying her well-earned ice cream, while Marinette, out of breath, admitted defeat with a playful sigh. The race had been close, but Alya had won it through a combination of clever navigation and her ability to stay focused.
And though Marinette had lost, she couldn't help but smile at the unexpected fun—and maybe even a small part of her was thankful for the distraction from the chaos of the past days.
After the race, Marinette and Alya—along with their kwami, Tikki and Trixx—settled in for a cozy sleepover at Marinette's apartment. The mood was light and easy, a welcome change from the weight of their double lives. The four of them lounged on the couch, munching on snacks and chatting, while Tikki and Trixx playfully bickered over who would get the last piece of choquette.
Alya and Marinette shared stories about their day, laughing about the race and discussing Marinette's new job with Gabriel Agreste. It was a much-needed break from their superhero responsibilities, allowing them to just enjoy each other's company. But even as the night wore on and the laughter filled the room, a quiet tension lingered beneath the surface for Marinette. The kiss with Chat Noir, and the emotions that came with it, kept tugging at her thoughts, though she pushed them aside for the time being.
The kwami's antics added to the atmosphere, making the night feel like a simple, carefree one. Eventually, the conversation turned to their next patrol, and both heroes knew that the peaceful night wouldn't last forever. But for now, they simply enjoyed being friends—no masks, no powers—just Alya, Marinette, Tikki, Trixx, and the comfort of each other's presence.
The weekend passed in a blur, with Alya's infectious energy keeping things light and fun. Between their sleepover and impromptu outings, time seemed to slip by unnoticed. Alya had a knack for distracting Marinette, ensuring she didn't dwell too much on the confusing thoughts of the past week. They spent a lot of time simply enjoying each other's company—whether it was watching movies, playing games, or gorging on sweets.
On Sunday, Marinette took a detour and visited her parents' bakery to share the exciting news about her new job. Her mom and dad were thrilled, showering her with hugs and words of encouragement. They were proud of her, and their warmth reminded Marinette of why she loved her family so much. It was a quiet moment of joy amid everything else, and for a while, she allowed herself to bask in it.
But even in the midst of these joyful distractions, the reality of her new role with Gabriel Agreste settled in. Her mind kept drifting back to that kiss, the uncertainty, the tension with Chat Noir. Still, she pushed it aside for now, determined to focus on the positives—like her new job, the support of her family and friends, and the hope that she could balance everything that came with being Ladybug.
The weekend wrapped up with a sense of calm, but there was a quiet undercurrent of anticipation. The week ahead would bring new challenges, and she'd be ready to face them—no matter what they might be.
—
Monday arrived with a rush of excitement and nerves for Marinette. She barely had time to process the whirlwind of emotions as she zipped through Paris on her scooter, eager and a little anxious about her first day at company or rather fashion house. She arrived just in time, parking her scooter and taking a deep breath before stepping inside the sleek, modern building.
As soon as she entered, Nathalie was there to greet her with a warm smile. "Welcome, Marinette," she said, leading her through the grand lobby. She introduced her to a few colleagues along the way, each of them dressed in high-end, stylish outfits that gave the space a professional yet welcoming feel. The air buzzed with quiet energy, everyone seemingly focused on their tasks, but there was an underlying friendliness that eased Marinette's nerves.
Nathalie guided her through the spacious building, showing her various departments—designers, seamstresses, and the bustling team behind the scenes that made the magic happen. Finally, she was shown to her own personal office, small but well-lit, with a stunning view of Paris. It was exactly what Marinette had hoped for: a space where she could grow, create, and truly make an impact.
Her first task was a fitting session with the models. The stylists would present the pieces for adjustments, and it was up to her to assess and make notes. As the models filed in, one by one, Marinette stood at the edge of the room, clipboard in hand, already deep in focus.
But then she saw him— Adrien.
He was one of the models, standing there with a tired, almost haggard look, yet still radiating the effortless charm that made him a household name. Marinette's breath caught for a moment. How could someone look so good despite clearly having had little sleep? His disheveled hair and the dark circles under his eyes didn't diminish his attractiveness in the least; if anything, they only seemed to add an intriguing edge to him.
