In the secret realm of guilty pleasures, where indulgence meets amusement, lies a world where chocolate conspiracies and Netflix binges are celebrated like noble quests. A place where ice cream tubs are thrones, and the remote control wields power unmatched by any swords. The dessert of existence – delightful, often decadent, and occasionally leaving you questioning your life choices. In the grand symphony of life, guilty pleasures are the cheeky notes that play when society's serious strings take a coffee break.

Or, in Marinette's case, during your coffee break.

"Oh, Ladybug, Ladybug, Ladybug! What are you doing?"

Sitting on the bench by the side of the Seine, Marinette moved around a little to try and get herself more comfortable. She continued to angrily tap around on her phone.

She was sure she hadn't instructed her sim to do this!

But then again, she wasn't paying as much attention to the screen as she probably should have.

Her eyes shifted back down to her phone, the speech bubbles appearing as her character started talking once again to the guy she was trying her hardest to date. It was such a shame that no matter which option she chose, her character still managed to mess it up.

Example A: Ladybug landed on the rooftop in front of a worried Chat Noir, yet every option she chose he seemed to get angry and vault off into the sunset. She'd reset the level multiple times and was still failing at getting her date.

...Much like real life.

Reset!

She slammed her finger down on the button, spending another 75 cents on replaying the goddamn level with another option! This should not be this hard.

Once again, her character (Ladybug) landed on the roof and strutted sassily over to her partner. If she remembered correctly, this was the walk that had got her the furthest last time.

Chat Noir turned around slowly. His face was like thunder. Okay, she had two options here.

The free option: Tell him a pun about cats in the rain

Or, another 75 cents for an upgraded response of grovelling at his feet.

She'd worked a few extra hours of overtime this month, so why not go with the upgrade? She pressed the button and began to chew on her lower lip. This had to work this time.

Chat Noir crossed his arms over his chest and turned his head away before the words appeared in the screen:

'It's been years, M'Lady!

Why now? Why do you want to be with me now?'

"Because of your insanely hot body and the fact you're my best friend!"

She tucked her lower lip under her top teeth and considered her next options.

Choice A: Tell him that he's insanely hot now and you can't stop thinking about his body, preferably naked.

That's a coincidence!

Choice B: You've always loved him. But you've been scared because he's your best friend.

Pfft! They had no idea how close this was to real life. Lifting her hand to her mouth, she drummed her nails over her top lip. A, or B? A, or B? Hummm...

B.

Ladybug began to grovel to her partner, his eyes trailing back on her and fixing her with an intense gaze. Her body shivered with the effects, her own daydreams giving her a real life example of that specific glare.

Oh, those beautiful, world moving eyes!

'Ladybug' had laid it all out for him. Now it was his move. She chewed her bottom lip in anticipation.

Come on, come on, come on!

The speech bubble appeared and...

'I've waited for years to hear you say that! Unfortunately, you're too late! There's someone else. I'm sorry, Ladybug. Goodbye.'

Slamming her phone in her lap, she couldn't help but let out an incredibly annoyed huff. How the hell did she get a date with Chat Noir! She'd tried everything and spent far too much money on her upgrades — her suit now sporting a few rather risqué holes. She'd contemplated transforming her real suit to match, yet there was no real reason to transform anymore, so she'd just be swinging around Paris looking like a support act for the Moulin Rouge.

Finally wanting to be friends with her phone again, she lifted it up, glancing at the time and nearly launching herself into the Seine. She needed to move fast if she was going to make it to her class on time.

A quick transformation and swing by yo-yo and she'd reached the main campus and was now running for her life. Damn that game distracting her! She hadn't even eaten her lunch yet!

De-transformed, but continuing to move at speed towards the entrance, Marinette swung her bag around to her front and reached inside for the croissant, grabbing it and shoving it extremely unladylike into her mouth.

She hurried through the hallways, the croissant hanging out of one side of her mouth, ducking and darting around people, and also corners praying she didn't end up knocking someone unconscious with her terribly timed and inaccurate movements.

Hoisting her bag back around her back, she dodged the next crowd coming her way, twirling around them like a prima ballerina before continuing to push forward.

With a hefty yank, she pulled up her sleeve and moved faster and faster. 11:52am. Dammit!

