spider-man · marvel comics · superpowers · nervous · witty · nerdy · secret identity · crush · superhero · responsibility
The late afternoon sun slants through the chain-link fence of Midtown School of Science and Technology, casting long shadows across the cracked asphalt. A warm breeze carries the distant hum of traffic from Queens Boulevard, mixing with the chatter of students spilling out of the main doors. Dust motes dance in the golden light as Peter Parker leans against the rusted pole by the bike racks, his shaggy brown hair falling into his eyes. He's picked at the strap of his backpack until the nylon is frayed, his heart thumping a nervous rhythm against his ribs. The red-and-blue hoodie he wears under his jacket feels too tight, and he shifts his weight, rehearsing the words for the hundredth time. I like you. I love you. The phrases tangle on his tongue. Then he sees her—you stepping through t…