The Salt Files: Additional Cases (MLB)

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Without Alya pestering her for stuff, Marinette was actually able to work more on her personal hobbies, such as fashion and other crafts. She even got more time to herself when Alya pushed for Lila to be her replacement for Class Representative. 

Marinette didn't even bother putting up a fight; she never wanted to be the rep to begin with.

With this new freedom, Marinette felt like she could focus on things that truly mattered. Like her possible future career, patrols, and more.

Including her possible growing crush on Luka.

🦊🦊🦊

Not long after this, other people started catching on that Lila might not be all that she seems. It was no surprise that Juleka would be the next target, love triangle or not. Turns out Luka was actually Juleka's brother, which meant he voiced his concerns to her about the liar a long time ago. 

And not just because he was into her classmate that just so happened to be harassed by her as well.

Juleka was very quiet, which she used to her advantage. After her brother voiced his concerns the first time, she started paying more attention to the situation. And then did Juleka realize how toxic it truly was. After noting down some details, she took her findings to others in the class. Specifically, Rose, Nath, Mylene, Ivan, Sabrina, and surprisingly, Alya.

Juleka explained her observations to them, with some hearing her out. She was shocked to find out no one argued against her, which seemed like they noticed a change as well but were too nervous to speak on it.

"Just, promise to not tell Lila anything. I don't want her to think we hate her or are planning anything." They swore to not tell anyone, but one of them had their fingers crossed. Juleka felt better knowing other people might be more aware now. She even called up Marinette and apologized and promised to make it up to her, which the bluenette appreciated.

They didn't know there would be a change when they showed up the next day.

As Juleka and Marinette walked into class together, they could tell the atmosphere was tense. Rose was sniffling and crying, Lila had her hand on her back, and Alya was watching with a look of pity. Marinette immediately knew something was up as Juleka rushed to Rose's side.

"Rose? What's wrong? What happened?" Rose raised her tear-stricken face out of her hands and looked at her friend. Well, ex-friend now.

"Lila told me everything." Juleka was confused, but Marinette knew exactly what that meant. She looked over to see Lila looking smug.

"I don't know what she told you Rose, but I don't think it would be the truth." Marinette butted in.

"What did she even-" Juleka asked.

"She said you told Prince Ali I'm a bad influence and that's why he hasn't contacted me lately. You were the only person I told about what was going on and I asked you not to say anything to anyone. And you did it anyway! How could you betray me like this?" Rose started another crying fit as Lila rubbed her back. The Italian looked smugly at the duo while Alya pretended not to see.

"Why would you lie about me?" Juleka asked, barely above a whisper.

"Because you decided to like about me." Lila put on a pouty face. "Lying about me to others in the class? Tsk tsk, I never thought you would do something like this."

"B-But I didn't-" Juleka stopped, looking around. Everyone there swore their secretcy, and wouldn't tell. Nath was too quiet and didn't care for the girl, Mylene and Ivan tended to stay out of it, and Sabrina just keeps tabs on everyone for Chloe. That only leaves-