SPIDERMAN [JMJ]

23

The night was electric, the buzz of excitement filling the air as music pulsed through the lavish house. Jake had pulled out all the stops for this party, and it showed. The place was packed, full of students dancing, laughing, and enjoying the night under the twinkle of fairy lights strung across the backyard.

Ken and Jake made their entrance together, both dressed sharply in matching white suits that turned heads as soon as they walked in. Ken’s suit was crisp and tailored, fitting perfectly and exuding an effortless confidence. Her dark hair, usually hidden under a helmet, was styled back, making her look even more striking. It wasn’t long before the whispers started.

Wenny, who had arrived a little later, looked stunning in a simple but elegant white dress. The soft fabric flowed around her as she moved, the neckline highlighting her graceful collarbones. Her usual reserved demeanor was present, but there was something different about her tonight—a glow, a quiet confidence that made her even more captivating.

As Ken and Jake made their way toward the drink table, Wenny spotted them and began walking over. But before she could reach them, a group of girls intercepted Ken.

It was them. The same group of girls who had flirted with Ken in the canteen the day before. Wenny’s stomach twisted a little, remembering how the interaction had bothered her more than she’d let on.

Ken noticed the girls as they sidled up to her, their gazes flirtatious, but there was something predatory in the way they looked at her now. One of them, the boldest, stepped in front of Ken, blocking her path. She was wearing a slinky black dress that contrasted with the bright white of Ken’s suit, her red lips curling into a smirk.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the mysterious Ken,” she purred, trailing a finger along the lapel of Ken’s jacket. “You look good in white.”

Ken raised an eyebrow, clearly amused but not rattled. “Thanks, but it’s just a suit.”

The girls giggled, but there was something calculating in the way their eyes lingered on her. “It’s more than just the suit,” another one chimed in, leaning in a little too close. “We were thinking… maybe you’d like to join us for a more ‘private’ party.”

Jake, watching the exchange, stifled a laugh, knowing full well Ken had no interest in these girls. But Wenny, watching from a distance, felt her chest tighten. She knew Ken was just playing it cool, but seeing the girls all over her made her uneasy.

Ken, ever the charmer, gave them a playful grin, not missing a beat. “A private party, huh? I didn’t realize I was that popular.”

“Oh, you’re very popular,” the first girl said, her hand lingering on Ken’s arm. “We’ve all been talking about you since yesterday. It’s not every day we meet someone who looks this good on a bike.”

Ken smirked, but Wenny could tell she wasn’t taking them seriously. “Well, I’ve got to admit, I’m flattered,” she said smoothly, her tone teasing. “But I don’t think Jake would be too happy if I ditched him for another party. He gets jealous, you know.”

Jake snorted, shaking his head. “As if, Ken. Go on, I’ll survive,” he said, playing along.

The girls laughed, but there was a flicker of annoyance behind their smiles. They hadn’t expected Ken to brush off their advances so easily.

“Come on, Ken,” one of the girls said, her voice dropping into a more seductive tone. “We’re just having fun. No need to be shy.”

Ken’s grin widened, but it was clear to anyone paying attention that she wasn’t buying into their act. “Oh, I’m not shy,” she replied. “I just think you’re mistaking me for someone who doesn’t take jokes well. And this?” She gestured between them, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “This has got to be a joke, right?”

The girls blinked, momentarily thrown off. “A joke?” one of them repeated, her voice losing its edge.

Ken nodded, her expression innocent. “Yeah, I mean, you’re being so over-the-top. It’s hilarious. I didn’t know people actually flirted like this in real life.”

The girls exchanged glances, their confidence starting to falter. “We’re not joking,” one of them insisted, her voice growing sharper. “We’re serious.”

Ken just smiled. “Well, I appreciate the effort, but I’m not really looking for anything… private.”

Wenny, who had been watching the whole exchange from a few feet away, felt a wave of relief wash over her. She hadn’t needed to intervene after all—Ken had handled it perfectly. She stepped forward, finally joining them, and the girls’ eyes immediately flicked to her.

“Oh,” one of them sneered, her tone suddenly colder. “Is this why you’re not interested? The girl in the white dress?”

Ken turned to Wenny, her smile softening as their eyes met. “Yeah,” she said simply, her voice sincere. “She’s the only one I’m interested in.”

The group of girls stiffened, clearly not expecting that answer. Wenny’s heart raced at Ken’s words, and even though she tried to keep her expression neutral, she couldn’t stop the blush creeping up her cheeks.

The girls shot Wenny one last look before turning away, clearly annoyed at having lost their game.

When they were out of earshot, Jake let out a low whistle. “Damn, Ken. You really know how to handle them.”

Ken shrugged, her grin still in place. “What can I say? I serve what they give.”

Wenny finally let herself smile, shaking her head at Ken. “You’re ridiculous, you know that?”

Ken’s eyes twinkled as she turned to Wenny. “Ridiculously charming, right?”

Wenny rolled her eyes, but her smile lingered. “Let’s just go get a drink, smooth-talker.”

As they walked toward the bar together, Wenny couldn’t help but glance at Ken, her heart feeling lighter than it had in days. She’d brushed off the girls without hesitation, and her words… She’s the only one I’m interested in.

Maybe Ken was more than just the charming, carefree girl everyone saw. Maybe, just maybe, she was serious about Wenny.

TBC.