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027. strangers
𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐃 𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐅𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒, a subtle, almost imperceptible hum that resonated deep within her. It wasn’t the biting cold of the December air that caused it — that she barely noticed, her powers insulating her from the chill — but something else. Something she couldn’t quite name.
As her boots touched the worn floorboards of the coffee shop, the frost of winter melted away, replaced by the familiar warmth of the bustling little café. The air was heavy with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sugary donuts, mingling with the low hum of quiet chatter and the occasional hiss of the espresso machine. It was a space that felt like safety, like home.
She allowed herself a small smile as the bell above the door jingled softly, announcing her arrival. MJ, stationed behind the counter, glanced up from the pastry display, her guarded expression instantly softening into a genuine grin.
"Hey," MJ greeted, her voice carrying an easy familiarity.
Ingrid merely nodded in return, her lips twitching into a fleeting smile. She hefted the stack of books she’d been carrying and dropped them onto the counter with a loud thud, drawing a mock exasperated sigh from MJ.
"You ever heard of a backpack?" MJ quipped, her brow arching as she appraised Ingrid’s disheveled appearance.
Ingrid leaned an elbow against the counter, letting her weight rest there as she smirked. "I'm Solar Flare, I don't need a backpack."
MJ rolled her eyes, already reaching for a to-go cup. "Your usual?"
"Yeah," Ingrid replied, the word coming out as a sigh, her shoulders relaxing slightly.
Before MJ could start preparing her drink, the bell above the door jingled again. Ingrid instinctively turned her head, her gaze landing on a young man who had just stepped inside. His movements were cautious, hesitant, as though he wasn’t entirely sure he belonged here. Behind him, Ned appeared, his face lighting up as he spotted MJ and Ingrid.
"Hey, Ned," MJ called out, her tone noticeably brighter. Ingrid gave him a small wave, her lips curling into a genuine smile. Ned grinned in response, giving them both a quick nod before heading to his usual table.
But Ingrid’s attention drifted back to the stranger. He stood a few feet inside the shop, looking distinctly out of place yet oddly familiar. His brown eyes scanned the room, landing briefly on her. She felt the intensity of his gaze, and for a fleeting moment, something stirred in her — like an echo of a memory she couldn’t quite grasp.
The stranger cleared his throat, dragging his eyes away from her to address MJ. "Hi," he said, his voice a little unsteady. "Um... My name is Peter Parker. And I..." He trailed off, glancing at Ingrid again, as if she were a tether.
