Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The car stopped at the sight of the red light. "Auntie, do I have to?" Lila whined. She wished they didn't have to come back.

Nadja looked at her niece throught the car's mirror, Lila averted her eyes to the window. The Eifel tower could be seen from there. "Yes dear, its for my job." She paused for a moment. "Hey y'know what whats the boy you liked? Adam? He would be there to." The light finally turned Green and she re-started the car.

Lila answered in a expired tone "Adrien, he is missing over a year now. I already told you."

"Oh thats a shame." The woman exclaimed "Well other friends you made would be there."

Lila said under her breath "Thats what I'm afraid about."

They've finally arrived. "We are here, good luck on your first day. You'll take the bus right?"

They briefly hugged "Yeah, I will."

As Lila opened her mouth, her aunt's car dissapeared at her sight. She shouldnt be suprised, she was already late because of her.

Lycée Françoise Dupont was still the same, just like he left. She could hear other students talking among themselves loudly. She slowly walked towards the school while thinking. She only wished the teachers would be different this year. Ms. Bustier were easy enough to lie to but she knew no student would want to face the wrath of Ms. Mendeleiev.

First day of 10. grade, how hard could it be right? With that line of thought she went inside.

As she was walking towards her locker, she eyed who was talking to who. Ivan and Mylene (Chloe, like a broken clock could be sometimes right. She was spot on about Mylene's locks looking beyond awful.) looked so mushy together, yucks. She couldnt belive she once thought their glancing was bad. Speaking of glancing that was what Marc were doing to obvious Nath, there was a blonde with them who look awkward. Near them Juleka and Rose were happilly chatting. She changed her path to avoid them. With that decision she was rewarded (or some might say punished) with a animated looking Marinette (seriously pig-tails were so middle school.) and paitently listening Alya. Nino was near them but he was not participating in their boring convo, prefered to listening to his music.

Still her supposed friends were nowhere to be seen except Alix who was most likely betting something to Kim as Max watched them and occesionally corrected their grammar. (Its almost they were cursed to doing the same thing over and over again.)

As Alix and Lila locked eyes (to Lila's demise and Alix's shock) Alix said her goodbye's (Kim gave a huge wave and Max pushed his glasses with his finger.) and walked towards Lila. İt was only a minute or two she went in there and her eye was already twiching.

"Hey Lila. Didnt know you would be here this year too." Alix leaned against the lockers.

Her eyes searched for her locker. "Yeah well, y'know my mother's job. She always has to be somewhere." Unintentional grimace appeared in her face.

"Yeah, I get that." there was a few moments of awkward silence.

"Hey Alix, where are the girls?" Lila was curious. İt was weird to not see them especially when they had as loud personality as one could have.

Alix rolled her eyes. "Kagami knowing how punctual she is, is probably sitting in the classroom right now. And Chloe, hell if I know. She probably were busy somewhere yelling at Sabrına or something." Alix didnt leave her eyes away from the basketbol ball she was bouncing.

"Sabrina?" Lila raised one eyebrow "She is still with that girl?" Lila placed not-needed-in-the-moment books in her locker.

"Oh right you weren't there. They are practicaly attached to hip now. Zoe is usually with them." Alix didn't looked happy about it. Alix's phone ringed but she ignored it, only her face shifted to more unpleasent expression.

"Zoe?" Lila asked walking away from the lockers. Alix followed.

"Oh man, you're not gonna believe this. Okay, turns out Chloe had a sister this whole time."

"What, Chloe?" She asked confused. İs the world going on reverse or something?

"Yeah, she is such a only child, right? Anyway Zoe was the new girl the year you went to Italy. I guess now you are the new-new girl."

"Yeah, happy to get my honored title back." When she was first attended this school she had to arrive a month later because of her mother's job. The new-girl nickname stuck since then. She noticed Kagami was waving at her so she did the same, Kagami sometimes was weird like that. Upon seeing no seat left (besides the obvious and Chloe's designated seat) ,she started to feel bit anxious but thankfully Alix gestured next to her. İt was one thing to be the new girl, it was another thing to be sitting alone like a loser. They sat in silence, Lila was looking at her phone. A message appeared, it said

        "Welcome back old-new girl, did you miss me? Because I certainly didn't miss your sasusage hair.
-A"

Lila frowned, her hair was not looking like a sausage, right? Also who the hell were listening/stalking her convos? She looked around to see if anyone suspicious but nobody who fit the criteria was there.

Classroom were starting to became full. Lila looked around to see anyone messaging. Because she could stop thinking about that mystery message. Who the hell could have messaged her? She changed her number twice since last year and she was sure as hell knew no one (not even Alix) had her number. Just like any other numbers she didnt know she immedialty blocked this one , not even a second later she recived a new message.

           "Ouch, that hurt my feline-ings. Tell me how is Juleka. She looked not-so-happy to not-see you. Block me again and principle's office will be the one who'll welcome you.
-A"

She grimaced upon that stupid pun. Her mind went to Adrien but there was no way he would act this mean towards her even if he wanted to. Besides he was presumed dead. But then again who else knew about that secret?

Alix paused her convorsation (more like yelling) with Kim, she asked "You okay?"

She gave a small smile "Yeah, just bit peachy."

Alix nodded and she gave her attention to Kim. Chloe walked in drawing every eye on her. "Sabrına did you get my coffee?"

Sabrına quickly nodded. "Yes Chloe, just liked you asked me to." Sabrına handed her her coffee.

Chloe took a sip. "Yeah good." Sabrina sighed in relief.

Chloe approached Nathanial's seat, put her hand on the table and faked coughed.

"Ahem." She pointed towards other seat.

"Bu-but you always sit there." He exclaimed.

Chloe just removed her sunglasses (handed them to Sabrina) and looked at Nathaniel who averted his gaze.
One
Two
Three
Nathaniel's eyes grew in fear and he left his seat in hurry. Sabrına just smirked. As Chloe put her bag to her seat, her phone twiched and she flinched for a second. Chloe excused herself to refresh her makeup and refused Sabrina's several attempts to offer help. Lila watched everything with a sharp eye. There was so much and so nothing to observe. Everyone looked just the same also so much different. Except Mylene, she probably was still afraid of her own shadow.

At class everything went the usual, Ms Bustier made them say their name and one fact about themselves (despite everyone already knowing each other). Hers was, I was a model. Kagami the nerd she was said "I like manga". Upon hearing Chloe's mocking she added "You did too, remember fma:b?" The class started to laugh at that. If the look Chloe gave her could kill, Kagami would be dead.

At class she observed Kagami (who would in no under circumstances would use her phone during lessons) was glaring at her phone. Thats when she realized just how much of a grand danger they were in.

At lunch break she rushed towards Chloe and holded her by her arm. She gave a small smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Chloe, hi. We need to talk." Not a question, statement, an order. More than few heads turned towards them. Kagami without even casting a glance, left.

Sabrina looked like she was a second away from attacking her meanwhile Chloe just pushed Lila's hand away. "Lila."
They looked eachother for few moments , Chloe looked like she was trying to read her mind. Apperantly she found whatever she was searching for, without breaking the weird eye-contact she exclaimed "Sabrina, you can leave."

"But Chloe!" Sabrına looked close the tears now. She pitied Chloe for being friends with that girl. She would rather do her homework on her own or getting her coffee herself rather than having to deal with that. Apperantly it showed in her face as Alix snickered.

Chloe lowered her voice but it still came as cold as before "Sabrına, its fine. We'll hang out later." She added her last words with venom. "Why dont you visit Zoe?"

Sabrına, despite clearly dissagreing with Chloe, nodded and walked to the other direction. İt was until she fully left, Chloe begun to talk.

She looked directly onto Lila's eyes "Lila, what do you want?"

Lila without saying anything begun to pull Alix with her to the direction of the cafeteria. Chloe followed.

"Hey, dont you ignore me!" she sounded more like Chloe she knew. "You stupid sasusage head!" Did her hair really looked like sasusages?

Lila looked around and then walked towards the garden. She said "Chloe be patient, I wouldnt waste anyone's time if this wasnt important."

