Arin woke early.
A sunlight light enter through his window, warm and gentle. He stretched, dressed neatly, grabbed his bag, and move toward wealthy area
Because today…
he was going to pick up someone important.
Gwen Stacy.
In this life, she wasn't just a classmate — she was his closest friend in New York. The only person who talked to him before he regained his past-life memories. The one who always smiled at him when no one else did.
Even after gaining his previous life memory…
Arin still cared for her the same.
He walked through the streets until the buildings grew taller, cleaner. Eventually he reached the modern high-rise where Gwen lived.
He entered the elevator and pressed 10.
When the doors opened, he stepped into the hallway and rang the bell of apartment 1003.
The door opened.
A beautiful blonde woman in her 30s stood there — elegant, confident, with striking blue eyes.
Helen Stacy.
Gwen's mother.
For a moment, Arin felt a strange, warm rush in his chest — like an instinctive attraction — but he tucked it away instantly. She was Gwen's mother. So he put away his thoughts.
Helen smiled warmly at him.
"Arin, good morning."
Her tone was gentle, and warm. She always liked him — responsible, polite, hardworking . Completely different from the chaotic teens she usually saw.
"Good morning, Mrs. Stacy," Arin replied with a polite nod.
"Wait here," she said with a small smirk.
Then she turned around, walking inside Gwen's room.
A few seconds later, Arin heard her voice — purposely loud enough for her daughter, but softly hidden from him.
"Gwen, sweetheart~ your boyfriend is waiting at the door."
"MOM!" Gwen's voice shrieked back instantly.
"We're just friends — just friends!!"
Helen giggled.
Arin, outside the door, blinked and looked away, pretending he didn't hear it.
But his ears were burning just slightly.
Moments later, the door burst open.
A blonde blur rushed out.
Gwen Stacy.
Her hair tied in a loose ponytail, bag half-zipped, and cheeks glowing bright red.
"Arin! Sorry—sorry—I'm ready!" she said, grabbing her bag and nearly tripping.
Arin smiled gently.
"You're fine. Take your time."
Gwen didn't take her time.
Instead, she grabbed his hand and bolted down the hallway.
"Come on! Let's go before Mom says anything else!"
Arin followed her easily, their hands still linked as they ran into the elevator.
Only when they reached the building entrance did Gwen finally stop, panting lightly.
She leaned against the wall, face flushing crimson.
"I swear… my mom is impossible…" she muttered.
Arin looked down.
Her hand was still holding his.
He hadn't said anything.
She hadn't let go.
Instead… she moved even closer, shoulder brushing his.
Gwen quickly glanced at their hands — then at his face — then immediately looked away, cheeks pink.
"S-Sorry… I didn't realize I was still holding…"
Arin gently intertwined his fingers with hers.
Gwen froze.
Her green eyes widened slightly, breath catching.
"You don't have to let go," Arin said softly.
She swallowed hard, heart thumping against her ribs.
"O-Okay…" she whispered shyly.
They began walking together, fingers locked, Gwen's cheeks glowing bright red the entire time — yet she didn't pull away.
In fact… she stepped a little closer.
Just enough that her shoulder brushed his with every step.
Arin noticed.
He smiled faintly.
Gwen Stacy wasn't bold like MJ.
But this shy way she looked at him…
the way she held his hand…
the way her heartbeat almost echoed…
felt peaceful and beautiful .