Marinette barely had time to catch her breath as she stumbled into the school courtyard, her bag half-zipped and her hair slightly disheveled. Alya and Nino spotted her immediately, both walking over with amused grins.
“Well, well,” Alya teased, crossing her arms. “Fashionista over here pulling another late shift?”
Marinette smiled sheepishly, clutching her bag strap. “Let’s just say... the dress is done. But yeah, I overslept. Again.”
Nino chuckled. “Join the club. At least you’ve got an excuse. Me and Adrien stayed up late watching-”
Before he could finish, Marinette felt a presence behind her, and she turned to see Adrien standing there, his hair slightly messy and a warm smile on his face.
“Speaking of late,” Alya quipped, nudging Nino. “Looks like Golden Boy here’s joining the tardy squad today.”
Adrien chuckled softly. “Yeah, I lost track of time this morning. Guess I’m not the only one?” He glanced at Marinette, his smile turning a little teasing.
Marinette opened her mouth to reply but was distracted by movement across the courtyard. Lila, who had been talking animatedly with Chloe, threw a pointed glare in their direction before quickly turning back to whisper something to her blonde accomplice. Chloe’s dramatic laugh echoed through the courtyard, but neither girl approached.
“What’s her deal?” Alya muttered under her breath, noticing the exchange.
“Probably just mad she didn’t get to make a grand entrance,” Nino joked.
Adrien, however, frowned slightly. “I think she’s upset about... well, us being late together,” he said, his tone careful.
Marinette rolled her eyes. “Oh please. Lila’s upset because the spotlight isn’t on her for two seconds.”
“True that,” Alya agreed with a smirk.
As they chatted, the late bell rang again, signaling the start of second period.
In class, Marinette settled into her seat, finally feeling like she could breathe. Adrien sat beside her, and as the lesson began, she caught him sneaking a quick glance her way. She felt her cheeks heat up but tried to focus on the teacher.
Meanwhile, Lila, sitting a few rows back, was whispering something to Chloe.
“She’s so predictable,” Lila murmured, nodding toward Marinette. “And Adrien? Please. He’ll get bored with her little act soon enough.”
Chloe snickered but kept her eyes forward. “I don’t get why you care. You could just tell everyone she’s—”
“No,” Lila interrupted, her tone sharp but quiet. “I have a better plan. Patience, Chloe.”
Her eyes flicked to Marinette’s bag, which was slightly open. A corner of a notebook peeked out, and Lila’s lips curled into a sly smile.
After class, Adrien and Marinette lingered by the lockers. Adrien looked thoughtful, and Marinette couldn’t help but ask, “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I was just thinking,” Adrien said, leaning slightly against the locker. “About the ball. Are you nervous?”
Marinette blinked in surprise. “A little, I guess. Why?”
Adrien shrugged, his expression softening. “I don’t know. It’s just... I’m glad you’re going. With me, I mean.”
Her heart skipped a beat, but before she could say anything, a loud, theatrical laugh interrupted them.
“Adrien! Marinette!” Lila’s voice rang out, dripping with fake sweetness. “There you are. We were just talking about how excited we are for the ball.”
Marinette turned, her jaw tightening as she saw Lila sauntering up with Chloe in tow.
“You two make such a cute pair,” Lila continued, her eyes gleaming mischievously. “It must be so nice to have a date... some of us weren’t as lucky.”
“Maybe because some of us lie too much to be trustworthy,” Marinette muttered under her breath.
Adrien chuckled nervously, trying to defuse the tension. As he spoke, he noticed Marinette’s clenched fists and the storm brewing in her eyes. Gently, he placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a subtle look that silently said, Don’t lose your temper.
“Uh, thanks, Lila,” he said calmly, his tone carefully neutral. “I’m sure you’ll have a great time too.”
Marinette took a deep breath, Adrien’s touch grounding her enough to hold back the biting retort that sat on the tip of her tongue. Lila’s smile wavered for a split second before she continued her overly sweet act.
“Oh, I will,” Lila replied smoothly, but the gleam in her eyes showed she had other plans entirely.
As Lila sauntered off with Chloe, the hallway seemed to exhale a collective sigh of relief. Marinette turned to Adrien, her frustration still simmering under the surface.
“I can’t believe her,” Marinette muttered, crossing her arms. “She’s got the entire school wrapped around her finger with her fake stories.”
