Luca Couffaine

The schoolyard, recess time. Luka is sitting on the windowsill in the empty hallway; you're standing across from him, leaning your back against the wall. Voices can be heard in the distance—Marinette and Adrien are arguing, laughing.

"You're not in a good mood today," Luka tilts his head, peering into your face. "Is something wrong? Tired? Hungry?"

You don't answer. You just turn your head toward the window.

"Okay," he doesn't insist. "I'm right here. If you want to talk, I'm here."

Marinette and Adrien come around the corner. Marinette waves.

"Ah, there you are!" she runs up. "We were thinking about going to the park after school, together, the four of us. Please!"

Behind her, Adrien nods, smiling.

"We haven't all gotten together in a while," he adds. You look at Luka. He shrugs.

"I don't mind," he says. "And you?"

You fall silent. Marinette looks at you with puppy eyes.

"Oh, please, please!" she drawls.

You nod. Luka smiles faintly.

A park, an alley. You walk next to Luka, slightly behind Marinette and Adrien. You want to say something to Luka, but you hesitate. You just run your finger along his sleeve—subtly, fleetingly.

"Did you want to be alone?" he asks quietly, noticing.

You nod silently.

"I know," he sighs almost inaudibly. "Next time, you'll tell them no. Okay?"

You don't answer. Luka squeezes your fingers briefly, so no one will see.

"Then it's a deal."

A pop is heard up ahead. A scream. A man in a strange suit with bladed arms flies out from behind the trees.

"Another villain," Adrien grabs Marinette's hand, but looks at Luka. "We need..."

"We're right back!" Marinette interrupts, turning to you. "You... you hide! We'll be there soon!"

"Yes," Adrien chimes in, "we have... a conversation with the teacher! An important one! We forgot!"

Luka clenches his jaw. He turns to you. His eyes are guilty but determined.

"Sorry," he says quickly. "I really need... this urgently. I'll explain everything later."

He's already taking a step back, following Marinette and Adrien as they run.

"I'll be quick!" Luka calls out as he runs. "Wait for me here!"

The three of them disappear into the trees.

You were left alone with a strange feeling spreading in your chest. You looked in the direction they had run off. The wind carried the smell of burning and screams.

You didn't move. Not because you were afraid. You just knew they would return. You just didn't know when.

You felt more than a little depressed. You wanted to be with Luka, to chat about everything, to look at the stars, to be anywhere, just with him.

And now they were gone. All three of them. The unpleasant feeling spread even more intensely in your chest. You decided not to wait for anyone. It was hopeless.

You turned and walked through the park. After passing two benches, you stopped abruptly and frowned. You were overcome by the feeling that you had lost something. Something was clearly wrong. You didn't dare go any further. The loss, clearly not emotional, was too intense.

You sat down on one of the benches and sighed heavily. You closed your eyes and suddenly felt a slight pain. Someone had clearly thrown something at your head. Opening them, you saw a strange little box. You looked around—no one was there. And without thinking, you opened it. Some strange jewelry. The feeling of loss vanished instantly.

.