A Familiar Stranger
The final bell of the day rang out, echoing through the halls of the school. Marinette exhaled, relieved that the day was over. She quickly packed her things and slung her bag over her shoulder, ready to head home.
As she stepped into the hallway, weaving through the throng of students eager to leave, she heard someone call her name. “Marinette! Wait up!”
She turned around to see Adrien jogging toward her, his golden hair catching the fading afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows. Marinette’s heart did its usual flutter, but she quickly composed herself, tilting her head in curiosity as he caught up.
“Hey, Adrien,” she said, trying to sound casual. “What’s up?”
Adrien smiled, slightly out of breath but looking as effortlessly perfect as always. “I was wondering… would you mind helping me with some homework tomorrow? I missed class yesterday because of a photoshoot, and I’m kind of behind.”
Marinette’s brain short-circuited for a moment. Adrien was asking her- her!- for help. The logical part of her brain whispered that this was normal; they were friends, and helping with homework wasn’t a big deal. But the other part of her, the one that had been hopelessly crushing on him wanted to jump for joy.
“I- uh- yeah, of course! I’d be happy to help,” Marinette replied, her voice a little higher than she intended. She cleared her throat, trying to sound more composed. “What time should I come over?”
“Does around 2 PM work for you?” Adrien asked, his smile widening.
“Perfect,” she said, nodding eagerly.
“Great! I really appreciate it, Marinette. You’re the best.” Adrien flashed her another dazzling smile before turning to leave. “See you tomorrow!”
Marinette stood frozen for a moment, watching him walk away, her heart doing cartwheels. She turned on her heel and headed home, her mind racing with thoughts of tomorrow.
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Marinette stood in front of the enormous Agreste mansion, her stomach twisting in nervous anticipation. She pressed the doorbell, expecting the usual formality—a voice from the intercom, Nathalie's clipped tone, and a moment of waiting before being allowed inside. But today, the gates opened almost immediately.
Weird, Marinette thought as she stepped through, glancing around the pristine courtyard. Nathalie must not be here today… or maybe Adrien was expecting me and left instructions?
She made her way up to the front door, her nerves heightened now that she was about to help Adrien with his homework—spending time alone with him in his own home. It felt almost surreal. Gathering her courage, she knocked on the door.
After a moment, it swung open, but the face that greeted her wasn’t Adrien’s.
It was...