As break time began, the school cafeteria was bustling with activity. Students lined up at the counters, chatting and laughing as they grabbed trays filled with food. The air buzzed with the typical chaos of high school lunchtime, but amidst the lively chatter, an unsettling scene began to unfold.
Thompson, flanked by his gang, stood near the far end of the cafeteria, blocking the path to the soda machine. Ned had just walked up, tray in hand, but was promptly cornered by Flash. "Well, well, look who's decided to grace us with his nerdiness," Flash sneered. He reached over, snatching an apple from Ned's tray and tossing it carelessly onto the floor.
"Come on, Thompson. I'm just trying to eat my lunch," Ned said weakly, clutching his tray tighter.
"Lunch? Nah, you don't get lunch until we say so," Thompson replied with a smirk, shoving Ned backward into the soda machine.
Ned looked around helplessly as the other students glanced nervously at the scene but didn't dare intervene. Just as Flash raised his fist, Peter stepped into view.
Peter's Intervention
Peter placed his tray on a nearby table and moved between Flash and Ned, his expression calm but determined. "Leave him alone, Flash."
The cafeteria grew quiet as students turned to watch, intrigued by the sudden confrontation. Flash, surprised at first, quickly recovered and grinned. "Parker, playing hero again? What're you gonna do, block me with your math homework?"
"No," Peter said, his voice steady. "You've done enough. Just walk away."
"Walk away? Ha!" Flash laughed, turning to his gang. "Alright, boys, looks like Parker wants to play. Let's give him a show."
Flash swung his fist, aiming for Peter's face, but Peter caught it effortlessly mid-air. The crowd gasped. Flash frowned, trying to pull his hand free, but Peter's grip was like steel.
"Let him go, Parker!" Flash growled, launching his other fist. But Peter ducked swiftly, his movements fluid and precise, redirecting the punch and sending Flash stumbling forward.
"Since when did you get good at dodging?" Flash snapped. Recovering quickly, he lunged again, this time throwing a series of wild punches. But Peter's reflexes, enhanced by his newfound strength, allowed him to dodge each blow with ease. His movements were sharp and controlled, a result of his karate training combined with his enhanced abilities.
As Flash became more aggressive, Peter began using his karate techniques to deflect the strikes. When Flash jabbed with his right hand, Peter sidestepped and countered with a quick wrist lock, forcing Flash to retreat momentarily. Flash lunged again, aiming for Peter's ribs, but Peter blocked the hit with his forearm, pivoting to sweep Flash's leg with a subtle kick. Flash stumbled but didn't fall, his gang shouting encouragement from behind him.
"Come on, Thompson," Peter said evenly, his voice calm but firm. "You're not going to win this. Just walk away."
Flash growled in frustration and launched his final attempt, a powerful hook aimed at Peter's temple. But Peter ducked low, grabbed Flash by the waist, and flipped him clean over onto the cafeteria floor. Flash landed with a loud thud, groaning in pain as the cafeteria erupted into cheers and applause.
The Aftermath
The gang hesitated, clearly intimidated by Peter's display of skill. Flash glared at Peter from the floor. "Next time, Parker… You won't be so lucky." He scrambled to his feet and stormed out of the cafeteria, his gang trailing behind him.
Peter turned to Ned, who was still clutching his tray tightly, wide-eyed. "You okay, man?"
"Okay? That was AMAZING!" Ned exclaimed. "You were like Bruce Lee out there, bro! Tell me the truth—are you secretly training to become Batman or something?"
Peter chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "No, no, no. Batman's a genius with plans A through Z, not to mention a bottomless bank account. I'm just… good with reflexes."
Aadi and Maya approached the scene, both impressed by Peter's performance. Aadi clapped him on the shoulder. "You handled that well. Nice work."
Maya added, "You did great, Peter, but I'd keep an eye on Flash. He's not going to take this lightly."
Peter nodded. "Thanks for the advice, Maya. I'll be careful."
A Private Talk
After the commotion died down, Aadi made an excuse to lead Maya to a secluded corner of the schoolyard, away from prying eyes. He placed his arms around her waist, leaning close.
"How did you recognize me?" Aadi asked softly, referring to her earlier discovery of his superhero identity. "My powers alter my face so people can't recognize me."
Maya giggled, turning to look at him. "Darling, I just knew it was you. It was a feeling—like you were the only one it could be. And besides, you're so transparent. You can change your face and voice all you want, but your eyes…" She smiled playfully. "Your eyes always give you away."
Aadi groaned internally, face-palming himself. I am such an idiot for letting her read me so easily.
Maya leaned into his embrace, her laughter filling the air. "Don't beat yourself up, dear. It just shows how connected we are."
Peter and Gwen
Meanwhile, back in the cafeteria, Ned and Peter continued chatting.
"Looks like Aadi and Maya have their little love bubble," Ned teased. "How about you? How's your relationship with Gwen?"
Peter stammered, "Hey, hey, don't talk about that in public. I'm already embarrassed."
Ned grinned wickedly. "Well, she's right behind you."
Peter froze, his body tensing. Slowly, he turned around to find Gwen standing there, hands on her hips and a stern expression on her face.
"Do you know how worried I was when I heard you fought with Flash?" Gwen demanded. "And here you are, laughing like nothing happened."
"Sorry, Gwen. Really, I am," Peter said quickly, holding up his hands in surrender.
Gwen's expression softened slightly. "Just… be more careful, okay?"
"I promise," Peter replied earnestly.
To Be Continued
As the day continued, Aadi watched Peter closely, knowing his brother's journey as Spider-Man was only just beginning.