Chloe only huffed in response. Alix just muttered something about Lila owing her lunchs for a life time.
Lila sat next to Kagami who was eating her lunch.
Kagami tilted her head "Hi?"

Alix was the one who answered "Yeah, its nice to bring the group back and all but İm out of here, especially with that prissy over there."

Chloe snapped "Hey!"

Lila sighed at her friends impatience "Fine, if only you answer this. Who the hell is messaging us?"

Alix stopped walking away and Chloe's eyes widened. Kagami looked even more confused "Pardon?"

Lila continued "I'll say it in a simpler terms. Kagami you were giving death stare to your phone in class. Chloe you excused yourself after your phone ringed. Even Alix frowned at her phone."

Now every girl gave Lila their attention fully.

"This morning I recieved a message from someone called A. They knew things only Adrien and all of you knew." Lila looked at them accusingly. "Unless you told others?"
Chloe shriked "No way!" The others also shaked their head, meaning no.

Lila opened the messages, she extented her phone for them to see. All of them looked paler upon seeing Juleka's name. Kagami broke the silence.

"Its worse than I thought." Kagami reached to her pocket and opened her messages for them to see.

            "Hey Kagami, am I that irresistable that you had to find my boring english duplica?
-A"

Kagami explained "That was yesterday when I was chatting with  Felix."

Lila raised her voice "Felix! Why were you messaging him?" Alix pulled Lila back who looked ready to throw hands.

"Calm down. We are in public." Chloe said after she took a bite from Kagami's sandwich.

Lila ignored her and crossed her arms while giving Kagami a look gesturing it wasn't over yet. "Didn't know you wanted my sloppy seconds."

Kagami looked away "This is why I didn't wanna told you. Its been two years."

Chloe rolled her eyes "Its not just that you idiot. Friends don't date others exes, period. Its the most basic friendship code."

"İt is? I didnt know. İt's a shame my little pony, friendship is magic didn't cover this topic." Kagami looked abashed. İt was hard to be mad at her when she was so clueless about the world and looked like a kicked puppy. Lila still didn't forgive her tho.

"Its also a rude thing to do." Alix added.

"I figured it would be fine considering how much Lila complained about him even when they were dating." Kagami bluntly said.

Lila took a deep breath, her brain forming a headache. She didn't have time for this. "Y'know what, fine. You can date him. For the record his breath reeks."

"Just like his personality" Chloe said under her breath and Alix tried (and failed) to control her laugh. They both scowled and looked away.

Kagami obvious to the mocking and the tension, gave a small smile "I know, we all met in person two years ago." Alix acted like she gagged and Chloe smiled just for a moment. With that all of their phones started to beep.

         "The liars are reunited. Its only took 1 year and few threats. Now the fun can begin.
-A"

"Seriously who talks like that? What a freak." Chloe looked at her phone in disgust. She flipped her ponytail.

"As if the akumas weren't weird enough." Alix added while trying to steal Kagami's lunch, it wasn't successful.

"Guys, we need to stick together. This bitch is stalking us." Lila looked at each one of them.

​​"I agree." Kagami said "We also need to tell each other our secrets especially if A mentions them, no matter how much we might want to keep it to ourselves. Promise?"

The group looked at each other for a few seconds. Chloe was the first to break the silence.
"Fine. You guys are the worst but at least one think you all know is to keep secrets. Also I know you bitches don't have a room the judge."

Alix made a heart with her hands "Aww Chloe, that might be the sweetest thing you ever said to us. İt almost made me forgot how insufferable you really are."

Chloe just gave a middle finger. Lila was suprised because in Chloe's words to be the most 'exceptional ' person, one must never use foul words and such.

After they made their promises Alix and Chloe showed the group their phone.

              "If it isnt the worlds most annoying brat eavesdropping where she shouldnt as purr-usual. Just A tip: If you call the cops you might end up homeless like me.
-A"

And under the message A sent a document that proves Andre was doing illegal stuff to win. The implied threath was loud as Rose's wardrope (Someone seriously needs to ban pink & neon colors from her. Maybe she should talk to Chloe about it.)

"First thing I wondered was how come the police or the mayor weren't aware. That explains it." Lila  tapped her chin.

"Please, even if I told them, nothing would have changed. They are incompetent as they come."

          "Careful Alix, your roots are showing and I dont mean your hair.
-A"

​"How are we sure this isn't a prank or something?" Alix said.
"Because they know about my daddy, duh." Chloe rolled her eyes.

"Not to insult or anything but I'm pretty sure everyone knows about him." Alix leaned back.

Chloe looked a second away from breaking stuff "But not everyone have evidence, do they?"

They were glaring each other until Lila butted in "They somehow know about Juleka. Plus I'm pretty sure they are stalking us."

Chloe pointed at the message "Anyway that's really omnious isnt it?" Chloe stood up. "So let me get this straight whoever this is, is trying to act like Adrien right with those dumb puns?" If her sunglasses weren't as quality as it was, it would have been broken. "Whoever that hoe is, they are gonna pay!"

Kagami pulled her new notebook from her jackets pocket, begun to write as she talked.

"That is right, we know it can't be Adrien because he wouldn't do this even if he were somehow alive." All of the others silently agreed.

She wrote down explaining it would have help them in case they missed any details.

Who is A

- is pretenting to be Adrien.
-Knows our secrets only we knew.  Might know about Adrien's dissaperance. Reasoning: One message referance to Adrien being homeless

(Chloe looked even more determined to find A's identity.)

- Most likely knows us on a personal level. Also doesn't like us.

("That doesn't narrow it down at all. Nobody likes us." Chloe said. Alix turned her head to her "Wow, you being self aware! Are you possessed or something?" Chloe couldn't be the bigger person and let it go so they started to argue. This was gonna be Lila's life from now on, wasn't it? Kagami was waiting paitently for them to stop. Lila who didnt have the same patience just yelled them to shut up. When Chloe was trying to object the idea, Lila put her finger to her lip, the message was clear 'silence'.)

-Might be one person or a group.
-They somehow are aware of private convorsations meaning they likely are stalking us
-able to get their hands on a documants most people wouldnt have access to (Mayor Bourgeois)
-Blocking doesn't work on them (Knows how to hack or has multiple phone numbers?)

​ The last information came from Lila as her immediate reaction was to block A.

Kagami put her hand on Chloe's knee to get her attention which worked a little to well considering Chloe looked beyond shock (Her mouth were slightly open but no sound came. Maybe she should convince Kagami to do this more often for some peace and quiet.) and Lila could see her ears were red
"We need to make a suspect list. Chloe I recall Sabrina being in the yearbook club, is that correct?"

"Jeez its like you were born for this." Alix said between her bites (eating Kagami's sandwich or whatever left of it) She handed the sandwich to Lila. 'Might as well' she thought as she took few bites (and finished it). Kagami just sighed. It was certain if she was really annoyed, she would let them know. She removed her hand from Chloe's knee.

"Yeah, why?" Chloe raised an eyebrow. "Its not like you're gonna ask me to ask her to steal the yearbook." Chloe looked scandalized by that idea.

"No. We'll just borrow it and we'll print a copy."

"Fine, but we shouldnt get caught. We cant risk damaging her and our reputations." Chloe raised a finger. "Thats why I'm taking Lila."

"Why me?"

"Because you are sneaky and persuasive. If we got caught Kagami would be frozen and with Alix there is no way we wouldn't get caught."

"Mean but true." Alix nodded sadly.

The Bell ringed. They all started to leave but Kagami paused Lila. "Lila give me your phone number so we all can talk."

​​​​"Right, I forgot" with that the girls went to the classroom.​ But what they failed to see was someone watching them with a hint of mischief in their eyes.

------

Chloe was leaving as fast as she could to return to hotel, she needed spa after this long day. She saw from the corner of her eye that Sabrına was dying to say something but she knew the rules. Chloe already fed up with the day ordered "Spill before I change my mind."

Sabrina's face lit up "I talked with Zoe. She said your mother was gonna be at the hotel tonight."

