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Adrien was aware about the fact that Marinette hasn't been looking like herself lately.
She also noticed how their class, her supposed friends, have not noticed it. Or they did and they just don't care.
He decided he liked the first option better when he thought more about it.
But he couldn't do anything about it either, because everytime he approaches her, she looked like a deer in the headlights.
Looks like the gum incident made some scar to her that their friendship couldn't erase.
But he wanted to do something, anything to at least make her smile.
So he asked Nathalie during lunchtime.
Nathalie responded with, “Is this a person you like?”
Adrien answered enthusiastically, “Yes. She's a really good friend,” Despite her apparent avoidance towards him. “... That's why I wanted to cheer her up!”
Nathalie pondered, unsure of what to answer. “Anything would probably be good, as long as you put your thought into it.”
After the conversation, Adrien made plans to surprise Marinette when he goes back to school, to no avail.
He need his father's permission to use the kitchen, and to order some flowers and sweets, so that's a no.
He wanted to try making some stuff or bake, but he realized he really hadn't done anything under the creatives umbrella so that's also a no-go.
What should I do? He wondered...
The moment he reached school, he immediately saw his target.
He then pulled her away from her friends once he got their silent permission and told her, “Marinette, you've been really working hard lately, and it's starting to show on your face.”
Marinette,, asked, confusion showing in her face. “What are you—”
“I noticed you look so tired recently and I can't help but be concerned…”
“Adrien, I'm fin—”
“So, I thought, why not make you some sweets to cheer you up! But you're a better baker than me…” He then murmured, “Plus I can't really bake.”
“I tried ordering flowers but I can't order stuff without my father's permission, so that's gone, too.”
“Adrie—” Marinette couldn't finish because Adrien held her by the shoulders and said, “So the only think I can do is moral support.”
He than said in his firmest voice, “Marinette, I've already sent good vibes your way…”
“They’re coming. There’s nothing you can do to stop them.” He continued.
Silence then followed shortly.
Marinette was the first one to break the silence. “Adrien, are you trying to cheer me up, or threatening me? Because this is the most threatening way I’ve ever been cheered up.” Marinette asked, dumbfounded by the sudden declaration.
“Well, I'm trying to cheer you up!” He said, then deflated. “Thing is, I really don't know how.”
Marinette now looked like she was holding something back, until she couldn't anymore and bursted out laughing.
He was more than surprised when he heard her laugh. Mission success?, he asked himself.
Though seeing Marinette still laughing about their current situation makes it worth the effort.
It took her minutes to recover.
With a smile on her face, she said, “You didn't need to try so hard for my sake, Adrien. But, thank you for seeing me like this, and trying to cheer me up. I really appreciate it.”
This Marinette is different from the usual Marinette he converse with, so it took him by surprise that she could speak in full sentences without stammering.
He found it endearing.
“A-anytime, Marinette! You're such a good f-friend to me that I couldn't just stand by and see you look so tired.”
He added, “If you need someone to talk to, I- I'll be there.”
He's surprised with his stammering, but Marinette didn't seem to mind as she gave him a smile so genuine that his heart started racing on its own.
"I'll keep that in mind. Now, is there anything else I need to know? Class starts in a few minutes."
"Nothing! Nothing at all!" He quickly replied.
C'mon, Adrien! Pull yourself together! He mentally reprimands himself. Say you mean it!
"Just that I... I meant what I said."
"I know you do. You won't say it otherwise. Thank you."
The two of them shared smiles then ran together back to their classroom as the school bell rings.