Beyond the Borders

ch.10 - new year, new me

♥

Adrien's POV:

I groggily reached over to my nightstand and grabbed my phone, swiping the annoying alarm notification away with a grumble. The first day back to school. The thought alone was enough to make my stomach churn with nerves. I reluctantly crawled out of bed, my muscles still stiff from my intense training the day before.

With a sigh, I grabbed my fresh pair of clothes and headed towards the bathroom. The warm water from the shower immediately loosened up my muscles and eased my nerves. I couldn't help but let out a content sigh as I let the water wash away any remaining drowsiness.

As I finished showering, I quickly brushed my teeth and combed my blonde hair. I couldn't help but notice that my hair was getting a bit fluffy in the front. I should get that cut later, I thought.

Once I finished my morning routine, I grabbed my bag and headed out the door. My bodyguard, Gorilla, was waiting for me outside in the car. He gave me a nod and a silent grunt as I got in and we drove off towards school.

This was my last year of high school and I couldn't be more relieved. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed school and learning, but being a superhero and keeping up with schoolwork was no easy task. I just wanted to get it over with and move onto the next chapter of my life. And finally move out from this hellhole of my father's expectations.

As we pulled up to the school, I took a deep breath and mentally prepared myself for the day ahead. I knew it was going to be a tough year, but I was determined to make the most of it. Whatever challenges came my way, I was ready to face them head on.

With a confident smile, I stepped out of the car and headed towards the school building. This was it, my last year of high school. I was ready for whatever it had in store for me.

As I climbed the familiar steps of my high school, I couldn't help but notice a group of girls whispering and giggling as they looked in my direction. I knew what they were talking about - my charm, my fame, my status as France's most eligible heartthrob. It was all too familiar, all too predictable.

But what they didn't know was that I didn't really care about their admiration. Sure, it felt nice to be wanted and desired by so many, but in the end, it all felt superficial. I never felt a true connection with any of my fans, despite their efforts to get close to me.

The mere thought of sharing my life with someone made me yearn for something more genuine. And yet, it seemed that most girls were only interested in me for the fame and wealth that came with my family's name. Others were simply attracted to the surface level - my looks. It all made me feel like a curse.

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate my looks and my privilege, but it's exhausting to constantly have people throw themselves at me for the shallowest of reasons. All I truly want is to find someone who loves me for who I am. Not for my looks, not for my money, but for my heart and soul. Is that too much to ask for?

I couldn't help but think back to my crush on Kagami, and maybe even Marinette. But those feelings faded as I realized I needed to focus on myself and my own growth. I needed to figure out who I was before I could even think about being in a relationship. But the longing for a real connection still lingered inside of me.

As I reached the top of the stairs, I took a deep breath and prepared to face another day of fawning girls and superficial conversations. But deep down, I hoped that someday, I would find someone who could break through the facade and see the real me.

♥

As my father's car came to a stop in front of the high school, my heart began to race with excitement and nervousness. This was it, the moment I had been waiting for. I was finally going to start my high school journey, a new chapter in my life.

But as I looked up at the imposing building in front of me, I couldn't help but hesitate. The reality of being a new student at this school, after years of being homeschooled, started to sink in. Would I fit in? Would I make friends? These thoughts swirled in my head, causing me to fidget with my hair uncontrollably.

"Princesa, are you okay?" My dad's voice broke me out of my thoughts. I turned to him, my face filled with worry. "I don't think I can do this, papá. I-I'm just so nervous. W-What if they don't like me? What if I'm not good enough? What if everyone thinks of me as a joke?"

My dad reached over and gently took my hands in his. "It's natural to feel nervous, mija. But remember, this is an exciting new opportunity for you. Embrace it and don't be afraid to put yourself out there."

I nodded, trying to calm myself down. "But what if I mess up? What if I don't fit in?" I was on the verge of tears, but he quickly wiped them off before I could even release them.

My dad gave me a reassuring smile. "You are strong and capable, Wavey. Just be yourself and everything will fall into place. Don't worry too much about what others think, just focus on making the best of your first day.'

Taking a deep breath, I nodded, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me. He was right, I could do this. Well, maybe. I softly smiled at him, feeling more relaxed as I opened the car door and stepped out.

"Okay... I'll give it my best shot."

"Esa es mi chica," my dad said proudly, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "Now go on, it's time to face your first day. I'll pick you up after school."

With newfound determination, I made my way towards the school, ready to take on whatever challenges and adventures high school had in store for me. After all, it's just one year. What's the worse that could happen?