Chloe turned towards Sabrına with a speed of sound "What! You are telling me that now! How many days will she stay?"

"I tried to but-" Sabrına's hand started to shake.

Chloe took a deep breath and out. She softened her voice. "Its okay,  I'm not mad at you. Just why didn't Zoe or daddy told me?"

"Maybe they were be afraid." Sabrına suggested.

Chloe laughed like Sabrına told the biggest joke. "Afraid of what? My reaction? Me? Trust me daddy is not afraid."

Sabrina added "Three days maybe? Also she is coming because they found the body."

Chloe blankly stared. Sensing her confusing Sabrina explained in a whisper "Adrien's body."

Chloe covered her mouth with both hands. "Adrien, no way!"
"And that is not at all. My dad says they think its a murder. So they re-opened the case."

"Text me all the details." Sabrina only nodded.

The limuzine finally arrived, just as Chloe was getting in Sabrına tried to walk away.
Chloe put her bag in a seat opposed to her "Get in."

"Huh?" Her confused could be seen from a mile away.

"Don't sound suprised, the clueless act doesn't suit you. We'll give you a ride."

Sabrına smiled as a response and sat next to Chloe. The limuzin driver started to drive. Chloe asked Sabrına the Keys to the yearbook room, she hesitantly gave without questioning. A catchy pop song played from a radio. The rest of the ride was quiet except for Sabrina's humming along.

As they reached to Sabrina's home, they left their goodbyes. And Chloe once again was alone, utterly and completely. She opened her purse, pulled her make-up materials, refreshed her make-up. She tried to focus on song's lyrics, she looked throught the window saw the man who was feeding the piagen's. Adrien was allergic to them. As a last resort she opened her phone but her mind was on the message she and others recieved. Just thinking of it made her extremely angry. But tonight she wasnt allowed to so she continued with mindless distractions.

She stepped out of the car and called Kagami, as usual it went to voicemail. Chloe texted 'Call me ASAP (it means as soon as possible)'. The doorman greeted her but she ignored (that part of the day was normal). Normally she would visit Kagami but she didnt know where she was, its not like she had her schedule.
Ten minutes later as she just finished dressing up, she got a call.

"Chloe, did something happen?"

"Kagami, you are NOT gonna believe this! My mom is gonna come to dinner tonight."

"You called me middle of my fencing lesson just to inform me this?" She sounded irritated because she probably wanted to maintain her perfection. Chloe rolled her eyes. She was perfect alright, perfectly boring.

"Paitence, I'm getting there!" Chloe coughed. "So the reason she is coming is because they found Adrien's body."

"What!" She yelled. "Is this a joke?" she added the last part quieter than usual as if it could erase her earlier outburst.
"What, of course not. Sabrına just texted me, the funeral is gonna be two days later."

The few background noises came from Kagami. She heared someone yelling and Kagami responing calmly.

"Are you still there?"

"İs that all, Im afraid I cant talk long."

"Yeah yeah, I know. By the way they think Adrien got murdered."

"..."

"..."

"Kagami?"

"I see, thank you for informing me. Inform the rest of the girls too. We'll talk later." She hung up to her face.

Althought her tone was the same, she sounded more tense than usual. Chloe couldn't blame her, she was in a similar state herself. She just wanted to eat ice cream and watch anime while crying her eyes out with Kagami who also was close to Adrien (not as close as her tho.). Kagami could use someone at her vulnerable time, Chloe'd just be doing her a favor out of kidness in her heart. Yes, despite the common belief she had a heart.

Universed must have felt disturbed from Chloe getting a second to herself so someone knocked on her door.

"Can't you see I'm busy!" Chloe yelled without getting up from her bed.

"How could I see when your door is shut down." Zoe opened the door and walked inside. Chloe's desire to change her name and run away for eternity was getting stronger. Instead of responding Chloe just pointed at the windows (which covered the entire wall) the room had.

Zoe ignored it and delved straight to the heart of the issue "You are still not ready? We are having a family dinner today y'know." Now that Chloe thought about it she was suprisingly vocal when she was not near others.

"Yeah yeah, I will." She dismissed it with the palm of her hand.

"Well I'm not leaving until you are ready." When she was little she always wanted a little sister, she even wished for it. Maybe that was the first time in her life being wrong.

"Ugh, why don't you just leave me be!" She throw one of her pillows at her.

Zoe threw it back to her. "No, dad said not to."

Chloe groaned and re-threw the pillow. Zoe barely dodged it.

She frowned "How mature!"

Chloe stuck her tounge out as a response, Zoe gasped, she did it back.

Jean Armand cleared his throat. "Girls?"

Chloe immedialty pointed her finger at Zoe "She started it."

She put both of her hands on air. "No I didn't."

"Yes you did."

"No y-"

He raised his voice "Girls!" Both of them froze.
"Your father expects you at the dinner now."

They look at each other and they started to panick.

Chloe wandered around at the room "Omg, what will I wear? This is beyond disaster! Zoe, my dearest sister you have to help!"

Zoe was flabbergasted, normally Chloe would never waste any opportunity to impress Audrey, she would be prepared months ago (forcing Zoe to do the same). She folded her arms "Why didn't you chose it beforehand?"

"Well if i knew few days ago i would have been prepared wouldnt i?" Chloe, whose hands was full with five different dresses (she threw the last two onto the floor) found the time to spat despite the urgency.

Jean smiled and prayed for a job opportunity that covered healthcare "I'll tell him you'll be there in 10 minutes."

Fifteen minutes later just as Andre was starting to get angry, they arrived. No one questioned it. Audrey didn't even pause her monolog.

"And he had the audacity to tell me that, ME the style Queen. Can you believe it? I said no you cannot quit, you are fired. He just left without saying anything as if İM the one who is wasting HIS TİME." She shook her head to show her distress "No one knows respect this days anymore."

Andre gave her his classic politician smile "You are right honey." Chloe also smiled artifically (it looked more like a grimace but no one noticed). Zoe just stared the food infront of her.

As Zoe just lifted her spoon to drink her soup (which was ew) Audrey adressed them "Zoe, Catastrophe."

Zoe and Chloe looked at eachother, trying to communicate through eyes to question if one of them knew anything.
Chloe didn't even did anything wrong but she was sweating (she could tell Zoe was too), her mom had that effect on almost everyone. They didn't say anything (answering would be a rokkie mistake).

After a minute Andre broke the silence. "Sweetie you were saying?" Audrey gave him a cold look which caused Andre (a grown adult) to squeak (Years ago one of the servants made a mistake to laugh. Safe to say they were fired, they and their family were banned from the hotel. Chloe was 6 at that time.)

"Anyway I'm attending to the birthday of Gabriel's boy. What was his name again? Dorian?" Her personal asistant (who was waiting at her side at all times) whispered. "Adrien. To give my congratulations or whatever. Don't embrasses me more than usu-" Chloe dropped her fork which caused everyone to look at her.

Audrey just sighed "Why am I even bothering with you." Her anger at her mom rediracted to herself, dissapointment stung worse than anything. İt meant you were nothing, not even a trash, just unexceptional. Zoe looked at her with sad eyes (it was at times like this Chloe felt like they were  sisters.) Audrey just resumed her monolog with Andre.

After dinner Chloe returned to Sabrina's messaged telling her she was busy and messaged Kagami, to see if she could convince her mother for a sleepover. Also she messaged Lila the situation and told her to tell Alix or whatever, which Lila responded with 'You are so funny, I think for a second you confused me with Sabrına.' (That bitch thought she was so smart) But it did inspire her to wrote to Sabrına, telling her to message Alix, she knew Sabrina wanted not to but she did it anyway. She was reading a magazine when Kagami responded with saying she would be there at 19.00.

Kagami arrived at the hotel at 18.53 and on her way she met with Zoe by a chance. One awkward convorsation (that only consisted 'hi', 'how are you' and 'bye'.) later she was inside Chloe's room.

Chloe just as direct as she was started the convorsation. "I was suprised your mom agreed to it."

"I didnt give her a choice."

She was amused "Really?"

