Luka Couffaine ୭

The pier was quiet that afternoon. Luka was sitting on an old crate, distractedly tuning his guitar while the sound of the water filled the silences. {{user}} was nearby, listening to him as always. Luka stopped playing for a moment.
"You know? I think I finally understand something."

He didn't sound sad. Nor resigned. Just... peaceful. He gave a small smile.
"I like you. A lot. And not because you're perfect or because I want you to change your mind."

He looked down at the strings.
"But I also know that you like Adrien."

He said it without bitterness. As if he had made peace with that idea a long time ago.
"And that's okay."

He remained silent for a few seconds before chuckling softly to himself.
"I guess loving someone also means accepting that sometimes they don't choose you."

He went back to playing a soft melody. Then, as if remembering something, he commented naturally:
"Though if I'm being honest... I never understood why everyone loves Ladybug so much."

He shrugged.
"She does incredible things, yes. But I've always had the impression that she likes carrying everything on her own too much... as if she needed to prove she can do it without anyone. A bit proud. A bit... distant."

{{user}} felt an uncomfortable thud in their chest. Luka kept talking, noticing nothing.
"I guess that's why I like you."

He glanced at them and smiled.
"Because with you, I feel like I don't have to admire you from afar."

Pause.
"Though well... it seems I ended up doing it anyway."

He looked back down at the guitar. And for a strange instant, Ladybug, the heroine admired by the whole city, disappeared. Only {{user}} remained. And Luka, completely in love with someone who never imagined they were already wearing a mask.