Start of Something New (MLB) | ✓

Chapter 8

It's the day after Ladybug and Cat Noir had a date. Unlucky for them, today's Monday, which means they would have to deal with their classes.

As usual, Marinette went to school late. Everyone, except Miss Bustier, is already at their classroom.

"Good morning, Marinette!" Chloé greeted with her high-pitched voice. Ever since the class found out that Marinette and Ladybug is the same, Chloé started being nice to her – even to Alya.

"Good morning, Chloé," she awkwardly said. Honestly, she's still not used to Chloé's kindness to her, but it's better than their endless banters.

Marinette went to her seat. As soon as she sat down, Adrien looked around, giving her a small smile.

"Good morning, Mi'lady," he said. Just by hearing that, Marinette's girl friends squealed. They are honestly happy for Marinette.

"Good morning, My Kitty," she greeted back, leaning on her seat as she peeked at Alya's phone. Alya's checking her Ladyblog – that's earning hundreds of comments about on the pictures of Ladybug and Cat Noir.

As much as they want to, Adrien and Marinette couldn't expose their relationship as the real them. They are afraid that people will start noticing that they started dating the same time Ladybug and Cat Noir did. Plus, Adrien's father might not approve their relationship. It's a good thing that the whole class promised them to never tell anyone their secret.

A few moments later, Miss Bustier entered the classroom, holding a piece of paper.

"Sorry for being late. I had to talk to Mr. Damocles about something," she apologized which her students understood. "Anyway, you'll have a project. It will be done by pair," she announced.

You can hear faint groans from the whole class. Who would want a project anyway?

"Here's the pairings... Alya and Nino, Rose and Juleka, Max and Chloé, Alix and Kim, Ivan and Myléne, Sabrina and Marc (A/N: just pretend that Marc is in their class), Nathanaël and Marinette," she recited. "Oh wait. Adrien doesn't have a –"

"I believe I'm the best candidate to be his partner."

Marinette scowled upon seeing who arrived. She isn't happy about her presence. As much as Marinette hates to admit it, she's insecure of her.

"Oh." Miss Bustier smiled. "Welcome here, Kagami... Class, I forgot to tell you that she'll be your new classmate," she announced.

Marinette mentally groaned, laying her head on the table. She couldn't believe. Just when things are starting to get better, Kagami suddenly enters the picture.

"Cheer up, Marinette. It's just Kagami and you're Ladybug," Tikki said, attempting to cheer her up but she didn't even move.

Adrien looked at Marinette worriedly – which got worse when she saw her laying her head on the table. He knew how jealous Marinette is of Kagami but he couldn't do anything.

Miss Bustier proceeded on discussing their subjects. Marinette just sat there, looking blankly at the board in front of her. Adrien will look at her from time to time, but she keeps on avoiding. Even Alya, who keeps on attempting to talk to her, wasn't able to succeed.

During lunchbreak, Marinette silently walked outside with her friends following her.

"Are you okay, Marinette?" Rose asked worriedly. Rose definitely doesn't want it when someone is sad on their group – especially when it's the one who used to cheer everyone up.

Marinette sighed and said, "I'm fine."

Alya wrapped her hands around her. "Don't worry, girl. Adrien is so in love with you, and Kagami can't change it," she said, giving her an encouraging smile. It made Marinette smiled a little bit, but not enought to cheer her up.

They all grab their lunch before sitting at one of the cafeteria tables.

The girl started talking about the upcoming camping trip their class will be having next week, just to distract Marinette.

"Did you pack your thing already, Marinette?" Alix asked, trying to include her in the conversation. Marinette just faintly shook her head before resuming to play with her foods.

"Hey, guys," Nino said, taking the seat beside Alya. He's carrying his tray of foods. "Adrien couldn't eat with us today. She'll be eating with Kagami since she insisted that they talk about their project now," he added.

It made Marinette's mood even more sour. That girl is really up to something, she thought.

And when Adrien and Kagami entered the cafeteria, deeply engaged on a conversation, Marinette lost it. She stormed out of the room, leaving her friends – including Kagami and Adrien whom she almost bumped to – shocked.

Today is really one of the worst days for her.

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Edited: June 8, 2020