This was it. He'd gotten her schedule from a friend. Her movements, her habits, he had painstakingly studied all of them from afar, staying just out of sight for the most part.

Jean tightened his hold on his straw as he casually stood waiting just out of sight by the stairs in the courtyard. This was actually the furthest he'd gotten in the game. He got lucky this year, even luckier than that year when he got that artist as his target. His buddy eventually became his assassin and Jean had pulled a favor that his buddy owed him. He was planning on waiting the game out longer since his target seemed to be getting quite a few targets of her own, but that had changed when his assassin changed.

He checked his phone. Alya should be showing up soon. The girl had been coming to school early around the same time every day this week, and always through the same way. He stood just behind a corner, ready to make his kill as soon as she—

A sharp prick at the back of his neck caused him to jump, nearly dropping his straw in the process.

"What the—" Jean spun around, his hand automatically reaching for his neck and cold dread settled in his stomach. His eyes widened when he realized what had happened. "Did you just…"

The person in front of him smiled, holding out their hand expectantly.

Letting out a low curse, Jean reached into his pocket, pulling out the slightly crumpled slip of paper with his target.

"I was doing so well this year too," he complained as he handed his assassin the paper.

"Sorry," his assassin apologized, taking the paper.

Jean sighed and shook his head. "Nah, it's cool. I did better than I thought I would anyways. Good luck with Alya."

"Alya?"

"Yeah, your new target. She should be coming by soon, by the way. You might wanna stick around if you're interested," Jean advised, jerking his head towards the way he was facing.

The person nodded. "Thanks."

Marinette peeked around the corner of the corridor. Alya never came in from this way. Even if the girl had decided to look for Marinette in the classroom, she doubted that Alya would go this far out of her way this early in the morning.

After confirming that Alya wasn't anywhere in sight, Marinette tentatively took a step forward before scurrying over to her locker as fast as her left foot would allow her. Spinning her combination in, she yanked open her locker and pulled out her books for her first class. She paused long enough to make sure she wasn't forgetting anything and checked her phone. Alya might be at school by now; the girl had been coming early this whole week.

She absentmindedly closed her locker door. Maybe she could text Nino and ask him if he knows where Alya is right now.

"Hey, Marinette."

She let out a squeak, her face glowing red at the voice even before she could process who it was. She spun on her heels, noticing for the first time that Adrien was standing right next to her locker. Sweet cheese and rice, when on earth did he get there? Her locker was one of the last ones in the row next to the wall for crying out loud; was he hiding inside the adjacent locker? Why couldn't he walk up from the other side like a normal person?

"A-Adrien?"

He smiled. "Did I surprise you?"

Wordlessly, she nodded. His grin widened at her answer.

"Um, w-why are you at school? I mean, not that I don't know that you go here since we're in the same class and everything I think—I mean, I know—but why…?"

"Why I'm here so early?" He suggested. She nodded again.

He shrugged. "Playing the game, I guess. How about you? Still avoiding Alya?"

She was about to nod again but felt the move redundant. "Y-Yeah."

"Do you think you can escape her today with your ankle?" He asked, glancing down. He frowned as he did so. "It hasn't gotten worse, has it?"

Marinette quickly shook her head. "N-No, don't worry, it's fine! I mean, not fine, but it's, um, fine! Like, it's fine."

Adrien gave her an amused look. "So, it's fine?"

She nodded enthusiastically.

"Well...do you still want help?"

"Help?" Marinette repeated, confused. "What do you mean?"

At this, Adrien looked away, scratching the back of his neck. "Well, I figured since your ankle is still hurt, I thought I could maybe help? Continue being your bodyguard and all that."

She blinked. "Really?"

"Only if you want me to of course," he hurriedly added. "Not that I don't think you can take care of yourself."

"I-I mean if you don't mind…" Marinette trailed off, a sudden thought stopping her. She frowned. "Wait, why?"

This time, Adrien looked confused. "Why? Why what?"

"A-Are you still in the game?"

Understanding dawned in Adrien's eyes as he realized what she was getting at. He smiled. "Do you think I'll betray you?"

Marinette flushed at his words. "N-No, of course not! I just mean...well…"

Adrien laughed. "It's alright. I get it. Yeah, I'm still in the game. You're not my target though. Alya's still in the game."

