Stay - Yang Jungwon 양 정원

𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫-𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐔

The city of New York was quiet. Well, as quiet as it could be with its loud taxis and bright advertisements. Thankfully, Chaeri lived in a more secluded neighborhood of Queens. Either way she had her headphones over her ears, her four hour long playlist on loop as she scribbling in her textbook.

It was 2:30 in the morning. The moon hung high in the air as it seemed Chaeri wasn't stopping any time soon. Her desktop was not visible beneath all the papers and notes. Dates circled in red pen with exclamation points on her calendar above. The only thing that wasn't needed for studying was the single framed photo of her and Jungwon on the rooftops. It was low quality and the two of them were barely visible. To most it looked like a silly photo of them doing something they shouldn't be doing. Climbing roofs. But Chaeri knew better. Swinging around the skyline was Jungwon's specialty. Literally.

— Six Months Earlier —

"What, you don't think Spider-Man's cute?" Minji chirped during their gym class, finishing their previous conversation.  They were on the sidelines.  Minji was waiting for her turn of the obstacle class whilst Chaeri was panting from the quick but intense run through she just had.  Their PE teacher really hated them. 

Chaeri snorted, "His whole theme is a spider, so not really," She excused, leaning against the cool wall taking a deep breath.  "Not like he stays around long enough for people to really see him. And where the hell do his webs come from?"

Minji rolled her eyes, "But do you think he's cute? I'm not asking if his theme is impressive or not."

"Do you think he is?" Chaeri interjected.

"You saw him save that girl on the news last week.  Quite literally out of a movie.  I think that's enough," Minji grinned making Chaeri laugh.

"Whatever, Min," Chaeri waved her hand, "I don't know.  I just don't see the appeal of Spider-Man."

"You don't?" The question came from someone else.  Jungwon who had finally decided to show today.  Chaeri narrowed her eyes.  Jungwon was consistently late to their classes and the school year just started.  He was the third person in their group.  Taesan was just the unfortunate fourth to not have the same schedule. 

"I don't what?" Chaeri hummed. 

"Spider-Man, you don't find him appealing?" Jungwon teased, his voice light.

Chaeri shrugged, "I suppose not.  I mean, with my dad trying to find out who he is and all—"

"Your dad is still trying to put Spider-Man behind bars?" Minji questioned, tilted her head.

"Yes," Chaeri groaned, "He's always coming home late because of it," Spider-Man may be a celebrity, but that didn't mean he was a hero.  From what Chaeri could see, he was constantly toeing the line between hero and criminal.  Vigilante. Chaeri was sure the only reason the police force is so focused on Spider-Man was simply because he undermines their authority. 

Chaeri glanced at Jungwon.  His arms were crossed— no.  He was holding his left arm.  Almost cradling it. "Won," She caught him off guard, lightly taking his cradled hand, "Is your arm okay?" She asked, tilting it.  Her eyes widened seeing the large ugly bruise. "The hell happened?"

Minji looked over Chaeri's shoulder just in time for Jungwon to yank his arm away.  His face scrunching up in discomfort, "Yikes, what did you do?"

Jungwon shook his head, "Nothing... just hit it really hard on the counter by accident.  I was in a rush this morning."

"For what?" Chaeri raised her eyebrow, "School? Because you are very late, pretty boy," That nickname.  That teasing nickname she saved for occasions like this.  Teachers often let Jungwon off for things if he smiled enough at them.