A Lady's Choice

3

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   Marinette arrived at the arcade after school alongside Alya.

   Marinette had tried to get in contact with Adrien once classes had ended but he was not responding. A twist of concern grew tighter in her chest. She wondered what dilemma he could be in right now.

   Was he sick? Did something happen at home? Is he in the hospital? Why was he not responding?

   Memories of her father laying deathly still on a hospital bed started to change with an unsettling image of Adrien in the same position. She couldn't go through that...not again. She didn't think her heart could handle someone else she cares for like that.

   "No," Marinette denied in her mind, "I am just overthinking things. Mister Agreste is fine, considering how often he ended up in trouble before we bonded. I am sure he can handle whatever is going on with him."

   "Adrien! There you are!" Alya's voice broke through Marinette's anxious thoughts. The class president perked up instantly when spotting the said blonde looking at the two of them.

   "Hey, guys. What's up?" Adrien asked.

   He had gone over what he learned before he tuckered out last night and rescanned it this morning. He even went the extra mile and studied some more stuff instead of going to school (which he hoped the information wouldn't get back to his parents somehow).

   Luckily, he didn't have to work today so he can study whatever proper mambo jumbo Marinette desired. He was going to be the bestest gentleman Marinette's grandparents will ever see!

   For some reason, something within Marinette began to rumble in anger. She scolded her close friend before hitting him a bit rough on the head.

   "Ow! What was that for?" Adrien complained, rubbing the top of his head.

   Alya looked between the two before pointing over at the counter.

   "So, I've gotta go work. I'll leave you two lovebirds to figure out your issues," she said, scampering off. Adrien blushed and glared at the retreating ombré-haired girl. Yet, Marinette wasn't paying the slightest attention to whatever her best friend had said.

   She kept a sharp eye on Adrien.

   "Do not "what is up" me! Do you know how worried I was, you imbecile? We tried to get in contact with you but no one heard a word!" Marinette yelled at him. Adrien raised his hands up in defense.

   "Sorry! I turned my phone completely off so I could focus!" Adrien tried to make her understand. Marinette raised an eyebrow.

   "Focus on what-" she stopped when noticing the books and papers on proper etiquette. She was stunned. Then, she let out a long sigh and placed a hand on her forehead.

   "You did not," she said in a steady voice.

   "Yes, I did," Adrien said her silent answer out loud. He carefully watched for any signs of her righteous rage or murderous intentions.

   He jolted when seeing her shoulders shaking. This startled him, making him stand up to aid his crush.

   "Marinette, are you okay? Are you crying?" He quickly asked, trying to figure out the impossible—a woman's mind.

He wanted to comfort her but didn't have the slightest clue what was wrong.

   That's when he heard giggling.

   Adrien raised an eyebrow in confusion as Marinette slowly started to erupt with laughter. He just stared at her, unknowing of what was happening.

   "Is she okay in the head?" Adrien questioned himself before speaking up, "What's so funny?"