start as you want

*The click of the lock sounded like a gunshot in the small, dark room. The muffled music from the party outside was just a low hum compared to the roar of my own blood in my ears. I didn’t let go of your waist—instead, I hiked you up, pinning you firmly against the cool metal of the dryer until your legs instinctively wrapped around my hips.* *My head dropped into the crook of your neck, my nose grazing your skin as I inhaled the scent of your perfume, my breath hot and ragged. I’ve been watching you all night. Watching you talk to other people, watching you laugh... and it was driving me out of my mind.* “Do you have any idea,” *I growled against your pulse point, my hands sliding down to grip your thighs with a bruising force,* “How hard has it been to stay away from you tonight? To pretend I don’t want to tear this dress off you in front of everyone?” *I pulled back just enough to look into your eyes, my gaze dark, wild, and completely unhinged. My thumb pressed hard against your bottom lip, dragging it down.* “You’re shaking, baby. Good. Because if I don’t get a taste of you right now, I think I might actually lose my mind.”

Morning. Outside your houses. You step out, adjusting your bag— and pause. He’s already there. Standing by the gate. Still. Waiting. You’re not sure how long. When he notices you, he straightens slightly—but doesn’t speak immediately. A few seconds pass. Then— “…You’re late.” His voice is quiet. Not accusing. Just… factual. You blink. “By like, two minutes.” A pause. He looks at you—briefly—then away. “…I noticed.” Silence settles. Then he starts walking. Slow enough— that you can walk beside him.

The wind moves softly through the barren land. You stand at the edge of his territory, heart steady despite everything you’ve been told. Then— he appears. No dramatic entrance. No sound. Just… there. Tall. Still. Watching. His presence is heavy—but controlled. A long silence passes before he speaks. “…You shouldn’t be here.” His voice is low, unfamiliar—like something rarely used. You meet his gaze. “I know.” A pause. He studies you carefully. Waiting. Then— “…You’re not afraid.” Not a question. A statement. You shake your head slightly. Another silence. Then, quieter— “…You will be.” But he doesn’t move closer. Doesn’t attack. He simply— stays.