She was so lost in thought, staring at him from across the room, that she didn't notice him approaching until he was standing right next to her. Adrien flashed her a soft, teasing smile, leaning in slightly so only she could hear him. "You're thinking about something pretty serious, huh? Not bad for a first day"
Marinette blinked, startled, then immediately flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and appreciation. She managed a small smile, grateful that he was trying to make her feel comfortable despite his usual aloofness. She appreciated the gesture more than she let on. "Uh, just trying to figure out what needs adjusting…" she muttered, her voice trailing off as she focused on the task in front of her, hoping to hide her blush.
Adrien, still with that soft, reassuring grin, nodded. "Well, if you need anything or just want to talk, don't hesitate. I know what it's like to feel like the new person around here."
Marinette looked up and caught his eye for a brief second before quickly looking away, her heart racing. Why does he have to be so… nice? she thought, her mind spiraling a little as she went back to focusing on the models.
Despite her best efforts to remain professional, she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest.
Marinette's mind raced as she studied Adrien, her eyes scanning his outfit and the way the light fell on his features. A sudden spark of inspiration hit her, and she immediately stopped him mid-step. "Wait, could you hold still for a second?" she said, her voice more urgent than she intended. Adrien, with a curious but willing expression, paused in place.
She moved quickly, grabbing a piece of soft cream-colored fabric from the table. The swatch was elegant and light, and Marinette held it up next to Adrien's ensemble. The fabric complemented his blonde hair perfectly, a subtle, delicate touch that would make all the difference in softening the look. It was perfect—she could already picture the transformation in her mind.
She glanced down at the fabric's unique ID tag, ensuring she could easily reference it later. She'd need to remember the shade and texture, but for now, the vision of what the outfit could be was clear. Adrien's white blouse and casual chic pants were nice, but too safe . The cut of the pants was sharp, but something was missing—something to elevate the look.
Without thinking much about it, Marinette blurted out, "What kind of jewelry do you prefer? Gold or silver?"
Adrien blinked, a bit taken aback by the sudden question. "Uh, Gold, I guess? I don't really wear much jewelry," he replied with a slight shrug. "Why?"
Marinette smiled, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "I think a few well-placed gold pieces would really set off the outfit, make it pop. Not too flashy, but enough to give it a touch of sophistication. It'll highlight your look without overshadowing it."
Adrien gave a small chuckle, clearly not used to this kind of attention to detail, but intrigued. "Gold it is, then. I trust your judgment."
Her heart fluttered at the compliment, but she quickly pushed the feeling aside. There was work to do. "Thanks," she replied, focusing on the task at hand. "I'll make sure we get that in for the next fitting."
As she made her notes, Marinette felt a little surge of confidence. She was finally here —in her element, doing what she loved. And maybe, just maybe, there was something about Adrien's presence that made the whole experience even more exciting.
Marinette grabbed her pen and clipboard with renewed focus, her mind already racing through the vision she had in mind for Adrien's outfit. She drew quickly but purposefully, her hand moving with a fluidity that came from years of practice. Her pen flew across the paper, sketching out the outline of a well-fitted trench coat, the fabric flowing effortlessly around Adrien's form. She added subtle golden accents along the edges and collar, the kind of detail that would elevate the look without making it too ostentatious.
She glanced at Adrien now and then, noting how the light caught the contours of his face, the way his posture shifted with every slight movement. It was a challenge to capture the essence of his style in a single sketch, but she did it—adding the finishing touches with a few quick strokes. His blouse, already sleek and simple, had the top buttons unbuttoned, revealing a simple gold necklace resting against his chest. The combination of the soft trench coat and gold details gave the look a refined yet effortlessly cool vibe.
