Marinette's POV

"Marinette won again!" Nino cries, exasperated. "None of us have a chance!"

I hold up my controller as I do a victory dance. "That's right! I won! I'm awesome!" I chant.

Alya gets up and starts doing the dance with me. To my surprise, so does Adrien. Then we collapse on the couch, guffawing.

"We could do a round of team mode," Adrien says.

"I'm down with that," I reply.

"Sure!" Alya replies.

Nino's about to respond when the door opens, revealing Nathalie in her gray pantsuit.

"Adrien, it's time for your friends to go home so you can get ready for the party."

Adrien kneels on the couch cushion and dangles over the back. It's so cute! "Could Marinette and Alya cater?" he asks eagerly. "Marinette's parents own a bakery."

She looks a bit startled, but she gives a small nod. "Yes. I'll order some pizza too."

Adrien's eyes light up. His excitement is adorable! "Did you say..."

"Get ready." And with that, Nathalie leaves.

"We're having pizza!" Adrien says breathlessly. "Pizza!"

Alya chuckles. "Calm down, Agreste."

He takes a deep breath. "Sorry, my father rarely lets me have pizza."

Rarely lets him have pizza? "That's terrible!" I respond without thinking, unable to hide my frown. Did I really just say that out loud?

I feel a strong but gentle hand on my shoulder. "It's fine, Marinette. Really, it's okay," Adrien assures me.

"We should get going," Nino says. "See you tonight, dude!"

"See ya!" Adrien replies. He looks down at my ankle as Nino and Alya head toward the door. "Looks like your ankle's getting better. Can you walk?"

After an hour of sitting and playing video games, I'm not quite sure. Maybe? "Um..."

"Just try," he says. "Lean against me if you need support."

I stand up, concentrating on the floor so he won't see my blush, and take a few steps. Wobbly, but not bad. By the time I get to the door, everything's fine.

"Good job."

I reach for the door, but another hand bumps into mine. Adrien and I immediately turn to each other.

His face is red again, for the millionth time today.

We giggle.

"Allow me." He grabs the handle and pulls open the door, sinking into a bow. "Ladies first," he says in a tone of voice that reminds me of someone.

"Thanks." I go through, and he follows.

"So... I'll see you in a few hours, right?"

"Of course." I smile.

"Cool! I'm really looking forward to seeing you." The corners of his mouth turn upwards as his eyes sparkle, focused right on me. Oh my gosh...

"Marinette!"

My eyes flutter open, and my face turns scarlet as I realize that he's holding me for the second time today. Adrien. Holding me! And looking at me with concern.

"You all right? Are you sure your ankle's okay?"

Hide the blush! "I-I'm fine. Just... slipped. I'm madly clumsy."

Something flashes in his eyes, just for a split second. I don't know what. Then he helps me up, a caring expression on his face. "I'm glad you're not hurt. See you tonight."

Alya and Nino are waiting for me down the hallway. "Yeah, see ya!" I tell Adrien, then hurry to them.

Hello again.

So uh...

I'm awkward and I don't know what to say so bye!