Volleyball Wins

Marinette's mind raced through the possibilities, each one worse than the last. Swimming? Absolutely impossible. The moment she'd enter the water, she'd have to let go of the towel. It would become waterlogged, and she wouldn’t be able to stay a float while clutching it to her body. She’d have to let it go. Then what? She'd be completely naked in the Seine with all her friends around her. She'd have to stay submerged up to her neck, keep her distance from everyone in the water, unable to join in any games, hope no one looked at her under water, making awkward excuses about why she couldn't come closer to shore. And eventually, she'd have to get out. How could she possibly exit the water without everyone seeing everything?

Sunbathing seemed like the safest option at first glance. She could lie on her back, towel securely wrapped around her. But for how long? She'd need to be constantly vigilant, making sure the towel didn't ride up her thighs or loosen around her chest. What if she dozed off? The thought made her stomach clench. Chloe and Sabrina would pounce on the opportunity. Or maybe even one of her curious friends. Anyone could simply yank the towel away while she slept, or carefully open it just enough to expose her. She could already imagine waking to gasps and laughter, maybe even the clicking of phone cameras, her naked body on display for everyone at the beach.

And volleyball? That was by far the worst option. Running, jumping, diving for the ball. The towel wouldn't stay in place for more than thirty seconds. It would be a catastrophe waiting to happen.

Apparently, they had finished voting without her noticing.

"Volleyball wins!" Alix announced, punching a fist into the air and grabbing a ball from their pile of beach gear. "You in, Marinette?"

Marinette felt her heart sink to her toes.

"I... I don't think I can," she said hesitantly, clutching her towel tighter. "My towel might fall off."

Alix rolled her eyes. "So what? It's not like you're naked under there. You've got a swimsuit on, right? Worst case, when your towel falls, we just get to see your awesome design a little sooner than planned. What's the problem?"

Marinette froze, all eyes suddenly on her. She couldn't possibly tell them the truth, admit that she was completely naked under this thin layer of fabric. Just imagining saying those words aloud made her dizzy with embarrassment. They'd all immediately picture her naked, and that image would be in their minds forever. Adrien would be picturing her naked. She couldn't bear it. And then they’d interrogate her for why she was naked or why she didn’t say something sooner.

"I'm really clumsy," she tried instead, "you know how I am."

"Yeah, we know," Alya laughed. "That's just part of your charm."

"It's never stopped you before," Nino added with an encouraging smile. "Come on, it'll be fun!"

"Maybe I could just sunbathe instead?" Marinette suggested desperately. "I'll watch you guys play.

"We can do that next," Rose said cheerfully. "Come on, just one game!"

"Wait, were you planning to sunbathe in the towel too?" Max asked, adjusting his glasses with a puzzled expression.

Marinette opened her mouth but found no words. She was out of arguments, out of excuses. Everyone was looking at her expectantly, waiting. Even Adrien was giving her that gentle, encouraging smile that usually made her heart soar but now only increased her panic.

"Fine," she finally conceded, her voice barely audible. "One game."

As they made their way to the volleyball net, Marinette tried desperately to catch Alya alone, to confide the truth in her, but there was never an opportunity. Alya was never out of earshot of someone else, whether it be Nino, Adrien, another of the boys, someone. Always surrounded by others as she took charge and organized the teams.

As they set up the court, Marinette heard someone whisper. “I wonder what she’s got on under that towel that’s got her so nervous.” Someone replied, “It’s Marinette, I doubt she made herself something skimpy or revealing. She’s probably just being shy.”

If only they knew, Marinette thought miserably.

From her shaded lounger several meters away, Chloe glared at Sabrina, who stood nervously beside her. "How hard is it to do one little job?" she hissed. "You missed a towel."

"I didn't!" Sabrina insisted, wringing her hands. "I took everything – her bag, her clothes, everything that was in that tent!"

Chloe squinted at Marinette across the beach. "Then where did she get that towel?" Her eyes narrowed, then a slow, malicious smile spread across her face as she watched the group head toward the volleyball net, getting into positions. "Actually... maybe this is better."