(Y/N)'s P.O.V.

"Be careful! And take the elevator next time!" I say, as Primvère Rosé, and wave off to a bystander who nearly had a paragliding accident if it were not for us, superheroes. We managed to successfully catch him before he crashed on the roof we're standing on.

"Don't forget your bouquet!" Cat Noir says handing the packaged bouquet to the man who leaves sheepishly.

"Now that we're done here, I'm going to head off! Bug out!" Ladybug says as she swings off with her yo-yo, leaving Cat Noir and me behind.

"For you, m'lady~"

I turn to see Cat Noir on one knee with a rose in hand. He beams at me endearingly waiting for me to accept the rose but I purse my lips and push his hand away.

"You're about to transform already..." I say, dodging his sweet act as I tap the bell on his collar.

"So what? Can't I gift my lovely rosebud before we part ways?" He stands up and looks at me with a soft tender expression, taking me breath away at that moment.

Don't make me do this...

I sigh as a dreading feeling sets upon me. I watch his eyes flicker as he waits for me to respond and it only discourages me more for what I'm about to do.

I take a huge gulp and inch away from him as I prop my elbows on the building's balustrade.

"Listen," I say sternly, avoiding his gaze as he steps before me with the rose.

"I don't know if I can keep leading you on like this, Cat Noir." I finally utter, "You deserve much better than someone like me." I say turning away from him as bile rises in my throat.

I hear the way he lets out a soft sigh. "But, m'lady..." The frustration in his voice was audible. I know it was only a matter of time he'd become impatient.

"You're all I need..." He says and walks up to me, grabbing my hands with an urgent look in his eyes. I look at him painfully and pull away from his warmth.

"I told you already. I'm...in love with someone else."

Cat Noir closes his eyes but then looks at the rose he's holding on to, "I know...but tell me. If he weren't here, would things be different between us?"

My breath knots at his question and I clench my fists to prevent myself from showing any falter. Indeed, I knew too well that things would've been different between me and him if Adrien didn't exist. But how could I say that? I would never bring myself to tell him what he wanted to hear. That would only spark hope in him that would never be satisfied.

On top of a distant building, a billboard with the ad of Adrien's perfume. I examine the boy in the poster which slowly builds up my courage.

"I can't even begin to imagine my life without him..." I murmur loud enough so that Cat Noir can hear. What follows is silence.

I'm sorry, Cat Noir...

I turn to him and immediately feel guilt pierce through me when I see the hurt-filled expression on his face as his lips twitched. He probably wants to say something but this is what I should do so that I don't hurt him further.

My miraculous beeps violently, breaking the silence between us and I grab my whip.

"I gotta go," I say as I extend my whip to a tall building nearby. "You should do the same."

With that, I swing away not turning around to look at him so that I don't see him in pain. I jump down to my sunroof and enter my bedroom, transforming back to normal.

"This is for the best," I whisper to myself, feeding Seven with cherries from the nightstand. "Isn't it?"

Later on, as night approaches, I stand on my balcony, taking in the fresh, filling air of Paris. My body aches after the long day and I take this time to marvel at the beautiful sunset in front of me.

"The view here is spectacular..." I whisper as I try to soothe this unnerving feeling that sits at the pit of my stomach.

"No matter what you think, (Y/N), you did the right thing." Seven lands on my shoulder stroking it softly as a sign of comfort.

"It would've been worse if you just kept on leading him on when you actually have eyes for someone else..."

She's right. He's better off without me.

I lean on the bannister, grumbling to myself about how stupid I am and how I should have let him down easy. I didn't need to be so worked up about Cat Noir.

"Still...I don't know why I'm feeling this way. I should be happy that he's not going to be hurt by my rejection any more."

But why do I feel so empty?

The look he gave me stuck to my head. So grievous...

I shake my head out of these thoughts. I did the right thing but knowing that I hurt him only infuriates me.

"Why is this so unfair?!" I yell with my hand tugging my scalp severely. Cat Noir definitely deserves someone way better than me.

"Looks like someone had a bad day."

I yelp and turn to the voice behind me with a startled jump.

Speaking of the devil, a familiar black cat perches up on my roof behind me which scares the ever-loving heck out of me.

