Miraculous: The Next Guardian (book 3)

By your side

As the cold winds of autumn blew through the city, Adrien entered the bakery seeking warmth. He was greeted by Tom. He offered him some croissants, and after some arguing, Adrien didn't pay, as Tom said it was on him. He often did that. Adrien's eyes drifted to the person opening the door behind the cashier. Marinette closed it behind her and greeted her father. She then came in front of her boyfriend and greeted him as well.

The two of them got out of the bakery, enjoying the freshly baked croissants. Marinette noticed Adrien was wearing the scarf she made him. But up until that moment, she didn't say she was the one who made it and gifted it to him.

"You're wearing a scarf today. You must be feeling cold." Adrien looked at it. He didn't respond instantly. It made her worry.

"It was you." He finally spoke. "You're the one who made it and gave it to me." She didn't know what to say, so she remained silent. "Nathalie told me about it, she was the one who told me it was from my father, so is it true then?" He looked at her.

"Yeah. It is. I made you that scarf."

"But why didn't you say anything? Weren't you sad?"

"I was. But then, your happiness made me forget about it." Adrien stopped. She stopped as well. "I wanted you to be happy no matter what." It was quick and it took her by surprise. He embraced her tightly. It made his heart melt, that she cared about his happiness, at the cost of losing hers.

"You should've said something."

"I'm sorry." He then let her go. "Ok Mr seriousness, let's go to school." She said with a warm smile. They continued walking. "Oh, that reminds me. Since winter is coming, I want to make you something."

"Something like what?" He asked before taking a bite of his croissant.

"I'm not sure yet. I'll figure it out in school."

Moments later, they arrived at school and met up with Alya and Nino. The four of them then headed inside.

                                  ~•~

Lunchtime was finally there. Marinette was sitting at a table sketching. Adrien, Felix and Chloe were having lunch with her.

"Wow, you're lucky to have a girlfriend like that," Felix said. Instantly he got punched in the arm by Chloe. He then apologized to her. Adrien chuckled.

"I'm finished." Said Marinette. She then showed them her sketch.

"Wait, what is this?" Chloe asked.

"I have no clue." Replied Adrien while smiling.

"It's a coat, you idiots. Can't you tell?" Felix said.

"How did you know?" Marinette asked. He shrugged.

"I often went to work with my parents. And because we run the Agreste brand in England, I might've picked something or two from there." They were all fascinated by the fact that Felix knew about this kind of stuff. He noticed that they were all surprised. "What?"

"Nothing. You just keep surprising us." Adrien said as he wrapped his arm around his shoulder. But the bell rang, signalling the end of the lunch break. The four of them collected their items and were about to go to class.

"You guys go ahead, I have to go to the restroom," Felix said.

After a while, he got out of the restroom. He then heard two guys walking up the stairs.

"I can't believe Chloe is dating that Felix guy. He's so gloomy and dull. Not to mention a copy from Adrien." One of them said.

"Chloe must be out of her mind." The other said. Felix was mad. But at the same time, he felt like they were telling the truth. Why would Chloe date him? Was it because he was rich? Was it because he looked like Adrien? But he then remembered what she said when he asked her out.