Superhero Prep

Chapter 5 - The painting and Volpina

"Now we can get going on our history homework. It's so much more fun doing it together, don't you think? Huh, what's that?"

"N-nothing?!"

"A picture of Ladybug? Ahh... do you have a soft spot for the bug?"

"Me? Oh, no! Not at all!"

"Oh, is it just that she's a superhero?"

"She puts her own life at risk for us. Who wouldn't like her?"

"O-oh... Well, a girl doesn't need a mask to be a superhero,"

"I didn't say that,"

"Oh..."

Silence.

"I can't focus. Let's go to the park after school okay?"

"Okay, Lila,"

Marinette watches Lila talk to Adrien, gritting her teeth.

"So anyway, I love superheroes. I heard a rumor that my Grandma was a superhero at one point. But of course, that's just a rumor,"

Marinette's mad.

"Calm yourself Marinette. Don't blow up and make everyone hate you. And don't just transform into Ladybug,"

"...Fine Tikki. I have an idea,"

Marinette dials a number on her phone.

"And yeah! That's how I saved Jagged Stone's kitten!"

"Hey Lila. H-hey Adrien,"

"Oh, hi Marinette,"

"Lila, as student body president, I would just like to recommend that you maybe tell the truth as a first impression? You could make some really good friends,"

"W-what makes you think I've been lying,"

"Okay... let's start with what you said this morning. I know every single Jagged Stone song, and you aren't mentioned in any of them. In fact, girls aren't mentioned in any of his songs except back when he wasn't a single singer. Then, you mentioned the prince of Achu. Our classmate Rose was the prince's date once, and managed to get in contact with him. He mentioned not knowing you. And as for Ladybug... Well..."

Marinette pulls out her phone and shows them a video that had been posted on the Ladyblog a few minutes ago.

"Ladybug! What're you doing here?!"

"Oh! I'm out on patrol. You're Alya, right? You run the Ladyblog?"

"Yes! OhmygoshLadybugknowsmynamethisisthebestdayofmylife..."

"You okay?"

"Yes! I just wanted to ask you a quick question. Is it true you saved Lila Rossi's life?"

"I'm sorry, who?"

"Lila Rossi? She said you two are close?"

"I'm sorry. The name doesn't ring a bell. Lila, if you're watching this, I hope you have better things to do than lie about a relationship with a superhero. I'm very busy. Please don't take this the wrong way, but I don't exactly have friends... I'm sorry. Bug out!"