Retaining her speed, she ripped the croissant from her mouth and swallowed a large chunk before putting it back in and pulling out her map.

She had no idea where she was going. She'd looked at the map that morning, plotting her route to the changed venue.

Now, here she was, taking part in what felt like an Olympic triathlon as she tried to get to her university lecture on time.

Left. Right. Second left. Straight on.

Bumping into three people on her way down the next corridor, Marinette bounced against a wall, a locker and a water fountain before grasping the side of the doorframe and swinging herself into the room...and, evidently, onto the floor.

Croissant still in mouth, she stretched forward and moved her sleeve to check her watch. 11:56am. 4 minutes early! Yes!

Moving herself up onto her knees, she didn't feel an ounce of embarrassment as she ripped another piece of croissant off with her teeth and looked around. It seemed she wasn't the last one into class for a change. It actually looked like she was...dare she say it? One of the first.

"10 out of 10 for the entrance, but only a 2 for the landing."

Marinette looked towards the voice and noticed Anthony sitting and smirking at her, his fingers slotted together as they supported his chin, an amused twinkle dancing around in his eyes.

"2? How did I manage that score? I landed on my face!" She took another large chunk out of the croissant and looked up at her classmate.

"Quite simple, really. You managed to keep the croissant in your mouth. That definitely equates to some sort of consolation."

Marinette laughed, pushing herself to stand before heading over towards Anthony — classmate and fully fledged friend. He was a great substitute for Alya, and although he could sometimes get a little over enthusiastic, he was a great guy all in all, one she was glad to have in her class. He was also aggressively judgemental and a bitch — to other people, not her!

Since she'd started university, her life had become...different. Her main aim was to make sure that her usual lateness and clumsiness was no more. She would become a normal girl, with a normal life. It was easy really, she would study fashion and live like a student. However, it seemed life had a different path to follow, as both her lateness and clumsiness had intensified. In two whole years, this was the first time she'd made it in before roll call.

There weren't more than four people at their design tables and Marinette was one of the four — that, in itself, was a miracle.

Celebrating, she slammed her bag down on the table in victory and continued to bite piece after piece from her croissant, dead set on enjoying it right down to the last crumb. It wasn't as good as from her parents' boulangerie, but it killed the craving a little.

She made a mental note to get ingredients for the weekend and make a batch, maybe even some macarons. Nothing could beat homemade treats.

"Where is everyone?" Marinette asked, scanning the room once more.

"Lecture is cancelled."

Almost choking on her final piece of flaky pastry, Marinette yanked her phone from her pocket and pulled up her emails. There it was, as plain as the eye could see. One email from her lecturer confirming the cancellation of today's classes and a note that they could come in to use the facilities if they needed to.

"I'm going!" she said with a sigh. No point staying around for no reason. Not when she had plans later that afternoon which could be extended. Pushing on the table, she stood and headed in the direction of the door.

"Wait up, girl, I'll come with you." Anthony rushed around, gathering his things together and shoving them in his bag.

Marinette chuckled. "I thought you'd be here to do some work."

"Pfft!" her friend replied. "I walked Richard to his class this morning and thought I'd come and see my BFF make her wonderful entrance into the room of the wonderfully dressed. I have plans today, though." He swung an arm around her shoulders as they continued down the hallway.

"Do you now?" Marinette giggled, wrapping her arm around his waist and continuing their stride.

"Yup," he said with determination. "You see, my best friend is having an afternoon out with her best friend, and has yet to invite me."

She rolled her eyes as they moved down the corridor. "We're going dress shopping for me. Last thing I need is your opinion thrown in along with his."

"I am deeply offended by this."

Marinette laughed. "Of course you are."

"Listen, Missy, I am on a fashion course, and my female BFF has a male best friend, who happens to be fashion royalty, and she only lets me meet with him when she doesn't want to steal him all to herself. Such a selfish bitch really."

Marinette rolled her eyes. As much as she didn't mind sharing Adrien with others, he was her best friend and she cherished her time with him tremendously. With them both now living in different countries, it wasn't as quick and easy to meet up – and, yes, she was selfish because he was hers.

