Marinette shyly tiptoed through the room, trying to make as little sound as possible. Around her, teenagers laughed, dancing and drank soda, whirling around the hazy dancefloor in dizzying shows of bright light and colour as the loud pop music played, but she was feeling a little self-conscious in the dress she had made herself.

Someone tapped her on the shoulder. She spun around, fearing an akuma, or worse: Chloe, but came face to face with the Ladyblogger herself. Alya smiled.

"Girl, you look fabulous! Adrien will totally…"

Marinette tuned out. Adrien, Adrien, Adrien, that was all she ever thought about, wasn't it? What was so great about him anyway? He was just a boy, after all. Marinette turned her thoughts to a different blond-haired, green-eyed boy.

...

Ladybug ducked behind a building, barely escaping the akuma's clutches. She backed away quickly, and tripped on something behind her. She let out a shout of fear as her world tilted backwards.

Strong arms were suddenly holding her up. "Relax, my Lady. It's just me. You tripped on my foot."

Ladybug sighed and gently pulled herself away. She turned to face her partner, grinned, and leaned in close to the boy.

"Well, I guess I'm just falling for you, Chat."

...

"Mari? Are you even listening?" Alya clicked her fingers in front of Marinette's face.

"Oh sorry! Please continue." She waved her arms.

"I bet I know what you were thinking about, hmmm?" Alya nudged Marinette's arm and nodded to her left. Marinette turned subtly around.

Adrien stood there, laughing with Nino about something. Marinette waited for the familiar rush of emotions, the blushing, the stuttering, but it… never came. What a relief! She grabbed Alya's arm.

"Let's go say hi!"

Alya gasped in shock. "Mari? Whaaaat? Who is this? And what have you done with my friend?" Marinette just pulled her over.