Whisper of Love [Miraculous Ladybug: LukaNette]

Chapter 1: The School Festival

[3rd POV]

Françoise Dupont High School organized a school festival to showcase the different clubs and organizations not just in the school but also the other schools within Paris. It being a big and important event, the school's representative, Marinette Dupain-Cheng has been moving about non stop trying to help the teachers manage the preparation for tomorrow.

Checking the 2nd to the last box of her checklist, Marinette smiled to herself. Just one more to go and I can finally have my break. She thought to herself. Now, the only problem is the school talents. She pondered for a moment while looking around the busy school grounds.

"That's quite a look you got there Marinette. Is everything okay?" The voice of her kwami whispered on her slightly opened sling bag which quickly garnered the girl's attention. "I'm fine Tikki, I just have to find someone that could perform a song for the event." Marinette replied, poking her pen on her chin. "How about you try asking around?" The red kwami suggested as the girl perked up. "You're right Tikki. I'll do just that." Marinette replied eagerly as Tikki smiled and hid back in her sling bag.

Marinette quickly spotted Alya just meters away to her right who was chatting with Max about the including some of her ladyblog videos. The blue-haired girl hurried towards their direction before excusing herself to butt in their conversation.

"You're looking for talents to perform for the event? Hmmm..." Alya trailed off in her thoughts before it hit her. "I just have someone who's got talent. Why don't you ask Adrien?" Alya chuckled then pointed her thumb at the blond boy. Marinette choked on air as Adrien glanced at the two bff's way and waving at them.

Marinette awkwardly smiled and waved back before snapping out of it and replying to Alya, "I know he plays the piano but do you really expect me to directly ask him?" Alya chuckled, patting Marinette on her shoulder. "Come on girl, it's for the school anyway, it's no biggie" Alya assured Marinette, still letting a few giggles slip. "That doesn't sound assuring" Marinette pouted as Alya rolled her eyes back.

"Hey Adrien!" called Alya, startling Marinette. "Marinette has something to ask you!" Alya added despite Marinette's protests. The brunette then "subtly" shoved Marinette towards the blond's direction mouthing a 'goodluck girl' on the process. Marinette stumbled all the way to Adrien but quickly fixed herself. Adrien turned around and was shocked at the sudden closeness but smiled it off.

"What is it Marinette?" Adrien asked in curiosity. "I- uh... You are looking good, that's a talent f-for your big show t-tomorrow! I mean!" Marinette fumbled her words but tried again to make her point clear. "I meant that we're um... looking for someone with talent to show for tomorrow's big event!" Marinette mentally face-palmed at what she said first but showed the blond boy a wide smile. "Well, I can play the piano b—" "but he's busy for our fencing match for tomorrow as well Marinette, we're sorry" Kagami butted in cutting off Adrien.

Oh right! Totally forgot Kagami and him having a show match for tomorrow. Marinette sighed and forced a smile. "The show match! Of course! Haha how could I forget? silly me hahaha" Marinette replied all animated forcing a laugh. "Come on Adrien, let's practice" Kagami left as she wore her fencing mask on.

Great, now who do I ask now? Mari thought and sighed. "I'm sorry Marinette, how about asking Rose, I mean Kitty Section?" Adrien apologized and suggested an idea making Marinette brighten up! "Of course! Kitty section! They're the hot topic of music after their performance on TV!" Marinette replied enthusiastically. Adrien smiled back and waved goodbye when Kagami called once more.

"I guess we should be going." Adrien bid "Yeah, you're the best! Ah- I-I- mean do your best!" Marinette replied and quickly headed towards Rose who was busy setting up the decorations with Juleka and Alix.

"Rose! Juleka!" Marinette called out making the two girls look at her. "Can Kitty Section perform for tomorrow? Just a quick song would do! Like for an intermission." Marinette asked as Rose and Juleka's face drooped. "Uh, guys? What's wrong?" Mari asked the two, worry evident on her voice. "Umm... we were... planning to volunteer... but Rose has a sore throat right now and uhh..." Juleka mumbled but Marinette understood.

"Oh, is that so? Well, it's fine guys... I don't want Rose to hurt herself more" Marinette smiled at the two girls "but then who will you ask to perform?" Rose asked the blue-haired girl in a soft– almost whispery voice.

"How about giving it a try Jule? You can play your guitar." Mari glanced at Juleka making her fiddle her fingers "I can't... without Rose... the stage... crowd..." Juleka mumbled looking down at her feet and then to Marinette. "Okay then Jule. Feel free to suggest me ideas okay?" Mari gave the two girls a warm smile "For the meantime, I'll just have to ask the others." Marinette excused herself and moved to another person "Oh! and great job at the decor!" Marinette added the compliment while leaving.

Marinette kept asking her schoolmates but still no avail. Seeing as the last task is taking up too much time, Mari consulted Miss Bustier about it.

"Excuse me, Miss Bustier?" The young teacher panned her attention to her student recognizing her, "Yes Marinette?" she asked back. "What do I do Miss? I can't find anyone that is free to do an intermission for tomorrow. I asked everyone yet they are busy or had other things to do tomorrow." Marinette's shoulders drooped while she sighed in defeat.

"Hmm... How about instead of looking for someone, you'll be that someone? I've heard you singing every now and then Marinette and you have a lovely voice. Maybe you should try it" Miss Bustier thought for a moment before giving her suggestion.

"Me!? But Miss–" Marinette tried to speak but Miss Bustier kept her warm smile as if expecting a positive reply. Even though it's pretty much not my forte, I really don't want to disappoint the best teacher I had. Marinette sighed and composed herself before answering with a determined look "I'll do it!"

It was as if the area of the school grounds was muted, Marinette's voice echoed. A second later, cheers followed suit. "I'm glad that you're up to the task Marinette but I hope you're not too overloaded with work." Miss Bustier's concern was reassured when Marinette said thay she'll handle it.

"Girl, how about pairing up with someone? You know, so you won't freak out on stage" Alya commented passing by the bluenette. "I know but who should I have a duet with?" Mari perked at Alya before Mylene gave her suggestion "How about a guitar player instead?" Mylene stated as they looked at Juleka. The quiet girl stepped back mumbling and Marinette took this as a negative sign. "Juleka isn't pretty comfortable with just us two on stage and I respect that. I just have to find someone with enough free time to help me." Mari replied with an understanding smile.

"Then how about Luka?" a whispery voice tried to raise. It was Rose. The others who were in the vicinity nodded and approved the idea.

Luka...

Yeah, Luka. He's a really good guitarist and he's pretty cool too. He's perfect but... "Guys, Luka is from a different school, he might be performing for their school tomorrow. I can't bother him." Marinette reminded which also make the listeners think. "Then I guess you can ask him to teach you some or record an instrumental?" Mylene raised.

"Why don't you try asking Luka, Marinette?" the soft voice of her kwami was muffled in her sling bag but she understood it very well.

Marinette sighed and nodded her head. Miss Bustier announced the break and everyone went their ways to eat their food while Marinette checked the last item on her list.

I guess I'll have to... her thoughts trailed off