Back To School

Monday morning.

Time to go back to school.

Most people probably wouldn't like having to go back, but I'm excited to see all my friends and try and have things as normal as possible.

Of course, things won't ever be the same, the fact that my father could do something so horrible will always be there.

My friends will be probably be reminding me of it all day.

Not intentionally, of course, just checking up on me.

I appreciate their care, I really do, I'd just prefer to not be the center of attention.

But who knows, they may not even talk about.

"Plagg! Where are you? It's time to go!" I quietly call.

"Ugh, I'm here. Why do we have to go?"

"Because, it's Monday."

"So?"

"School day."

"Ughhhh, be sure to put lots of cheese in your bag."

"Will do." I say and laugh.

Grabbing a few extra pieces, I arrange them in my bag and let him get settled.

I go downstairs, and start eating the breakfast that was prepared for me.

There's a flower in the little vase on the tray, I look it over as I eat.

I should do something for y/n.

Maybe bring her some more candy.

The clock chimes 7:30, so I quickly finish and get going.

The Gorilla is waiting for me, so I just get in the car and buckle the seatbelt as it starts moving.

I gaze out the window, watching Paris coming alive for the day.

Stores opening, people going to work or school.

Before I know it we arrive at the school, so I thank Gorilla and get out.

"Adrikins!!" I immediately hear.

Chloe throws herself at me, so I awkwardly hug her back.

"I missed you so much! I almost had to talk to some of these peasants!"

"They're nice people Chlo," I try to remind her, even though I know it's no use.

"Whatever you say Adrikins."

I resist the urge to roll my eyes and continue on towards the building's entrance.

"Dude!" Nino calls to me.

"Hey Nino!" I say as I walk over to him and Alya, who he's got his arm around.

"Hi Adrien," Alya says, "How're you doing?"

"Pretty good. How are you doing?" I redirect the question.

"About the same."

We continue talking until the bell rings, so we all go to Miss Bustier's class and take our seats.

Just as the bell rings for the last time and we're about to start, the door bursts open and Marinette runs in, quickly saying an apology.

"Marinette, you really must try harder to be on time!" Miss Bustier reprimands.

"I know, I'm sorry."

"Well, know that everyone is here, we can get on with the lesson." She says, and starts telling us our next assignment for the day.

I'm trying to pay attention, but I can almost feel someone watching me.

Contemplating a quick glance around, a feel a poke at my arm.

Looking down I see a note from Nino.

I discreetly take it and read it.

Trying to contain my smile, I write my reply.

I slide it back to him and he gives me a quick thumbs up and scribbles something.

He gives me a quick smile, then looks back to Miss Bustier, so we don't get caught.

Soon enough the class is over and I head on to the next one.

Getting a couple looks is the only acknowledgement I have, but I can't decipher what they mean.

The day goes on as a usual day, except uninterrupted by a rampaging akuma.

Of course there has been days like this before, but everyone was usually expecting it to come sooner or later.

Now I can almost feel the more relaxed atmosphere, and it makes me happy.

While I'm in line to get lunch, Rose comes up behind me.

"Hi Adrien!!" She says enthusiastically.

"Hey Rose, what's up?"

"Nothing much, I just wanted to check up on you, since you weren't here last week!"

"Thanks, I'm doing good. How about you?"

"Oh I'm great!"

"Good!" I say, and get my food.

She's always so nice.

We go in different directions after getting lunch, she goes to sit with Juleka and some other kids, and I go to my usual table with Nino, Alya, and Marinette.

"H-hi Adrien!" Marinette says.

"Hey Marinette." I respond and sit beside her, as that's the only open spot.

I start talking with Nino, but can't help noticing Alya and Marinette whispering furiously to each other.

Before long the bell rings, so we all stand and put our trash and everything away.

Then Marinette and I walk together to our next class, since Nino and Alya have a different one.

"S-so, how you are? I mean, how are you?" Marinette asks.

"I'm good, thanks. You?"

"Good. I just check to- wanted to check on you! Since everything that happened..." She trails off.

"Oh yeah, I'm alright. Things are just,  just different now. But I'll get used to it eventually."

"Y-yeah, you're gonna be ok! I know it!"

I shoot her a smile and we go to our seats.

Unfortunately I have the rotten luck of being pared with Lila as a seat partner.

"Hi Adrien. So sorry to hear about your dad." She says as I sit.

"Thanks." I answer shortly and stare straight ahead.

She keeps trying to talk, but I just say as little as possible and beg for the teacher to come.

Finally, the class starts and she can't talk to me anymore.

The rest of the day goes by rather quickly, and I can finally go to fencing practice.

I get changed and wait for Mr. D'Argencourt.

Kagami comes in, already dressed, and walks over to me.

"Hey Kagami."

"Hello Adrien." She always sounds so serious.

"So, no shadow today?" She asks.

"Ugh, thankfully. Don't expect to see him with me anytime soon." I scoff.

"What happened?"

"You probably noticed that he and I look very similar, right?" I start.

She nods, so I continue, "Well, he pretended to be me so he could hang out with my girlfriend! How psychotic is that?!"

"That is pretty awful. Did she buy it?"

"No, he apparently did a pretty bad job, and I got there in time to set things straight."

"That's good. Why did he do it?"

"I don't know, jealousy, maybe?"

"Probably."

Before we can discuss further, Mr. D'Argencourt comes in and has us start.