*The music pulsed through the house in steady, predictable waves—bass vibrating faintly through the kitchen counter beneath Alex’s hands as he leaned back against it, posture relaxed to the point of looking almost careless. But there was nothing careless about the way his gaze moved.* *He wasn’t really at the party—not in the way everyone else was. For them, it was noise, laughter, distraction. For him, it was data. Patterns. A low-stakes environment to observe people at their most unfiltered, or at least, at their most performative version of “unfiltered.”* *A group near the doorway—one dominant voice, two passive listeners. Someone by the couch laughing half a second too late. A guy trying too hard to seem uninterested in the girl he kept glancing at every thirty seconds. It all blurred together after a while, variations of the same script. Amusing, in a detached kind of way, but not enough to hold his attention for long. And then something disrupted the pattern.* *His gaze paused—not sharply, not enough for anyone to notice—but it stayed. She wasn’t part of a group. That alone wasn’t rare, but the way she stood apart was. Positioned near the corner where the hallway met the living room, just outside the center of things, like she had deliberately chosen a vantage point. Not hiding—no, that would imply discomfort. This was different. Intentional distance. Observational.* *She wasn’t on her phone either.* *That was what locked his attention in place. *No scrolling, no fake distraction to avoid interaction. Just stillness. Awareness. Her eyes moved—not aimlessly, but with focus, settling on people briefly before shifting again, like she was collecting fragments of something only she could see fully. Every now and then, there was a flicker across her expression—subtle enough that it would be invisible to most, but to him, it stood out like a shift in tone in an otherwise repetitive melody.* *”Oh, you’re not bored,” he thought, the corner of his mouth lifting almost imperceptibly. “You’re studying.”* *His fingers tapped lightly against the counter, absentminded but rhythmic, his mind already moving ahead of the moment. Attentive, if he had to put a label on it—though labels were more for convenience than accuracy. Still, it fit the pattern. Detached, but not indifferent. Observant, but not obvious about it. The kind of person who saw more than they let on, and probably hated how much they noticed.* *Which made her… what?* *A challenge, maybe. Or at the very least, something new.* *Alex shifted his weight slightly, but didn’t approach. Not yet. There was no rush. People were most revealing in transition—when they moved from one state to another, from observer to participant, from stillness to action. So he waited, watching without looking like he was watching, letting the moment unfold naturally.* *And it did.* *There was a pause in her stillness—just a fraction of hesitation, like a thought finishing itself. Then movement. Subtle, controlled. She stepped away from the corner, weaving through the room without fully engaging with it, her presence slipping between conversations rather than interrupting them. Efficient. Intentional.* *There it is.* *He straightened just slightly as she entered the kitchen, though he kept the same relaxed posture, still leaning against the counter like he hadn’t moved at all. She stopped a short distance away, reaching for a drink—simple, unassuming, like she wasn’t aware of the way she had already disrupted his entire focus.* *He let a second pass.* *Two.* *Timing mattered. Too soon, and it felt forced. Too late, and the moment lost its edge.* *Then, without looking at her—at first—he spoke.* “Let me guess.” *His voice cut through the space between them, casual, almost absentminded, like the thought had just occurred to him and he hadn’t bothered to filter it.* “You’re not actually here for the party.” *A beat.* *Now he turned his head slightly, just enough to glance at her from the corner of his eye, expression unreadable but not unfriendly.* “You’re here to figure out everyone else.” *He watched her reaction more closely than he watched her—micro-expressions, shifts in posture, the smallest changes in her gaze. Agreement? Disagreement? Curiosity? Annoyance?* *Each possibility played out in his mind in rapid succession, branching paths of a conversation he hadn’t fully had yet.* *He pushed off the counter just a fraction, not stepping closer, but no longer entirely removed either. Engaged, now. Present.* “Which,” *he added, a faint smirk tugging at his lips,* “honestly makes you the most interesting person here by default.” *There was a pause, but not an empty one. It held weight, like something unfinished. His eyes flicked briefly toward the living room—the noise, the movement, the predictable chaos—before returning to her.* “I mean, look at them,” *he said lightly.* “Everyone’s trying so hard to either be seen or not be seen that it all kind of cancels out.” *His gaze settled on her more directly now, sharper, more focused—not invasive, but undeniably attentive.* “But you…” *he continued, quieter this time, like the observation was more for himself than for the room,* “you’re actually paying attention.” *Another beat.* *Then, just enough self-awareness to soften the edge of it—* “Or I’m completely wrong,” *he added, the smirk returning,* “and you just really wanted a drink.” *He let the possibility hang there, open-ended, giving her room to step in or walk away, to confirm or dismantle everything he’d just assumed.* *But beneath the ease of his tone, beneath the sarcasm and the carefully measured delivery, there was something more genuine threading through his thoughts now—something quieter, but harder to ignore.* *Please don’t be predictable.* *It wasn’t boredom driving him anymore.* *It was curiosity.*

​The fabric of the jersey is heavy, smelling faintly of Theo’s cologne and the scent of laundry detergent—a constant, tactile reminder of the bet you lost. You try to tug the oversized hem lower over your thighs, feeling exposed in the second-row seats he specifically bought for you. ​Around you, the stadium is a roar of noise, but you feel a different kind of heat. It’s the way the fans in the rows behind you are whispering, their eyes burning into the back of your neck as they stare at the bold letters MILLER and the number 7 stretched across your shoulders. ​"You're brave," a girl in the seat next to you says, leaning in close to be heard over the crowd. She isn't sneering, just looking at you with a mix of awe and curiosity. "Most of us have been trying to get our hands on one of his jerseys for years. He won't even let the official team shop sell them as custom merch." ​You frown, clutching your stadium cup a little tighter. "It’s just a jersey. I lost a bet to him." ​The girl lets out a soft, knowing laugh. "To Theo Miller? Nothing is 'just' anything. He’s said in every interview since freshman year that his jersey is off-limits. He told the press that the only person who would ever wear his number is the woman he’s going to marry." ​Your heart stops. Down on the field, the whistle blows for a break in play. As if he can feel your gaze, Theo turns away from his huddle. He wipes a smear of mud from his forehead, his chest heaving, and his eyes immediately find you in the second row. ​He doesn't wave. He doesn't smile. He just stares at you wearing his name, a dark, possessive look in his eyes that tells you exactly one thing: He didn't win that bet by accident.

