UNDEAD/ MARVEL/ SPIDERMAN

Trouble

"Beep, beep," sounded the doorbell, cutting through the silence. "Finally," muttered Gwen impatiently as she set her green tea aside. Since Peter's frantic call, her mind had been racing with concern. She had grown surprisingly attached to the awkward teenager over the past month, feeling a sense of responsibility and protectiveness.

When she opened the door, she was greeted not only by Peter but also by another teenage boy she hadn't expected. "Peter, who is this?" Gwen asked, her gaze shifting to the smaller, nervous-looking boy.

"This is my best friend, Ned," Peter answered, his voice tinged with anxiety.

"Peter, you didn't mention that your neighbor is hot," Ned whispered to Peter, causing him to choke on his own spit in embarrassment.

Gwen couldn't help but chuckle at the boys' antics. "Come on in," she said, stepping aside to let them into her apartment. The boys followed her, wide-eyed as they took in the sleek, modern decor.

Gwen's apartment was a reflection of her organized and disciplined nature. The living room was spacious yet cozy, with a large couch facing a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. A bookshelf filled with scientific journals and novels lined one side of the room, and a few plants added a touch of greenery.

"Have a seat," Gwen offered, gesturing to the couch. As they settled in, she noticed Peter's fidgeting and Ned's wide-eyed curiosity.

"So, Peter," Gwen began, taking a seat across from them, "tell me more about this party and what exactly happened."

Peter took a deep breath. "Ned found out I'm Spider-Man," he confessed, glancing nervously at his friend, "and now everyone at school thinks I know Spider-Man because Ned couldn't keep quiet. We've been invited to a party, and they expect Spider-Man to show up."

Gwen leaned back, considering the situation thoughtfully. "I see," she said, her mind racing. "That does complicate things. But first, Peter, why didn't you tell me about Ned knowing your secret?"

Peter looked down, his face a mix of guilt and shame. "I don't know. I felt guilty not telling you that I was still being Spider-Man at night."

Gwen's expression hardened with disappointment. "Peter, didn't I tell you to stop putting yourself in danger?"

"I know," Peter replied, his voice defensive but pained. "But I can't just look away when people need help."

Gwen sighed, setting her tea down with a sense of finality. "I understand, Peter. But if you keep drawing attention, more dangerous people will come looking for you."

Peter and Ned both listened intently as Gwen continued. "You know, an old friend once told me, 'With great power comes great responsibility.'"

Peter and Ned exchanged curious glances. Gwen's eyes softened as she looked at them. "What I mean is, if you want to be Spider-Man, you need to set your priorities straight. You can't do this just for the attention or the thrill. You need to realize that by being Spider-Man, you're putting everyone you care about at risk."

Peter's face grew serious. "I don't want to put anyone in danger, Gwen. I just want to help people."

Gwen nodded. "I know you do, Peter. And that's admirable. But you have to be smart about it. This isn't a game. The stakes are incredibly high, and you need to be prepared for the consequences."

What's her name?" Gwen asked Peter seriously.

Peter shifted nervously. "What do you mean?"

"You heard me, what's her name?" Gwen chuckled, watching the nervous teenager squirm.

"Her name is Liz Allen," Ned piped up before Peter could respond. Peter lightly punched Ned's arm in frustration. "Ouch," Ned complained, rubbing his arm. "Dude, you can't tell all my secrets."

Gwen couldn't help but laugh at their interaction. "Liz has a big crush on Spider-Man," Ned added, ignoring Peter's death glare.

"Peter, talk to her," Gwen suggested. "If she likes Spider-Man, she'll definitely like you."

"It's not that simple," Peter replied, disheartened. "She's popular, and we're... well, we're not. She'll never talk to me."

"Peter, believe me," Gwen said, her tone encouraging. "She will like you. You just need a little bit of courage."

Gwen glanced at her watch and realized it was already 8 p.m. "Guys, it's time for you to get dressed and enjoy the party, okay?" She smiled at the teenagers and guided them to the door.

"And Peter," she added sternly, "no Spider-Man tonight."

Peter nodded, a mixture of determination and anxiety on his face. "Okay, Gwen."