Two days later and it was now Friday. Adrien glanced in his closet silently before picking out a cobalt colored shirt, his normal white blazer, grey jeans, and his normal orange converse. He was reluctant to call what he would be participating in a date, so he dressed as casually as he could, hoping it would show his intention of being just friends. He glanced at the time, 18:47(6:47 pm). All Nino had told him is to be ready by 19:00(7:00 pm) and that he would meet his date at a restaurant, and that they should go somewhere fun after eating. Adrien sighed while replying the conversation in his head. He was still reluctant to go, but knew that Alya could be scary sometimes and did not wish to face her wrath.

He silently changed while Plagg scrutinized him, "You're not very romantic are you?"

"I think I'm plenty romantic, but only for My Lady. And this is just a friend date, I want whoever is going to be there to know that."

"Imagine if Ladybug found out that you're going on a date with someone who's not her." Plagg teased while throwing a piece of Camembert in the air and catching it in his mouth.

"It's not like I want to go, Plagg. And she would understand…. Right..?" Adrien's face paled slightly as the thought spun in his mind. Plagg just snickered in response and continued eating cheese.

Marinette was sprawled across her bed in unwillingness to do anything. "Do I have to dress up nice, Tikki? I don't want to go on this date. I only like Adrien."

"Then dress like you're going to hang out with a friend, Marinette! But if they dress nice they might be embarrassed if you dress too casually." Tikki patted her chosen's shoulder. Releasing a groan from said chosen's throat.

"What time is it? I don't want to go yet… or ever," Marinette mumbled the last part quietly to herself. Tikki sighed.

"It's 18:52(6:52 pm), Alya will be here in a few minutes. You need to get up, Marinette." Tikki gently pulled on her index finger, showing her that she really needed to get up. Marinette groaned again and slowly got to her feet, dragging them towards the closet. She sighed softly and glanced inside. She looked through everything and then slowly took out a long-sleeved pink shirt, cobalt blue jeans, and a reversible jacket that was white and black, she wore it with the white side facing outwards. She walked into her bathroom, glancing at herself in the mirror. She sighed before slowly going back into her room and putting her flats on.

"Marinette! Alya is here!" Marinette heard her mother call from below the trap door to her bedroom.

"Coming, Mama!" Marinette grabbed her bag, "Let's go, Tikki," Tikki slipped into Marinette's bag. She cast a final longing glance towards the Adrien shrine on her wall, whispering, "This doesn't mean anything, my heart only belongs to you." before having to tear her eyes away and walk downstairs.

"Hey girl! You ready to go?" Alya asked excitedly, with her phone in hand, taking pictures of Marinette as she continued down the stairs.

"No, you know I don't want to go on a date unless its with Adrien. And stop taking pictures." Marinette reached the bottom of the stairs and pushed Alya's phone down.

"Sorry girl, but you'll thank me later. You look cute, by the way." Alya was grinning at Marinette with excitement, knowing the girl would be eternally grateful later to find out she was going on a date with the person she wanted to, not anyone else.

"Thanks, Alya." The two proceeded to leave the apartment, waving at Sabine as they went. The walk wasn't very long until they reached the restaurant, Alya speaking quietly to the host who smiled warmly and guided Marinette to a more secluded area of the restaurant. Marinette gave one last wary look to Alya, who in return flashed a thumbs up, before following to her table. She was there before her date, despite her normal arrival times.

Adrien proceeded outside after his phone beeped with a text from Nino. letting him know he was ready to go. He approached Nino casually as the dj spoke, "Hey dude, you ready?"

"Hey Nino, I'm kind of nervous, but I'm excited to make a new friend. The setups a little weird though, why couldn't you and Alya hang out with us?" Nino and Adrien began walking towards the restaurant.

"Trust me dude, you'll never know her better unless you hang out alone. And don't forget, you might like her as more than a friend dude, don't close off the possibilities yet." Nino grinned at Adrien as they entered the restaurant while Alya exited. She waved at the boys and sent Nino a wink before waiting outside for him.

Nino whispered something to the host and they brought Adrien back to the table where Marinette currently resided. She was looking at her phone, as Adrien sat down, not recognizing it was Marinette as he couldn't see her face. His eyes widened as his thoughts instantly went to Ladybug. Did Nino set him up on a date with Ladybug!?

Marinette put her phone in her bag, flashing Tikki a nervous glance before looking up at her date. Her heart and breathing stopped at the sight. That sunshine golden hair.. Those mesmerizing green eyes… Alya had set her up with "ADRIEN!" Marinette shrieked has her brain caught up with the scene in front of her. She abruptly stood up before awkwardly sitting back down as people began to stare. A furious blush swam into her cheeks as she cleared her throat. "I-I mean, h-hey A-adr-adrien. How you are? I- Uh! How are you? Mean I." She gave an embarrassed giggle.

Adrien let out a soft sigh of both relief and disappointment that Marinette did not miss, "Marinette! I am good, how are you?" His anxiety rose as he remembered the mild disliking Marinette had for him, and did not want to mess anything up. However, he was grateful that it was her and not Chloe or a die-hard fan.

"Me? O-oh I.. Good! Me good! I mean I'm good! Yeah!" Marinette's heart broke at the slight disappointment in his voice. "I.. I'm sorry th-that you had to be here with me.. You can leave and go home if you want.. You don't have to stay, I'm sure Nino put you up to this as Alya did to me.. N-not that I don't want to be here! I mean I do! But I'm sure you weren't expecting me.. Clumsy boring Marinette..." Marinette looked at her hands in her lap quietly, wanting to be on a date with him, but not if it's forced or unwanted by him.

Adrien's eyes widened in surprise, " You're not boring at all, Marinette. You're nice, and funny, selfless, cute. I'd love to stay and get to know you better. I think we could be best friends." Adrien flashed a warm smile as Marinette's cheeks seemed to be tending flames beneath them.

"I-I uh-" Marinette was saved from attempting to respond as their waiter arrived to take their orders.