*It was after 8PM. Marcus and Lukas was in they're asylum home, Marcus was looking at the photo of the missing Japanese woman, her name is Chiyo Aizu. She's 31 years old. She has golden hair, brown-hazel eyes. She was a florist in Japanese, She was Marcus closest friends. He really loved her deep inside of his dark soul. He might even marry her once him and his brother, Lukas saves her from Italy.* Marcus: Lukas. Change of plans, pack some shit.... we're going to Italy. I know it's daytime in Italy. Lukas: *groans* Marcus, Marcus, Marcus...... you worry too much. We teleport to Italy, and save the girl and teleport back.... *Marcus' eyes darkened in anger* Marcus: I will smack the hell out of you, Lukas. You are so naive. It's not that easy. We're half-vampires. We are weak to sunlight. It's only fair if it's nighttime. Lukas: Whoa whoa..... What is up with you, Marcus.....? Every since that little woman been kidnapped..... you've been off lately. You didn't want the two piece of toast, the bacon the blood wine or the tv remote..... *he grins* It's about that woman. Do you know her, Marcus? *Marcus glares at Lukas, his smile is cruel, it set the room off in dark and dangerous mood.* Marcus: Lukas, four words..... Shut. The. f~ck. Up.

*I stay behind the sheet for a few seconds, until my part comes and I run through it, watching the crowd as you and I put on the performance. They’re going crazy, switching between cheering, singing along, and dancing. I’ve never had more fun on stage though. But time flies when you’re having fun, I guess. The song ends, and we stand back to back as the lights go dim, and I can feel the back of your head hit mine gently when you look up at the sky, taking deep breaths. So was I, though. It was a decently tiring performance, considering we’d practically just recreated the music video, only on stage. The crowd goes a little quieter, and you turn around to hug me. It doesn’t take long for the stage lights to turn back on though, and the crowd goes crazy once more. But you quickly let go and quiet them down as you make the goodbye speech to your fans, ending the concert. Of course I say something too, then we bow, and walk off with the crowd cheering behind us.*

}… can we sleep?” *Lilly yawns, tiny voice shaking with sleep. I’m trying. I swear I’m trying not to smile. Because you’re still there. In my house. Under my roof. And my whole body is relaxing for the first time in forever. Lilly suddenly gasps.* “Y-you’re… you’re a fairy!” *Your laugh is the first thing I hear before my heart stumbles in my chest.* “How did you make my brother go all sleepy?” *she whispers, staring straight at me like I’ve shapeshifted. I want to open my eyes and tell her to shut up. But I can’t. I can’t ruin this. Not when this is the first real sleep I’ve had in years. You tell her I am just tired. Lilly shakes her head quickly.* “No. That’s not possible. My brother takes pills before sleeping. Even in the afternoons.” *Great. But you didn’t mock me. You didn’t smirk. You just stared at me… soft. Worried. And I hated how much that made my chest feel full. I fall deeper into sleep without fighting this time. Because it’s you. Cause every fight with you, every moment with you makes the monsters in my head shut up. You make my body calm. You make me rest.*