"(Y/N)? Is everything okay in there?" My mom calls out from the other side of my bedroom door which leads me to panic.

"Everything's alright! It was just....uh...a cat." I respond back and then turn to the intruder who smiles at me goofily.

"A cat, huh?" Cat Noir chuckles at me to which I glare at him as he jumps down with me on the balcony. He gestures me to calm down which makes me smile at him nervously.

"What brings you here?" I ask as he takes a seat on my lounge crossing his arms behind his back as he rests.

"Just out on a routine patrol...you looked like you needed someone to talk to." He says averting my gaze.

"Patrol, you say?" I chuckle deviously, "Hmm? Isn't this the usual time for Primvère Rosé to be out as well?"

His eyes widen like saucers and he sits up as if I rang the alarms in his head which makes me smirk.

"N-No. That's not..." He tries defending himself but looking at my unamused expression, he sighs, admitting defeat.

"How did you guess?" He asks me with a small pout. I shrug. "Well, my friend keeps tabs on the supers through her blog-"

"LadyRosé. I know." He grumbles which feels all too amusing.

That...and also, I'm Primvère Rosé.

"So what are you really out here for?" I quirk an eyebrow at him with a knowing smile. He pouts at me as he plays with his tail, as a long dragging sigh escapes from his lips.

"I was hoping to catch Prim out on her patrol..." He admits sheepishly with a face bright red. My smile drops when he says that although I'd already guessed.

So he's still caught up with his feelings... I feel the distress of the situation intensify and I only wonder what I should do if I could console this cat.

After noticing the awkward silence between us, I snap out from my thoughts and tilt my head as if I'm oblivious to what happened.

"Why? Did something happen?" I ask and he looks away with a wavering expression.

"Oh come on! Don't pretend like I don't already know about your lady problems!" I cross my arms and urge him with a demeaning expression to which his lips sink into a frown. From the back of this belt, he pulls out the rose he tried giving me this morning. A bitter feeling rises from within me when I see it and I frown watching his expression darken at the sight of it.

"Hey." I walk towards him, sitting down beside him on the lounge. He turns to me as I place a warm hand on his shoulder.

"I don't listen and tell," I say with an eager expression. He blows raspberries with his lips as if to lighten the situation and it does seem to make him feel better. Although, there's still that look that makes me want to tear myself apart for hurting him.

"Frankly, Prim's not the only reason I'm out here..."

I stare down at him as he fiddles with his hair.

"Well? Go on." I urge as his eyes drift off from the rose into the distant sky.

"I wanted someone to talk to and you just came in mind. Actually, I think you're the only one I can trust enough to tell you about...this."

Well damn...

I feel butterflies form at the pit of my stomach as he nervously chuckles at my expression. Is he serious? What does that mean? Are we just going to ignore the fact that I have a superhero in my balcony telling me this? I mean, two superheroes but...

He silently nudges his body a little closer to me wanting comfort which makes me relax my hold on him and take it all in.

"Wow...I didn't think you thought about me like that." I say, "So what's going on?"

"Do you ever get the feeling that you're stuck, (Y/N)? That no matter what you do, it's the same old story over and over again?"

I notice the strangely melancholic tone in his voice which brings me to the conclusion that he was indeed still caught up with his feelings. I purse my lips into a thin line, watching him as his feelings deplore further the more I wait on giving him the answer. With quick deliberation, I sigh and ready myself for what I need to say to him.

"Cat Noir...what do you think florists do when they see the flower they cherish the most start to wither?"

Eagerly, he waits for me to continue.

"If their precious flower's long gone from restoration, beyond repair, they bring out a new pot with better compost, pick out another seed that they know they'll take care of well this time, plant it into the better soil and let it grow while also making sure to discard the other one," I explain gesturing to the rose. His eyes flicker with a conflicting expression which is what I expected.

"So you think I should give up?"

"No. I don't consider what you need to do next is 'giving up'. You just need to change the pot and believe that the next one will be better than the last. Sometimes you need to realise that being stuck on one flower distracts you from seeing the beauty of the whole garden." I smile.

"That was awfully cheesy but you get what I mean..." I chuckle and pat myself in the back when I see the superhero in leather lighten up.

