The school courtyard filled with students chatting, groups forming, lockers slamming.
But Arin walked through it calmly, Gwen's hand intertwined with his.
Her cheeks were pink, her eyes shyly glancing at him from time to time.
She still hadn't let go.
Arin didn't mind.
In fact, he held her hand a little tighter.
As they reached the gate, Gwen smiled softly, whispering:
"Thanks for walking me… Arin. I like this."
He gave a gentle nod.
"I do too."
But then—
A familiar red-haired figure appeared from across the courtyard.
Mary Jane Watson.
She froze mid-stride.
Her eyes dropped instantly… to the sight of Arin holding Gwen's hand.
Her chest tightened
painfully.
"Arin… holding Gwen…?"
She looked away quickly, hiding the flicker of hurt behind a bright smile.
Don't let it show and act like child.
You kissed him yesterday… but you're not dating him.
MJ took a slow breath and walked toward them.
Gwen noticed first.
"Is… that MJ?"
Arin followed her gaze.
MJ was trying to look normal, but her steps were slower… her shoulders look slightly tense.
He could tell instantly.
She must be feeling down, seeing him holding hands with Gwen .
His heart softened.
So, without hesitating, he did something unexpected.
He gently squeezed Gwen's hand…
and with his other hand, he reached out and held MJ's.
MJ's eyes widened in shock.
Her breath hitched.
"A-Arin… what—"
"You don't look well," he said calmly, voice low and warm.
"Good morning, Mary Jane."
Something melted inside her.
Slowly… her fingers tightened around his.
Gwen blinked, surprised and look at her like looking at enemy who come to snatch her man
But she quickly hide her emotions , give a friendly smile to MJ .
Seeing this Arin stepped forward slightly, placing himself between both girls, and introduced them.
"Gwen, this is Mary Jane Watson… a friend."
He turned to MJ.
"And MJ, this is Gwen Stacy… also a friend."
Both girls nodded politely… though their glances at Arin's hands said more than words could.
MJ whispered, "Thank you for Arin."
Arin smiled softly.
But the school? The school become shocked .
Whispers spread instantly.
"Is he holding… both their hands?"
"Who is that guy?"
"That's Arin, right? The quiet freak?"
"Since when did he get close to Gwen?"
"And MJ too?!"
Arin felt dozens of gazes on him.
Some curious.
Some jealous.
Some malicious.
But he didn't care.
He had lived two lives.
He had faced death, pain, and isolation.
A few jealous gazes didn't bother him.
---
Harry was chatting casually with Flash when he saw Arin and Gwen.
"Oh, they're together again?" he said. "They're always close, right?"
Flash's face darkened instantly became he had crush on Gwen.
" it pisses me off," he muttered. "Gwen's too good for that quiet freak."
Harry rolled his eyes.
"Relax, man."
But then Harry saw MJ walk toward Arin.
His smile froze.
"MJ…? Why is she—"
Then he saw Arin take MJ's hand too.
Harry's stomach dropped.
"W-What…?"
Flash's jaw clenched.
"What the hell is THAT?"
Harry looked down, heart twisting painfully.
He wanted to greet MJ, maybe walk with her to class…
but seeing her with Arin, holding his hand…
It hit him harder than he expected.
She never held my hand…
She never looked at me that warmly…
Harry swallowed, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"We're just friends… MJ and I are just friends…" he whispered to himself.
But the ache in his chest didn't disappear.
Flash placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"You like her, don't you?"
Harry didn't answer.
He just stared at MJ, Arin, and Gwen walking together — Arin smiling , MJ blushing, Gwen shy but happy.
Flash looked furious.
Harry looked heartbroken.
But Arin don't care
He walked forward , holding two soft hands.