Chapter Text
Adrien should be studying. He really should finish his homework before it got too late, so he wouldn't have to drag his studies into his sleeping hours.
But the strawberry scent in his nose and the soft pink color in his mind wouldn't let him.
He touched his lips with the top of his fingers. And for the millionth time that week, he wished that he hadn't pulled away so quickly.
It had been a week since he went to the wax museum with his friends. A full damned week and he was still not over it!
At first, he hadn't given it much thought. He was only relieved that Marinette didn't hate him and he was busy for the rest of that day.
But the scene of what happened earlier played in front of his eyes like an old movie by the time he went to bed. And then all the sensation of being so close to Marinette had hit him like a tone of bricks.
He had dismissed the thought immediately that night, saying that he was tired and sleepy.
But the next day he had overheard Alya and Marinette's conversation.
"Alya don't laugh! This is serious."
"What? That yesterday you confessed your undying love to Adrien thinking that he was a statue?" Alya continued to cackle. "And then he told you that it was a joke? C'mon girl, you gotta admit that it was funny."
"Oh hush, you are not the one who embarrassed herself in front of her crush."
Alya's eyes softened. "I'm sorry girl. But you are not the only one to blame, his prank wasn't the best after all."
"I know but I still shouldn't have talked to the statue. And besides, he only did that because he thought that I was mad at him and didn't want to be his friend, he cares that much." Marinette sighed dreamily. "Isn't he the sweetest?"
"Then what happened?"
Marinette chuckled nervously. "I told him that I knew he was playing a prank on me, so I did that to get him back."
Alya arched an eyebrow. "And he believed you?"
Marinette shrugged. "I was so convincing?"
"But you could have told him the truth."
Marinette shook her head. "No Al, I couldn't. If I did, he would have rejected me on the spot."
Alya sighed. "Whatever you say girl."
To say that Adrien was overwhelmed by the new information was an understatement.
Because according to them, Marinette had meant everything she said to what she thought was statue-Adrien. The sweet shy girl had a crush on him. She loved him for only God knew how long.
And now, her stuttering and extra clumsiness around him made sense.
He didn't know what to think of it.
Well, he didn't need to, because his brain worked without permission. Playing back every memory that involved Marinette.
And soon, he couldn't stop thinking about her.
But unlike any other girl who showed interestin him, she didn't throw herself at him, she didn't cling to his arm like super glue, nor did she try to impress him by talking about herself non stop.
Then again, all those other girls were interested in his name--Adrien Agreste the perfect son and model of Gabriel Agreste--none of them completely knew who Adrien was.
Wich meant that Marinette liked who he truly was.
The thought made him smile.
But then why did she deny her feelings for him? It wasn't only at the museum, but also the time he asked about his posters on her wall.
"He would've rejected me on the spot."
his smile faltered. Right, she was afraid of rejection. Wich wasn't wrong of her to think that way.
He didn't know when did Marinette became more than just a friend to him. But she was, maybe for a long time now. He just needed a little push--well, a big shove--to realize his feelings for her.
He liked every bit of her personality. From how she was always ready to help everyone, how she stood up for her friends and family, her creativeness and her quick thinking, her kindness towards everyone even some people who didn't deserve it.
She was their everyday Ladybug after all.
His everyday Ladybug.
Even though being loved by Marinette seemed nice, tempting, it sounded so...so right. But he couldn't let himself be with her.
Not when his heart belonged to an other girl.
Ladybug.
It wasn't fair. Not for Marinette, neither was it fair for him.
But a boy could dream right?
He opened his drawer and pulled out his lucky charm, running his thumb over the colorful beads.
"Adrien! I'm hungry, give me cheese." Plagg whined from the bed.
"It's on the fridge, Plagg. You can get it by yourself, right?"
The black Kwami crossed his little arms over his chest. "I know, but that stupid lovesick smile was back on your face and I couldn't stand it."
His cheeks burned as he glared blankly at Plagg. "Go eat your cheese Plagg."
Plagg's tiny shoulders slumped and his ears drooped. "Fine. But don't blow up my head once you are ready to talk about it."
Adrien sighed. He knew he was being rude to his little friend, but Plagg was pushing.
The cheese glutton was clever enough to connect the dots and figure out what was going on in his head and he was nudging him to spill it. But he couldn't.
Saying his thoughts out loud would make them real. And Adrien wasn't ready for that.
The barrier he had built up around his heart was already cracked. He knew a little teasing from Plagg (or anyone for the matter) would be his undoing.
But he wasn't ready just yet. His heart was too confused to give in.
For now dreaming was enough.
Adrien eyed the clock and clicked his tongue. He had zoned out for half an hour.
Hah! I broke the record.
He yawned.
Time to finish his homework before his tired mind stopped working.