Dear Bugaboo

The Reconciling

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It is Tuesday in the afternoon.

   Marinette found herself sitting in the library during lunchtime. She still didn't go to the lunchroom ever since the video of Luka rejecting her was posted. Luckily, the gossip was starting to blow over.

   Yet, there were still a few students whispering around and eyeing her when they think she wasn't looking. Until the gossip was clear, the bluenette decided it was best to stay in the furthest corner of the library during her free time and away from all the school drama.

   Marinette stared down at her sketchbook, gnawing on her special pink pencil eraser and brainstormed some ideas for a new design.

Designing was her way of a relaxing distraction, losing herself in various materials and colors. She could be free from all her worries when creating something new and unique.

There was just one problem.

"I think my one working brain cell is having complications while the rest are deactivated," the bluenette muttered under her breath, staring down at the blank canvas, "Curse you, designer's block!"

The librarian shushed the teen, a scowl adorning her face. Marinette sheepishly scratched the back of her neck and apologized for disturbing the silence. Bluebell eyes returned to the white sheet and went back to gnawing her pencil.

"Marinette?"

Marinette's creativity gears paused in turning and shifted her attention to the new presence. The air in her lungs got caught in her throat when seeing Luka's head poking out from the other side of a bookshelf. The aspiring fashion designer stiffened when her ex-crush walked over to the table she sat at.

   "It's been a while since we talked," Luka said, nodding to the seat across from Marinette and asked, "Can I sit?"

   Marinette's lips thinned out, looking everywhere that wasn't in Luka's direction. She soon awkwardly bobbled her head in approval, allowing the musician to take the seat. Marinette didn't know why this was happening and knew she wasn't prepared to confront Luka. Yet, would she ever really be ready?

   "It's kinda funny," Luka began, "For a moment, I thought you were going to grab your things and run out the door. It just seems like every time I try to talk with you you were trying to avoid...me."

Luka watched as Marinette began to uncomfortably shift in her seat, confirming his suspicions.

"Oh...you were trying to..." Luka trailed off, not finishing off his thought and frowned, "Listen, Marinette...I really am sorry for leading you on like that. I honestly had no idea about your feels and thought you wanted to get to know each other more...as friends."

Marinette sighed, starting to feel guilty for avoiding Luka. They may have had a...bit of a bump in the road but that shouldn't stop them from at least being friends. Luka is an extraordinary guy, genuinely attempting to be better friends with her. And how does she repay Luka, avoided him at all costs.

In a way, it was a miracle that he hasn't given up on her at this point.

The bluenette shook her head, "No, you don't have to apologize. I should be the one apologizing. You were only trying to be my friend and I...I was being lame. I'm sorry, I-"

"Marinette," Luka cut her off, "You don't need to apologize for either for having feelings and needing some space. I completely understand and will leave now if you don't feel comfortable being around me quite yet."

"No, I think..." Marinette paused for a moment, wanting to make sure her next few words were true. Yes, she feels like running away in embarrassment and continue avoiding him. She wants to hide in shame and pretend nothing happened, go back to the way things were.