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That night on the party, they did nothing. And yet, it felt like everything. Just being near each other felt like everything.
They suffered, and they felt overwhelming happiness. They were embarrassed, but they were unabashed. They hated each other for making them feel such pathetic, overwhelming emotions. And then they loved each other with every bit of their hearts.
They loved for the first time. They lived for the first time.....
They were desperate, desperate to love again. And desperate to live their lives again. And also frightened to die.
But then again, they had died inside, a long time ago, ever since they could remember. They were numb; frozen. But now, their hearts slowly began to melt. Now they were feeling alive. It was amazing, and terrifying.
They hated themselves, and they loved one another, whether or not they wanted to admit it.
It was an absolutely disgusting thought. And it was absolutely beautiful feeling. Because love is cruel, and love is kind.
***
A few months had passed since that event, and Nino was growing more and more anxious. Adrien and Marinette clearly had feelings for one another. But neither of them acted on it.
And even worse, the guilt of involving innocent people in this ploy drove him insane. He couldn't even sleep in peace like he used to.
The remorse was too much, it was overwhelming. Constantly using manipulation, blackmail, bribery....and all for the sake of entertainment....
Not any more. He could no longer bear it. He had to tell Alya to stop.
He had to.
***
"Alya, we need to talk. Right now" said Nino urgently. Alya couldn't remember the last time she had seen him this serious. He had come over to her house without even telling her and told her parents that it was something important.
She leaned in closer to him, a bit intimidated, but nonetheless curious.
"Listen" he continued, breathing heavily "This has to stop"
Alya said nothing. What had to stop?
"This game we're playing is not good. And even though you may say that the end justifies the means, it's not the case here. Not if the end is bound to be a disaster!" Nino told her. She still stayed silent.
"We're going nowhere with this! Marinette and Adrien are both confused, Luka is hurt and Kagami is nothing but an unwitting pawn in all of this! Don't you even feel a little bit guilt for this?" he asked angrily.