"Then why…?"

"I want to," he said simply. She blushed further and she looked away.

"W-Why?"

He shrugged. "No reason in particular," he said vaguely. Then he added, "I promise I'll warn you if you're my target. Is that okay?"

Marinette chewed on her bottom lip. Adrien? Offering to help her while he was still in the game? It almost seemed way too good to be true. Maybe it was. Sure, this was Adrien, and she seriously doubted that he would do something like outright betray her—he was just way too nice. There had to be another reason. Even she knew by now that these kinds of offers don't come by for free. What else could it be, other than getting her out of the game?

But it was true that help would be nice considering that she's handicapped for now—Ladybug or not, she wasn't sure how long she could escape Alya's attacks with her ankle like this. The best she could do is try and figure out his real motive and try not to get assassinated during the process.

"You promise?" she asked. He smiled and nodded.

"Of course. I swear."

I seriously can't find it

How on earth

Idkkkk Marinette passed the note back to Alya as soon as Ms. Bustier turned away again. It was the middle of class, a time that turned into a temporary truce period when both could rest from chasing and being chased, as the rules were clear on assassinating someone during active class time.

How the heck do you lose your target paper? And before you could check? Girl, seriously? Alya rolled her eyes but grinned as she passed the note.

I got distracted and just forgot to look… I think it's in my pants pocket from yesterday. I'll text my mom later to ask her to look…

Really?

A lot of things happened

Maybe you can ask Anna who the target was?

Marinette's eyes widened.

Alya, that's genius!

I know. Not that it will be any use since I'd have gotten you out by then. Alya passed the note back smugly.

Mhm. Sure

You'll see

yOu'Ll sEE

You are so lucky we still have another half hour of class

Marinette suppressed a giggle as she read the note but didn't move to reply. Alya, taking the hint, also reshifted her focus back to the lesson.

"Class dismiss—"

"Aha!" Alya lunged at Marinette with her straw, the tipped end coming dangerously close to the girl's shoulder as Marinette swiftly danced out of reach. She winced slightly as the reflex put a little more strain on her ankle that she had planned for, but grinned as Alya pouted at her. However, Marinette failed to grab her notebook as she moved, having been unable to put it away beforehand as she was furiously scribbling down last minute notes as class ended. Alya picked it up, dangling it teasingly.

"Hey Mari, forgetting something?"

Marinette grimaced. "I don't need it."

"Girl, our homework's in here."

"You wouldn't let me take a zero for this assignment, will you?" Marinette asked innocently. She casually looked around for ideas, and as she did so, Adrien caught her eye. He subtly nodded his head towards the door.

"Would you?" Alya countered. She placed the notebook on the table in front of her.

"I can't believe you two are still going at it," Nino said, shaking his head as he packed up the rest of his things. He headed towards the door. "Are we eating in the courtyard?"

"Sure." Marinette slowly edged her way towards the door. Alya watched her with a grin.

"You know that I can't promise you'll get this back without you coming to get it yourself, right?"

"You're taking my notebook hostage? I thought we were friends." She was at the door now, Nino having just left. Adrien hadn't moved since standing up from his seat, a fact that seemed to have gone unnoticed by Alya.

"There is no friendship in war. Only betrayal."

Marinette feigned a hurt look. "Wow. I'm wounded." Then she slipped out the door.

As soon as she was out of sight, she began hurrying as fast as she could towards Anna's classroom, hoping that the other girl hadn't left the room for lunch yet. It wasn't even a few seconds after she left that she heard Alya's yelp of surprise from the classroom behind her. Adrien caught up with her just as she neared Anna's classroom with her notebook in hand.

They quickly turned a corner, out of sight of their own classroom.

"Where are we going?" Adrien asked, easily keeping up with her pace. Her ankle was a lot more bearable today thankfully, but it was still a hindrance on her usual speed nonetheless.

"Um, my last target's classroom."

Adrien frowned. "Why?"

Marinette blushed. "I, um, kinda lost my target paper?"

"Oh. Wait, but you don't need it, do you? As long as you remember who your target is."

"I kinda...forgot to look at it?"

"...What?" Then, "How?"