"That's honestly very insightful. I never really thought about it like that. Thanks, (Y/N)." He says with a heartful nod.

"No problem, lover boy~ I'm always here to help." I wink at him.

"What I should do now is...find another flower to nurture..." He sighs and then looks from me to the rose in his hand. He stares at it for a while probably wondering about what to do now and then...he hands it to me.

His action makes me gawk at him in disbelief, suddenly feeling a rather familiar sensation course through my body. Unable to say anything, I just take it. Shivers run down my spine as our fingers brush. His eyes hold an expression which makes me feel desired and I can't seem to tell what he's thinking about.

"Thanks..." I smile at him as both of us stand up from the lounge. I hold the rose tightly between my fingers as the black cat jumps on top of the railing.

"Are you going to wait for Primvère?" I ask him but he stays silent, lost in thought.

"I think I'll head home now. Thanks for listening to me, (Y/N)..." He says as he gets ready to leave. "I don't know what I'd do without you..." He jumps off throwing me a sparkling grin before using his baton to swing through the buildings.

Several seconds after his departure, I feel as though all of my muscles lighting up on fire.

"Mission Accomplished." Seven chimes from behind me which makes me jerk in surprise.

"Huh?"

"Now, Cat Noir's not going to pursue you anymore!" She cheers for me as I stand on the balcony feeling the wind in my hair and the cold breeze soothing my burning cheeks.

"Yeah...that's a win."

---

It's been a few days since Cat Noir and I had that talk, earning me a few sleepless nights and also something to ponder about. It got me thinking. Maybe I should say something to Adrien? But I'm not like Cat Noir who'd openly confess his love to his love openly without a second thought. I have to be precise about this...

I stay deep in thought as I jog up the stairs to the entrance of the school, not seeing the said blonde-haired model in front of me. I bump into him, slip and fall on my backside startled at the mere sight of Adrien Agreste standing at the entrance of the courtyard. He turns to look at me, shocked but relieved.

"(Y/N)? Perfect timing!" He picks me up as I rub the spot that hurts.

"Did I fall over that good?" I remark as I fumble with the strap of my bag. He chuckles at me, "No, no. What I meant was I actually need some advice. Can we talk?" He looks at me with his innocent eyes and I smile at him. My heart grows when I see that he's willing to talk to me as well.

"Sure...I wanted to talk to you too..." I nod and then follow him to an empty bench in the courtyard.

I can do this.

"What's bothering you, Adrien?" I ask as he sheepishly places his bag on his lap, looking at me with anxious eyes.

"Okay. Well...this is a little bit awkward for me...'cause it's about a girl." He mumbles, giving me a rather exciting look as he uses the word.

My heart flutters at that. He stares deeply into my eyes which keeps my toes curled and my face warm.

"A girl now?" I ask as he scratches the back of his neck.

"We see each other every day because we study together. We've just been friends, you know..." He says with a shy tone to which I furrow my eyebrows already foreboding what he's going to say.

Oh-kay, enough with the subliminal friendzone message. Just give it to me.

I mask my feelings, letting out an internal groan as I know what's coming to me.

"...Until recently." He quickly adds to which I pause. I quirk an eyebrow at him dubiously as he fumbles with his hair looking away from my burning gaze. It takes me a while to realise my behaviour as he bites his lip tediously.

"Go on..."

What's going on in that gorgeous head of yours, Adrien Agreste? I ponder as my heart starts racing with adrenaline. A smile forms on my lips as a strand of hope pulls me in place. His eyes shine at the mere mention of this girl. It makes me uneasy and thrilled at the same time.

"Now I'm starting to see her differently. I only thought of her as a friend when we first met but thinks kept happening between us and...I think she feels the same way too..." He asks looking back at me with pouty eyes.

"I just don't know how to tell her without messing up...you know?"

I think for a while, reconstructing what I want to say. If I say something too straightforward, it'll scare him off, wouldn't it? Is it me he's talking about? No, it can't be. What should I ask?

"Uh...then tell me about her," I suggest with a smile. My words probably fluster him as I can see the tiny shade of red forming on his cheeks. The boy who was so confident about everything is sitting next to me right now with the most unsure expression I've seen him pull off.

