A Little Bit of Bad Luck

Ch 8: The Trusted Partner

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Marinette hovered over Félix's desk after class had ended. "We should really work on the project more frequently now that we have the presentation planned out. We need to practice."

Félix organized the papers on his desk and slipped them into a folder. "I told you, I have an interview today."

She continued to pester him. "What if I came with you? I can edit the presentation script and you can approve my edits." She was not going to give up. There was a loose pile of papers in her hand she was gripping fearsomely. The dark circles under her eyes worried him. He didn't want her to embarrass him in front of professionals. 

Why is she not getting enough sleep?

Félix shoved the folder into his bag. "Ugh, fine." He knew she was right. "Please just be on your best behavior. Please."

She saluted him. "Right!" 

He rolled his eyes.

Chloé strutted down the aisle and bumped into Marinette sending all the papers in her hands flying.

"Oops didn't see you there, Dupain-Cheng." Chloé laughed. She turned to get a look of approval from Félix but he was no longer in his seat. He was like a cat, sneaking away silently.

Marinette gathered her papers quickly and scrambled out before Chloé could turn her attention back to her. She didn't understand why Chloé was so mean to her. Marinette let out an exasperated sigh. She was too tired to care about Chloé right now.

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Félix sat in front of the bright lights, nervously twiddling his thumbs. This was his first time being officially interviewed, and he did not like this one bit. He glanced at Marinette who gave him an enthusiastic thumbs up. Now he was second-guessing his decision to let her come.

"Don't be so nervous, Félix," the reporter, Nadja, tried to reassure him, but it wasn't helping. "Alright we are live in 3...2...1..." The lights darkened and a spotlight flipped onto him.

"We are here with Félix Agreste, who has been slowly making a more steady stream of public appearances. Félix, you have been hidden away from the world until recently. What changed?" Nadja asked.

Beads of sweat dotted his forehead. "Well-" He faltered. 

Behind the camera, Marinette tripped over something and fell flat on her face. She made a swift recovery and assured everyone she was okay by smiling sheepishly.

A small smirk formed on his lips and he straightened his posture. "Well, my father thought it was best if I made my debut when I was a little older. He wants me to experience high school and socialize with kids my age before I step into the business. I love being able to work closely with all these familiar faces and grow my expertise while I'm still young." 

"What a professional answer! I see you brought your girlfriend for support as well." 

They panned over to Marinette as she was shoving a macaron into her mouth. She pointed at herself, mouth full, and crumbs on her face.

Félix protested. "She's not-" 

Nadja smiled slyly. "Oh, don't be shy."