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Coming into the library after class, Marinette hurried toward the bookshelves she needed for her upcoming report.
Passing through one section, she paused, hearing the familiar tune of a game she’d recently discovered on her phone. She retraced her steps until she caught sight of an all-too-familiar blonde ponytail.
Tempted to ignore Chloe, she took a step forward but stopped as a frustrated huff escaped the blonde’s lips.
“Stupid level. Why can’t I get passed that ridiculous boss?” She stuffed her phone into her pocket, the screen lit with the game’s boss showing.
Marinette gasped, her eyes widening at the thought Chloe might actually like the same game she did. After all, she’d heard all too often from Chloe herself that she hated games, calling them an utterly ridiculous waste of time.
“Ugh, it’s you, Marinette Dupain-Cheng,” the blonde sneered, her hand coming up to pinch the bridge of her nose. “What do you want?”
Forgetting their hostility, Marinette found herself asking, “You like Legendary Heroes?”
“Geez, what drivel is this?” Chloe went to push Marinette aside, her phone slipping from her pocket.
Both watched as it landed faceup, the screen showcasing the evidence for all to see.
“Look, you can’t tell anyone, okay? I have a reputation to uphold.” Even as Chloe tried to appear menacing, she fell from that mark, her eyes almost pleading and her lip quivering the tiniest bit.
Marinette knew what it was like to have a secret, one that she couldn’t allow anyone to know. Not even her own partner knew who she was.
Taking pity on the blonde before her, Marinette asked instead, “I just beat that boss a day or two ago. Would you like some tips?”
Chloe stooped to pick up her phone, taking her time in collecting the small electronic and dusting it off.
When she finally met Marinette’s gaze, her voice had softened, asking, “Why are you being nice to me?”
“For the same reasons you were helping me the other day. Sometimes, it’s better to find some common ground and work towards a truce, right?” Marinette held out her hand, silently seeking the phone and the possibility of a friendlier reality between them. “You helped me with Lila. The least I could do is help you defeat that boss.”
Chloe handed over her phone, moving a step closer to watch as Marinette requeued the battle.
“Your inventory is a bit low.” Marinette pulled out her phone and opened the game’s app. She clicked a few times and typed in Chloe’s player name. After that, she went into her inventory and checked a few supplies, sending them to Chloe. “That should help tide you over after this battle.”
Returning to Chloe’s phone, she pulled up the player Chloe had developed and tweaked her talents, focusing on strengths Chloe hadn’t realized her player could have.
The battle began.
Marinette’s fingers skillfully maneuvered her character through the multiple obstacles until she reached the final boss. In less than ten moves, Chloe’s phone flashed in victory.
“You’re really good, aren’t you?” Chloe asked, her voice full of awe at Marinette’s skill. “Where did you learn so much about this?”
“Oh.” Marinette blushed a bit as she tapped on a button in the corner. “There’s a helpful forum here that has tons of hints and tips for each boss. I just used what I found there, tweaking it to fit my character until I took each one down. Here, let me get you set up to receive notifications.”
Another few taps and Chloe’s phone pinged with three new notices about the game and the next boss she faced.
Realizing Marinette didn’t have to be an enemy despite vying for the same guy, Chloe glanced at the brunette and found herself being watched in return.
Taking back her phone, she cleared her throat, fighting down the lump building there to ask, “Do you like iced coffee? I’m suddenly in the mode for one. My treat, of course.”
Marinette smiled. “You don’t have to do that, Chloe.”
Flipping her ponytail behind her, she did her best to appear haughty even as a smile peeked through. “I know, but I want to. What do you say?”
Marinette nodded. “Let me find the book I need really quick, and I’ll be ready.”
A half-hour later, they sat outside of a nearby café, much to the surprise of their classmates, enjoying iced coffees and softly talking about their new shared interest.
Maybe they could be friends after all, Marinette thought as she readied for bed that evening.
Her phone chimed with a private in-game message.
Chloe: So, have you taken this new boss down yet? I could use some help. I’ll give you some good info on winning Adrien’s attention.
Yep, they could definitely be friends, she confirmed, picking up her phone.