章 9: 9: Marinette's Melody

"You okay?" Luka asked the girl who was clinging on to him as he drove around the city on his bike.

Marinette did not answer. The atmosphere was heavy back there hinting Luka of Marinette's hesitation to talk about it. But the guy wanted her to let it out.

"I heard most of your conversation earlier." Luka added.

Marinette looked up feeling alarmed.

"Was I wrong to say that?" she said softly.

The light turned red and the bike screeched to a stop, "The whole keeping your distance thing?" he said.

"I want to keep the friendship while respecting his private relationships."

"But are you okay with it?"

"Of course," was all that came out from her.

Luka immediately stepped on it the moment the light turned green. Bringing a breeze on to Marinette's cheeks.

"So how's the melody going?" Marinette diverted.

He bobs his head making a 'so-so' gesture, "I stuck with what I had last time you heard it. I'm thinking of making you add lyrics to it."

"WHAT? ME? WRITE LYRICS?" she scoffed.

"Come on Marinette, you're creative. I'm pretty sure writing lyrics will be a very useful skill to add to the set." he giggled.

"You know, flattery won't get you what you want."

"But can you resist me?" the boy said using his foot as a stopper the moment they arrived at the port where Luka's home-boat was. A Hoat.

Marinette hops off his bike and crosses her arms in disbelief. Playfully charmed disbelief. "You're really gonna play that card with me?"

Luka stares at her, "I hope you're not forgetting I'm seriously courting you Ms. Dupain-Cheng." he said burning his gaze into her blue eyes.

Marinette's cheeks turned red. She felt a rush and tingle in her stomach similar to how she felt towards Adrien before. She rolled her eyes laughing as she tried to hide the embarrassment.

"Can we please put this thought into later? You got rehearsal."

Luka chuckled, "Yes ma'am," he said putting his arm around her shoulder walking her to the boat.

The band practice was great. Luka was most excited of them all to be finally finishing his first project, an original to boot. His team decided to call it a day and continue the next schedule of rehearsal. Luka waved goodbye to his bandmates and they waved goodbye to Marinette as well.

"You were awesome!" Marinette squealed the moment both of them were alone.

Luka laughed, "Not as awesome it would be especially when the lyrics will be done."

Mari realized that was still gonna happen.

"You really don't wanna think twice before letting me do this? This is a big thing for you and I don't want to ruin the song." her insecurity rises again.

Luka puts down his guitar and walks to Marinette offering her to come inside and have some drinks, "You can't change my mind Marinette." he said grabbing two glasses from the cupboard. Marinette receives the glasses and watched the boy grab a pitcher of lemonade from the fridge pouring into each of the glass.

Marinette sat down at his bed and Luka did the same. She looked at him with begging eyes then sighed. "Don't say I didn't warn you." she said and chugged the lemonade in one go.

Luka chuckled, "I didn't just pick you out of nowhere you know. I know I've had something going on with you right now but this is way before I decided to court you."

Marinette started to become curious.

"Why me then?" she said.

Luka smiled, "Because you have a heart."

His words sunk in and she felt her cheeks burn. 'Wows' and 'umms' had become her habit when she's embarassed. She'd also look down and tuck her hair behind her ear. Luka noticed the girl's shyness towards him.

"Marinette," he called out and the girl came back to her senses, "can I ask you something?"

Marinette nodded strongly still spaced out.

"Do you feel uneasy when you're with me?" he said.

Marinette shook her head, "No, as a matter of fact I feel relaxed when I'm with you." she smiled.

She glanced at the window beside her looking at the view outside as she recalled how she was with Adrien before. She felt melancholic like it was all a dream.

"Being with you Luka is like....I was pushed back to reality."

"Adrien being a dream?"

Mari nods, "I've always felt like Adrien was too far even when our seats were right next to each other. I can't even talk to him properly most of the time since my nervousness would overcome my desire to talk to him."

"But wouldn't that mean you have so many things you want him to know, it's just that your brain can't keep up with your heart?"

Mari mockingly giggled, "Is that a good thing?"

Luka laughed, "Depends how we see it."

The two stared playfully at each other. Marinette felt better knowing Luka was such a good friend. It's been weeks since they started hanging out more often to give Luka a chance in winning her over. But never did she feel she was pressured into giving him an immediate answer. Luka is really cool with the whole situation which makes Mari feel at ease. She even thought this might actually work with her trying to move on from Adrien.

Look Marinette, Luka is so sweet. How can you not fall in love with a guy like him? He's never made you feel nervous and awkward. He even acknowledges your feelings and respects that. Where else can you find a guy like him?

"Earth to Marinette!"

Mari snaps out of it.

"Sorry, I was thinking about..... something." she shyingly replied.

"Do you want to tell me what you were thinking about?" he spoke suggestively.

"No, please no." she insisted, "What were you saying earlier?"

"I asked you if maybe you'd want your song be presented at the ball."

"A ball? What ball? THERE'S A BALL?" her voice increasingly shook as her eyes widened with every word.

Luka chuckled. "It's not yet official but I heard the Mayor's organizing a Masquerade Ball soon. It's a coming of...what was that again? Oh, it's okay, the event isn't finalized yet. But when the schedule's up, I'll be sure to tell you." he shrugged.

"So you're saying, you want to play YOUR song at this major ball in front of the whole Paris with MY lyrics?

"Pretty much."

Marinette slumped to her knees, "You just had to make it harder for me, do you?"

Luka laughed, "Relax Marinette," he pulls her up making her face him, "You know I'm here for you. I'll help you out until all your artistic juices run out."

She scoffs and melted into his deep gaze, "You psycho," she squished his cheeks surprising Luka. They burst into laughter echoing throughout the boat. Nothing seemed to matter anymore to Marinette. She thought that if Luka makes her this happy, then she shouldn't be so hesitant of change anymore.

"It's time to write some lyrics." she said pumping her fists in the air.