"Is that why you tried out for basketball?"
"Partly. Also because it's fun. And because I wanted to prove I could do more than just academics."
MJ wrote notes but her eyes kept drifting from the paper to Peter's face. "You're going to be someone important, aren't you? Like, really important. Not just rich or successful. Actually important."
"I hope so," Peter said honestly. "I want to make a difference. Help people. Use what I have to make the world better."
MJ's expression softened. "That's very you. Even with all the changes, that part stayed the same. You still want to help people." She paused. "Just don't forget about us regular people when you become famous, okay?"
"You're not regular, MJ. You're brilliant. Talented. You're going to be a great journalist someday."
She blushed slightly. "You really think so?"
"I know so. You see things other people miss. You ask the right questions. You care about the truth." Peter met her eyes. "That's rare."
They talked for another hour. About childhood memories. About dreams and fears. About the future. It was the most honest conversation they'd had in years.
When they finally left, MJ hugged him.
She actually initiated physical contact. "Thank you," she said quietly. "For still being you."
Peter hugged her back. "Always."
---
The next day, Gwen Stacy approached him in the library. She had a thick folder of papers and a determined expression.
"Science fair project," she announced. Dropped the folder on the table in front of him. "I need your help."
"What's the topic?"
"Quantum entanglement applications in data transmission. I'm trying to prove that theoretically, we could send information faster than light without violating causality."
Peter raised an eyebrow. "That's ambitious. Einstein wouldn't approve."
"Einstein also didn't believe in quantum mechanics at first. Sometimes the old guard is wrong." Gwen's competitive streak showed clearly. "So? Will you help or not?"
"I'll help. But I should warn you, your approach has a fundamental flaw."
"What flaw?"
"You're assuming quantum entanglement allows information transfer. It doesn't. It only allows correlation without communication. No matter how you manipulate one entangled particle, you can't send actual data to its pair faster than light."
Gwen's eyes narrowed. "I've accounted for that with a workaround using delayed choice quantum erasers."
"That won't work either. Wheeler already proved that delayed choice experiments don't allow retrocausal signaling. You're trying to exploit a loophole that doesn't exist."
"Then what would you suggest?"
Peter pulled out his laptop. Started pulling up research papers. "Instead of trying to send information through entanglement, focus on using entanglement for secure communication. Quantum cryptography. That's actually achievable and revolutionary."
They spent the next three hours redesigning Gwen's entire project. She argued with him constantly. Challenged every assumption. Demanded proof for every claim.
Peter loved it. Finally someone who could keep up with his thought process. Someone who didn't just accept his word as truth but made him explain and justify everything.
By the end, Gwen's project was completely different. Better. Actually feasible.
"You're infuriating," Gwen said. But she was smiling. "You just made me throw away two months of work."
"I made you avoid wasting the next six months on something that wouldn't work. You're welcome."
"Arrogant much?"
"Accurate much," Peter corrected.
Gwen laughed. Actual genuine laughter. "Okay, I'll admit it. This new approach is better. Thank you."
"Anytime."
"Really? Anytime?" Gwen leaned forward slightly. "Because I could use a regular study partner. Someone who can actually challenge me intellectually."
"I think I can manage that."
"Good." Gwen gathered her papers. "Same time next week?"
"I'll be here."
She left with a smile. Peter watched her go.
Gwen Stacy. Brilliant. Beautiful. Destined for tragedy if he didn't change things.
'Not this time,' Peter thought. 'No one dies. Not on my watch.'
---
Felicia Hardy was harder to pin down. She didn't corner him in hallways or request meetings. She just appeared. Always when Peter least expected it.
Like now. Peter was leaving the gym after basketball practice. Sweaty. Tired. Ready to go home.
Felicia was waiting by his car. Leaning against the hood like she owned it. Silver hair catching the late afternoon sun.
"Nice practice," she said. "You're getting better. Coach Wilson thinks you'll be team captain by October."
"You were watching?" Peter asked.
"I watch a lot of things. People mostly. You're particularly interesting to watch."
"That still sounds kind of creepy."
"Maybe. Or maybe I'm just perceptive."
Felicia pushed off his car. Walked closer.
"You're different, Parker. Not just smart different. Different different."
"Everyone keeps telling me that."
"Because it's true. You move like someone trained. Think like someone experienced. But you're sixteen." She tilted her head.
"What's your secret?"
"Hard work and dedication."
"Bullshit." Felicia smiled. "But I respect the deflection. Everyone's entitled to their secrets."
"Even you?"
"Especially me." She stepped even closer. Personal space clearly not a concern for her. "But here's the thing, Parker. I like puzzles. And you're the most interesting puzzle I've found in years."
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