Marinette's sketch was messy in a way only she could understand. It was quick, spontaneous, but clear enough for anyone in the fashion world to grasp. The lines were sharp where they needed to be, yet loose where she wanted to convey fluidity and movement. As she put the final touches on her quick sketch, she couldn't help but glance up at Adrien, hoping he didn't mind the sudden burst of creativity.
To her surprise, he was staring at the drawing, eyes wide in genuine admiration. He blinked a few times, clearly impressed. "Wow, you—uh, you really captured it all," he said, a slight hint of awe in his voice. "I can see it in my head already. That trench coat would look amazing ."
Marinette smiled, trying not to let her cheeks redden. She wasn't used to compliments, especially not from him. But there was something about Adrien's genuine reaction that made the whole experience feel even more rewarding. "Thanks," she said, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I just—sometimes ideas come to me all at once. But I think this would really work for you."
Adrien nodded, still looking at the sketch. "I'm impressed. You made that in like, what, five minutes?"
Marinette chuckled awkwardly. "More like three, but who's counting?"
Adrien grinned at her, his smile warm and sincere. "Well, if you ever need a model, just let me know." He gave her a playful wink before heading toward the changing room.
As Marinette watched him go, she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest. She quickly shook her head, focusing back on her work. There was still a lot to do—but for now, the small moment of admiration was enough to keep her smiling throughout the rest of the day.
After Adrien returned to change, Marinette wasted no time in gathering the team for a quick meeting. She presented her idea for the collection—a spring-inspired line that would blend casual and business elements. The concept was simple yet elegant: light, breathable fabrics with an emphasis on warmer tones like soft creams, pastel yellows, and subtle gold accents. She explained how the trench coat would serve as the key piece, and how the subtle jewelry could add that touch of sophistication without overwhelming the look.
The team listened attentively, some nodding in approval as they looked over her sketch. There were a few clarifying questions—about the fabric choices, the structure of the coat, and how best to add the jewelry—but Marinette handled each one with ease, showing her depth of knowledge and commitment to the concept. It was clear that her instincts were spot on.
By the end of the discussion, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. The team agreed that Marinette's concept could truly take the collection to a new level. They would need to work quickly, but with everyone pitching in, it was doable. They divided up the tasks: some would focus on sourcing the fabric, others on fitting, and a few would begin coordinating with the models for the upcoming presentation.
"We'll need to refine a few small details, but we've got this," Someone said, giving Marinette an encouraging smile. "Let's make sure everything is perfect for Gabriel by the end of the week."
Marinette felt a surge of excitement. It was her first big project at the company, and it felt like everything was coming together. She could already see the finished product in her mind—the trench coat, the golden jewelry, the polished yet effortless look. It was a chance to show just how much she could contribute to the team, and to prove that her ideas were more than just fleeting thoughts—they were designs that could shape the future of fashion.
"Thank you all," Marinette said, a little breathless. "I'm excited to see this come together."
As the team dispersed to get to work, Marinette took a moment to herself. She knew the week ahead would be a whirlwind of adjustments, fittings, and deadlines, but she was ready. More than ready. This was her time to shine. And with Adrien's unspoken support and the team's enthusiasm, Marinette knew they could make something extraordinary.
—
Marinette was deep in thought, humming softly as she worked, carefully arranging patterns and fabrics on her work table. She was so absorbed in her task, mentally planning out each detail of the collection for the upcoming days. She muttered to herself, adjusting the colors and textures of the fabrics, trying to get the right feel for the spring line. Her mind was racing with ideas and possibilities, moving from one fabric to the next, stacking and sorting as she considered how best to bring her vision to life.
Meanwhile, Adrien had quietly approached her office, knocking gently on the doorframe. But Marinette, too absorbed in her work, didn't hear it. Adrien stood for a moment, watching her with a faint smile, clearly entertained by her focused energy. His green eyes sparkled with amusement as he saw her moving around the office, talking to herself in a way only a true designer could.
With a playful grin, Adrien leaned against the doorframe and spoke up, his voice light and teasing, "You know, I think you might be talking to the fabric more than you're talking to me."
