Beyond the Mask | Miraculous

iv. chapter 4

Adrien laid on his bed with his legs dangling over the edge, staring up at the high, white ceiling. The walls around him felt suffocating, a constant reminder of the life his father had chosen for him. As he laid, his mind racing, there was a feeling of longing for something different, something that was truly his.

Adrien had just graduated. Well, nearly two months ago. His modelling career was at its peak, and the teen felt undeniably exhausted. He wanted something new. Adrien remembered what it was like going to school- getting out of the house, hanging out with friends, all things he genuinely enjoyed. Adrien's heart ached with the desire to break free from the life that had been scripted for him. He needed to assert himself, to find a way out of the boring existence he'd been living.

With each passing moment, Adrien's determination solidified. He couldn't go on like this, living a life he didn't want to. The urge to escape, to confront his father, was too strong to ignore. It was time to challenge the man who held his destiny in his hands.

- - -

Matching out of his room and down the elegant staircase, Adrien faced the imposing door of his father's study. He took a deep breath, his heart racing with anticipation. The scent of leather and books enveloped him as he entered the room, where his father was engrossed in his work.

"Father," Adrien began, his voice steady despite the nerves that fluttered within him. "We need to talk."

Gabriel looked up, his eyes meeting Adrien's determined gaze.

"Adrien, can't you see I'm very busy? And please knock next time."

"Father, I've waited long enough." Adrien stood his group.

Gabriel placed his pen down on his desk, loudly sighing a frustrated groan. He motioned for Adrien to continue.

Adrien's voice wavered slightly, but his resolve held firm. "I want to go to school."

The room fell quiet, the weight of the moment heavy between them. Adrien forged ahead, his words gaining strength.

"Adrien, you've already gone to school."

"Yes father, but listen. Please." Adrien pushed forward, completely out of his element. He didn't give his father another chance to resist.

"I know you have plans for me, but I need to experience life beyond modeling. I want to learn and grow on my own terms. I want to find my own passion and identity. I need this chance to become my own person."

The room hung in silence as Gabriel considered his son's words, his eyes revealing a hint of surprise. Adrien's heart raced as he awaited his father's response.

Gabriel pressed his fingers to his temples, deep in thought. He pressed his eyes shut, remaining in silence. After what felt like hours, he spoke harshly.

"Nathalie, escort this boy up to his room. Now."

- - -

It wasn't fair. His father would never listen. Adrien sat at his piano, playing a few random notes he could think of. "What should I do, Plagg? I'm so tired of this."

"You should put camembert under his pillow." The boy's cat-kwami joked.

"I feel so lost- Like I'll never be able to be myself. I won't ever even get the chance to-"

He was interrupted by the sound of his door opening, his kwami friend quickly disappearing before anyone could notice him. It was his father. Hypocritical, barging in without knocking, the same thing he got on trouble for.

"Adrien."

Adrien didn't dare to look up. His father sounded calm now, almost as if the time he was given had allowed him to clear his thoughts. He continued playing another note on the piano before breathing out a heavy sigh. "Yes father?" He finally responded.

"I've thought about your request," Gabriel began, sitting next to his son on the piano bench. "I will allow you to attend a post-secondary institution under my conditions. It must be the University of Paris, and it must be for business reasons only. Eventually, when the time comes, you will step up to take over the Agreste legacy for me and I must have a qualified son to do so."

Adrien hesitated, a mix of excitement and reluctance swirling within him. His emotions were a whirlwind, torn between his dreams of freedom and his father's expectations. He struggled with the decision before him.

Gabriel's voice was gentle yet firm. "This is an opportunity for growth, Adrien. To learn about your future."

Adrien nodded happily in agreement. His father then made arrangements for his admission to the University of Paris, and even managed to give him a private dorm room on campus for "extra independence", as per Nathalie's recommendation. To say he was excited was an understatement.

Although Adrien would still be following what his father wanted him to do, at least he still had the free will to live on his own, study on his own, and learn on his own.

- - -
hi guys i hope this one was better for u all. at this point of posting there's still 0 reads so i hope someone falls in love soon :)