NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11: "Confrontation"
We walked into the hallways and I was still coming up with an idea on what they'd possibly question me about.
'I could use this to wiggle myself into their group' I thought spontaneously coming up with new plans that'll solidify my influence.
As I walked through the hallways, the usual chaos of students filing out of classrooms surrounded me, but my focus never wavered. Voices, laughter, and the clatter of locker doors faded into the background as I honed in on the two people who mattered most right now
"Luka... we need to talk." Her voice was soft, but there was a seriousness to it that made it clear that Marinette wasn't playing around, and this wasn't just some casual chat. She took a step closer to him, her expression filled with concern, but resolution in her voice.
Marinette paused, studying Luka closely, searching for some sign of the person she knew beneath the surface.
"We respect everything you've done for Paris. We admire your bravery—seriously, you've put yourself in danger to protect people, and that takes courage." Her voice softened slightly. "But... you've been acting so different lately, And those situations you put yourself in are dangerous, we can't help but worry that something's not right."
I tilted my head over to Alya who had her head hung low this entire time. "you told her" I said in an almost to calm manner.
Alya stiffened, her shoulders shooting up to her head. "Uhhh... yeah I told her" she admitted he bod faltering for a second.
She shifted uncomfortably, knowing the weight of what she had done. "Look, Luka... I didn't mean to put you on the spot like this. I just... I thought Marinette should know. You've been putting yourself in danger without saying anything, and I was worried. We were both worried." She finally met his eyes, her expression softening with sincerity.
Ah, I finally understood why they dragged me out here now.
Luka's gaze shifted between Alya and Marinette, a quiet understanding settling over him as the weight of their words sank in. He had suspected this moment was coming, but hearing it aloud still struck a chord. They weren't angry, not really.
With this new found info I began constructing a subtle plan, one that would appeal to their emotion while planting doubts in their current beliefs.
"I get it, really. I know you both are worried, and I appreciate it. You're good people, and that's why I've always admired you. You've both seen the battles, and the choas surrounding it. But I don't think you see the full picture yet."
He lets that hang in the air for a moment, his tone soft but firm, almost like he's sharing a secret.
"I'm not doing this just to become a hero. The truth is, I'm doing this because someone has to."
both Marinette and Alya stood there stunned, Marinette more so seeing as my motives are tied directly to her.
Now that I've appealed to their emotions, the entire reason they came here in the first place it was now it was time to solidify his hero persona by offering future help.
I glanced between Marinette and Alya, my expression softening slightly as if he were opening up to them,
"I can tell you both care. I appreciate that more than you know. But it's not just about putting myself in danger, it's about doing something when no one else can."
."I've seen the cracks in this city—the things Ladybug and Cat Noir can't always handle by themselves. They're powerful, but even they have limitations. We all do."
He paused, his tone low, just enough to draw them in.
"I'm not trying to undermine them, or you, but I can't stand by and watch when I know I can make a difference. Someone has to step up when the time comes, and that's been me lately.
His voice was measured, and he took a step closer to them, as if trying to make them feel that he was on their side, that he was a part of their world now, but in a way they had yet to fully realize.
"And that's why I'm offering my help. Not just as a civilian. Not just as a musician. But as someone who understands strategy."
As I finish my on the spot speech Alya, finally got the courage to speak up "but are you still putting yourself in danger".
He took a moment, his gaze moving between them both with calculated precision, his plan falling into place.
"I'm not asking you to agree with me. I'm asking you to trust me. Trust that I'm not doing this to compete with anyone, but to ensure that the fights we face are winnable." completely sliding over Alya's question which seemed to go unnoticed by the stun locked girls.
Done with my speech that'd potentially be miraculous worthy I swaggered off back to class waving the two goodbye.
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Alya Pov
Alya slowed her pace as she walked alongside Marinette, her mind replaying the conversation. The weight of her decision to tell Marinette everything about Luka's involvement in the battles of the heroes gnawed at her. She had trusted Marinette, of course, and wanted to make sure Luka wasn't hiding something dangerous. But now, seeing Luka's reaction, she felt like she'd made a mistake.
What if he's wasn't ready to talk about it? It didn't matter she had revealed it regardless.
Alya glanced over at Marinette, who was walking beside her with a thoughtful expression.
"Marinette, do you think we did the right thing?" Alya asked hesitantly, her voice softer than usual.
Marinette blinked in surprise, clearly caught off guard by the question. "What do you mean?" she asked, stopping for a moment to meet Alya's gaze.
"I mean..." Alya trailed off, biting her lip, "I told you about Luka stepping into the hero battles. I thought we needed to know more on why he does what he does but now im not so sure"
Marinette's expression softened. She had known Alya would feel guilty. After all, Alya was always the one who cared deeply about others and wanted to help, sometimes to the point of pushing too much.
She'd know she kept doing so with Adrien.
Alya looked away from Marinette in shame "We even jump to the conclusion something was wrong with him,I don't know what we where thinking" She mourned, the previous conversation stuck in her head like a loop.
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