HIATUS//Becoming Lila Rossi

Chapter 10: The Classroom's New Focus

Miss Bustier's homeroom buzzed with animated chatter as students filed into their seats. The classroom, adorned with colorful posters and student projects, seemed unusually lively as the day's earlier events became the main topic of conversation. The air was charged with a mix of curiosity and excitement, each student eager to share their observations about Adrien and the new girl who had sprained her ankle.

Alya, perched on the edge of her seat, gestured animatedly. "Did you see how Adrien practically carried her to the nurse's office? It was so heroic. And did anyone catch her name? I'm dying to know who she is!" Despite her intrigue, Alya couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. Her thoughts were divided between the new girl's apparent charm and her concern for Marinette, who she felt had been unfairly overshadowed.

Mylène, who was usually more reserved, leaned closer to her friends, her eyes wide with wonder. "I heard from my older brother that she's a new student from abroad. Apparently, she's just joined our school. But seeing Adrien so attentive—well, that's definitely new."

Juleka, seated near Mylène, chimed in with a shy but curious tone. "It's odd, right? I mean, Adrien's never been so quick to help anyone like that. I wonder if there's more to her story. I hope she's okay."

Nathaniel looked up from his sketchpad, his brow furrowed in thought. "I wonder if there's something special about her. Adrien's usually so focused on his own stuff. It's strange to see him so concerned for someone he barely knows."

Nino, nodding thoughtfully, added, "It's like there's a whole other side to this story. Maybe she's more than just a new student. I bet there's a lot more to find out."

Amidst the collective buzz, Chloé sat at her desk, her face contorted in frustration. Her irritation was palpable as she listened to the enthusiastic chatter about Adrien's unusual attentiveness towards the new girl. Her eyes darted around the room, noting how every conversation seemed to revolve around the newcomer.

"This is just ridiculous!" Chloé burst out suddenly, her voice sharp and filled with anger. "Who does she think she is, coming in and stealing Adrien's attention like that? This is so unfair!"Her outburst caused a momentary hush in the room, with students exchanging uncertain glances. Sabrina, ever the attentive friend, hurried over to Chloé with a concerned expression. 

"Chloé, come on, it's not worth getting so worked up over," Sabrina said gently, placing a hesitant hand on Chloé's arm. "Let's just try to focus on class."

Chloé's frustration didn't immediately subside, but she struggled to compose herself, her eyes still smoldering with irritation. "I just don't get why everyone is making such a big deal out of her," she grumbled, more to herself than to anyone in particular.

As Chloé tried to regain her composure, Kim's voice rang out with noticeable excitement. "Hey, everyone, look! Adrien and the new girl are walking towards the door!"

The entire room fell into a charged silence as students turned their heads in unison towards the door. The buzz of conversation stopped abruptly, replaced by a palpable sense of anticipation. Adrien and Lila were visible through the glass panel of the classroom door, and the students' collective curiosity was evident as they waited for the newcomers to enter.