I'm Here { Lukanette FF }

19 - The Culprit

Marinette's POV

"What about Chloe?" I suggested.

The culprit-catching trio had sat down in the library during lunchtime on Thursday to discuss the possible culprits.

Nathan started scribbling something on his notebook, then said, "I don't think it's her. You two barely know anything about each other. Besides, Chloe isn't smart enough to launch something this big and complicated just to mess with a single student who means nothing to her."

Luka hummed, "So I guess we'll cross her off the list..."

I groaned, "Hey guys, can we take a quick break? I'm kind of hungry." I said quietly. "I think we can take a break for a while, you wanna go get some lunch at the cafeteria?" Nathan said.

I shook my head, "I forgot my lunch money. I'll just walk home and grab a few croissants or something."

Luka lifted his chin, "You think you can handle walking home alone?" he asked. I nodded, "I'll be fine."

"You sure? I can walk you there if you want..." Luka suggested, his cheeks were turning slightly pink...

"No, no. It's fine! You know I live right next to the school, I won't run into any trouble." I promised.

Luka nodded, "Alright. Come back safe, okay?"

I nodded before standing up. We all walked out of the library and went in separate directions. Luka and Nathaniel walked off to the direction of the cafeteria while I walked to the entrance of the school.

"Hey, pigtails chick." I heard someone's voice behind me as I exited the school doors.

"Hmm?" I turned around, spotting a few girls. All of them looked like they were going to cause trouble. "You're the one we've been hearing about, aren't you?" the one in the front snarled.

"Um... I-"

"Beating you up will be fun." she continued. I gasped, "W-what?!"

I saw some of the girls in the group pull out their phones. "What are you-"

They stalked closer, eyeing me intently as they cornered me. My back hit the wall.

"Aww, sweets don't look so terrified. We'll go easy on you." one of them cooed.

I shut my eyes, praying by some miracle that they'd just magically disappear. I should've just let Luka come with me.

Why did this have to happen now?

The giggling and flashing camera sounds abruptly stopped the second I felt a whoosh of air in front of my face.

Then there was silence. I was too afraid to open my eyes. My heart skipped a beat when I heard a familiar, cold voice.

"If you hurt her, I'll break your spine."

My eyes sprung open, "Luka...?"

He was there, standing in front of me, shielding me. The girls were scared, they slowly backed away, then broke into a sprint and sped off cowardly.

The moments after that were just quiet. Luka turned around, his aqua blue eyes held my gaze.

I felt my cheeks warm as Luka embraced me, holding me close to him. I could hear his heartbeat.

"I'm sorry, I should've come with you." I heard him murmur.

I tugged on his shirt as I felt a tear roll down, then another.

"You're here now, aren't you?" I sniffed.

He pulled away and looked deeply into my eyes again, "You okay?" he asked.