A Little Bit of Bad Luck

Ch 2: The Dynamic Duo

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Marinette walked slowly into class and plopped down in her seat. For once, she was early. She glanced at the back of Félix's head. Whenever she saw him, his face was buried in a book.

Her heart squeezed.

Ever since he gave her that red umbrella, she couldn't get him out of her head. She wanted to get to know him. Since then, she noticed he started wearing black gloves. Marinette assumed it was a fashion statement she hadn't picked up on yet. That world was still new to her. She stared fiercely at the back of his head, wishing she could read minds.

Her friend, Alya, broke her concentration by elbowing her in the ribs. She hadn't even noticed her sit down.

Alya leaned in close to her ear. Her voice was a whisper. "Don't stare too much." 

"S-stare? Me?" Marinette tried to act appalled as her cheeks burned.

Alya narrowed her eyes. "Don't play coy with me."

Marinette sighed. Her friend was too observant. "Okay you caught me," she whispered harshly. "There's more to him," her voice was no longer a whisper, "I know it!"

"You know what?" Félix turned around staring blankly at the two girls. Marinette hoped he had only heard the last part of her comment.

"T-that today there will be...a pop quiz!" Marinette tripped over her words as they spilled out to form a bad lie.

Félix frowned, then turned around. A droplet of water hit his shoulder. He scotted a few inches to the left. Another droplet of water hit his shoulder.

"Great save," Alya whispered, laughing under her breath.

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng!" Chloé's shrill voice drained any remaining heat from Marinette's face.

Marinette sighed. "Yes, Chloé?"

"There is no pop quiz today! Quit making up lies!"

"It was only a speculation, Chloé."

Chloé huffed and turned to Félix. "I'm right, aren't I, Félix?" She tried to pout her bottom lip.

Félix did not look up from his book. "Who knows."

"Class, listen up!" Mrs. Bustier silenced their conversations. "We will be starting today's lesson by assigning partners for a history project. Each pair will give a presentation before winter break," she continued. "Alya and Nino, Rose and Juleka, Chloé and Sabrina," as their teacher listed out names Marinette's attention drifted away from the classroom.

"Marinette, are you listening?" Félix cut through her daydreams. He was twisted around in his chair looking at her. Their eyes met.

She blushed. "Um."

"Marinette and Félix," Mrs. Bustier repeated.

Her chest tightened.

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Félix wondered why he had to get paired up with her. She was absent-minded, and he assumed she was disorganized, too. 

Hopefully, this isn't a pain. He didn't need one more bothersome item to add to his growing list of problems.