Heartstring ✅

Chapter 3

As soon as the bell rang for lunch, Adrien watched as Marinette practically zoomed out of the classroom, without so much as a glance at anyone. He sighed, gaze downcast as he placed his tablet and equipment inside of his school bag.

Ever since the rumour of Marinette bullying Lila this morning, she didn't speak after being accused - opting to tune everyone out as if they weren't there. Adrien saw the way her once bluebell eyes dulled to almost grey as she sat in silence.

Plagg flew out of his jacket immediately when they were in a secluded place, and folded his arms while floating in front of his owner.

"Well, are you going to do it, or not?" he asked, annoyance laced in his tone. At his confused expression the kwami elaborated, "Aren't you going to visit your girlfriend to make sure she isn't akumatized?"

Adrien spluttered, heat rising to his cheeks as he fumbled, "S-She's just my friend, Plagg! What are you talking about?"

He raised an unamused eyebrow as a response and deadpanned, "Really?" in a sarcastic voice.

"Whatever Plagg, you're right! I need to go check on her," Adrien agreed. "Plagg, claws out!"

Now Chat Noir, he snuck out of his school and landed on the rooftop of it. Forest green eyes scanned the crowds of students on the ground, searching for the sight of a French-Chinese girl with pigtails.

After finding no one of the description, he extended his baton to help make his way over to the Dupain-Cheng Bakery, where he peaked into Marinette's bedroom from the balcony. It was darkened and empty, save for a few mannequins donned in sequinned attire.

Chat Noir then gracefully jumped across several rooftops, glancing around until he spotted the familiar grey blazer and pink jeans of his classmate in the park. Her hair wasn't tied in pigtails - instead it cascaded down her shoulders all the way to her chest. Though he couldn't wonder why she changed her hairstyle, as he was more focused as to why she was running like her life depended on it.

His synthetic ears twitched, hearing the out-of-breath panting from Marinette. It peaked his interest, and so he settled on watching her carefully from nearby as she was heading directly his way.

However, she abruptly stopped, feet frozen on the ground. He raised an eyebrow and scuffled sideways, as a tree was blocking his view. Suddenly, her ocean eyes flared an emerald green, as she peered over her shoulder.

Chat Noir followed her line of sight, noticing the shadow of a person standing nearby. He growled, annoyed that another branch from a tree seemed to purposely obstruct the figure.

Making sure not to be seen, he made his way to a different terrace, and managed to catch a glimpse of Marinette with her brows furrowed, almost fighting against something unknown.

That was when he took in the male that was there, his hand poised over his heart. He smiled, and lifted Marinette up from the ground. She was smiling too, Chat realised as he watched her wrap her arms around the person's neck.

The thought struck him, as he witnessed the akuma murmur something in her ear, that was buried under his neck. Marinette's lips poised into a sweet smile, nodding, her eyes the same piercing colour of his.

The, obviously an akuma, then leapt from the ground, onto a rooftop, and dashed away, leaving Chat Noir to linger on the thought that had plagued his mind a few seconds prior.

He had heard what the male had said, and couldn't help but think about the familiar voice and similar expression to Marinette as he held her protectively.

Luka.