"I got distracted and then I forgot," she said abashedly, her face red. They slowed and came to a stop in front of a classroom and peeked inside. Luckily, both Anna and Irene were still inside, packing the last of their belongings into their backpack like most of their classmates. Their teacher must have ended late.

The pair slipped inside the room, Adrien staying near the door as Marinette hurried towards the girls.

"Anna!"

Both Anna and Irene looked up at the same time, matching surprise on their faces as they recognized Marinette.

"Oh hey, um, you," Anna said with a smile.

"Marinette," Irene said, elbowing Anna playfully. Anna's eyes widened.

"Oh yeah! Hey, Marinette. What's up?"

"I kinda have a problem," Marinette confessed. "I sorta lost the paper with the target on it."

Anna blinked, not quite comprehending the problem. "Can't you just tell your assassin who it is?"

"Oh no, I'm still in the game. I just forgot to look at who it was first?" Marinette trailed off, embarrassed.

Irene immediately burst into laughter at the confession as Anna poked her friend to stop, but couldn't help a smile of amusement of her own. "Really?"

"I know, I know, I just forgot and that whole thing with Nathaniel—"

Anna shook her head. "No, no, it's fine. I was surprised. It happened to everyone. It's just a little surprising cause I think you're in the same class as her."

"'Her'? I am?" Marinette immediately racked her brain, trying to remember who was still in the game.

"Yeah. You might have trouble with getting her though. Anna gave up after the first day of getting her as a target," Irene commented.

"It was hard!" Anna said, making a face.

"Who is it?" Marinette asked curiously.

"Just the most spoiled girl in the whole school," Irene said. Marinette's heart sank.

"Oh no. Is it…?"

Anna nodded, confirming her dread.

"Chloé Bourgeois. Good luck."

"I can't believe she's still in the game," Adrien said, leaning against the wall. Having finished his lunch much quicker than Marinette, he now kept a casual lookout as she finished her pastry. This wasn't too hard; Alya had retreated to the courtyard for the second half of their lunch period to join Nino. Game or no game, even Alya still needed to eat. Both Marinette and Adrien settled in just out of sight on the second floor with Adrien able to peek over to make sure that his friends were still there with just a crane of his head.

"Y-Yeah." Marinette swallowed the last of her bun, balling up the wrapper to throw away later. Truthfully, she didn't normally take so long to finish her lunch, but this was her first time eating alone with Adrien and had found it a little hard to not sneak peeks at the model who somehow managed to look breathtaking even as he ate. Meanwhile, she was trying her best to not look like a pig and was constantly trying to check if she had food stuck in her teeth whenever he wasn't looking.

"And she said that Chloe's hard to get? Why?"

She shrugged. "Er, she didn't really say."

"Maybe she's actually good at this game," Adrien suggested. Marinette grimaced. She doubted it. She had assumed that Chloe was long out of the game; her skills during gym were less than stellar on the rare occasions that she was forced to participate. If anything, the blonde was probably threatening her assassins or bribing people to protect her. Probably both.

"Maybe..."

"Do you want to try getting her out during lunch?" Adrien asked. "She seems like an easy target. We can probably get her out right now; I know where she eats."

Marinette frowned. It was a tempting idea. But it was unlikely for someone to make it this far into the game based on sheer luck. Knowing Chloe, there had to be a reason that she was still in the game. Not to mention that she was certain that Chloe was interested in the main prize as well, and she didn't put it past the blonde to pull out all her dirty tricks in order to win.

She hadn't noticed anything in Chloe's behavior to indicate that she was still in the game. Truthfully, she had almost forgotten about Chloe during the game and didn't really pay attention to her specifically, but she was sure that she would have noticed if Chloe was doing anything elaborate like having an army or something protecting her. The only thing that Marinette could think of was Chloe threatening or bribing people.

"Ideally, we should figure out what she has up her sleeve first. Since this is Chloe we're talking about, she probably has some students helping her aside from Sabrina. The only thing we have to our advantage is the element of surprise," Marinette mused. "Anna mentioned that she tried already, so she probably knows that Anna was her assassin. I can try to casually approach her which might not be so hard since we're in the same class anyway. I also want to find out what she's been doing."

"So we're just going to just walk up to her?"

Marinette shook her head. "No, I'll walk up to her and figure out what kinds of defenses she has. We should assume she already knows that I'm her assassin. If we're right, it doesn't hurt to be prepared."

