The cafeteria buzzed with chatter when suddenly—
TAP TAP TAP
A teacher from Midtown High clapped his hands loudly.
"Alright, everyone, settle down!"
The students quieted, turning toward him.
Next to him stood a Philadelphia High coordinator, smiling proudly.
The teacher cleared his throat.
"I have an important announcement regarding the cultural exchange program."
A pause.
A teasing smile.
"You won't be returning today."
Students leaned forward.
Gwen blinked.
MJ tilted her head.
Arin become surprised.
The teacher raised a sheet of paper.
"Due to the expanded schedule from Philadelphia High, the exchange will now last—"
He stretched the moment for dramatic effect.
"Three days.
Starting now."
The cafeteria exploded.
"THREE DAYS?!"
"We're staying in Philly?!"
"OH MY GOD YES!"
"Mini vacation!"
"Bro, the city is huge, we can explore everywhere!"
The Philadelphia students cheered too.
The teacher continued:
"You will be paired with local students for city tours, workshops, group activities, and personal exploration time."
Students practically jumped in excitement.
Gwen turned to Arin with wide, sparkling eyes.
"Three days… exploring together?"
MJ leaned forward, smirking.
"So… where are we going first, Arin?"
Arin blinked.
Then smiled softly.
"…We have options."
The Philadelphia coordinator added:
"You're free today, tomorrow, and the next day until 6 PM.
Stick with your partner groups and make sure your phones are on and you all have to come before 10 pm to report at
school ."
He pointed at the crowd.
"Enjoy the city. Explore. Meet new people ."
A cheer shook the entire cafeteria.
Gwen clapped her hands happily.
"I always wanted to see the Philadelphia Museum of Art!"
MJ grinned.
"I heard the waterfront here is beautiful."
Darla popped up suddenly from behind Arin.
"TAKE US TOO!"
"We can show you the best ice cream stores!" she cheered.
Freddy adjusted his crutch proudly.
"And I'd love to show you the (totally real) superhero hotspots of the city!"
Billy shrugged.
"I know some good run-down places too…"
Mary smiled calmly.
"We'd be happy to guide you around."
Gwen and MJ exchanged looks…
And reacted the exact same way.
"We're spending most of the time with Arin."
Arin felt a light headache forming.
"oh what a pity."
The Shazam family giggled.
Even Billy smirked.
"You're popular, dude."
Arin sighed internally.
"Alright," he said gently, standing up, "let's explore."
The girls brightened.
Soon all students poured out of the cafeteria, excited for city exploration , Arin, Gwen, and MJ huddled together near the entrance.
Gwen smiled brightly.
"So… first where should we go ?"
MJ stretched her arms.
"We've got three days. Let's make it fun."
Arin nodded and said "Anywhere is fine."
Just as they started planning—
A familiar voice called out.
"Arin!"
Everyone turned.
Mary Bromfield jogged toward them, her expression warm and enthusiastic.
She stopped in front of the trio, catching her breath slightly.
"You three are planning to explore the city, right?"
Gwen and MJ nodded.
Arin gave a polite smile.
"Yeah. We were just talking about it."
Mary brushed her black hair behind her ear.
"Well… if you want, I can guide you."
Gwen blinked.
"You?"
MJ raised an eyebrow.
"You're offering to be our guide ?"
Mary nodded with a gentle smile.
"I grew up in Philadelphia. I know the best places—restaurants, hidden streets, safe shortcuts, scenic parks… everything."
"And since you're visitors, I can make sure you don't get lost."
Gwen and MJ both looked at Arin and waited for his reaction.
Arin nodded with an easy smile.
"That would actually help a lot."
Mary beamed.
"I'm glad!"
Gwen and MJ exchanged a glance.
They did like Mary…
She was friendly, responsible, and honestly a very good person.
But still…
Another pretty girl joining Arin's group?
Both felt tiny sparks of jealousy, but they kept it hidden behind polite smiles.
Gwen extended her hand kindly.
"Thanks, Mary. That would be great."
MJ nodded, smiling.
"Yeah. We'd appreciate the help."
Mary smiled brightly at them.
"Perfect! I'll take you to some of my favorite spots today. If the weather stays nice, I can show you the waterfront and maybe even the open market."
MJ looked impressed.
"That sounds amazing."
Gwen clasped her hands together.
"I always wanted to visit local places instead of tourist spots."
Arin nodded calmly.
"Let's go, then."
Mary's face lit up.
"Great! Follow me."
Mary led them out of the school gates, the strange new group formed consist of Mary Bromfield , Gwen Stacy ,MJ Watson and Arin Aether
Behind them, the Shazam siblings whispered:
Darla "Oooh! Arin's going sightseeing with THREE pretty girls!"
Freddy "Dude, he's living on hard mode…"
Billy "He's luck bastard."
Eugene "He's so cool…"
Arin walked quietly between Gwen and MJ, following Mary's lead.
The city was look lively and air was fresh but Arin was felling uneasy
Because deep inside he knew
Sivana was still out there searching for him.
But for now…
He allowed himself a rare moment of peace.
"Today," he murmured quietly, "I'll enjoy this."
Gwen looked up at him, smiling warmly.
MJ intertwined her fingers with his.
Mary turned around, checking if everyone was following.
All three girls smiled at him.
Arin smiled back with a gentle smile.
And for the first time in this world…
He felt like a normal teenager spending time with friends which he doesn't able to do in his previous life.