Adrien gave her a small, understanding smile. “I know. It’s... frustrating. But letting her get to you isn’t worth it.” He glanced around the hallway, ensuring they weren’t being overheard. “She thrives on attention. If we don’t give her that, it might take the wind out of her sails.”
Marinette’s shoulders slumped, and she sighed. “You’re probably right. But it’s hard to just... ignore her, especially when her foreheads the size of China.”
Adrien’s expression softened. “Hey, you handled yourself really well just now. I know it’s not easy.” He hesitated, then added, “And, uh, thanks for not punching anyone.”
That earned a small laugh from Marinette. “I was this close,” she said, holding her thumb and index finger an inch apart.
Adrien grinned. “Well, I’m glad you didn’t. I don’t think Madame Bustier would approve of a fistfight in the hallways.”
Before Marinette could respond, Nino and Alya appeared, walking toward them. Alya waved, her face lighting up. “Hey, you two! We’ve been looking everywhere for you!”
Nino, hands in his pockets, smirked. “Or maybe just for Adrien,” he teased, winking at Marinette.
“Wh-what? No!” Marinette stammered, her face turning bright red. “I mean, I was just... wondering where everyone was!”
Adrien raised an eyebrow, fighting back a laugh. “Sure,” he said playfully, earning a glare from Marinette that quickly melted into a sheepish smile.
Alya gave Marinette a quick side hug. “Anyway, we were thinking about grabbing lunch off-campus today. You in?”
Marinette hesitated, glancing at Adrien. He gave her an encouraging nod, and she felt her confidence return. “Yeah, that sounds fun.”
As they headed down the hallway together, Lila and Chloe’s voices drifted from the other end of the corridor. Marinette stiffened but kept walking, Adrien’s earlier words echoing in her mind.
Focus on the people who matter, she thought, stealing a quick glance at Adrien.
Unbeknownst to her, he was doing the same, a small smile tugging at his lips.
The group left the school building, the cool afternoon breeze brushing past them as they walked toward a cozy café nearby. Marinette felt lighter surrounded by her friends, though Lila’s smirk still lingered in the back of her mind.
Nino pushed the door open, holding it for the others. “So, what’s the plan for the rest of the day? Anyone got Winter Ball prep left to do?”
Alya groaned, plopping into a seat. “Don’t even remind me. I still need to finalize my outfit, and I’ve got to make up with my mom for sneaking out last weekend.”
“You’re sneaking out? Alya, when did you become the bad influence in this friendship?” Marinette teased, grinning as Alya playfully swatted at her.
“Excuse me, sassy, at least I arrive at school on time. Thank you very much,” Alya retorted, flipping her hair dramatically.
Adrien laughed as he slid into the seat beside Marinette. “Okay, but seriously, Marinette, do you have everything ready for the ball? You seemed pretty stressed earlier.”
Marinette hesitated, chewing her lip. “I... yeah, I think so. The dress is done, and I’m just trying not to overthink everything.”
“Overthink? You?” Alya teased, leaning on the table with a smirk. “Perish the thought.”
Marinette rolled her eyes, but a genuine laugh escaped her. “Okay, fine. I overthink things sometimes. Happy?”
“Yes,” Alya said triumphantly. “Now, let’s make sure you’re ready to have the best night ever.”
As they talked and ate, the tension from earlier began to fade. Adrien chimed in occasionally, offering kind words that made Marinette’s cheeks flush every so often.
At one point, Nino nudged Adrien with his elbow. “Dude, don’t forget to save a dance for your date,” he said, winking conspiratorially at Marinette.
Adrien nearly choked on his drink. “What? I mean of course! It’s not like I’d forget something like that.”
Marinette looked down at her plate, trying to hide the smile threatening to spread across her face.
Alya leaned in close to Marinette and whispered, “Girl, you’ve got him smitten. Don’t mess this up.”
“Alya!” Marinette whispered back, her face now a deep shade of crimson.
The moment was interrupted by Nino, who leaned back in his chair with a stretch. “Alright, we’d better head back class is gonna start soon.”
As they made their way out of the café, Marinette felt a little more at ease. The upcoming Winter Ball didn’t seem so daunting now not when she had her friends and Adrien by her side.
But as they approached the school, Marinette caught sight of Lila standing near the front steps, her phone in hand and an all too innocent smile on her face. Lila’s eyes met Marinette’s, and the look she gave was anything but friendly.
Marinette felt a shiver run down her spine. Whatever Lila was planning, Marinette knew it wasn’t good.
But this time, she wouldn’t let Lila ruin her night. Not without a fight.
