[Marinette's POV]

My science class is on a bus headed to a marine biology camp where we will be staying for two nights. I sigh and look out the window. I wonder if Cat Noir was planning to see me while I'm away only to show up and find my room empty.

The bus pulls up at the marine biology camp. It has a large building dedicated to aquariums as well as a research lab and of course the small cabins where we will be staying.

"I wonder if they have any sharks." Kim says excitedly.

"One of the camp activities listed on our schedule is snorkelling, so I seriously doubt it." Max replies.

"Bummer, I've always wanted to wrestle a shark. Betchya I could!" Kim says. "How much would you pay me to sneak into the aquariums at night and beat up a shark?"

Alex scoffs. "Yeah right. You're too chicken to follow through with any of your stupid bets."

"I can't believe you're still bitter about the sports carnival bet. It's been months now!" Kim complains.

"Yeah it's been months and I still haven't seen you come to school dressed as a girl." Alex says, crossing her arms.

"The bet was that if you won I would cross-dress. You didn't win!" Kim retaliates.

"I beat you! You're just too obnoxious to admit it." Alex argues. "I got further in the race—"

"But you didn't cross the finish line. Ergo, you didn't finish. Therefore, you did not win." Kim interrupts.

"Nice cognitive language." Max says.

Alex throws her hands up and grunts in frustration.

"Why don't you two just make out already?" Adrien cuts in.

"Max and Kim? I know right." Alex laughs.

"Oh, I meant you and Kim." Adrien says.

Alex recoils in disgust. "Ew. Gross."

"She wishes." Kim sniggers.

Adrien smiles and shakes his head in disappointment. Of course, he and I are the only ones aware that Kim and Alex have already made out quite passionately. Come to think of it, I kissed Adrien too that day. Though, it was as Ladybug so he has no idea. So embarrassing! I couldn't look at him without smiling for months after that. Granted, I always smile when I look at him—but I meant more than usual. It used to be on my mind all day every day—it was all I could think about—but lately it hasn't really crossed my mind. I hope that means I'm ready to make another move soon. But I do wonder...does Adrien still have feelings for Ladybug?

"Alright class, this way to your cabins." Mrs Mendeleiev speaks up.

We pass through the aquarium to get to our cabins. It's amazing. Shimmering blue light reflects off all the walls. I see crazy fish that I didn't even know existed! Chat would love this. I can't wait to tell him all about it when I get home.

The cabins are of course separated between boys and girls. As soon as we get inside, Alex races into the bedroom to claim a top bunk. Chloe starts unpacking all of her cosmetics in the bathroom.

"You brought makeup to a school camp?" Alya says, observing one of Chloe's large makeup bags.

"Duh, it's one of the many struggles of looking this fabulous." Chloe replies with a flick of her hair.

"It's crazy what some makeup artists can do. I really respect their skills." I say.

"See? Marinette gets it." Chloe responds.

"Yeah, but I just don't have the time for this kinda stuff." I say.

Chloe gasps. "I should totally give you a makeover."

"I don't think..." I say unsurely.

"Oh come on, you clearly need it." Chloe insists.

Before I even know what's happening, Chloe has opened her makeup bags and spread them across the counter.

"Ooo, Chloe could you do me next?" Sabrina asks excitedly.

"Makeovers, fun! I'd like one too please." Rose chimes in.

"Oh...sure, okay." Chloe says.

Chloe smiles to herself as she begins to dab on my foundation. She's always had attention, but never like this. I can tell she's enjoying making friends.

Chloe did my makeup in what she called 'Autumn style'. She used lots of bronzy-brown with a hint of red, which she said would complement my blue eyes. She was right of course; my eyes have never looked brighter. To finish it off she painted my lips a matt, dark red. Rose obviously got pink everything and Sabrina got more of a natural look with a tinge of purple around her eyes. Chloe did her own makeup with a wintry pallet: silver, white and a tiny bit of blue. The other girls passed on the makeup, which is good because just the four us of took forever to finish. By the time we were all done, it was already time for dinner.

When we enter the dining hall, all of the boys are already there sitting at one large table with plenty of spare seats for us.

"Finally we can eat!" Nino complains. "What took you guys so long?"

"Nice to see you too." Alya jests, taking a seat next to her boyfriend.

"Chloe gave us makeovers! Isn't that nice?" Rose says happily.

"It's very pretty." Nathaniel replies kindly.

"Nice job Chloe." Kim praises. "Looks great."

Alex points to her tongue as if gagging.

I am the last of the girls to sit down. The last seat left is next to Adrien. All of my classmates look at me expectantly, as if they left it free purposely. I slowly sit down, eyeing my friends suspiciously.

"Marinette, you look...different." Kim says. "A good different! I like it."

Adrien shifts uncomfortably.

"Er, thanks Kim." I reply.

"Food's ready!" Shouts the chef.

Everyone scrambles up from their seats to get their food. After we fill our plates, most people go back to the table but I'm standing at the drinks station pouring some juice.