And to know that a girl is making him feel this way.

There's no way it's gonna be me.

"She's very pretty, strong-willed and courageous. When I look into her eyes, they feel so mysterious...like I'm sinking deep into this mystery..."

An unnerving chill washes over my entire body as he turns to me and with a smile, he inches closer to me almost as if he wants to whisper something into my ear. I find myself lost in his endearing eyes thinking about how I fell in love with this dork. The first time I remember feeling this way was that rainy day when he looked at me with those kind eyes. Those were the eyes I was staring into right now only replaced with a besotted expression that I only wished was for me.

Please be me...

"Do I...know this girl?" I ask with my teeth locked in place. I had to ask....it wasn't like I wanted to further this conversation with my heart pounding every second.

"Yeah, you do." He chuckles as he leans in. My chest feels warm as I feel his hand ghosting over mine. With a small chuckle, I look at him assuringly urging him to go on.

"It's..." He pauses, looking at me with a reluctant expression.

.

.

.

"Kagami."

Something with me shatters when that name slips from his tongue.

"K-Kagami?" I stutter as devastation penetrates within me, trying to find words to cope with that just happened. My eyebrows furrow and my lips form a scowl when he says so as I let it sink in.

No. This is not happening...

"Yeah. Don't you think she's just amazing?"

My ears ring out the sound of him gushing about what kind of girl Kagami was. I watch as his eyes shine when he talks about her, piercing my chest more than I hoped it would.

So, it was Kagami all along?

The image of her embeds in my mind. Of course, it's her. She's the only one I can think of that's perfect for Adrien. A rich girl with a mysterious background. Both of them love fencing, have a similar background. They're genuinely compatible with each other.

While I'm not...

"Uh...(Y/N)?"

I jump at the sudden call as he looks at me confounded. "Yeah! I'm listening!"

"I was just asking you what I should do about these feelings?"

My jaw tightens when he looks at me with such an adorable expression. I inhale deeply questioning what to say myself.

"You want advice?"

He nods like a puppy waiting for his treat and for some reason, it makes me feel more crushed.

"Okay...hmm..." I bite my lip as I try to gain from whatever he said.

"Don't give her the wrong idea."

Adrien looks uncertain but then looks at me. "What do you mean by that?"

"If whatever you're saying is true, there is a chance that she'll...like you back. So don't tell her things that will make her question your every move. Be straightforward with what you want to say..." I gesture but then realise he's looking at me funny.

"Don't girls like it when guys keep them on their toes?" He asks naively with a puzzled expression that makes me giggle.

"Everyone has different preferences. With a girl like Kagami, her type is probably someone who's truthful and willing to take the next step when she asks them to." I nod.

She does seem like that kind of gal.

"Wow. That genuinely helps a lot..." He nods as he sits back, seemingly thinking about it.

"What should I do about it now?"

I laugh nervously at that question. "That's up to you. You could take her out on a date-"

"A-A date?" He gulps as his face goes red. For a moment, my chest sinks and I stare at him with a sad smile.

"Yeah. Maybe not where people can easily spot a famous model and rich girl easily. Like perhaps...the ice rink that no one uses anymore?" I suggest.

"Ice-skating?"

"Not your usual date but she might like it, considering that she doesn't like being in a commoner's position," I mutter the last part so that he doesn't hear.

"What was that?"

"Oh, I was just saying how much she'll appreciate being in that situation...with you..."

He doesn't give much thought to my mumble and then places a hand over mine making my eyes widen. "B-But I can't do this alone! I'm too shy to even ask her..."

"Uh...you can bring along someone with you? Maybe a group date?" I suggest to which he grins satisfied.

"That's a brilliant idea!" He coos as I inhale a huge breath. "Can you come with me?"

"Me?" I look at him with an unsure expression, "Oh, well...I would love to come...but I guess I shouldn't, I don't even have a date." I say but when I turn to look at him, he pouts and looks at me with the most adorable puppy eyes I have seen him do.

"I don't know..." I try to avert my gaze from such a divine blessing in front of me but fail to look away.

"Please, (Y/N). I need you." He deepens his gaze and places both his hands on my shoulders which makes the butterflies in my stomach go haywire.