After knocking softly Jean went inside the room bringing all sorts of junk food and the food Kagami was allowed to eat (it was sweet for Chloe to remember). As he was leaving with body language told Chloe he was proud of her which earned him a rolling eyes and a small smile.

"So what do you wanna watch? I found this movie called The vampire Hunter: D bloodlust but I'm okay with whatever."

Kagami nodded. "I don't have a preferance tonight but could we watch it in the balcony?"

"Sure. Let me grab my laptop."

They carried all of the junk food and a blanket (on Chloe's insistence in case it gets windy). Chloe set everything up and they started watching it. The entire watch was filled with Chloe's  commentary/critisizm (occesionally Kagami joined), all sorts of differenciation of 'Adrien would have love this.'. At some point they started to talk about all sorts of things until Kagami almost fell asleep which made them realize they talked over 2 hours. Both of the girls realized how much they missed this. They went inside and another day has ended.​

Chapter Text

After school her classmates and few other students from other classes (even the school mascot) all met up to watch Alix racing with Kim in the park. Two benches represented the sides they were supporting although her bench was filled with people whereas Kim's contained total of 3 people.

Max as the most objective person they could find was their judge. He clarified the rules. The race was to determine who was the fastest. İt consisted 3 tours (1 tour meant 2 lapses around the whole park). The one who passed the finish line first will be declared winner.

Honestly the whole thing started with Kim opening his stupid mouth and saying he could beat her when she skated with just running. (He also implied he was as strong as a panther.) The way he said it, was derisive. There is no way on earth she would let anyone get away with insulting her precious skateboards and her impressive speed she trained for decades. So the deal was set.

Yesterday she made some excuse to schedule the race to today because she was busy this weekend with the aftermath of Adrien's funeral, A texts, her dad being the guide to museum trip for 'important' people (which was mandatory for her to join. Yey.) She just wanted the bet to get out of her way.

"Go Alix go!" Chloe shouted with her comedic looking megaphone, it looked like a bannana for some reason. İt was weird for her to cheer for her when she was happily ignored her for her shiny bff not even a week ago.

Lila just told her the race haven't started yet, the blonde sneered in return. The irritated face Lila had made Alix chortle.

Max blew the whistle two times, the noise effectively shuted all of the watchers. "Before we start, I like to establish the rules."

Kagami fixated on every word.

"If Alix triumphs Kim is gonna be prohibited from ever daring someone or doing dares for a whole school year."

Chloe yelled. "No more stupid bets!". And the other students joined the chant. Kim looked like a kicked puppy to see his crush wanting him to lose so enthusiastically. İt made Alix smirk wider.

Max stopped the noises once again. He looked at Kim for affirmation.

"Yes, I will if I lose."

Alix couldn't help but chime in "When you lose. I'm gonna leave you in the dust, meathead."

Max intrupted (he slightly pushed them away and got between them) before Kim had time to resort. "We'll find out about that later. If Kim triumphs Al-" Chloe started boo-ing at the middle of Max's speech, thankfully Kagami stopped her before Max gets upset. She didn't know Chloe hated the bets that much.

​He fake coughed "As I was saying If Kim triumphs Alix will relinquish her pocket-watch to him watch for a week. İs that correct?"

Alix confirmed it. "That is true."

"If one of you wants to backdown say it now. A warning tho, if you do the other will be selected as the winner automaticly."

"Its not to late to admit defeat." He pointed at himself. "Its okay to be scared to race such an impressive athlete like me."

"Hah, as if. I think you want to give up but too scared to admit it, chicken." Alix taunted.

He gasped. "No way, İm not a chicken!"

To Kim's anguish Alix started parpoting chicken noises. Entertaining the watchers with the right degree of pomp was simple enough.

Max cut them off once again. "So the race is about to begin, please take your positions."

As she felt like she was ready Lila suspended the race, using the infamous megaphone "HOLD ON!"

Now she had everyone's attention, she returned to her regular volume. She batted her eyelashes. "I'm so sorry but I don't feel really well. But I really don't wanna miss this amazing race you all gave your hard work. So would you please start 10 minutes later?"

She dropped the sick act and added the last part with a checky smile "I promise I would feel much better." She didn't gave him a chance to reply "Thanks."

Max looked conflicted for a second, he looked around to calculate other's reactions (they returned to talking among themselves) "I suppose that is plausable."

At the same time Marinette ran to the benches, she was almost out of breath. She showed the banner she made, everyone except Chloe (who just rolled her eyes) was impressed.

Alix went to the group. She took her helmet off. "Hey, what is going on?"

The others looked at each other. Kagami stepped in. "As you were getting ready for the race, you recieved a text message."

Alix rolled her eyes. "Let me guess, its from our least favourite stalker."

Chloe played with her hair. "We think you should look at the message."

"Wait how did you even opened my phone?"

Kagami said it with a straight face. "You still had your same passworth from few years ago. I just recalled it."

Realizing its pointless Alix sighed. "Its whatever, let me see." Lila handed her the phone.


"Alix-plain the rules. Be the rabbit in 'The Story of The Hare And The Tortoise' clock-wise I'll be the big bad wolf.

-A"


Under it was a picture showing someone wearing a mask, an eerie-looking printed Adrien's face. They were posing by doing a crying motion with one hand. As she inspected the photo closer she could see her gardrop, frames with her pictures of it without a doubt A was in her room. Wait, was that her skates on the A's other hand? She squinted and with her fingers made the picture bigger, that was her in the background peacefully sleeping in her bed without a care in the world. The vauge threat that implied so much collided onto her all at once. She wanted to return to her few days ago self who had the ignorance to suggest A was pulling a prank. Like a fucking clown.

Alix read the messages few times. The other girls waited for her reaction, unsure of what to say. However Chloe knew time was limited so she stated what everybody was thinking.
"So you are gonna lose, right? Like in that story."

To see everyone blankly staring at her, she became defensive. "What, I read stories too."

Seeing the horrors of Alix's face who is more focusing on fearing for her life, Kagami changed the topic "I could give you our newest Tsurigi technologies safety equipments. We also use it in our home."

Alix mumbled. "Maybe."

"You could stay at the hotel if you like?" Chloe proposed.

"Blegh, with those creepy ass windows everywhere. I would be safer at A's basement." Realizing Alix had a point, Chloe's face shaped a similar look to Alix's own, an utter despair.

They all looked at Lila who was eating classic caramel flavored popcorn. "What?"

Kagami gestured to Alix with her head "Aren't you gonna say anything?"

Lila grinned and opened her arms. "Hug?"

Alix left without saying anything.

Lila spoke while chewing popcorn, Chloe winced. "Huh, she took it better than I expected. Kagami, at a more convenient moment could you explain the safety devices more clearly?"

"My mother barely let me be here so the available time might never come. I'll explain when the race starts."

Chloe just groaned and she dramaticly sat on a chair she brought (she got chairs for herself, Kagami, Sabrina, Zoe, Lila, an extra one just in case for Alix) "This is officially the worst week ever." She stretched her feet to the extra chair, careful enough to not knock their bags down.

Sabrina seemed to appear out of no where which gave all the girls almost a heart attack (last time Chloe checked she was sitting with Zoe a bit further from them) "Right? With those chemisty homework Ms Mendeleiev gave was a total nightmare." The girls (even Kagami) realized they haven't even started on that homework yet.

Alix watched the girls flinching at the sudden apperance of Sabrina (she was probably there from the beginning). Normally it was funny enough to make her laugh but her mind kept wandering. She didn't want to give her pocket watch to Kim, he'd break it not even a 5 minutes later but did she even had a choice? A would expose her if she didn't. If she actually raced she would risk her and her family's life. That wasn't important than a clock but it was really important to her father, it was family tradition afterall. He wasn't even aware there was a bet, only Jajil knew. She pushed the oncoming puke. Maybe A also poisoned her food this morning. Her brain needed to shut up.