They made their way out into the front courtyard, Anthony continuing his pouting about his lack of time with Adrien, when Marinette inwardly groaned. Violet Beaufort stood just outside the building's entrance, waving pieces of paper in people's faces as they passed.

Violet was what Marinette would call a plastic. Not because she was fake (well, in some areas she'd definitely had a Barbie upgrade) but because of her obvious obsession with teen movies, such as 'Mean Girls'. Not only was she the advocator of Pink Wednesdays within the university, but she was also in charge of the Student Association and other social events.

Everything Marinette hated.

Where Marinette had gladly taken on the role in collège, the thought of doing it in university made her skin crawl. She just wanted to keep her head down, gain her grades and continue on with life. No harm, no foul. Plus, the less people knew about her the better.

"Here, take a...oh! It's you!" Violet pulled the hand holding the flyer back, and moved it out of both Marinette's and Anthony's grasp. Marinette may have been an outcast, but her friend was 100% with her – hence why Anthony knew about her mega famous friend and nobody else did.

Violet slowly gazed over her body and Marinette wondered if she had forgotten to fasten her top up again. She may or may not have been caught with her bra on show a couple of times. But the extra ten minutes of sleep was most certainly worth it.

"It's a shame we won't see you there, Marinette. But as this is a dance for fantasy couples, I guess you just won't have the means to come. A couple means two if you didn't know."

Marinette's chest deflated a couple of inches from the sigh she let out. She wasn't into all this childish behaviour. She was 21 years old, dammit! She wouldn't allow the adolescent behaviour of a wannabe 'Lindsay Lohan' get to her, especially as she took Lila Rossi down in such a spectacular fashion, Violet was nothing more than a flee. Marinette couldn't help but think karma was quite the fabulous friend.

"Who knows?" Marinette said with a shrug. "I might be engaged by then."

As Violet called out rather offensive comments, Marinette stalked off with Anthony by her side and a bubbling inferno gaining weight in her stomach. Who the hell did Violet think she was? 'I guess you won't have the means to come.' What a bitch!

"Maybe tonight's bachelor will be a willing date?" Anthony said.

Marinette turned to glare at him. "Don't tell me you're going?"

He shrugged and she knew that meant 'yes'. What a traitor!

Marinette's phone bleeped in her bag, a more than welcome distraction from the conversation with Anthony.

He looked over her shoulder, trying to catch a glimpse at her phone. "What is it? Cupid's Cove or Sparkr?"

Marinette shoved him away, his footwear causing him to stumble a little and almost land in a bush alongside the path.

"Those shoes are going to kill you!" she stated, tapping around on her phone to answer the message.

"They're amazing," Anthony squealed. "And best of all, they were half price in Selfridges. Richard's treat during our recent trip to London."

Anthony laughed loudly, wrapping an arm around Marinette's shoulders and pulling her close.

Richard was in his last year at the university and had been in a loving relationship with Anthony for three whole years. It made Marinette lonely and jealous, and to make matters worse, Richard was blond.

So many times she'd been out with Anthony only to mistake Richard for Adrien, her heart skipping a beat before falling down to settle in her shoes. They were a wonderful couple, though, and they had been wonderful friends to Marinette since everyone else seemed to have moved on with their lives. She missed Alya, but Anthony was a fantastic fill-in, her female BFF agreeing.

But no one was Adrien.

"I'm not even going to ask what you did to persuade him to buy them."

"Nothing you wouldn't do for your lover boy!"

Marinette couldn't help the glow emitting from her cheeks as she buried her nose in her phone. It wasn't a notification of her Cupid's Cove game (Chat Noir would have to wait for another day). It was indeed a message on Sparkr, Paris's latest triumph in online dating...and also her last resort in online dating. She'd pretty much denied every man who had messaged her on Matcha, Go Fish and Perfect Match.

Leon: Looking forward to meeting you tonight. Here's the address.

As she replied her thank you to the lovely Leon, she chose to ignore the huff and grunt which came from beside her. "I can't believe you're actually online dating."

Marinette shrugged and placed her phone back into her bag. "What else am I meant to do?"

Anthony stepped in front of her, blocking her path and causing her to headbutt into his chest. "Msiss. Dupain-Cheng, you know as well as I do exactly what you should do! Or should I say who?"