I close my eyes in defeat and nod frantically. "Fine."

"Thank you! Thank you, (Y/N)! You're the best!" He says and gives me a hug before standing up to leave but he stops on his heels and turns to me.

"Wait. Didn't you say you wanted to talk to me?" He asks but I shake my head. "I guess not."

"Okay then. I'll see you at class!" He cheers with a red tint splashed across his cheeks.

"Jeez...where did he learn to be so cute?" I groan as I look down, finally...realising the consequences of my actions. I look at him from afar and what I can tell it's the happiest I've seen him become and it's not because of me.

As soon as he walks off towards the other direction with Nino and the others, my heart starts pounding furiously. All of a sudden, I begin to feel an overwhelming rue set over me as I try to contain my tears from flowing. Fatigued, worried about what's going to happen.

I make my way to the bathroom and lock myself in a stall, cuddling myself up on the toilet seat as Seven pops out of her hiding spot. As soon as I'm sure I'm alone, I feel tears burst uncontrollably.

"Seven..." I whimper as all of my emotions start pouring out at the moment.

"Oh honey, I know..." She pats my head, trying to calm me down as anxiety deadens me in my spot.

No negative emotions...not this time, (Y/N)...

"Deep breaths, (Y/N)..." She pulls my chin up with a stern look. Like all the other times I had a mental breakdown, Seven always had my back and I was only grateful to have someone by my side.

The bell rings which signals that I have to get up.

"No negative emotions..." I whisper to myself like a mantra that'll help me feel better but it doesn't.

I get out of the stall and towards the mirrors, washing my face with the cold water in one of the sinks and checking my face whether it's noticeable. Other than the slight redness and puff bags around my eyes, I'm convinced that no one will notice...maybe.

I settle my hiccups and run towards my class, noticing that I'm already five minutes late. I try entering Mrs Mendeleiev's class without a peep as I look around to see all of my classmates in their seats and although I think I'm successful, I see the teacher glaring at me when I take a seat. But she turns away from me and continues her class which calms me down.

After the class ends, we have a free period which is probably the last thing I want right now.

"Hey, (Y/N)..." Marinette calls out for me which makes me clench my teeth. "Are you alright? You don't look too good."

I turn from her and scratch my head nervously.

"I'm feeling a little bit feverish. Nothing I can't handle though."

"Oh..." She sounds unconvinced but decides to shrug it off. "Okay...then let's head to the library!" She suggests.

"I can't. Miss Bustier asked me to send in the student project files from the glass cabinet and I'll probably be busy the whole day with the upcoming exams." Although that wasn't entirely a lie, I felt like someone punched my gut for lying to my best friend.

"Okay. Then what about after school? We're meeting up at Juleka's houseboat for a girls' day out!" She exclaims cheekily to which I consider.

"I don't know..." I mutter just as Adrien enters the room seemingly forget his favourite pen. I watch him not noticing how I went silent at his appearance.

Does Kagami even know the best things about you?

I shake my head out of those bad thoughts feeling some sort of anger boil within me.

"(Y/N)?" I snap out of my daze and walk away from her.

"I said I don't know. I'll think about it." I say with a hint of annoyance which seems to surprise her. I feel a pang of guilt on my chest but by the time I notice her hurt expression, I'm already halfway across the hallway. I curse at myself for lashing out at her like that.

I'm sorry that I'm such an idiot, Marinette...I just need some time alone right now. I promise I'll come to you.

The whole day went by with me trying to ignore the girls which pained me but I knew that if I confronted them now about what happened, I would lose it. That's how it's been for a long while. Just bottle them up...

I peek out of the classroom to see if Marinette and Alya are waiting for me.

"You know you're eventually going to face them, right?" Seven whispers from my pocket to which I shush her.

"You'll blow my cover!" I whisper-yell at her and she sticks her tongue at me. I don't see a sign of them which leads me to sigh and walk out of the class unsuspecting of what's coming my way. Midway across the hallway, I hear rushed footsteps behind me.

"There she is!" Alya screeches from behind me which makes me turn around.

What the heck? My eyes widen when I see the six of them running towards me at full speed from the end of the hall. Without thinking, I run towards the opposite direction as if I'm being chased by ghosts.