"Hey Princess." Adrien steps next to me and occupies himself with the water.

"Oh, hey Adrien." I greet.

"Uh, I think so too...that you look nice." Adrien says after a short silence.

"Thanks." I smile and put down the juice jug.

Adrien stops me before I can return to the table. "But good different doesn't mean your usual self isn't good too. You know that, right?" He adds quickly. "I know what Kim said, but I think you look good all the time."

Adrien's glass of water is already full but he keeps pouring as he talks.

"A-Adrien..." I speak up.

"I-I mean, that's not to say I don't support you no matter what you look like," Adrien continues. "I'm just saying that you are beautiful. You, as you are...yeah."

"Adrien...the water."

"Shoot." Adrien quickly stops pouring into his overflowing glass. "Ah, sorry."

"That's okay. Here, let me help you."

Adrien and I gather some paper towels to clean up the pool of water. When we return to the dining table, everyone looks to be having a great time.

"What are we talking about?" I ask as I take my seat.

"We're playing truth." Alya answers.

"These wimps don't wonna include dares cuz they don't wonna get in trouble." Alex adds.

"I just answered a question so it's my turn to choose." Maylene says, turning to me.

Oh no. I don't want to play this game. I have too many secrets!

"Marinette, have you ever..." Maylene giggles. "Kissed someone? And if so, who?"

My heart lurches. Of course I kissed Adrien earlier this year, but the first thing that comes to my mind is my kiss with Cat Noir last year during our fight against Dark Cupid. My first kiss. I'm burning up just at the thought of it.

"Look at her, she's blushing!" Sabrina says.

My only two kisses have both been as Ladybug. I can't tell anyone about either of them!

"Uh..." I say nervously. "No..."

"Spill, Marinette." Chloe demands.

"I-I haven't kissed anyone before, okay? You got me." I lie.

"I believe her. If she smooched anyone, I would know about it." Alya pinches my cheek affectionately.

[Adrien's POV]

Wow. Marinette seemed really flustered...I wonder if she really was telling the truth. But Marinette wouldn't lie...would she? Who could she have kissed? Louis? Eugh, my chest is burning just at the thought of it.

My eyes shift to Marinette, who blushes and smiles anxiously.

Who? Who could it be? Does she like someone? Does she have a boyfriend that I don't know about? My head is spinning. I'm itching with curiosity. Maybe she kissed Nathaniel out of pity. Argh, that would be even worse!

"Well, I guess it's my turn then." Marinette says. "Um, let's see. Adrien, do you...l-like anyone?"

I'm caught completely off guard. I was so deep in thought about Marinette kissing someone that I wasn't even paying attention.

"What? Oh. W-Well, I...n-no. Not really..." I stammer.

"I call bullshit!" Alex hollers.

Kim sniggers.

"You can say it, we're all friends here." Nathaniel says.

"Just spit it out. It's no big deal." Alex says. "Or maybe you're embarrassed because your crush is sitting in this very room."

"No!" I deny quickly.

Nino thankfully backs me up. "Hey now, if my boy Adrien says no then the answer is no."

I can't tell everyone that I'm in love with Ladybug. I'll sound like an idiot! But I can tell what they're thinking...

Alex fakes a cough. "Ehemmarinette! Hm!"

I can feel myself going red. I can't let Marinette get dragged into this. She probably feels so awkward right now.

"Fine. If you really want to know..." I say, crossing my arms. "If I had to say someone, I guess I'm kind of a fan of Ladybug. But it's not a crush, I just have the hots for a superhero—so what?"

The table falls silent.

I can feel Marinette looking at me, but I keep my eyes glued to my plate.

"I don't blame him." Nino speaks up. "Don't lie to yourselves boys, Ladybug is a pretty rad chicka."

I look at Nino gratefully. Bless his soul! I can always count on Nino to back me up.

"Yeah, Ladybug is a total babe." Alya approves.

My classmates mumble in agreement.

"She's pretty hot I guess." Kim admits. "I'd totally like to arm-wrestle her someday."

"She's got some mad skills!" Alex says strongly.

"Her battle strategies are quite admirable." Max says.

"And she's always putting herself before others." Nathaniel adds.

"Yes, she's so very nice." Rose says joyfully.

"She brought me and Maylene together." Ivan says with a shy smile.

Maylene smiles and hugs Ivan tightly.

"I like her suit." Juleka says monotonously.

"Duh, it's always been obvious that Ladybug is the coolest." Chloe says proudly.

"Yeah, the coolest." Sabrina agrees.

The entire table soon breaks out in a passionate discussion about Ladybug. Turns out I'm not the only one who's crazy about her. Everyone has something to say.

Everyone except Marinette.

Marinette sits there quietly, poking her food with her fork. I look at her uneasily but decide not to say anything.

[Marinette's POV]

Every time I think I'm getting somewhere with Adrien, my alter ego turns round and slaps me in the face. Will Adrien ever forget about Ladybug?