Adrien cursed inwardly. How could he have let that slip out? For all he knew, Marinette now knew he was Chat Noir! She would tell Alya! His secret would be out! Ladybug would shun him, his family… well, who cares about his family, but where would he go? He'd have to live on the streets, eating fish out of bins and begging on doorsteps for Camembert to feed Plagg so that he could transform into Chat Noir and perform magic tricks for little kids, which would be his only hobby. Hawkmoth would most likely kidnap him, use him as bait to get Ladybug, then beat her using an army of akumafied villains and then take both their Miraculous jewels! And be UNSTOPPABLE!

Ahem. Anyway. He tried to cover up his deep and bottomless anxiety caused by years of neglect, loss, rejection, sadness and a loveless environment by smiling shyly at Marinette. The girl seemed pretty anxious herself. She was chewing on her bottom lip. It was adorable. Adrien allowed himself to appreciate that for a moment.

Alya was just suddenly there, out of nowhere.

"Heeeeey guys! You two look like you're getting along really well…" She said, giving Marinette a not-so-subtle elbow dig. Marinette gave a false smile and said; "Yeeah!" Alya looked confused but soon left, saying she was going to get a drink. Marinette rolled her eyes once she was gone.

"So," she said, turning to him, "Adrien."

Gulp. "Yes, Marinette?"

"Uhm... What do you think of Ladybug?"

Huh? "Oh she's - she's great."

"Yeah?"

"Oh yeah, I think she's just wonderful."

Marinette nodded thoughtfully. "Alright."

Adrien was sweating. The music was hurting his was turned up too loud. Around him, classmates were dancing, but he was beginning to see it as more of a violent pushing and shoving contest.

"I... I have to get some fresh air."

...

Adrien was feeling a little better. The cool air outside was refreshing against his face, and it was easier for him to relax. Plagg patted his shoulder comfortingly, which was rare. It was good to know the kwami had his back, even if he didn't show it often.

All of a sudden someone sat down beside him. Plagg zipped out of sight.

It was... Ladybug?! No. Heh. That midnight-blue hair though...

"You feeling a little better yet, Adrien?" Marinette said quietly. All thoughts of Ladybug vanished. God, she was so nice!

"Ah, yeah, I'm feeling much better now, thanks." He answered.

"I'm glad to hear that. Adrien, there's something I need to -"

"There you two are! I've been looking all over for you guys!" Alya said, happily sitting down beside Marinette.

Marinette took a deep breath and stood up. "Actually, I think I'm going to get a drink."

"Wait! What were you going to tell me?!" Adrien said quickly. Alya's eyes widened and she hastily rose to stop Marinette from leaving. She shoved the bluenette back toward him. And then she left, mumbling something about 'stupid children'.

The force of Alya's shove propelled Marinette toward Adrien and toward the edge of the stairs he was sitting on. Panicked, Adrien stood up and reached out, worried that Marinette was going to trip and fall. And she did, of course, trip on her shoes and stumble over the lip of the stairs-

Into Adrien's arms.

She looked up at him. He wrapped his arms around her tighter. A few seconds passed.

"Mari, you okay?"

She pulled away gently.

"Oh, I'm fine mon chaton. But..."

She leaned in very close to his face.

"I think I fell for you."

Adrien fainted.

THE END! BYE!

In case it was hard to tell, in the end Adrien fainting was because maybe he realised who she was and he was like 'holy mother of all that is holy' and just passed out from shock.