Heartbroken Hero

Chapter 10

Marinette couldn't breathe.

The way Adrien looked at her in betrayal made her heart shatter. He took a few steps forward, tilting his head.

"What did you say?" he whispered, eyes watering.

"I..." Marinette coughed, guilt consuming her. She broke Adrien's heart. She knew it.

"How could you?" he voiced in disbelief.

Marinette wanted to cry all over again. Adrien felt betrayed and it was because of her.

Because she couldn't keep her stupid mouth shut. She jumped the gun and hurt him.

"No, please," Marinette whimpered, her eyes filling with tears. They escaped and rolled down her cheeks as she grabbed his arm in an attempt to hold onto his trust and friendship.

"How could you say that?" Adrien asked, his voice filled with pain. He removed Marinette's hand and backed away. He was consumed with grief.

Marinette stepped forward. "Please don't-"

"I thought you accepted my relationship with Louise," Adrien continued, stricken with pain. "And now you're... you're telling me she is just using me? That all I am is just some puppet?"

"No!" Marinette sobbed, full on crying now.

Everyone in the near vicinity turned around and watched the event take place in curiosity.

"I would never hurt you," Marinette whispered, reaching out to him desperately.

Adrien paused briefly, staring at the ground. He then looked up at Marinette and tears rolled down his glimmering eyes. "You already did, Marinette. Best friends don't hurt each other like this."

"I'm sorry, I-I didn't mean to!" Marinette reasoned, stepping towards him, but every step she took, it seemed like he got farther away.

That's when Chloe intervened, stepping in between the pair and placing a hand on Adrien's chest to calm him down. "This is all a misunderstanding. You know Marinette would never hurt you intentionally, Adrien!"

"Oh great," Adrien whispered, pulling away from Chloe. "Are you going to lie to me too? Wouldn't be your first."

Chloe dropped her mouth in awe, feeling offended. That's when she snapped her finger in front of his face angrily.

"Hey!" she yelled. "I'm not taking your crap. Marinette is only trying to save you from the poison of Louise! The truth hurts sweetie, but Marinette was right! Louise is only using you for the fame!"

"Enough!" Adrien yelled sternly, sounding ominous. The entire bowling alley went silent. Pins had stopped crashing, bowling balls had stopped rolling. All eyes were on them.

Adrien breathed in and out while looking around at the onlookers they had gathered. He then wiped his tears away before clearing his throat and speaking again. "I've caused enough of a distraction for everyone. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to leave."

He turned around without further protest from Chloe.

But that wasn't stopping Marinette. She ran after Adrien in a last ditch attempt to clean up at least some of the mess she had made thanks to her selfishness. She wrapped her hand around his wrist, gently turning him around.

But he met her gaze with a disappointed look. His eyes were watery and filled with confusion and grief.

"Please don't leave. I need to explain-" Marinette started, but stopped abruptly when she saw his lips quiver.

He shakily breathed out, as if he anticipated how hard it would be for him to say his next words. "You hurt me, Marinette. I thought we were friends?"