"And if that fails, I can be your trump card," Adrien added.

She smiled. "Yeah." Assuming that he was still helping her by then. She still didn't have a clue about what he was up to yet.

"Don't even think about it, Marinette." Chloe stood with her arms crossed by her desk, having stood up the second Marinette took a step towards her. The handful of students already in the room watched them curiously.

She was right about Sabrina helping her; Marinette noticed Sabrina's eyes discreetly following her as soon as she entered the classroom. Adrien hadn't entered with her in order to lessen the suspicion of them working together in case they'd needed to plan for a second attack on Chloe, a precaution that turned out necessary. He was also standing on the lookout for Alya as their lunch period drew closer to an end.

"What do you mean?" Marinette asked innocently. She offered a smile, one that fooled not even herself as she took another step forward, causing Sabrina to stiffen, ready to throw herself at Marinette.

"You know what I mean. I wouldn't bother trying; I'm going to win this. You can look at the pictures of my photoshoot with Adrikins later," Chloe said smugly. She inspected her nails as she spoke as if bored of the situation. Then she looked at Marinette, an eyebrow raised in amusement.

"Did you really lose your target paper without even looking at it first? That's both sad and hilariously pathetic. Then again, what else can we expect from you?"

Marinette kept her face blank, refusing to give away any of the surprise she felt. If Chloe expected a reply, she didn't bother giving time for one as she continued, "I am surprised that you survived this long at all though. Not that you'll last much longer sitting next to your assassin. I guess even lady luck didn't want to be on your team, huh? Typical."

She scowled at Chloe."You won't be saying that after I kill you."

"Hm. Doubt it."

"Hey, Alya!" Adrien's casual greeting from the hall came just loud enough to alert Marinette, and she turned away from Chloe with contempt. She turned to make her way to the back of the classroom as Adrien distracted Alya outside. If her timing was right, Ms. Bustier would arrive soon and after that—

"Sabrina, grab her," Chloe ordered.

Marinette barely had time to react before the girl started coming towards her with outstretched arms. Marinette wasted no time in backing up the stairs, careful to not trip over her feet. She eyed Sabrina warily.

"Sabrina, I escaped you before. I can do it again," Marinette warned. The other girl's eyes narrowed at the reminder.

"That doesn't matter right now. All I have to do is keep you here until Alya comes in." Sabrina's voice was flat, almost robotic.

"Is this even allowed?" Marinette complained. She had her back to the classroom wall now and contemplated whether to make a right and try to get to Chloe or left and towards the door. The door didn't seem like a viable choice right now; she wasn't sure how long Adrien could hold Alya off. Sabrina would get to her long before she got to Chloe. The only real choice now was to bide for time.

"There isn't anything in the rules saying you can't have people help you," Chloe replied easily. She watched the two girls with obvious amusement. Marinette circled around behind Nathaniel, the artist having paused his drawing to watch the confrontation.

She glared at Chloe. "And you're okay if you win unfairly?"

"A win is a win," Chloe replied, unbothered. Sabrina was nearly at Marinette now, only a couple steps from the top. Marinette braced herself to make a run for it but stopped in surprise when Nathaniel stood up. He stood facing Sabrina, blocking the girl's direct path to Marinette.

Sabrina frowned, turning back to Chloe with an uncertain look on her face. Chloe crossed her arms.

"What, are you taking Marinette's side in this now? Sit down."

Nathaniel bit his lip, his expression wavering slightly as the blonde glared at him. But then his eyes narrowed. "This isn't really fair."

"Fair?" Chloe snorted. "Like you're one to talk. You helped me earlier, remember?"

"You bribed me," Nathaniel countered. "For information. Just like how you bribed other people. But this is going a little too far."

"Seriously? Since when did you grow a pair?" Chloe scoffed. "You're not even in the game anymore so this isn't even any of your business. Sabrina."

On cue, the other girl began advancing forward again. Nathaniel held out his arms, the action vaguely reminding Marinette of when he had done the same to stop Irene and Anna only the day before. He never had to actually grab Sabrina however, as Adrien, Alya, and Nino soon quickly entered, immediately followed by Ms. Bustier and a few other classmates rushing to class before the bell.

