Behind the Mask (Book One)

Chapter 9

(Marinette's POV)
Now I know the person behind the mask. It all makes so much sense now. Despite their completely different personalities, Adrien is Chat Noir. No wonder both of them seemed off recently; and why they both had a small gash on their faces. Also the fact that they were both in pain when I touched their wrists.

Adrien flirted with me, and I rejected him constantly. Adrien fought by my side. Adrien saved me multiple times. Adrien fell in love with me.

Even though we know each other and are friends in real life, I'm still not ready to reveal. I know Adrien/Chat Noir loves Ladybug, and I'm Ladybug, but what about Marinette? What if he doesn't love the girl behind the mask? But I do know I'll have to reveal eventually to make things fair.

Although, it does take some weight off my chest knowing that there's really only one person I need to worry about. But it breaks my heart knowing that such a kindhearted person like Adrien is hurting so much. Who hurt him to the point where he attempted suicide?

I see Chat Noir making his way back to me, interrupting my thinking.

He stops and picks me up bridal style, "Hold on tight. I'm gonna go pretty fast"

I wrap my arms tightly around his neck as he leaps over buildings with me in his arms, heading to school.

~

He lands behind the school where nobody could see us and detransforms.

"We're five minutes late to sixth period," Adrien says as he checks the time, "Let's hurry! I don't want Madame calling our parents"

He takes my hand and runs around the school through the entrance.

~

We run through the classroom door, Adrien still holding my hand. The entire class stares at us, smiling (except Chloé and Sabrina).

Adrien quickly lets go of my hand when Madame noticed us.

"Why are you two late?" She asks.

"The akuma nearly killed us," I lied. Well, technically half lied.

"Yep, we're lucky we made it back," Adrien adds.

Madame sighs and nods, "Alright. Go to your seats"

We do as she says. I take my seat next to Alya, who smirked at me.

"You and Adrien were gone for nearly the entire chemistry period and now you're late for math. Are you sure you weren't on a little date or something?"

My face heats up, "D-don't worry about it!"

"Marinette, please pay attention. You were already late for the millionth time," Madame warns.

I nod, "Sorry, Madame!"

Now that I know Adrien is struggling with something, I really want to find a way to get him to open up to me about it. But the real question is, who is he more willing to open up to: Ladybug or Marinette?