A Little Bit of Bad Luck

Ch 25: The Conflicted Stalker

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Marinette woke up to the sounds of birds chirping. It was the first night in a while where she didn't have a single nightmare.

"Do you think it's good or bad that I didn't have any nightmares last night?" Marinette asked Tikki.

Tikki considered her question for a moment. "A perfect question to ask Su-Han."

Marinette smiled. "Good idea. Oh, wow! I'm awake so early too!" The clock read 6:30.

She could wander around the park near school. The winter air was never too harsh for her. She liked bundling up to face the cold. Marinette looked at Félix's jacket and blushed. She would need to return it to him soon. The events from the previous night flashed through her mind.

Did we almost kiss?

She shook her head, got ready, and ran downstairs.

Sabine gasped. "Marinette." It was so early for her daughter to be awake already.

Marinette smiled. "Good morning Mom."

Tom chuckled. "It's nice to see you in such good spirits. I hope things are good with that Félix boy."

She moaned. "Dad." Marinette grabbed a banana and ran out the door before her dad could question her more. She called to them over her shoulder. "Bye! Love you guys!" 

She walked through a small park close to her school. Early mornings in Paris were her favorite. She loved listening to the city quietly waking up. Even as the traffic grew, it was still peaceful. She sat on a bench in the middle of the park to soak up the atmosphere.

Classes were starting soon, so she reluctantly started to head towards the school.

"Marinette," Félix called out to her.

She spun around. "Félix?" 

He smiled softly at her. "I'm surprised to see you here."

Marinette laughed. "I didn't have any nightmares last night. Slept like a baby."

Félix scratched his cheek. "I guess I didn't either."

"I still don't know if that's good or bad."

"Me either."

Marinette drifted closer toward him. She wanted to ask about his father, but the words wouldn't come out. They walked to school and through the main entrance together, heading towards their classroom.

Marinette covered her mouth with her hand. "Oh no, Félix. Our chat ended up causing you not to be the first one in class."

He smirked and gently swatted her with the back of his hand. "Shut up."

"Félix Agreste. Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Are you two dating?" Chloé asked. She was standing in the front of the class, demanding an audience. Only Alya, Sabrina, and Alix were in class, but the others were starting to filter in.

Marinette placed her hands on her hips. "That's none of your business Chloé. But if you have to know, we are friends."

Félix sat down in his seat. "We aren't dating."