At yesterday's lesson they learned the fact of amphibians (who live in a two different enviroments, land and water) hibernate. How cool was that the fact the larvas used gill respiration and the mature ones used lung respiration. Frogs have always been engrossing to her. She also didn't know of the fact that turtles were in the catagory of amphibians. Her brain unfortunately loved to connect the dots. Turtles, that story A referanced, race.

Kim smirked. "Are you ready to lose yet?"

She understands her friend is not aware of anything that just occured. She also understands he means it in a teasing way just like they always did, it was their banter. But there was nothing more desirable than the want of punching his stupid face except punching A's. An unswallowable lump of terror has lodged itself in her throat. Her silence was mistaken as her being focused and serious.

She could see from the corner of her eye that Lila and Chloe were in a middle of an argumant. Kagami just shushed them gesturing the race as it was about the start.

"On your marks." Max started.

The constant chanting became a background noise to her. The crispy air increased the heaviness in her chest. She tried to focus on her breathing. Her heart was beating so fast, if it was in a race with Kim it would have won without a doubt.

"Get set."

She needed to focus on calm toughts like skating but that didn't even calm her down. A has officially invaded her safe space.

"Go!" Max shrieked from top of his loungs.

Kim dashed forward looking smug where as Alix looked like a second away from passing out, a strong comparison to her morning self. She focused on the mantra of telling herself to breath. At the second half of the race team Alix (except the girls) cheer soon turned into clamour. Kim won the first route without even trying.

At the ten minute break Lila asked. "Are you really gonna give him the pocket watch?"

Alix gave her a grim look. "Do I even have a choice?"

Lila put her hands together. "There is always a choice, you could always give him a different one."

Alix considered for a moment "..That is against the rules."

Lila smiled. "But so was A's. İt's not like you were gonna lose if they didn't intrevene."

She quickly denied. "Of course not."

"So are you gonna break the rules?"

As Alix was thinking of an answer, Kim approched her. "Yeah who is the chicken now? I won't be mad if you decided this was too hard for your fragile body."

Lila who was already fed up with him told him to leave her alone,  he didn't care at first but he looked ashamed when he saw the disapproving furious look Chloe gave. Alix didn't felt like she was in this moment; like she was watching this moment from somewhere that was far away from here. Kagami's touch on her shoulder grounded her to reality. She handed her a bottle of water and she smiled bittersweet "We'll get through this." Alix didn't believe it but she nodded just the same.

-----

Kagami picked up the clothes she would be wearing for the funeral, it was plain looking black dress that was appropriate for the occasion. She took her coat with her as the weather were starting to get colder day by day. She dressed up and quickly fixed her hair. Her hair was short, she found it impractical for it to be long. She went downstairs where mother was waiting for her. Tsurigi's always have to arrive early because they comprehend time is a really valiable so they must respect themselves and others.

On the newest Tsurigi car they were using (it could even talk) she thought about yesterday. The girls had split up after the race so she didn't get a chance to check if Alix was okay. But it didn't matter now because they would be sitting together at the funeral, Chloe made sure of it. The funeral was more of a formality really. They didn't even have the body in the casket because of the investigation and the condition of the body, a year had passed afterall.

Most people already grieved him and moved on but some people like her stucked. She didn't know what to make of anything. Adrien was healthy, happy and safe the day prior. Nothing indicated things would have turned up like this. Nobody disliked Adrien, not even Chat Noir who once insuniated as a not-well-placed joke at one of the interviews. İt seriously made her re-consider of being a fan of him at the time. But she concluded Chat Noir might had a crush on Adrien and is coping with a rejection or as a less likely scenario (he was the aloof type afterall) he was jealous of him.

It was bit difficult to enter the parking lot as the surrending of the place was filled with Adrien's fans and the reporters. The car parked itself. Her mother left to talk to people which left her alone. She checked her phone to see who was messaging and she was grateful it was just Alix. One her way to inside she bumped onto an old man who probably was one of the relatives (althought he didn't look rich), she apologized and left. She noticed Chloe was with her family so she approched them.

Kagami announced herself "Hey."

Both Chloe and Zoe looked happy to see her so she smiled with teeth to showcase she felt the same. She didn't know why but their mother (Why was she wearing bright orange?) paused her convorsation to look at her. Chloe excuse herself and they went to seats they were suppose to be.

"Oh thank goodness you are here. If I was gonna be stuck with them any longer I would have gone insane." She added the last part with a hush. "Anyway do you think A is here?"

"There is a strong chance. We should look for the list of attendies."

"Knowing A they probably somehow erased themselves on the list."

Kagami agreed. "You may have a point but you can never tell. One day just like everyone else they are gonna make a mistake and thats when we're gonna catch them." Maybe she was too optimistic but she believed every word.

Lila sat next to them. "I hope that day is soon. Still Alix isn't here?"

"She texted me few minutes ago, she'll be coming little late." Kagami said.

This place which was ranted were used to be a church. They renewed it a few years ago. The inside was big enough to fit few hundred people. She looked at a photo of Adrien that was next to the casket. He was smiling wearing his casual outfit that consisted a white jacket with a black t-shirt, a regular jeans and a bright colored shoes. He looked so young. She looked away. The stage was filled with flowers.

The place became even more crowded. She saw Adrien's grandparents (whom she met once) talking to their asistant. Some people from school was here aswell. The weather reporter girl was talking with Sabrina. Marinette looked like she was about to cry, Nino was with her, trying to console. She was suprised to see he was here, Gabriel wouldn't be type to let him. She could see Chloe's mother was getting yelled at by Gabriel who was holding an ipad. She got almost kicked out of the place (to Zoe's embrassesment). She scanned the crowd in hopes of finding a clue.

Lila broke the silence. "I couldnt stop thinking about A's message. Why would they care about Alix's race?"

Chloe played with her curls. "That much is obvious. They enjoy destroying our lives too much."

Looking throught the window she could see the leaves flying away from the tree. There was certain calmness fall embodied.

Lila offered a theory. "Yeah but still. Maybe A is one of the people who were supporting Kim."

Kagami paused her observations. "I'll stop you right there. I won't let anyone accuse Juleka."

Lila held her arm with her other hand. "I'm not talking about her or the Rose. Didn't you think it was strange Ivan was there? Last time I checked they were fighting."

Chloe harked back. ​"Last time you checked was a year ago but yeah, Ivan hates Kim's guts. Why would he support him?" She holded her chin. "Wait, what would A even gain from Kim's win?"

Lila looked proud of herself. "That my friend is easy, most people in the race had a bet with each other about who will win."

Chloe raised a counter point. "Do you think A really is a student? There is no way they can do all of that and Ms Mendeleiev's stupid chemisty homework. Also how would a regular high school has access to documants?"

A blonde pair caught Kagami's eye. Lila defended her thought process. "İt could mean they weren't acting alone. I dont see you coming up with better suspects."

Kagami stopped the discussion from esclating. "You both have good points but we'll talk about this later. Keep your focus on your surroundings."

She got up from her seat to talk to Felix who just walked in with Amalie. She still heared Chloe's words. "Fine, go talk to your boy-toy or whatever."

Felix noticed her approching, his facial expression softened. "Hi Kagami."

"Hello, I hope your travel went well. Although why haven't you inform me you were here?"

"We just arrived a few hours ago. Also I wanted to be a suprise."

"Should I be suprised you are here?" She gestured to the funeral.

Felix gave a shaky smile "I suppose I haven't thought of that well. Mother?"

"Yes dear. Oh hello, Kagami was it? I hope you are well."

"Hello Ms Graham de Vanily. I'm okay. I hope you are well aswell."

She waved her hand to the left. "Just Amelia is fine. You dont have to act like you are okay. You must be just as shaken as us. You were really close to him."

Kagami paused for a moment as Felix trying to stop his mother "I suppose I am not fine but I'm trying to be."

"Aren't all of us. İt was nice to see you Kagami."

As Amilia leaving with pulling Felix by arm, he waved.

As she turned to return to her seat, she saw Chloe turning to their side, pulling Lila to do the same. Alix was saying something. Kagami sat to her previous place, not even a second later all of their phones started ringing. They looked around to see anyone texting but they couldn't see it.