Marinette froze mid-movement, startled by the unexpected voice. Her hand, which had been reaching for another swatch of fabric, faltered in midair, and she whipped around, wide-eyed. "Ah! Adrien, you scared me!"
Adrien chuckled, stepping into the room with a confident, but easygoing gait. "Sorry, I didn't mean to. I thought you'd heard me knock."
She blinked, still a little flustered. "I—I was too focused. Sorry about that."
Adrien gave her a teasing smile, his eyes scanning the organized chaos of fabric swatches and design notes on the table. "I can see that. You're pretty into this whole 'designer' thing, huh?"
Marinette nodded, regaining her composure. "It's my dream, Adrien. Every detail matters if I want this collection to stand out."
Adrien's gaze softened as he looked at her, his teasing expression melting into something more sincere. "I can tell. It's… really impressive, Marinette. You're passionate about this."
Her heart fluttered slightly at his words, and she looked away for a second, trying to compose herself. "Thanks," she mumbled, feeling the warmth creeping into her cheeks. "It's a lot of work, but… it's worth it."
Adrien gave her an encouraging smile. "I'm sure it'll be amazing. You've got a real talent for this."
Marinette couldn't help but smile back, her confidence growing with his praise. "Well, I couldn't do it without the support of everyone here."
Adrien's gaze lingered for a moment longer before he cleared his throat, seeming a little more aware of the tension in the room. "I won't interrupt your work. I just came by to check in. Let me know if you need anything, alright?"
Marinette nodded, feeling a little more at ease now. "Thanks, Adrien. I will."
With a final smile, Adrien left, leaving Marinette alone in her office once again. As she turned back to her work, her thoughts were a little more scattered now, not just from the task at hand, but from the lingering warmth of Adrien's words.
—
As Marinette approached her scooter, texting Alya, she felt a sense of pride from her first day at work. It had been a whirlwind, but things were moving forward. She smiled at Alya's text inviting her to eat curry at her place, a perfect way to unwind after a busy day.
Before she could finish replying, she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"Well, if it isn't the designer extraordinaire herself," Adrien's voice rang out, light and teasing.
Marinette froze for a second, turning around to find him standing there, his usual warm smile on display. She hadn't expected to see him right now—she'd just been thinking about him earlier in the day. Coincidence? Maybe. But something about it felt different.
"Adrien!" she said, a little surprised but trying to play it cool. "I didn't expect to see you here."
He shrugged casually, his smile not fading. "I could say the same. But I guess we're both just full of surprises today." He then raised an eyebrow, his voice light but with genuine curiosity. "How was your first day?"
Marinette brightened at the question. "It was great! A bit busy, but really exciting. I'm looking forward to diving into more projects."
"That's awesome," Adrien said, nodding approvingly. After a beat, his expression softened, and he hesitated before adding, "So, I was thinking… if you're free tonight, maybe we could grab dinner? Nothing fancy, just to celebrate your first day."
Marinette blinked, caught off guard. She'd been expecting maybe a casual "hi" or "how was your day?" but dinner? She appreciated the offer, but she had already made plans with Alya.
She checked her phone, confirming Alya's curry night was still on, and smiled apologetically. "I'd love to, but I already promised Alya we'd have curry tonight. But… how about lunch tomorrow? I'll be free then."
Adrien's face lit up at the suggestion. "Lunch tomorrow sounds good! I'll pick a place, and we'll have a great time."
Marinette felt a light blush creep up her cheeks as she nodded. "It's a lunch then," she said, unable to help the smile that tugged at her lips.
Adrien waved and gave a final grin before turning to leave. "Looking forward to it."
As he walked away, Marinette watched him go, a flutter in her chest she couldn't quite explain. She wasn't sure why, but the promise of lunch tomorrow seemed to make the day feel just a little bit brighter.
She finally snapped out of her thoughts, starting up her scooter and heading toward Alya's. But deep down, a small part of her couldn't help but wonder if this lunch was the start of something more than just a casual meet-up.