Chapter 10: The Classroom's New Focus

Miss Bustier's homeroom buzzed with animated chatter as students trickled into their seats. The classroom, a cheerful mix of student art and inspirational posters, usually had a calm energy in the morning — but not today. Something was different. The air seemed taut with speculation and nerves, the kind of tension that made every glance and whisper feel loaded with meaning.

The topic on everyone's lips? Adrien. And the mysterious girl with the injured ankle.

At the center of the buzz, Alya leaned forward at her desk, legs crossed tightly and fingers flitting in midair as she spoke with rapid excitement. "I'm telling you, he didn't just help her — he practically carried her to the nurse's office. Adrien 'I-don't-even-make-eye-contact-with-girls' Agreste! Who even is this girl?"

Her voice rode the edge of scandalous delight, but a trace of unease lingered beneath her words. Her eyes briefly flicked sideways to her best friend.

Right next to her, Marinette sat stiffly, one hand tangled in the ribbon of her pigtail as she stared at the window. Her lips were pressed together, and her eyes were just a little too wide.

Carried? He carried someone?

She didn't say anything, but her posture had changed — rigid, defensive.

Who is she? What did I miss?

Alya leaned closer and lowered her voice. "You didn't see anything? Not even when they left the courtyard?"

Marinette shook her head, eyes still fixed on the window. "I got there after. Everyone was already inside..."

Of course I missed it. And now everyone's talking about her like she's some kind of princess.

Just ahead of them, Mylène's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "My brother said she's a new transfer from abroad. He thinks she just joined this morning. But Adrien being that sweet to someone new? That's not normal."

He's never even helped me pick up my books... Mylène thought, a little guilty for even noticing.

Juleka, seated beside her, spoke softly but clearly. "It's kinda romantic. But weird, too. Adrien never gets involved like that. Not with someone he just met."

Unless she's someone special, Juleka mused.

Nathaniel looked up from his sketchbook. He wasn't smiling. "He's private. If he's already this close with her, it's because she's not just anyone."

She must've made a strong impression. Quick. Strong and quick... His pencil hovered in the air, capturing the idea.

Nino tapped his pencil against the side of his desk, nodding. "She's gotta be important. Adrien's super careful about people — maybe his dad knows her parents?"

Or maybe she's got some kind of connection, Nino wondered, glancing toward the door.

A sharp huff cut across the murmurs like a knife.

Chloé sat stiff-backed at her desk, arms crossed and jaw tight. Her eyes practically glowed with indignation.

"This is ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous!," she snapped, her voice slicing through the hum of conversation. "He doesn't even know her, and suddenly he's treating her like she's made of glass?"

The entire room stilled. Everyone turned to look — even Marinette.

Chloé's voice rose, shrill with disbelief. "Who is this girl? Does she think she can just limp her way into Adrien's life like that? This is so unfair!"

That should've been me he was helping. Not some random girl with a sprained ankle, Chloé fumed, nails digging into her palm.

Sabrina, ever loyal and forever cautious, hurried over to her side, trying to calm her down. "Chloé, maybe she is hurt. And Adrien was just being polite."

Chloé scowled, flicking her hair over her shoulder with a sharp twist. "Whatever. She's just another nobody who's about to disappear."

But not if I have anything to say about it, she added silently.

Alya let out a soft scoff, clearly unimpressed. Marinette didn't speak — she just sat there, chewing lightly on the inside of her cheek.

Nobody? Doesn't seem like it.

Kim, meanwhile, had his face pressed to the glass panel of the classroom door, grinning like he was about to witness a celebrity entrance. "Hey, everyone! They're coming! Adrien and the new girl — they're right outside!"

That was all it took. In an instant, every whisper died. Heads turned. Postures stiffened. Chairs creaked as students craned for a glimpse.

Through the frosted panel of the door, two silhouettes approached.

Adrien's figure was unmistakable — tall, relaxed, graceful. But today, there was something different in his posture. Protective. Close. One of his arms reached behind the girl walking beside him, hovering near her lower back in a careful, almost subconscious gesture of support. In his other hand, he carried a crutch.

The girl beside him moved slowly, but with poise. Even through the glass, the outline of her delicate gait and careful steps was visible.

Alya leaned in toward Marinette again. "Looks like he's really watching out for her," she whispered.

Marinette didn't answer. She stared at the blurred shape of Adrien's face — then at the girl beside him.

He's never looked at me like that.

Mylène breathed, "She looks so... fragile."

Like one of those porcelain dolls you're not supposed to touch...

Juleka murmured, "But like... in a beautiful way."

Nathaniel was already flipping to a fresh page in his sketchpad, eyes darting with curiosity.

I need to draw her. I have to draw her.

Even Nino looked thoughtful. "Yeah... this is definitely going to change things."

Alya tilted her head, suspicious. "We don't even know her name yet, but everyone's already under her spell."

Marinette's hands curled into tight fists beneath her desk.

Who is she? And why does Adrien care so much?

Chloé said nothing now, but her eyes locked onto the door with cold, simmering fury.

If this girl thinks she can take my place next to Adrien, she's delusional.

Just then, the doorknob turned, and Adrien's voice could be faintly heard — gentle, encouraging, and directed at the girl beside him.

The door began to open.

Lila Rossi stepped into the room, leaning slightly on Adrien's arm as he guided her carefully forward.

She gave the class a soft, measured smile — sweet, uncertain, and perfectly timed.

Let the game begin.