Behind The Mask (Reader X Catnoir ff)

chapter 10

Pov y/n:

The morning started with an unpleasant knot in my stomach. I somehow had the feeling that something bad was going to happen today. When I made my way to school I couldn't shake this feeling. When I arrived in the limousine I noticed Alya's concern reflected in her every look. She took my arm and squeezed it gently.

"y/n!!!, I can't believe what happened. Are you really okay?" Alya asked worriedly.

I tried to put on a weak smile. "Yes, I'm fine, really. The police have everything under control."

The class was filled with a subdued atmosphere, I received many concerned looks before I sat down in my seat. Adrien, who was sitting across from me, also looked worried. His eyes were on me and he nodded encouragingly. Marinette, Nino and the others glanced at me furtively, their eyes full of compassion.

I could hardly concentrate during class. Alya whispered words of encouragement to me, her hand resting reassuringly on my shoulder. Even Adrien discreetly wrote me a note reassuring me that he was there for me. Is he doing this just because he has to play my boyfriend or because he really cares about me?

During the break, my friends gathered around me. Alya had already made plans for the afternoon to get away from everything. "y/n, we need to make sure you can relax. Maybe a movie night?" she suggested while Adrien nodded.

In the hushed atmosphere of the classroom, I continued to feel Alya's hand holding me while Adrien and the others exchanged worried looks. But suddenly Chloe burst into the scene, her eyes full of curiosity and obvious envy.

"Hey, Ladyblog is definitely freaking out about your little kidnapping story, y/n. That's a really exciting chapter for your model status, isn't it?" Not that too i can'really use that now. She started to grin gleefully while she was obviously trying to take advantage of my current situation.

The class fell silent and the tension rose. Alya, Marinette and the others sensed my annoyed expression and their faces hardened. Adrien stepped forward and defended me "Chloe, seriously? This is not the time for your sarcasm."

Alya added "y/n is not only our friend, but also a model. Show some respect, Chloe."

Chloe's face showed a hint of envy as she realized that my job as a model wasn't a weakness, but a strength. Nevertheless, she didn't let up and continued to cause trouble. This time, however, my friends were not intimidated.

"Chloe, that's disrespectful and unnecessary. Y/n has been through enough, we don't need your comments too," Marinette said, annoyed with Chloe.

"Ruthlessness never got anyone anywhere, Chloe." Nino added

Chloe was obviously intimidated by us but didn't let it show, but she still walked away in a huff. The class returned to a more normal rhythm and my friends continued to stand firmly by my side. It was nice to have friends like them. Back then I couldn't have even dream of something like that

During breaks I found myself talking to my friends, trying to lighten the atmosphere. Adrien gave me an encouraging smile and offered to do something on the weekend to de-stress. Alya shared with me her latest plans for the Ladyblog and how we could spin the story so that the focus was on my overcoming the kidnapping. I didn't mind since the press was already reporting on it in the news anyway.

The conversations helped to break the tension of the day and showed me once again how valuable the friendships in my life were - be it in the spotlight as a model or in everyday school life, I was just happy not to be alone.

While I was lost in conversations with my friends, a cold shiver suddenly ran through my body. I looked in my bag and my phone's screen lit up, my mother's name flashing on the screen. A deep sigh escaped me and the lump in my throat grew as I answered my mother's call. "Yes, mother?" I replied politely, knowing that this call would be anything but pleasant. That can't mean anything good

"y/n, I don't have time for these shenanigans. You're neglecting your career and I won't tolerate that," she immediately interrupted my greeting with a cold voice that showed no interest in my feelings.

"But mother, I try to keep both things in balance. School is important to me, and my friends support me,"

I tried to explain before she interrupted me again.

"Unimportant, y/n. You are a model, not a student. Your priorities must be clear. Stop these childish excuses," she continued, ignoring my arguments.

Taking a deep breath, I tried again to clarify my point. "mother, I just want to say that my friends are important to me and..."

"Enough, y/n! I don't want any arguments. From now on you won't see your friends anymore, and that's non-negotiable. If you don't comply and continue to waste time with these friends, you won't be allowed to go to school anymore. "Focus on what really matters - your career," she continued, cutting through my words again.

A feeling of helplessness overwhelmed me and I tried to keep my emotions under control. "yes ma'am, I understand. I'll focus on my career," I finally said before the call abruptly ended. The coldness in her voice and the intransigence of her decisions left a bitter aftertaste. It seemed like my attempts to share my perspective had fallen on deaf ears.

After my mother's call, I felt the weight of her expectations. Without a word or reaction, I turned away from my friends. The looks between them were full of questions. The silence was heavy, but the fear of the consequences made me go my own way. What could I do? I'd rather not talk to them anymore than never be allowed to see them again

"Is everything okay, y/n?" Marinette asked worriedly

Alya frowned "What happened?"

I remained silent and just kept walking. The questions remained unanswered

The confusion and unanswered questions hung in the air when I decided to move away from my friends. It was a painful decision that upset all of us. In that moment I couldn't say anything, couldn't explain anything - only left a painful gap that I myself couldn't bear.

I wonder how things would go on now...