"Dont I look pawsitivly cute in that photo? Don't you just wanna look at that face and bash it with an blunt object three times? 

-A"


"The only face I wanna attack is yours." She muttered her phrase. "Rideculous, utterly rideculous."

Alix wondered. "İs this true, did Adrien really get hit with something few times?"

Chloe's hand shook her necklace back and forth. "Right, I forgot to tell but yesterday. Sabrına took the pictures of the case. İt was saying he was hit with something three times. The attack came from front."

Kagami frowned. "So thats how he died?"

Chloe put one arm to her hip. "I dont know, thats all the report said. The rest was usual procedure like height, age, name, blah. The boring stuff." She looked lost in thoughts. "Oh and it said the body was found in the Revulation forest."

Kagami questioned. "Wait isn't that place forbidden to enter?"

Lila opened her phone and search the place's name in the maps. The place was closest to Agreste mansion, it took approximitely 45 minutes with car from there, it was at the south-east.

The conversation died down because of the sudden entrance of one Juleka Couffaine who was accompnied by her brother Luka. Girls stared as they went to their seats.

The funeral started, the hired pastor started speaking about how life was sacred, Adrien was loved, how he was happy in afterlife. There wasn't a sound to show respect. Gabriel after handing the tablet to Gorilla, also took the stand. He talked about after losing his wife and his son changed him deeply and he wasn't gonna shut himself down like before but instead he was gonna try to live his life to his fullest just like Adrien would have wanted. He said any person would be lucky to have him as a son, despite everything he loved him. Rest of his speech was basically all the things Adrien was starved to hear.

As they were leaving the building Roger addressed to them. "Chloe, Kagami" He paused. "and other two."

Girls looked at each other. "What is it?" Lila asked.

"As you are aware I'm a cop." He showed his badge. "You all were good friends with the victim." Kagami nodded.

He stated. "I'm gonna need to talk each one of you."

"Why is that even necessary, we already talked a year ago." Chloe said.

"And I intented to go over every one of your statements. This is no longer a missing person's investigation. Its a murder." He emphasized the importance. Girls went silent at that.

He contuined "And rest assured I will find out what did happened to Adrien Agreste."

He gave one last look at the girls and returned to his daughter's side.

Alix pondered. "What even is his deal?"

All girls recieved another text.


"I'm still here filthy bitches and I know everything.

-A"


Zoe approched them "Hi." She noticed their state. "Are you guys okay?"

Chloe just groaned. ​

---

Rest of the girls left with their families one by one until only Kagami left. They planned a meeting at Chloe's room for tomorrow as her Sunday's were mostly free. Kagami would also leave but she had to wait for her mother. She was looking around for her. As she went behind the buildings back, she heared some noises.

"...You are here to berate me for that?"

"Of course not but someone has to remind you your place in this mess."

She was far enough that they wouldn't see (she hoped). It didnt even matter tho they were focused to much on each other to consider someone was eavesdropping.

"How could you do this to family? Wasn't Emilie and Adrien meant nothing for you!" Gabriel skreaked.

"I did it for them and you know exactly why." Amelia responded in a cold tone.

Kagami didn't had any idea what the conversation was even about. What Amelia even did to upset Gabriel to this degree?

"We'll talk later." With that Amile left.

Gabriel looked around and noticed her presence.  She acted like she was just heading towards him. Upon closer inspection Gabriel looked...not good. His eyebags were noticable, his hair was messy (since his hair was short it wasn't that noticible), his suit was wrinkled.  "Kagami."

"Mr Agreste. Hello. I hope you are doing well." (She felt like she had to say that out of politeness) "I'm sorry for bothering you but have you seen my mother? I couldn't find her."

His face soured. "I don't know. Goodbye." He walked towards Gorilla who was near their limuzine.

She sauntered to the in front of the building again.  Where could her mother be? What was that convorsation about? She knew it was hardly her business (and normally she wouldn't care) but she felt like she had to know.

Her mother stepped outside of the building.

"Mother, I was looking for you."

​She didn't give her an explanation "We should go." They walked towards their car and went to their home.

Someone in a black hoodie watched the whole affair. They greeted the pastor who acknowladged them with a smile. They strolled towards the casket and drawed out the bugs they had placed. On their way out of the building they knocked Adrien's portre down.​

Chapter Text

The girls met up on sunday at the hotel. Chloe stood in front of the board, her colored markers were ready to be used. She wrote 'who is A' at the middle of blackboard.

She put one hand on her hip. "Alright, got any ideas?"​​

They speculated for an hour, their theories got more unhinged as time passed. Chloe suggested Kim as a possible suspect which started an argumant between her and Alix. Thanks to Kagami they begrudgingly agreed upon Alix needed to question Kim about Ivan.

They decided for Lila and Chloe to 'borrow' the yearbook the day after. Alix expressed she talked with her dad, he said the place was already secured but if she wanted he was okay with more security. Kagami called someone from the company and told them to bring equipments to Alix's home.

After that girls fled one by one, Chloe was left to her own devices.

She was triming her nails as she got text messages that determined the rest of her day.


----

The bell rang. "And don't forget, the pages between 25 and 35 is your homework." She notified the remaning of the class.

She dumped the books onto her bag. "Chloe, Alix can we talk for a second?"

They relunctantly went to her desk. "Girls, do you know why you are here?"

Alix made a guess out of Chloe's actions. She was brutal today, she was almost impressed. "İs it because Chloe is bullying people as always?"

Chloe didn't bother to respond.

Ms Bustier softened her words. "No, although I would appericiate Chloe to express herself with a different language."

She clasped her hands together. "You two seem out of it in the class more than usual. İs there something going on?"

Alix shook her feet back and forth. "Nothing unusual."

Chloe hugged herself. "I'm fine."

Ms Bustier was quiet for a while. "Alright, if you need anything you can always tell me."

Alix and Chloe stepped away out of the classroom.

"How come Lila and Kagami aren't getting called aswell?"

"..."

"Like are we really the only ones looking affected by A?"

"..."
Alix paused. "Alright what bug crawled up on your ass?"

Chloe scoffed and speeded up as Alix stared.

"Whatever." Alix mumbled. She probably was upset with her mother leaving soon, in typical Chloe fashion.

She sat at her seat with the art club kids. Usually the table next to them would be Lila whose telling all kinds of stories, surrendered by all kinds of students including people from her table. However Lila had to excuse herself to deal with the yearbook situation and Chloe. Alix is glad she isn't in her place.

Nathaniel raised his head from the paper he was scribbling most of the class. "So what is going on with you?"

"Why is everyone asking me that?"

He whispered, with one hand blocking his mouth. "Because you're hanging out with the she-devil?"

"Who, Chloe?" Nathaniel tried to shush her.

She was already done with this convorsation. "I'm not. She ignored me not even few minutes ago right in front of you."

"Maybe not but you're trying to. How come? Our annoying wasn't enough for you?" He joked.

She reassured him. "She doesn't have nothing on you, don't worry." She just couldn't explain. "İt is complicated."

"I bet." At the same time Zoe the newest art club member leaned towards them. "Are you guys talking about Chloe?"

Nathaniel and Alix looked at eachother. "Just about how weird she is acting today."

Zoe looked done with her. "That's expected. She is probably angry about mom leaving or something."

Nathanial disagreed. "No way, if Chloe was angry someone would have ended in the principal's office."

Zoe lowered her voice. "She would hate I'm telling you this but Andre prohibited her from acting out."

Alix paused the fidget spinner she was spinning. "As if Chloe would listen to him."

"Well I don't know the full story but she must have been did something awful to get that reaction from him."

Zoe saw Sabrina calling for her. "I gotta go, see ya."

He showed her the paper. "So what do you think about my new drawing? İt is mostly finished."

The drawing consisted of a person looking down to the ground with a shovel in their hand. There was someone screeching inside the coffin, they were banging to the wood.

He tried to explain. "I tried to go for something dark, I know it's not my usual style but..." He noticed Alix's face. "Did you not like it?"

"No it is cool really. İt just made me feel sad for the person who is in the underground, that's all."

