HEARTSTRINGS ▹ P. PARKER [✔]

ten.

The drive back to Queens was very awkward, especially for Happy Hogan. The two teenagers were at the back of the car in a heavy silence. Peter looked at the girl from time to time, opening his mouth to say something before quickly closing it as he lost the courage. Gwen, on the other hand, had her face turned to the window.

A phone ring startled them, and Gwen quickly grabbed her phone to see a message from Michelle, who said she was the new captain of the Decathlon team. The blonde smiled and started typing back.

"Erm, Gwen?" Peter squeaked. "I'm so sorry about what I said at the rooftop that day..." His voice was soft and timid.

"You already apologized, Peter." Gwen gave him a quick glance before returning her attention back to the device.

"I-I know, it's just... I'm really, really sorry."

Watching through the rearview mirror, Happy rolled his eyes at the boy's lack of tact.

"And I already accepted your apologies," she declared, unwilling to make it any easy for him.

"I never meant to break your heart. That kiss, I did it because I was so happy and relieved to see you there. So glad that you decided to help me despite everything. I know you did it for Tony, but I'm still very grateful. You've always been a great friend to Ned, and the daughter Aunt May never had. You're amazing, and smart, and thoughtful, and... Fantastic. I'm sorry I didn't notice it earlier."

Happy rose an eyebrow. Kiss?

Gwen eyed Peter to see if he was telling the truth. He couldn't hide things properly to save his life, which was proved when the Vulture discovered his identity so quickly. But the boy looked back at her with steady eyes, not wavering for a minute.

"You're just saying that because Liz is not here anymore," she accused, trying to see how far he was willing to go to earn her forgiveness.

"What? No, no! It's not, I swear! I came to my senses that night in Washington when everyone went to the pool. I promise!"

"Well, I guess it's too late now," she shrugged.

"Wh-What do you mean?"

"I'm leaving Midtown High."

Happy and Peter blinked. Was she?

"What do you mean? Are you leaving? Where are you going?" Peter started panicking. This couldn't be happening. He just realized his own feelings and wouldn't even have a chance to make amends?

"You know that I don't actually have to attend high school, right?" Peter frowned, so she continued. "I graduated high school at 12 and have a degree in Physics from Harvard."

The boy stared at her flabbergasted.

"What?!" He whined. "How's that even possible?"

"Well, you know my father. My... Biological father, not Tony, although it could also be applied to him," she mumbled, "but nevermind! Reed Richards is a genius, literally, and I inherited a bit of his intelligence. I just enrolled in Midtown High because I wanted to see how a normal teenager's life feels like. It's pretty shitty, by the way." She added.