Miracle Cousins

Part 6

As the bell rang, signaling the end of the class, the students hurriedly gathered their belongings and began to swarm around Kaze, curiosity gleaming in their eyes.

"Hey Kaze, where are you from?" Rose asked.

Kaze smiled warmly. "I'm originally from Japan, but my family just moved here to Paris."

Nino chimed in, "What do you think of our school so far?"

Kaze looked around, his gaze sweeping over the excited faces surrounding him. "It seems like a great school with a lot of talented students. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone."

"So are you really Marinette's cousin?" Kim asked.

Kaze chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Yes, I am really Marinette's cousin."

Lila chimed in, her curiosity piqued. "So, Kaze, what do you like to do for fun? Any hobbies or interests?"

Kaze's smile faded.

His instincts immediately shoved red flags in his face.

He pretended to look thoughtful before answering. "Well, I enjoy playing the flute, and singing. Music has always been a way for me to express myself and find solace." Kaze replied, his voice steady.

Lila smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling with feigned enthusiasm. "Oh, absolutely, Kaze! I'm an excellent flutist myself, and I know some incredibly talented musicians who would love to collaborate with you. I can definitely set up a duet between us and introduce you to these famous musicians. It would be a fantastic opportunity!"

Kaze's smile remained polite but cautious. He had a feeling Lila had a tendency to fabricate stories and manipulate situations to her advantage. However, he decided to play along for the moment, keeping his guard up.

"That sounds intriguing, Lila-" Kaze didn't get to finish his sentence as Marinette swiftly grabbed Kaze's arm, guiding him away from Lila and the group that surrounded her.

"Come on, Kaze, let's get out of here," Marinette said with determination, her grip firm on his arm. She pulled him along, leading him away from the manipulative liar.

Kaze, slightly taken aback by Marinette's sudden action, allowed himself to be led by her.

"So who was that, Nett?" Kaze asked, keeping his voice quiet.

Marinette glanced at Kaze. "That was Lila, a girl who loves to weave tales and seek attention through lies. She has a way of manipulating others and causing trouble. Unfortunately, she's been spreading false rumors about me and others in the school."

Ah, so a liar. Hm, nothing new.

Kaze's eyebrows furrowed in concern. "That doesn't sound pleasant. How do you deal with someone like that?"

Marinette sighed softly. "It's not easy, but I've learned to stay true to myself and surround myself with genuine friends who see through her lies."

Kaze nodded, "Well, thank you for warning me. I'll be sure to..stay away from her."

Marinette smiled warmly. "Of course,"

Out of the corner of his eye Kaze spotted a boy with blonde hair and green eyes.

Adrien!

His heart skipped a beat as he caught sight of the familiar figure. Adrien Agreste, his childhood friend, stood at the other end of the hallway, with Lila.

Despite the distance, Kaze could sense a certain unease in Adrien's expression, a weariness that didn't match his usual charm.

Curiosity and concern mingled within Kaze as he excused himself from Marinette's side, his gaze fixed on Adrien.