What The Future Holds

Hugo?

It's been a few days since the incident in the Agreste manor and word seemed to get around quickly that Hugo and Adrien are no longer friends. In class, Hugo has asked to switch seats, letting Lila take his seat beside Adrien. Whenever he's asked about it, Hugo grows silent as he looks away, clearly not wanting to talk about it.

To Adrien, he could clearly see how hard Hugo was taking his father's message and knew he needed to do something. Most of the class was trying to keep his spirits up, afraid that his negative emotions would get him akumatized, but no one tried harder than the Couffaines.

Juleka made sure that no matter what happened, Hugo still felt like he belonged with them, and Luka tried his best to keep his mind off things by showing him how to play guitar. Luka knew that everything will sort itself out eventually and that with a little patience, Hugo will have Adrien back once again.

As class ended for the day, Marinette stood up from her seat along with her other classmates and watched as Adrien looked over at the other boy. Her heart broke a bit for them, knowing that their friendship is forbidden due to Mr. Agreste's strict rules. With both boys still so upset, it was about time that someone did something, right?

"Alya, can I talk to you about something?" Marinette asked, gathering up her back before looking at her friend.

Alya nodded before taking her back and smiling at Nino before letting him know she'll wait for him outside. "Is it something private, or something for all the girls?"

"Private." Marinette sighed before saying, "it's actually about Adrien and Hugo."

Just as she said this, Nino and Adrien came out next, talking about who would win their next videogame competition. Even then, Adrien's usual bright smile had been dimmed as he glanced back to see Hugo coming out with Nathaniel. Nathaniel trying his best to cheer up the boy with some of his drawings.

"They've both been pretty upset lately since Mr. Agreste said they couldn't be friends anymore. Don't you think there must be something we could do for them?" Marinette asked her best friend, knowing Alya could come up with something good. "Should we do a picnic or something and invite them? Or do you have a better idea?"

Alya thought about it for a bit, frowning at that. When this happened to Nino, Nino ended up akumatized and forced everyone to attend Adrien's birthday party. Now, Hugo was different than Nino. He was sweet and kind and literally can make even Chloe tolerable. He held the same effect Adrien did with Marinette's ability to be dependable.

Hugo was a great addition to the class and Adrien was one of his best friends.

With a sigh, Alya shook her head no. "A picnic isn't really going to help them be friends again. Our main focus would be getting them to talk to each other, but Hugo won't go near him." She then looked at her friend before saying, "sorry girl. I really don't have any idea what to do. If they were to become friends again, Adrien's dad will pull him out of school."

Marinette frowned at that before saying, "there has to be some way, right? They look so unhappy now..."

Just then Luka and Juleka walked over to them, concern written on their faces as they glanced back to Hugo sitting by himself now. "Guys, we need to do something. Everyone is worried about Hugo." Juleka looked over at her brother for a second, taking his hand in hers before looking down. "He's not smiling anymore, and Emma keeps asking to go talk to Mr. Agreste herself."

"We can't let her do that though. Mr. Agreste would never take the time out of his day to talk to a little kid. Even Nathalie won't let us through the door unless Adrien is there with us." Marinette says as she crossed her arms over her chest, trying to think of something. "Besides, I wouldn't want to see Emma get upset over what Adrien's dad could say to her."

Luka nodded at that before saying, "Emma is a sweet girl. Knowing Mr. Agreste, she probably wouldn't come out the same way. I mean, just look at Hugo. I wouldn't want to put her through that."  

Just then, someone caught their eye. Hugo was sitting down on a bench, eyes wide as he stared back into the one girl that could change everything for him. Marinette knew it best that Lila was indeed a very good liar. She could convince anyone of anything if she wanted to. Maybe Hugo could benefit from having her talk to Mr. Agreste for him? No way. She wouldn't do it for him unless she gets something back, and even if she would, Lila would never do it if she were to ask.

"Maybe we should just stick to a party or something. Just have the boys talk it out..." Alya suggested before giving them a smile. "It would be great. I could make the arrangements and invite the entire class. We can have it at the park, and Juleka and Luka could make sure Hugo actually comes."

As the other kids continued to exchange ideas, Marinette couldn't help but watch the exchange between Hugo and Lila. Lila was whispering something to him, something that seemed to almost frighten him, before giving the boy that fake smile she pulled off so well. Hugo shook his head no, trying to back up from her as much as he could before falling on his back, his backpack falling beside him, slightly open.

Without warning her friends, Marinette left the group, watching as Hugo tried his best to keep his distance from the girl, trying to gather the stray papers that fell out of his bag. She wasn't the only one who noticed though. Adrien also made his way over to them, despite the fact that they weren't allowed to be near each other.

"Hugo, are you okay?" Marinette asked him as she looked over at Lila. There was just something about this situation that she didn't like. The last time she was near Hugo, she tried to break up his date with Juleka. "Lila, what happened?"

Of course, Lila couldn't help but put on a shocked face for Adrien, knowing Marinette wouldn't buy her lies. Actually neither would Adrien for that matter. Still, in order to put on her show for the others, she had to pretend that she had no idea what was going on.

"I'm not sure, Marinette. I was just asking Hugo if he could help me with homework tonight since he's so smart and all, but he suddenly fell back from the bench." She then looked over at Hugo, making sure to look concerned. "Are you okay, Hugo? You didn't hurt yourself, right?"

Hugo stayed silent as he stared at Lila, his heart racing in his chest. He looked over towards the door, wondering if it could be possible to make a getaway without causing a scene. Still, Marinette and Adrien were waiting for his answer. 

"I-I'm okay, guys. Really. I just... I got to go," with that said, Hugo quickly gathered his stuff and ignored Adrien's hand when he offered to help him stand. Instead, Hugo ran towards the entrance of the school, not even slowing down for Juleka or Luka to catch up to him. 

Both Adrien and Marinette couldn't help but take notice of how strange Hugo was at that moment. They knew something had to be going on between them, but what could it be? 

"Lila, I think it's best to give Hugo some space for now. He isn't really in the best mood, you know?" Adrien tried, not wanting to sound mean. Still, he didn't like the fact that Lila obviously told him something that frightened Hugo. "If you need help with the homework, I think you're better off asking Max."

Of course Lila being Lila, she let out a small laugh before shaking her head. "You're probably right about that. I'll go ask him." She gave the two kids a little wave before walking away from them, a devilish smile on her face. "Bye Marinette. Bye Adrien."

Adrien glanced at Marinette as she watched the girl walk away before saying, "Marinette, could you do me a favor? I want to make sure Hugo is okay, but he won't talk to me..."

Marinette nodded at his request before saying, "don't worry, Adrien. I'll go check on him. Hugo is my friend too, and I want to make sure he's okay?."

"Thanks Marinette," with that said, Adrien gave her a small smile as he waved goodbye to her, heading over to the entrance where his bodyguard stood waiting for him.