Music, Lights, and Unlikely Friendships
The bell rang, signaling the end of the last class of the day. Marinette let out a relieved sigh, stretching her arms as students around her began gathering their belongings.
Before anyone could leave, Madame Bustier called out, “Before you go, I need the decoration team for the Winter Ball to stay back and head to the gym. Marinette, Adrien, Juleka, Rose, Mylène, Ivan, Sabrina, and Chloe, please gather your things and make your way there now.”
Marinette quickly packed her notebook into her bag and glanced over at Adrien, who gave her a small smile as he stood up. Rose beamed with excitement, tugging gently on Juleka’s sleeve, while Mylène nodded and headed toward the door with Ivan.
Chloe, predictably, made an exaggerated huff. “Ugh, I can’t believe I have to waste my time decorating. Sabrina, make sure you carry my things,” she said, shoving her bag into Sabrina’s arms.
Marinette rolled her eyes but said nothing, opting instead to follow the group out of the classroom. As they made their way down the hall, her heart raced with anticipation and a little anxiety.
When they reached the gym, the large open space seemed daunting, with its high ceilings and plain walls just waiting to be transformed. The faint echoes of their footsteps bounced off the walls as the group trickled inside.
Madame Bustier clapped her hands as she joined them. “Alright, everyone, this is your canvas. Remember, the theme is ‘Enchanted Winter.’ You’ll be working together over the next few afternoons to make it look magical.”
Chloe groaned dramatically, earning an annoyed glance from Rose. Adrien stepped forward, his calm voice cutting through the tension. “So, where do we start? Maybe we can assign roles or divide the space into sections?”
“That’s a great idea, Adrien!” Rose chimed in enthusiastically.
Marinette nodded, stepping up to add, “We could start by sketching out a rough layout and assigning tasks based on everyone’s strengths. Juleka, do you want to help with lighting ideas? Rose, you’re great with delicate details like snowflakes.”
As the group began discussing ideas, Chloe crossed her arms, muttering, “I’m not climbing ladders or touching anything dusty. Sabrina can handle that.”
Marinette suppressed a groan but kept her focus on the task at hand. Despite Chloe’s complaints and the daunting amount of work ahead, she couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement. This was their chance to create something truly beautiful if they could just get through it together.
As the group began discussing decoration ideas, Marinette wandered over to the stage at the far end of the gym. She ran her hand along the edge of the wooden surface, imagining how the space could be transformed. The stage, usually reserved for the principal’s announcements, had so much untapped potential.
Juleka quietly joined her, standing by Marinette’s side and gazing at the stage. Her expression was thoughtful as her eyes scanned the space.
“This could be really cool,” Marinette murmured, gesturing toward the stage. “It’s perfect for a performance or something during the ball. Nino could totally DJ from here, and we could add some lights to make it pop.”
Juleka nodded slowly, her lips curving into a small smile. “Yeah, it could work. And... I know someone who could perform too,” she said, her voice soft but carrying a hint of excitement.
Marinette turned to her, curious. “Really? Who?”
Juleka hesitated for a moment, then shrugged casually. “My brother. Luka. He’s really good with music. He could play something live, maybe on his guitar. It’d give the ball a cool vibe.”
Marinette’s eyes lit up. “That’s an amazing idea, Juleka! Would he be willing to do it?”
Juleka’s cheeks tinged pink at the praise, but she gave a small nod. “I can ask him. He’s usually up for stuff like this.”
“That would be perfect,” Marinette said enthusiastically. “We’ll have to talk to Nino too, but combining a DJ set with a live performance could be amazing.”
The two of them stood there for a moment, already envisioning how the stage would come alive with music and lights. For the first time that day, Marinette felt a flicker of hope that the Winter Ball might actually turn out to be something magical even with all the challenges ahead.
As Juleka and Marinette were chatting, Rose bounded over to them, her energy as bubbly as ever. “Oh my gosh, Marinette, Juleka! What are you chatting about?!”
Marinette laughed. “Just talking about using the stage for music. Juleka thinks Luka might perform live during the ball.”
Rose gasped dramatically, clasping her hands together. “Luka performing live?! That would be so romantic and perfect! Juleka, you’re a genius!”
Juleka shrugged, her expression calm but a faint smile tugging at her lips. “It’d be cool, I guess.”
Before Marinette could respond, Chloe’s voice echoed across the gym. “Ugh, live music? Really? What is this, a street fair?”
The group turned to see Chloe perched on a ladder nearby, holding a sparkling gold ribbon in one hand and pointing it at them like a scepter. Sabrina was at the base of the ladder, holding it steady while trying to balance a box of decorations.
“Well, excuse me, Your Majesty,” Marinette said, crossing her arms. “What would you suggest instead?”
Chloe tossed her hair and huffed. “Something elegant and sophisticated. Like... a live orchestra. Maybe I’ll call my daddy and have him bring one in. This isn’t supposed to be some tacky coffee shop performance.”
“An orchestra? Really?” Marinette piped up from where she was fiddling with a roll of silver streamers. “What are we, the royal family of Paris? Get real, Chloe.”
Chloe scoffed. “You wouldn’t understand class if it hit you in the face, Marinette. Not everyone is into... whatever this is,” she said, gesturing vaguely at the streamers.
Rose jumped in, hands on her hips. “I think live music would be wonderful! It’s personal, it’s heartfelt, and it’s something everyone can enjoy. Right, Juleka?”
Juleka nodded. “Yeah. Luka’s music is real. People will connect with it.”
“Besides,” Marinette added with a sly grin, “we can’t afford an orchestra on our budget. Unless Chloe wants to pay for it herself?”
Chloe’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water before she snapped, “Well, maybe I will! Sabrina, make a note!”
Sabrina, struggling to hold the ladder and the box, squeaked, “Yes, Chloe!” and awkwardly scribbled something in a notebook balanced on her knee.
At that moment, Adrien walked in from the supply closet carrying a stack of folded tablecloths. He paused, taking in the scene. “What’s going on over here?”
Marinette blushed lightly but tried to play it cool. “Oh, nothing. Just a passionate debate over whether live music or a full orchestra would suit the ball better.”
Adrien chuckled, his smile lighting up the room. “Live music sounds great. Plus, it might be hard to fit an orchestra on this stage.”
“Thank you!” Marinette said, throwing her hands up.
Chloe groaned. “Ugh, Adrien, why are you siding with them?”
Adrien shrugged good-naturedly. “Because it’s a good idea.”
Chloe huffed, crossing her arms. “Fine. Whatever. But if this ball ends up looking like a garage band concert, don’t blame me!”
As Chloe stomped off, still clutching her glittering ribbon, Marinette smirked. “You know, if this doesn’t work out, we could always invite Chloe to perform instead. Maybe a dramatic reading of her favorite shopping lists?”
The group burst into laughter, including Adrien. Even Juleka let out a soft chuckle. Marinette felt a weight lift off her shoulders as the playful banter filled the gym. For now, at least, they were finding ways to make the chaos fun.