His face lighted up. "Im glad my art is able make people feel things."

Kim walked towards their table.

"Yo yo yo check out my cool watch." He did manevras with the clock, it made Alix's ongoing worry multiply by thousand.

She said it mixed with joking. "Ha ha be careful, its family heirloom."

"I know dude relax."

She was tired to staying still all day. "So are we meeting up same time same place, right? I need to blow off some steam."

"Actually that is why I came here. I need your support on something."

Alix questioned. "For what?"

He scratched his hair. "Um it's-" He eyed Nathaniel who was watching them. "Yo can we talk alone for a sec?"

"Sure?" She said her goodbyes to Nathanial.

They were walking in the garden as Kim started talking. "So I'm gonna do it!"

"Do what? Finally shave your head to be bald like you were meant to be?"

İt was true, all of the men in his household had a balding hairline. His mother showed her their family photos.

He denied. "No, I'm gonna confess to Chloe."

She was 99.9 precent sure Chloe wasn't into him. But there wasn't any point telling him that, its not like he would have listen to her anyway. "Wow dude that's good. But didn't you say you didn't have confidence before?"

He tried to cover her mouth. "Not so loud."

She had enough reflexes to easily escape. "Chilax nobody cares. Everyone has some type of insecurity."

He looked doubtful. "Even you?"

She stucked out her tounge. "Except me."

"I didn't think she would like me before because she was too in love with Adrien. But girls encouraged me to go for it."

She wasn't sure Chloe was ever in love, much less with Adrien but she didn't voice her thoughts. "Girls?"

"Y'know Alya and Marinette. They heard me talking with Max about it. Anyway I got flowers, I wrote a poem. Man if I was a woman I would be impressed."

She teased him. "Flowers and a poem? When did you become so soft?"

"It wasn't my idea. Ivan was coaching me about how to wow a girl."

She raised an eyebrow. "Ivan? Weren't you two fighting?"

"Oh, it is all water under the bridge. At Marinette's suggestion I decided to ask him to help me since he already got his girl."

"Okay so do you want me be there when you're gonna confess to her then?"

"Isn't that what i said?"

Her stomach rumbled. "That's what you implied, sure."

"That's literally the same thing."

The Bell ranged.

She saluted him. "I wish you good luck champ. Update me, will ya?"

She had to go to her classes hungry. She really ought to stop talking with people at lunch.

---

After informing Ms Bustier (just in case the lunch break wouldn't be enough) they had club avtivities so they could arrive bit late, Lila and Chloe walked towards the yearbook club's classroom. At first Lila tried to tell the story about her glorious time in Italy, Chloe told her to shut up harshly. Rest of the walk became tense.

They agreed to split up, Lila guarding the door where as Chloe getting the yearbook.

Nino noticed Lila, he approched her. But he wasn't speaking, he stood like a statue.

What was his deal? "Hi?"

He replied a bit late, sounded like a robot. "Hi Lila. I really like your stories."

She was looking past him. "Yeah they are alright I guess."

He put his finger on his ear? "Woul- No I'm not saying that."

She probaly misheard what he said. "What did you just said?"

"I said I'm not hearing that correctly. Your story was awesome du-" He did finger guns. "girl." He jittery smiled.

Lila saw behind Nino, pair of heads hiding behind a desk. They hid better upon seeing her staring. Creeps.

As time past in stillness, he wasn't going away but he also wasn't saying anything. Could this be any more awkward?As she was about to stand elsewhere he made incoherrent noises. "Umm."

She prayed to universe or god or whatever for Chloe to get the yearbook so she would be saved from this weird ass convo.

Was there noise coming from Nino's ear? Could this be the A they were searching for or was this thought came from collective paranoia? He was telling her something but she just tuned him out to focus on identifiying the voice. She nodded occesionally to not seem rude. The voice was a bit familiar and it wasn't deep enough for them to be a guy?

She caught his last words despite him rambling. "See you tomorrow at the zoo."

Just what on earth had she gotten herself onto? At least she could find out who were the stalkers from earlier so she would gotten rid of the A problem.

Chloe came from the room with the yearbook sligthly could be seen in her purse.

She whisper yelled. "Where the hell you been?"

Chloe couldn't control her tone which gotten them few looks. "İts not my fault it just didn't fit in my bag."

She went to the table she saw A. "Well thanks to you I am going on a 'date' with the dj guy."

Chloe wasted no time making fun of her. "Pff- You on a date with him. That's golden."

Lila decided to mock her back. "Are you sure you're not jelious. As I recalled you didn't have any boyfriend, right?"

Chloe was suprisingly not mad, maybe she lost her touch. "All boys are stupid so I haven't missed anything."

"True." She replied as she opened the book that was under the table. She got to the page bookmark was on it. She showed it to Chloe.

"A is for Adrien not Amature. -A"

There went her theory of these stalkers being A.

Chloe went to the printer to copy the yearbook as Lila inspected the book. They were weird drawings of people who wore furry costume.

As she was inspecting the chapter of a woman who was dressed in a fox theme Chloe handed her the copy and the real one. She put the book in her bag. She found one of the students and faked a story about finding the lost yearbook on the ground and she was there to return it. With that this mission was done.

----

Chloe bolted from the school, she crashed onto someone.

"Hey! Watch whe-"

She took a few steps back as she realized in front of her was non other than Luka.

Chloe was about the change her path as he called. "Wait."

"Look I think neither me nor you want to talk about your sister. I'm sure you hate me and we have no reason to talk unless you would like to remind me of how a horrible person I am. As you can see I'm already aware. So scram."

He stated. "I don't hate any one of you.."

She looked suprised. "I mean I tried to but I don't."

She was angry on his behalf. "So you forgive me, just like that? When I didn't even apologize!"

His voice was calm. "I didn't say I forgive you."

Chloe crossed her arms. "İs there a difference?"

"Does it matter?"

"I just don't get how you are not angry with me when even I'm furious of myself."

"I was angry for a long time. But it isn't healthy to hold onto that anger so I let it go. Besides I'm sure most of you feel regret."

Rose saw them, she frowned and left with Juleka.

Luka asked. "Do you want to walk together?"


As they were wandering he asked. "So why are you so upset?"

"What do you mean?"

"Your melody seemed more conflicted than usual, as if it were being suppressed by a discordant melody."

"So pity is the reason you decided to talk to me?"

He agreed. "You were the one who bumped into me quite literally but more or less."

Luka laughed seeing Chloe's so angry. "You asshole."

After a while she said. "Y'know it is really funny you were the one who only asked me how I am doing despite rightfully hating me."

He re-clarified. "I don't."

"You don't have to say that to spare my feelings or whatever."

"Why are you insisting I must hate you? "

She snapped. "Because I hate myself for it!"

He listened patiently. "I'm really sorry, okay? I wish we were never there that night. I wish I could go back in time and fix this. I wish I had the courage to approach to Juleka and apologize but I can't when I couldn't even bring myself to look her."

At some point they had sat onto the bench. Luka patted Chloe on the back.

She swiped the tears with her arm. "Why are you so nice to me?"

"Because that's the kind of person I wanna be."

Chloe despite wanting to ask why, she couldn't bring herself onto "..."

"You don't have to tell me anything but I have been told my advices were good." He proposed an alternative. "We could also sit in silence."

She explained in frustrations. "I just feel so intense like I am a bomb ready to explode."

He grimaced. "That doesn't sound healthy at all. But maybe this could help a bit." Luka pulled his acoustic guitar from its cover. He started playing as Chloe's mind went onto few years earlier.


----

At one of the galas, she acted clingier towards Adrien. At some point he pulled her aside and asked in a serious tone. "Chloe do you have a crush on me?"

She tried to laugh it off. "Why are even asking me that. Of course I love you Adri-kins."

He was unusually firm. "Stop. I don't feel comfortable around you anymore." he added quietly. "Excuse me.."

"Adrien please wait." She holded his arm, he was about to break free as he noticed her eyes filled with tears. His face softened.

"My dad told me he was gonna set me up with Prince Ali, maybe even an arranged marriage. I told him I couldn't because I already love you."