"And who is that exactly?" She crossed her arms over her chest and stared back at him. He might be a foot taller than her (especially in his new platform shoes) but she could be as fierce and ferocious as the rest of them.

"Oh, I don't know? Maybe you could do that tall, mysterious man on the lock screen of your phone?"

She turned her head to look away from him, hoping her cheeks weren't going to be issued a fire regulation from the next stage in their embarrassment. "You know that Adrien is just my best friend."

He puffed out air and Marinette had to resist the urge to wipe his spit off her face.

"Okay, girl! Whatever you say." He waved his hand dramatically, just as the sound of Kim Possible's Kimmunicator added a glistening glint into Anthony's eyes. Had he just summoned her partner? Sometimes Marinette regretted spending time giving everyone individual text tones.

"Looks like your sidekick needs you. Text me later, bitch! And don't forget to shave your legs!"

With a hip flick, Anthony turned almost effortlessly in his platformed shoes and sashayed out of sight. If only she looked that good in heels.

Quickly, Marinette yanked her phone from her pocket and headed for the nearest bench, settling down for what could be a lengthy conversation with her Kitty.

Whatsapp chat with: My Kitty

Received Message: Adrien Good afternoon, M'lady11:54

Sent Message: Marinette Oh, wow! He rises!12:25

Received Message: Adrien I didn't get to sleep until late last night, all thanks to you!12:25

Sent Message: Marinette It's about you had a late night, you granny! 12:26

Received Message: Adrien Who are you calling a granny? You're the one who falls asleep on random rooftops at 6pm!12:26

Sent Message: Marinette You were stroking my hair! You know what happens when you do that!12:26

Sent Message: Marinette Anyway...why do I get the blame this time? I wasn't even with you last night! 12:27

Received Message: Adrien No you weren't, but I'm quite sure you said to me 'you need to watch the Best of Me, Kitty, you'll really enjoy it'12:28

Sent Message: Marinette You can't tell, but I'm rolling my eyes right now. You're being rather dramatic, it's a great film!12:28

Received Message: Adrien Oh, yeah! It's wonderful...until the guy gets shot!12:29

Sent Message: Marinette Spoiler alert!12:29

Received Message: Adrien I've got red puffy eyes, Marinette! Lana's going to murder you!12:30

Sent Message: Marinette *Applause* And the Oscar goes to...Adrien Émile Gabriel Donatien Athanase Agreste12:30

Received Message: Adrien I don't know whether to be offended you've full named me, or impressed you put the effort into typing it out12:31

Sent Message: Marinette You know you're always impressed with me! 12:32

Received Message: Adrien That I am! 12:32

Received Message: Adrien Anyway, now you've ruined my flawless and desirable complexion, it's up to you to cheer me up! Do you want me to come to you, or should I meet you at your parents?12:33

Sent Message: Marinette Well, my lesson has just been cancelled, so probably my parents' if that's okay with you?12:33

Received Message: Adrien I haven't eaten any lunch yet, so how about I come collect you from uni and we can go eat?12:34

Sent Message: Marinette You sure know how to treat a lady right!12:35

Received Message: Adrien What else would you expect? See you in about 10 minutes? 12:36

Sent Message: Marinette I'll be waiting12:37

Smiling to herself, Marinette placed her phone on her lap and sighed. She was going on a date tonight. She should not be thinking about Hot Stuff Adrien Agreste – her best friend – her confidant. She was moving on! After 8 years, she was moving on...or at least trying.

The Kimmunicator went off again, Marinette flipping her phone over and reading the message.

Whatsapp chat with: My Kitty

Received Message: Adrien Oh, and FYI, I know you like playing Cupid's Cove, so surprise...I'm in the new update! Check my story out ?12:39

She didn't need to be asked twice. Closing the conversation with Adrien, she quickly flicked up on her screen, removing the app before finding an update in the app store.

And there it was.

Adrien Agreste's CGIed face looked back at her with a pink heart around it, beckoning her to come and play... And why not? She had at least 10 minutes until he arrived, and her avatar was ready to go. All she needed to choose was Adrien's love story and then try to win his heart.

She just hoped it didn't cost her too much in the process.