The next morning, the school courtyard was packed with excited students crowding around two large yellow buses decorated with banners:
MIDTOWN HIGH → PHILADELPHIA CULTURAL EXCHANGE
Everyone was loud, energetic, eager.
Even Arin… who walked with Gwen on his left and MJ on his right felling excited.
Gwen held his arm lightly, smiling up at him.
MJ brushed her hair behind her ear every few seconds, trying to look casual.
But both kept glancing at each other like enemies.
Arin noticed it immediately.
…This is going to be troublesome.
When the teacher shouted, "Everyone, start boarding!" chaos followed instantly.
Students rushed forward, eager to pick seats with their friends.
Arin walked toward the bus—
And then it happened.
Gwen grabbed his wrist.
MJ grabbed his other wrist.
Both at the exact same time.
Arin blinked.
"…Girls?"
Gwen looked up at him with soft green eyes.
"Arin, let's sit together, okay?"
MJ stepped closer, voice sweet but trembling slightly.
"I was hoping… we could sit together too."
The air turned heavy with invisible sparks.
Gwen's grip tightened.
MJ's eyes narrowed slightly.
Students began whispering immediately.
"Both of them want to sit with him?!"
"That lucky bastard!"
"Kill him."
"i really want to kill him?"
"Me to "
Arin rubbed his temple.
He could face thugs.
Villains.
Even future superpowered threats.
But a jealous moment between two girls?
That… he feared more.
He sighed softly and spoke gently:
"There's only one seat next to me."
Both girls immediately drew closer.
Gwen: "Then I'll—"
MJ: "No, I should—"
Arin stepped between them quickly.
"No. You two sit together. I'll sit behind you."
Both froze.
Gwen blinked in surprise.
MJ stared in confusion.
"You… want us to sit together?" Gwen asked softly.
"And you'll sit… alone?" MJ added.
Arin gave a calm, warm smile.
"You're both important to me. I don't want you two fighting over something like this."
Both girls flushed instantly.
MJ looked away, embarrassed but touched.
Gwen bit her lip, eyes softening deeply.
For a moment, neither could speak.
Finally, Gwen nodded gently.
"Okay… I understand."
MJ also smiled and nodded.
"Then… we'll sit together."
The tension melted into something sweeter.
Gwen and MJ moved to the seat right in front, sitting side by side,
still stealing glances at Arin.
Arin sat behind them, resting his arms on the seat.
From where he sat, he could see the tops of their heads… and the faint blush on both their cheeks
---
Meanwhile — the whole bus stared
Boys glared daggers at Arin.
"He rejected BOTH?!"
"How dare he!"
"Gwen and MJ sitting together?? For HIM?"
"He must be a devil."
Girls whispered too.
"He's handsome actually."
"No wonder they like him."
"I'd sit with him too…"
Arin ignored everything and leaned back, closing his eyes.
"Peace…" he murmured.
But peace didn't last long.
Gwen peeked over the seat.
"Arin… do you need anything?"
MJ peeked next to her.
"Want to switch seats? I can sit with you."
Arin smiled faintly.
"I'm fine. Really."
Hearing this both girls become silent.
---
As the bus engine roared to life and they rolled onto the highway toward Philadelphia…
Arin felt the familiar ding of his system.
Ding!
---
[ Minor Relationship Event Completed ]
Counter Points +5
Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane's affection increased.
Arin smirked slightly.
Today is going to be interesting.