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Ethan Reyes wasn't used to starting mornings like this-on time, awake, and alert. But today was different. The sun barely kissed the horizon as he stepped into Harlem High's bustling hallway, headphones in, hoodie up. This was supposed to be a regular day. Except it wasn't.

Ethan leaned against his locker, scrolling through his phone with practiced ease, nodding to a few of his boys as they passed. His life had always been split in two-school by day, superhero by night. But he wasn't complaining. Being Spider-Man was dope. School? Not so much.

Then she walked in.

He noticed her before she noticed him-a brown-skinned girl with braids cascading down her shoulders, her backpack slung lazily over one arm. She didn't walk so much as she glided, confidence radiating from her like heat waves on a summer day. Her glossy lips curved into a faint smile as she laughed at something her friend said.

For a moment, Ethan forgot to breathe.