He sensed something was wrong. "Do you?"

"I like girls." She bursted with tears. He hugged her tightly.

"I never wanted to make you uncomfortable, I just told him first thing that came onto my mind then it was too late. The more I thought about it the more I realized it would be beneficial for both of us."

They both were silent for a while.

He also started to cry. "I'm sorry if I made you feel like you couldn't tell me."

She punched his arm. "No you dummy! You didn't do anything wrong, I was just afraid."

He dramaticly fell to the ground to make her laugh. "Ouch my shoulder, I think it's broken."

Chloe (who was relived they didn't have to continue this convorsation) made fun of him for being a baby, he responded with acting more dramaticly. They joked about Chloe becaming Adrien's bodyguard in case Gorilla gets fired.
Nathalie to intrupted them by her text, asking him about his whereabouts. When they returned to the gala, they had fun dancing and laughing. After that they talked, Adrien told her he was always there for her and they agreed upon her to act like she had a crush on him in front of the others until one of them found someone.
Looking back at it, she was grateful she decided to tell him. That made them closer than before.


------

As Luka finished his tune she returned to the reality. She felt like a huge weight has been lifted from her chest.

She decided to tell some of it, she pulled her phone from her purse. "She broke up with me today."

He looked shocked to see Mireille in the contact. "You two were dating?"

"Not really."

He asked in a sad tone. "But you wanted to, didn't you?"

Chloe didn't respond. They sat there for a while as Chloe got a text.

"Following up-date, is she gonna tear the poor bachelor's he-art ap-art more than she already has or will she have a long discussion with her father about the lgbtq+ rights?

-A"


The message was referancing the one she recieved in the morning.


"Breaking news the infamous heartbreaker bee-cames the heartbroken! 🤡

-A"


She looked around and saw Kim talking with Ivan with roses on his hand. The alarm bells ringed in her head.

She turned towards Luka who was putting the guitar onto its cover. "Don't tell anyone?"

He nodded and handed her a piece of paper.

"İt is my number. İn case you want to talk more."

She mumbled "Thanks.."

He yelled but she couldn't hear him. "Wait, your makeup!"

----

They saw Chloe was jogging away from the park. Kim managed to catch her. Alix was behind the bushes with Ivan watching with binaculars. Upon closer inspection Chloe looked better despite her mascara smudging.

He repeated anything Ivan said as they planned."Hey Chloe mind if we talk?"

Chloe's face soured. "2 minutes."

He handed her the flowers he had behind his back and pulled out a wrinkled paper from his pocket.

He went off-script to their distress. "I'm not Adrien but we both have blonde hair so that's something right? Besides who needs a model anyway when you have an athlete boyfriend." He tried to show his muscles to impress her. "İt's not like he could handle these big guns.

Chloe reprobated in disgust. Ivan and Alix already sensing the disaster motioned him to stop but he grinned, gave them a thumps up.

"So will you be mine?"

She looked expressionless for a moment.

She threw the flowers onto the ground and crushed them. "Me going out with you? What an utterly rideculous thought. Sorry not sorry Kim my heart belongs to someone who is far more awesome than you. Don't worry tho maybe someday some poor girl would like you back."

Kim bolted the place in sadness and Alix only saw red, she dashed towards Chloe.

"What the fuck is your problem!"

Chloe looked stunned to see her. But there was no response or action returned.

"Answer me! You could have gently rejected but noo You had to be big.bad.bully." She emphasized her last words.

Chloe's eye twitched.

She pushed Chloe on her shoulder. "Are you enjoying people's suffering that much?"

Chloe flipped, she attacked Alix while yelling. "YOU BITCH!"

Chloe throw a kick at Alix who barely dodged it. Chloe relentlessly attacked again and again, Alix could only had time to defend.

Chloe had advantage of a moment of suprise but Alix was an athlete for fuck sake. So why did her ass getting beaten by a spoiled brat who didn't even do gym classes? She knew Chloe did ballet for eight years (Alix was in the same class for a while) but how did that corralate onto fighting skills?

The fight didn't last long as Ivan rushed towards them. He tried to even his breath, he was shaking. "Okay let's all calm down."

Chloe abandon the park.

They both sat down. He asked. "So what happened?"

Alix huffed. "Her being her usual bitchy self thats all."

He offered. "Maybe she had her reasons?"

She didn't respond. "What got you so worked up? This couldn't be the reason."

She raised an eyebrow. "And how do you know that?"

"We were all aware Kim had no chance, right?"

"You knew it too. Then why help him?"

"I warned him but he insisted he had a chance. Look maybe Chloe was pretty harsh out there but maybe she had a bad day or something."

She questioned mockingly. "İs she having a bad day everyday?"

"Maybe." She looked at him like he was crazy. "I am the last person to justify her actions but I watched that video of her with her mom."

"The one that got deleted?"

He nodded. "I am more suprised to see you get so affected. Usually you wouldn't care."

"..."

"Not that you asked for my advice but maybe you should talk to her just to clear your thoughts."

"We'll see." She headed off. "Thanks, you are an alright guy. Also sorry for saying you were a weirdo to Mylene." She crossed Ivan off the A list in her mind and groaned upon realizing they returned to having zero leads.

"You WHAT?"


------


Alix knocked the door.

Chloe yelled. "Leave me alone Sabrina!"

"Wrong gal. İt's me."

Chloe sighed. "The door is open, I guess."

As she entered she saw Chloe who was collapsing on her bed and hugging a toy lika a koalla. "That's how you're showing hospitality? I should just give my review on yelp."

"Very funny. So why are you here?"

Did she lost memory or was she having a blonde moment? "Because we fought like an hour ago?"

"So?"

Maybe she should just return to her warm home. "Forget it."

"Wait Alix I didn't mean to make fun of him that much. A texted."

She crossed her arms. "I am not here for that."

"Was it because I kicked your ass? I'll buy you something."

"You can't buy my forgiveness. Also are you kidding me, that was so cool. How did you became that good?"

Chloe's face gave a small smile involunterly. "I did Savate for a few years."

She finally asked. "So what is the reason?"

She lost her temper. "For no particular reason. Not because you ignoring me over a year or anything like that."

Chloe looked appaled, she put her hand on her chest. "İgnoring you? You were the one who decided you were better off without me."

Alix couldn't help but be shock of her audacity. "Then why you stopped answering to my calls and started to hang out with Sabrina?"

"Because that's what you wanted me to do? You were clearly gotten sick of me so I decided to save you the trouble."

"Since when I said that?"

"You didn't have to."

Alix was pacing around the room. "Thats what I dislike about you y'know. You create a senario in your head and decide that must be the correct one."

Chloe got up from her bed, Alix noticed her eyes were red. "You don't get it don't you? Everyone leaves eventually."

Alix couldn't believe she had to explain common sense. "If you stop pushing people away they wouldn't leave."

"I am just saving everyone from the heartbreak."

She was getting impatient. "Did I ask you to?"

They both were fully yelling now. "İt seemed like you did at our fight last year."

"You dick! I tried to apologize but you decided to ignore me."

She fully shouted. "I am sorry, okay?"

Her words concluded the argumant.

Jean marched inside. "Are you girls okay?"

He looked at the girls and left without a sound. They both started laughing.

"Man, he must have been so sick of us by now."

She looked ready to cry. "You think so?"

She was the least dense among her usual friend group but apparently that didn't amount to anything. She rushed towards her. "No no, it was just a dumb joke."

They both were tired of this topic so she gracefully changed it. They would talk at a later point. "So what happened today?"

Chloe showed the messages.

"That motherfucker." All the pieces clicked and left her feeling regret. "I guess I was too harsh on you today."

It was always hard to say it but she blurted out. "I'm sorry, for everything."

Chloe said it quietly but she heared it. "I'm sorry too.."

"I don't know about you but I think I said sorries that will last me a life time."

"Yeah, tell me about it. İt felt so revolting."

"So wanna get your ass beaten in games?"

Chloe prepared the console. "That could only happen in your dreams loser."