Beyond the Borders

ch.11 - intertwined gazes

As Wave entered the room, she could feel all eyes on her. She greeted everyone with a warm smile, making sure to make eye contact with each and every student. When her gaze met Adrien's, her eyes widened in surprise. He was mesmerized by her beauty and couldn't help but think she was simply stunning.

As he waved at her, she returned the gesture, causing Adrien to feel his cheeks turn rosy. This girl had no clue the effect she had on him with her sweet and photogenic personality.

In front of her, a blonde-haired girl, known as Chloe begins to make a comment with a despising scoff, as she folds her arms over her chest. Chloe had always been the queen bee of her high school. With her blonde hair, designer clothes, and perfect makeup, she had always been the envy of her classmates.

"I've never understood why parents would name their child after a natural disaster. Must have been a real disappointment." She laughs.

Chloe's comments were loud enough for Wave to hear, and she couldn't help but feel embarrassed and ashamed. She had just moved to this city and was already being singled out and made fun of on her first day. She had been hoping to make some friends and fit in, but it seemed like that wasn't going to happen with Chloe around.

Miss Bustier gave Wave a reassuring smile before turning back to the class. "Please make sure to give her a warm welcome and help her adjust to our school. Thank you."

♥

As the bell rang, signaling the end of first period, Wave quickly gathered her things and headed towards the door. She maneuvered through the crowded hallways, her thoughts already drifting towards her next class. With her schedule in hand, she navigated her way towards her second period, feeling a familiar sense of excitement as she walked through the school.

As the day went on, Wave's initial nervousness slowly dissipated as she started to make a couple of friends in her classes. She was surprised to find out that she even shared some classes with them, especially with Adrien.

However, their pleasant lunch was suddenly interrupted by a loud explosion that shook the school. The sound of screams and cries echoed in the distance, causing panic to spread through the students. Without a second thought, they all rushed out of the school, seeking safety and shelter.

Amidst the chaos, Wave stood frozen, unsure of what was happening. She could see people running and shouting, and then she saw it - a strange figure leaping off the ground and causing destruction wherever it landed. She gasped in shock, her eyes widening in fear.

"What is that?" Wave exclaimed, her voice trembling as she watched the chaotic scene unfold before her. She could feel her heart racing as she slowly realized the danger they were all facing and knew she had unintentionally caught the villain's attention as he aimed his weapon towards her.

When Wave stood frozen in fear, using her arms to protect herself, she felt a sudden rush of wind as a strong pair of arms lifted her from the ground. When she slowly opened her eyes, she was met with the sight of a blonde-haired boy with bright, emerald-green cat-like eyes tucked underneath a black mask. He was dressed in a black, skintight cat suit with cat ears adorning his head.

"Are you okay?" the boy asked, concern evident in his voice.

Wave was confused, but she managed to stammer out a soft 'yes' in response. She couldn't believe she was being rescued by a costumed hero.

As Wave stood there, her mind still reeling from the intense battle that had just taken place, she couldn't help but notice the way the young male held her. She could feel his gloved hand on her mid-back, his touch sending shivers down her spine. And then there was his other hand, gently cradling the nape of her neck. It was a surprisingly intimate position, and she couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through her body at the thought.

But before she could dwell on those feelings any longer, Chat Noir placed her down on the ground and looked away, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. It was clear that he had also noticed the closeness between them and was unsure how to respond.

"Uh, sorry about that," he mumbled, his voice slightly awkward as he cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck. "I didn't mean to... um, you know."

Wave couldn't help but smile at his sudden display of shyness. "It's okay," she reassured him, her hand lightly resting on his shoulder.

His cheeks flushed even more at her touch, but he managed to grin back at her.

As they stood there, their eyes meeting in a moment of unspoken understanding, their moment of relief was short-lived as the akumatized villain continued to approach them, weapon at the ready. The young hero quickly instructed her to stay behind as he took out a silver staff from his suit.

"Stay back, I'll take care of this," he said, determination in his voice.

As Wave looked on from a safe distance, she couldn't help but be in awe of Chat Noir's strength and agility. He effortlessly dodged the akuma's attacks, his staff twirling and striking with precision. She couldn't believe how effortlessly he fought, almost as if he had been doing it his whole life.

But then, Ladybug appeared in a flash of red and black, her yo-yo expertly taking down the akuma. Wave couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for the two heroes, working together in perfect sync to defeat the villain and protect their city.

As the battle came to an end, Ladybug purified the akuma and Chat Noir let out an exhausted sigh. The two heroes shared a proud glance before fist bumping and saying their trademark phrase, "Pound it!" With that, they parted ways, each going their separate paths.

But before Chat Noir left, he walked over to Wave, extending his hand out to her. "Here, I'll take you home." He said with a charming smile. Wave's heart fluttered at the offer, and she gladly accepted, gently taking his hand.

And by the time they arrived at her place, she walked up towards the front door and looked over her shoulder, thanking him as he nodded in response before leaving.

As Wave laid in bed, her mind couldn't help but wander back to her encounter with Chat Noir. His flirtatious charm and daring heroics had left a lasting impression on her. As she gazed up at the ceiling, her heart fluttered at the thought of him.

Blushing at her own thoughts, she grabbed a pillow and covered her face, trying to hide her shyness. Meanwhile, Chat Noir had returned to his home after a long day of saving Paris. As he leapt through the window into his bedroom, he let out a dreamy sigh.

Transforming back into his civilian self, Adrien couldn't stop smiling as he remembered his encounter with Wave. Plagg, his kwami, noticed his happiness and couldn't resist teasing him. "What's got you so happy, kid?"

Adrien simply shrugged and walked away, unable to wipe the smile off his face. "Nothing... just her. Although we have only just met, there is something special about her. She feels like a perfect realization of my dreams." He couldn't help but feel cheesy and hoped Plagg wouldn't make fun of him.

But of course, Plagg couldn't resist as he groaned with disgust. "This is cheesier than camembert, ugh..." Adrien rolled his eyes and chuckled, knowing he was being ridiculous. But he couldn't deny his growing feelings for Wave.

"I don't care how cheesy it sounds, Plagg. I just want to talk to her again," Adrien said, determination in his voice. He couldn't wait for the next time he got to see Wave and hoped he could work up the courage to talk to her more. And then, he prepared himself for bed, excited for the next day.