Sooo, we are getting started on another month long challenge while I haven't finished the other ones? Yes, yes we are.

"You can't be serious."

"You know I don't joke around in these kind of situations, son."

"When do you ever joke around?" Adrien mumbles under his breath. Gabriel eyes him sharply and Adrien swallows hard. "What I mean is, is this really necessary?"

The third man in the office sighs dramatically and clasps his hands together. "Of course it is necessary, mon soleil." He steps next to Adrien and drops an arm around his shoulders. "You have been out of the spotlight for way too long and your daddy's company is suffering because of it. We just need to create a few good stories and everything will go back to the way it was, okay? Nothing to worry about."

Adrien frowns. "I don't know…"

"Máxim over here is a social media coach, specifically for the youth," Gabriel explains. "I am sure he is very capable of taking care of your public image through social media. Like he said, there is nothing to worry about."

Adrien looks up at the man still next to him, who only flashes him a radiant smile, and then gives in. "Okay. What is he going to do? What do I need to do?"

"You'll be going to your room and discuss everything together," Gabriel says.

"You're not coming?"

"I've wasted enough time on this." Gabriel eyes the painting of Emilie behind them with tight eyes. "I really need to get back to work."

Without another word, Adrien is led to his room and then they're discussing all kinds of ways they could up Adrien's reputation and make him more visible on social media.

"Do I need to promote something? Let's say I go… bowling. Should I just post that I'm having fun there and then it's done?"

Máxim shakes his head. "No, too mundane. It needs to sparkle. If you are going somewhere with friends, it needs to be the hottest spot in town. You know, for the upper class."

Adrien sighs in defeat. "I go to a regular high school, not some school for rich kids. My friends can't afford that."

"I see. No worries, we'll figure something out!"

Adrien has to admit the positive attitude of the man is contagious and smiles.

"The thing is, drama is hot in the media," Máxim starts, "but we don't want to create drama, because we want you to be in positive light."

"So positive drama then," Adrien smirks.

"I suppose. Let me think. Anything regarding relationships definitely draws attention. But according to your father, you are single, right?"

Adrien blushes and suddenly finds his lap very interesting. "Y-yes, I am."

"I saw that, young man." Máxim winks. "Is there anything you're keeping secret from your old man? Don't worry, I can keep a secret."

"It's nothing, honestly," Adrien admits. "There is this girl that I like. We're close, but we're not together or anything. She has been warming up to me, but we…. We're not like that."

And that is the truth. Over the years, Ladybug and Chat Noir have gotten closer. She even reciprocated some of his flirts, but he knows there is another boy. If she still likes him or not, he isn't sure, but apparently she doesn't have eyes for only him anymore. It kind of concerns him, because he doesn't want to be second choice, but yet he knows that he will jump at the next opportunity she'll give him to take her out or flirt with her or anything.

Máxim eyes him curiously. "Interesting. Who is this girl, if I may ask?"

Adrien doesn't know what to say. How can you tell someone you're in love with Ladybug without getting a few weird stares?

"You can trust me, mon soleil."

He takes a deep breath. "It's… Ladybug."

Máxim frowns for a second. "Ladybug?"

"Yes."

"You mean to tell me that you are in close contact with Ladybug – the heroine of Paris – and see that as nothing?"

"I…"

"This is wonderful!" Máxim jumps out of his chair and giggles.

"What is?"

"I already see it right before my eyes! 'Heroine of Paris and son of famous designer: Parisian Power Couple', oh this is a-ma-zing!"

"W-wait," Adrien stutters, "we're not a power couple. Because we are not a couple. Like I explicitly said not even a minute ago.

"Don't you understand, boy, that doesn't matter! The only one who needs to know is you, and Ladybug of course. You can tell her to just play along until it's over, no? This going to be great!"

Adrien senses he probably can't get through the excitement of the man, but tries anyway. "B-but, I don't want to lie-"

"I need to be going now, young man. I have work to do!"

"Wait!"

But it is already too late. Adrien is left alone in his room, still kind of unsure of what just happened. It all went quite fast.

He sighs. "I hope this turns out well."

Adrien steps out of the car and waves one last time at his driver before closing the door. The man doesn't speak much, but he is nice company.

The moment he sets foot on the school grounds, all eyes are on him. There are whispers and people giggling. Adrien raises a brow but shakes his head nonetheless and heads for Nino when he sees him, standing near the stairs.

"…Hey, dude." His friend greets.

"Hey, man. Do you know what's going on? I feel like everyone is staring at me."

"Because they are, bro. It's obvious, right?"

"I... don't get it?"

"That picture you posted this morning! I have to say, I'm a little upset you didn't tell me until you went viral with it. Kinda stings, Adrien."

"What picture?"

"With Ladybug, dude! You can't be that dense."

"I never posted a picture of me and Ladybug, I swear-"

Oh. Oh no.

"Wait…." Adrien quickly gets his phone from his pocket and opens up Instagram. He gave Máxim access to all his social media accounts. Does that mean-

"Oh heck."

He really should have tamed the man's excitement.

"This is bad."

"What do you mean? Everyone is either happy for you or jealous. I don't see what the big deal is."

"I didn't post this, Nino. My social media coach did this, although I'm kind of feeling like he's more after sensation than my actual reputation. I need to call him."

"You have a social media coach? Dude…"

The picture almost has two million likes, and that is only Instagram. He is glad he turned off notifications a long time ago for cases like these, but on the other hand, if he hadn't then he might have noticed this sooner.

The picture is deftly edited, that is for sure. It honestly looks real and isn't even that incriminating. It's just Ladybug and him… kissing. Nothing to freak out about.

Oh, who is he kidding? This is bad.

"I'm gonna die," Adrien thinks out loud. Either by the hand of his father or by Ladybug herself. He isn't sure which fate is worse.

Adrienette April is left at day 19 and and Marichat May is left at day 4, so I will continue writing those from that day on in this month. Yes you heard me, I'm gonna do three month long challenges at the same time.

Pls pray for me lmao...