Could It Be More?

Chapter Twenty Two: "Karma Hurts, Doesn't It?"

•Miss Bustier's Classroom: 7:43 AM•

•Nino's POV•

It was right before the bell, and Nino already knew something was up with Adrien. From the way his knee plopped up and down on the wooden classroom floor, to his hands folded neatly on top of the table, and his gaze focused directly to the door. What in the world was he doing? Who was he looking for?

As he turned, Nino's eyes locked with Alya's. He leaned backward, "Where's dudette?"

Knowing whom he was speaking of, Alya shrugged her shoulders as she took a glance around the classroom. "I have no idea... the last time I saw her was when she walked into the music room."

"Music room?" Nino muttered questioningly, "I never knew Mari was into that kind of thing. Thought her talent was fashion design."

Now, Adrien's head tilted down slightly. Nino noticed that his eyes were closed. Seriously, what was his problem?

"You ok, dude?" Nino asked.

Adrien cast his friends a smile, nodding slowly. "Yeah, I'm ok. I only got a couple hours of sleep."

Attention back to Alya, he whispered. "I think something's up with Adrien.. don't you?"

Alya took a small glance at the blonde boy before moving her dark greenish eyes back to her boyfriend, "Yeah.. he seems a little..." she paused for a dramatic effect before she spoke again, "timid."

Nino nodded in agreement, watching Adrien out of concern for his best friend.

(Totally hinting some AdrienxNino vibes here, guys...)

He released a sigh, "I'll keep an eye on him."

Alya nodded, "Make sure to ask him if he knows where Marinette is. She could be anywhere. I didn't look in the music room for a second time."

Nino nodded, and as if it were a coincidence, Marinette walked into the classroom.

But certainly NOT by herself...

She held hands with someone. And that someone was a boy.

Luka. Freaking. Couffaine.

(A/N: I'm sorry!!! I promise everyone's torture will end soon!!!)

From his peripheral vision, Nino saw Adrien clench both of his fists until they turned white. It also looked like he were trying to keep still but failed miserably.

Nino frowned. Adrien closed his eyes. And Alya was beyond pissed. As for the rest of the class? Well... they were pretty shocked.

Luka muttered a few words to Marinette before he leaned down to kiss her forehead. Once he walked out of the classroom, Marinette made her way to her usual spot.

•Alya's POV•

"What the heck is wrong with you???" Alya quickly/quietly whisper shouted to Marinette, who's eyes were widely more round than the earth.

Alya noticed that the bluenette was blushing as she guiltily looked down.

"What happened to liking Adrien??"

"I do like him, but.."

"But nothing," Alya's voice hardened, "explain."

Apparently Marinette had already planned to break things off with Luka, which relieved some of Alya's angered fangirl side. But what didn't make sense is why. Why couldn't Marinette just do it already to give the fandom their souls back? She didn't know.