It wasn't until Ms. Bustier began speaking that Marinette and Sabrina returned to their seats and Nathaniel sat back down. The teacher only gave them a curious look for a brief moment before setting their books down, already accustomed to the standoffs between students during the game.

As Marinette took her place next to Alya, her friend grinned at her, an expression so unexpected that she stared back in confusion until the other girl looked away to begin opening her textbook. She frowned but quickly shook off the feeling as she turned away to open her own book. Whatever it was, she'd have to question Alya later.

The second the last bell rang, Marinette tensed, ready to spring away from Alya the moment the girl made her move. But it never came. Instead, Alya was nonchalantly packing up the last of her books into her bag, her straw nowhere in sight. When she noticed Marinette's confused expression, she smiled.

"Hey, ready to go?"

Marinette eyed her suspiciously, refusing to relax. Instead, she stood up, slowly backing away with her backpack slung over her shoulder already. She saw Sabrina start to head their way, no doubt ready to assist Alya the second she started to escape. Chloe stood expressionless in the corner, watching.

Alya feigned a hurt look. "What, you don't trust me?"

"No."

Alya laughed. "Relax, girl. I'm out already."

Marinette's eyes widened. Behind Alya, Sabrina stopped in her tracks. "What?"

"Yeah. Got out during lunch. You can ask Nino if you don't believe me," she said, gesturing towards Nino. The boy nodded in confirmation.

"What?" Chloe's voice rang with annoyance and disbelief from the other side of the classroom. "What do you mean you're out? Who on earth got you?"

"Uh, that's really none of your concern, Chloe," Alya said, rolling her eyes at the girl.

Chloe stomped her foot. "You were supposed to get Marinette! How can you not even do that before getting out?! She's injured! Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous!"

"You're mad because this game isn't going according to your plan? Seriously dude?" Nino piped up, shaking his head. "Wow."

"Like you have any right to talk," Chloe shot back. "Didn't you lose like the second day? Pathetic."

"Annnd we're going. C'mon, Nino," Alya said, quickly circling around the tables to gently push Nino out the door before he could retort back. Marinette took a step backward as they passed, still wary of Alya's claim.

"Do you think she's telling the truth?" Adrien wondered. He stuck his head out of the room, looking both ways before turning to look at Marinette.

"I don't know…" Alya didn't seem like the type to play that dirty and get Nino to lie for her as well. Then again, lying wasn't exactly playing dirty.

"They're already heading out. She didn't seem to be trying to circle around and get you," he commented as Marinette cautiously made her way to the door as well. Adrien made way for her as she peeked outside for herself. It was true, Alya and Nino were already halfway to the stairs. Adrien stepped out first, double checking first before casually stepping out. After some hesitation, she followed.

The halls were nowhere near as chaotic as they were the first day of the week. More than half the school was already out. Those who survived through reckless behavior were few and far in between. She spotted a few who were obviously still in the game as they walked with their straws in their hands and a trusted friend as a lookout. One girl from across the hall pulled out her own straw and, as Marinette watched, suddenly spun on her heels and stabbed a boy she had just passed by, eliciting a yelp of surprise followed by curses.

Her gaze dropped. Adrien also held his straw loosely in his right hand, although it didn't seem like he was actively looking out for his target. If she didn't know better, she'd think that he was only holding it out of habit. Her own straw was tucked away in her jacket pocket, having no need for it at the moment with Chloe behind them. Still, she kept a lookout around them. Alya hadn't told her who her new assassin was surprising. In fact, she was confused about why Alya didn't mention this to her during class. She wasn't lying, was she?

She pulled out her phone.

Who got you out?

Ahead of her, she saw Alya pull out her own phone. The girl quickly typed a reply.

Some guy from our grade. He's probably new to the school; you might not know him.

When did he get you? How?

Near the end of lunch. It was really unexpected. I didn't even have time to react.

What does he look like?

Eh, kind of good looking? Model height. I wouldn't worry right now; according to what I've gathered, he usually goes straight home after school.

Marinette frowned. Alya wasn't giving details. Her suspicions on her friend lying about being out of the game might be right. For now, she'd have to keep her distance.

It wasn't long until they got to the front of the school. Nino waved goodbye before turning to head towards his house. Alya smiled at the pair as they caught up, although only Adrien walked within her reach as Marinette stayed a few feet behind.