"YOU'RE NOT GETTING AWAY FROM US!" They call out which scared me off even more. As I turn around to see how close they are, I trip and nearly fall on my face but a pair of arms grab me.

"Watch where you're going." I freeze when I hear that familiar voice. In front of me, Kagami gives me a stern look.

"K-Kagami..." I stand up and bow down, "I am so sorry."

That's right. He has fencing today...

"I'll be off now. Take care!" I say and run off towards a random direction. He must be on the moon if she's here today. I feel my eyes burn and a lump form on my throat as I continue running.

"GOTCHA NOW!" Marinette jumps in front of me unexpectedly and tackles me down with my face planted on the ground.

"Now stop running and tell us what's wrong!" She straddles me and turns me around. But her expression changes when she looks at me.

"(Y/N)..." Alya and the others pick me up from the ground as I realise I'm caught, feeling strands of tears fall across my cheeks. I cover my face from them as fit of hiccups begin to rise from my words.

"Hey...what's going on? Talk to us." Mylene pulls me into a side hug as hysterical whimpers escape from my mouth.

"N-Not...here."

---

So, that's how I ended up cuddling Rose's teddy bear, Mr Bunny on the couch with a blanket wrapped around my body as I sip on hot chocolate and munch on some eclairs from Marinette's bakery.

"I love you, guys..." I mutter feeling like I finally reached the true essence of heaven.

"Now..." Marinette begins as I take a long sip of the warm cocoa. I look towards all of them; Marinette, Alya, Mylene, Juleka, Alix and Rose, and suddenly I feel so small. They all hold concerned looks waiting for me to say something.

"Care to tell us what's got you so worked up?" She asks me anxiously. I clench my teeth as I would do anything but remember today's events yet I hold my tears and nod.

"Well. Where do I start?"

I tell them everything; from the moment I entered the school to the moment he told me he liked Kagami.

"WHAT?!" All of them exclaim in shock.

"THE ICE QUEEN?! Seriously? Are his standards that high?" Marinette bursts out.

"Hey. Ouch." I glare at her. Alya scoffs, "The nerve of this guy...WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US EARLIER?! WE WOULD'VE WHOPPED HIS BUTT AT SCHOOL FOR MESSING YOUR HEART!" Alya yells in anger to which I chuckle bitterly.

"Come on. Would you have really?" I ask her with a blank expression.

"Well. Not exactly, he's an angel sent from heaven. I wouldn't touch a hair on his head." She sighs.

"Exactly."

Marinette, Alix and Rose frantically move around the room in a panic as to come up with a solution. Mylene and Juleka sit alongside me soothing my back and helping me through it.

"That's not even the worst part..." I grumble with my mouth full of delicious bites of chocolate melting on my tongue.

They jeer at me, "What could be worse than that?"

"He asked me to...come to the ice rink with him so that I can help him on his date with Kagami..."

"OH HECK NAH." Alix smacks her head in disappointment as the others panic.

"Told you so..." I say sipping slowly on the slightly less warm hot chocolate.

"Tell him you can't come because you need to help our mom at the flower store!" Rose suggests to which I sigh.

"I can't just do that, Rose...he told me that he needed me and I'm not going to back out just because I like the guy and he's with someone else," I say and the others stay silent.

"Come here." Marinette pulls me into a tight hug which leads the others to do the same. "You're too soft for your own good, you know that, right?" Alya says to which I sigh.

"I'm sorry..."

"Chill. You don't need to apologize..."

"No. I'm sorry for being a jerk to all of you today...I didn't realise it but I put myself in such a dark place when I found out I wasn't the one he wanted..." I admit.

"It's natural, (Y/N). You've been through a lot but you have to promise us not to hide things from us anymore." Marinette says to which I nod.

"I promise."

"Now stop bawling over some guy who doesn't even know your worth."

"Yeah, Adrien Agreste doesn't deserve your tears."

I giggle at them softly as I being to feel happy tears form on the edge of my eyes.

"I seriously don't know what I would do without you all!" I cry out to which they awe. As we all settle, things go back to normal and we all have a great time till evening.

"But...there's one more problem."

"What's that?"

"I need a date."

End Chapter.

Had to pull out the big guns for this episode.