Mysteries of the Heart

CHAPTER 1

The First Encounter

As Adrien led the way to the bakery that held the promise of delicious food, he couldn't contain his excitement. "You're gonna love it, Felix!" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm contagious. I followed along, my steps a bit slower, my mind drifting to thoughts of the treats that awaited us. If Adrien's constant chatter about this place was any indication, the food must be truly exceptional—enough to bring me a momentary respite from the weight of my thoughts and the ache in my heart.

As we made our way to the bakery, the distance between the Agreste Mansion and this culinary haven seemed to stretch out before us. "It's a good thing that is now allowing you to go outside," I remarked, attempting to engage in small talk and pass the time. Adrien's grin widened, a testament to his genuine happiness at the prospect of me joining him on this outing.

"Yeah, he's turning soft," Adrien replied, his tone filled with playful amusement. I couldn't help but let out a sarcastic chuckle, fully aware that my uncle's stern demeanor and piercing gaze had not softened in the least. His permission for us to venture out was granted reluctantly, driven solely by my mother's recent passing. The memories of his harsh tone and disapproving glare lingered, a constant reminder of the conditions that allowed us to embark on this small adventure.

As we stepped out of the mansion, Adrien's cheerful suggestion to stay together and return home by 4 o'clock lingered in the air. However, it didn't take long for his dissatisfaction to surface, as he complained about the early hour just moments after we set off. The time constraint felt suffocating, but I understood the reasons behind it, even if it meant cutting our outing short.

Finally, we arrived at the bakery, and as Adrien opened the door, my world seemed to come to a standstill. There she was, Marinette, the girl from the video, tending to the counter. My heart pounded in my chest, nerves tingling throughout my body. I quickly grabbed Adrien's arm, halting his progress, and attempted to divert his attention.

"Hey, are you sure this is the bakery you were talking about? I don't smell anything delicious it smells disgusting here. Let's go somewhere else." I questioned, my voice laced with a hint of desperation. The truth was, the overwhelming presence of Marinette made me feel uneasy, as if the heat in the room had suddenly intensified. I desperately wanted to leave, to find another bakery where I could escape the intensity of my emotions. The idea of facing Marinette, knowing the feelings she harbored for Adrien, was almost unbearable.

Adrien frowned at my words, clearly taken aback by my sudden change of heart. However, before we could make a hasty exit, Marinette approached us, a forced smile playing on her lips. Did she hear what I said? The thought sent a pang of guilt through me, mingling with the ache in my heart as I observed her beautiful face.

With a hint of venom in her words, she addressed us, her gaze seemingly fixed on me. "And what do you gentlemen want?" Her tone dripped with disdain, leaving no doubt that her words were directed at me. Adrien, oblivious to the underlying tension, cheerfully recited our order, while my gaze remained fixed on Marinette, a mix of conflicting emotions churning within me.The realization that Marinette had feelings for Adrien, as revealed in the video, struck me with a pang of jealousy. It was a bitter pill to swallow, my teeth clenching as I struggled to contain the surge of emotions within me. The ache in my heart intensified, a reminder of the unrequited longing that simmered beneath the surface.

In that moment, as I stared into Marinette's eyes, my own expression blank, I couldn't help but wonder how this tangled web of emotions would unfold. The collision of unspoken desires and unrequited love hung in the air, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a simple outing to the bakery.

Adrien had ordered for me, already knowing what I prefer. As Marinette went to get what we ordered, Adrien faced me with a concerned expression on his face.

"You don't seem to be okay." Wow. Ouch. I glared at Adrien.

"I'm fine." I responded and turned to leave the bakery, hoping that some fresh air might do me good. The smell of Marinette's scent was more prominent than the smell of the pastries.

I breathed in the fresh air, and soon found myself running inside. I stared as the villain continued to trap adults in bubbles, slowly moving away from the bakery. The people inside the bakery seemed to be unaware of what was going on outside, Adrien and Marinette were engaged in a conversation. Adrien holding a paper bag that probably had our orders.

I walked towards them, schooling my face and whispering to Adrien. "There's a villain in the loose, we should probably go hide, at least until Chat Noir and Ladybug defeat him."

Adrien looked shocked by what I just said, causing Marinette to look at us curiously.

"Well. I have to go." Adrien said, chuckling nervously. He handed me the paper bag and placed me in front of Marinette. "You guys. Just talk alright?"

I stared at Adrien with an incredulous expression on my face. It was unbelievable. I warned him that we should hide, and yet he wants to go somewhere?

"Wait-" Adrien had already gone out the door. When I glanced at Marinette, she was also gone. I sighed and closed my eyes.

I had to follow Adrien, Marinette can come later. I quickly ate the pastries that Adrien had ordered for us and ran outside. Following after the villain. I first had to make sure that Adrien did not go this direction to do whatever he wanted to do.