The Line Between Love And Hate

Chapter 43: New York

~8 Days Before Marinette Leaves~
"M?" I look up from my food and meet my eyes with hers. "Sorry. What were you saying?" "I was telling you about how my mom-"

As she continues talking my mind wanders back to that night. It's been two weeks and we haven't so much as looked at each other. Adrien chooses not to take the seat beside me anymore.

I really want to talk to him, but I don't even know how I'd start. Sorry for not saying anything after we almost kissed and kissed? Do I just pretend that nothing happened? I don't know. Maybe if I wait long enough this will pass.

Everything is so complicated. Luka and I had just broken up. From what I know, him and Chloe are still together. If it was so easy for him to kiss me while he's in a relationship then how do I know he won't do that if he was in one with me? I can't just be another fling with him. I won't allow it. It's all or nothing. And... I want it all.

"Girl!" I'm broken out of my trance. "Okay what is up with you? You've been zoning out every conversation we have." "I'm sorry. I just have a lot on my mind."

"Is this about Adrien?" I pull my gaze down to my food. "Why do you ask that?" "He moved seats and I haven't seen you guys hanging out lately." I shrug as I begin to move my food around with my fork.

"What happened? You two don't usually fight for this long." "It's complicated." She nods. "Just know that Im here for you okay?" I give her a soft smile. "I know."

I turn my gaze back to my food. "So, hypothetically speaking,

"If someone were to kiss someone else, while they're still in a relationship, how would said person handle that situation?" A smile grows on her face. "You're kidding!" "It's just a hypothetical Al."

She nods, but it's more of a nod that says, I know you're lying, but I'll go along with it.

"Right. Well I would say it means the guys into you." "But what about his girlfriend?" "What about her?" "I mean that's dirty. I'm not a home wrecker!" "You mean the person in this scenario." She corrects me.

"Okay we both know this isn't a hypothetical. I need advice. What do I do?" "Explain the situation to me."

I tell everything that lead up to that kiss. From my dorm to the car.

"What is wrong with you Marinette? Couldn't you see he was waiting for you to tell him how you feel?" "I- He has a girlfriend. What did you expect me to do?"

"It doesn't matter what I expected you to do. Who's Adrien to you? A friend? Or more than a friend? There will never be a better time to be clear with yourself Marinette. Do you want him with Chloe or do you want him with you?"

"You're right." I stand up and she gasps. "You're really doing this?" "I think I am. I'm going to tell him how I feel." I go to her side and pull her into a hug. "Thank you Alya! I owe you big time!" I rush out of the restaurant and head back to the campus.

                                             ~~

I'm walking throw the men's side of the dorms looking for Adrien. I need to tell him before this adrenaline dies down. If I don't tell him right now, I'm afraid I'll chicken out and never get another chance to.

Adrien's my best friend. I'm dumb for thinking he would ever do anything to ruin what we have. So if kissed me, that must mean he feels the same. Right? I'm not just being delusional?

"Dudette! I've been calling out to you for about 30 seconds." Nino comes to my side. I didn't even notice I walked passed him. "Sorry. I'm looking for Adrien. I'm tired of this fight with him."