"See you guys tomorrow. Don't die as soon as I'm not watching," Alya joked, giving her own wave. "I'll text you later girl, alright?"

"Bye, Alya," Marinette smiled genuinely, albeit warily. Alya turned, heading the opposite way Nino went.

"Wanna get going?" Adrien asked.

"U-Uh sure. Bye, Adrien," Marinette smiled at him, blushing. "Thank you for today."

Adrien smiled. "I'm walking you home."

"W-What?" Marinette flushed bright red, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected statement. "W-Why?"

He shrugged. "I have time. You don't live far, right?"

"But—y-your driver," she helplessly gestured towards the street where his bodyguard usually parked only to find the limo gone.

He flashed her a grin. "I told him to wait for me in front of your bakery today."

"But—"

"Come on, let's get going," he said cheerfully, cutting her off. He started walking and she hurried to follow. She kept a couple of feet between them, however, fearing that she'd probably trip over her feet if she got too close. She doubted that he would try anything now after today, but if he did, at least she'd have a small amount of space to react.

"How's your ankle?"

"M-My ankle? What ankle?"

He looked over his shoulder, giving her a curious look. "Your twisted ankle?"

If her face could get any redder, she was certain it would have. "My ankle!"

He smiled amusedly. "Yes, your ankle. How is it?"

"Uh, great! I mean, not great, but, you know, good. I think. As good as an ankle gets, haha. Why are you walking me home again?" she asked. Her words tumbled over each other, and she winced in embarrassment. He laughed.

"It's only about a block. I feel better knowing that you get back safe."

"W-Why?" She was grateful that he wasn't facing her.

He paused, seeming to contemplate his answer briefly. "I feel like it," he answered. He gave another one of his model smiles. "I don't want you to get attacked on the way back."

"O-Oh."

They were almost at the bakery now, only a half block away. They continued the short walk without any additional conversation and the two settled into a somewhat awkward stretch of silence between them, one that Marinette was nonetheless grateful for as it gave her no further opportunities to word vomit. When they came to a stop at the front of the bakery, Adrien stood to the side, giving Marinette plenty of space to go inside. True to his word, Adrien's limo was parked directly outside of Marinette's bakery, the gruff mountain of a driver watching Adrien through the rolled down window of the front seat.

"Um, do you want to…?" Marinette gestured towards the shop, but Adrien shook his head and smiled politely.

"I have to get going. I'll see you later?" If Marinette didn't know better, she'd have said that he sounded a tad hopeful. But she ignored the thought, choosing to return his smile instead. Or, at least she tried to. What she managed felt more like a cross between a grimace and a smile, but if Adrien noticed, he didn't say comment on it.

"Y-Yeah. See you." She ducked her head as she replied, her face turning red once again, before hurrying into the store. Through the glass, she watched as Adrien turned and entered his ride, his driver wasting no time in driving off as soon as the door closed.

"Was that Adrien?" Her mom's voice came from directly behind her, and she jumped as she spun around.

"Mom! When did you get here?"

Sabine ignored her question. "Did he walk you home?" She asked, a beam on her face. "What a gentleman. You should have invited him in."

Marinette made a face, walking around to head to her room. "I did. He said he had to go."

"Do you want me to invite him next time instead? I can be very persuasive," Sabine said, walking back to the counter of the shop. Marinette groaned.

"I don't know if there's going to be a 'next time.'"

"Sure there will be. You're a very cute girl, you know. I'm sure all the boys will be falling at your feet soon. Not that you have eyes for any boys aside from Adrien," Sabine teased. She was well aware of her daughter's crush on Adrien, a fact that she used to tease Marinette with from time to time when Tom wasn't around. This was one of those times.

"Mom."

"Of course, they'll have to get your dad's approval, but we can worry about that later. We can always invite him to dinner. Do you think he likes Chinese food?"

"Mom!"

Author's Note:

Sorry for the late post; trying out a friend's suggestion where I write multiple chapters before posting. It made me realize I'm not sure if I like my ending so I've been trying to backtrack and change it lol.

So far on the plan I've laid out, this story is supposed to last exactly one week. The last chapter/day will be Sunday if anyone was wondering. Thank you for reading!