“Meeting Pavitr in Mumbattan” The three of them land on a shimmering web‑bridge suspended above the chaotic beauty of Mumbattan. Neon signs flicker, rickshaws honk in the distance, and the whole city feels like it’s vibrating with life. A golden blur swings in from above. Pavitr lands with a flourish—one hand on his hip, hair bouncing like it has its own wind machine. He spots Miles and tilts his head, eyes sparkling with curiosity. Pavitr: “Hold on… who’s this stylish stranger?” Gwen: “Hey, Pav. This is Miles. And… yeah, he kind of showed up uninvited.” Pavitr’s jaw drops in theatrical shock. Pavitr: “You weren’t invited… and you still came? That’s confidence. I respect it.” Gwen laughs under her breath. Gwen: “Right?” Pavitr: “Let me guess—he followed you here because he’s totally into you.” Miles nearly trips over his own feet. Miles: “What—no! No, no, no!” His voice cracks, and even behind the mask, you can feel the blush. Gwen: “He’s really not.” Pavitr: “Oh, please. I’m excellent at reading people.” Gwen: “He’s really not.” Miles: “Okay, seriously—who are you?” Pavitr straightens up like he’s about to take a bow. Pavitr: “Glad you asked, mysterious newcomer.” Miles: “I’m not mysterious. Or new.” Pavitr grins, dazzling and proud. Pavitr: “I’m Pavitr Prabhakar. Spider‑Man of Mumbattan. Six months in, and already a legend.” Miles throws his hands up. Miles: “Six months? And you already have one of those fancy watches?” Gwen winces like she knew this was coming. Gwen: “Yeah… it’s a whole thing.” Pavitr flips his hair again—honestly, it should be illegal for hair to move that perfectly. Pavitr: “Being Spider‑Man here? Easy. I wake up, skip the gym—because look at me, I’m already sculpted—barely touch my hair, because it’s naturally flawless…” Miles: “You don’t use any product? At all?” Pavitr: “Just coconut oil, a quick prayer, and the blessing of my ancestors.” He swings around a streetlamp, continuing his monologue like he’s narrating a commercial. Pavitr: “Then I go to school, ace everything, stop a few villains, pet some street dogs, grab chai with Maya Auntie—” Miles: “Oh, I love chai tea!” Pavitr freezes mid‑air like someone hit pause. He drops to the ground slowly, eyes wide, horrified. Pavitr: “I’m sorry… what did you just say?” He steps closer, squinting. Pavitr: “‘Chai tea’? My friend… ‘chai’ means tea. You just said ‘tea tea.’” He throws his hands up dramatically. Pavitr: “Would you ask for ‘coffee coffee’? Or ‘cream cream’? No! So why—why—would you say ‘chai tea’?” Miles shrinks like a scolded puppy. Miles: “Okay… yeah. I deserved that.” Gwen is laughing so hard she has to hold her stomach. A few hours later Pavitr had been proudly showing Miles and Gwen around his school — pointing out the courtyard where he ate lunch, the lab where he always aced his exams, and the hallway where he once stopped a thief without even spilling his chai. He was mid‑sentence, hands flying dramatically as usual, when it happened. You stepped through the front gates. And for Pavitr Prabhakar, the world stopped. The noise of the school faded. The sunlight hit you just right. And in his mind — completely uninvited — little glowing hearts floated around your face like you were the only person in the entire multiverse. His breath caught. His smile softened. His eyes widened just a little, warm and starry. You looked up and smiled at him — that small, effortless smile that could knock the wind out of anyone. Pavitr forgot how to speak. Forgot how to breathe. Forgot that Gwen and Miles even existed. He just stared, dreamily, hopelessly, like he’d been waiting his whole life for that exact moment. Miles leaned in, whispering, “Uh… Gwen? Is he okay?” Gwen waved a hand in front of Pavitr’s face. “Pav? Hellooo? Earth to Mumbattan Spider‑Man?” Nothing. He was gone — floating somewhere in a romantic daydream with your name written all over it. Miles snapped his fingers. “Dude. You’re staring.” Gwen nudged his shoulder. “You’re drooling a little.” Pavitr snapped out of it with a sharp inhale, cheeks flushing. He swatted their hands away, irritated. “Stop—! I was having a moment!” he hissed under his breath, glaring at them like they’d just ruined the greatest love story ever told. Miles raised his hands. “My bad, Romeo.” Gwen smirked. “Should we leave you two alone?” Pavitr shot them both a look that said I will web you to the ceiling, then turned back toward you — softer now, almost shy. You were still there. Still smiling. Still making his heart do somersaults. And Pavitr realized, with absolute certainty: He was in love. Hopelessly. Completely. Beautifully. With his best friend. You stepped out of the classroom building, sunlight catching your hair, your bag slung over your shoulder. You were laughing softly at something on your phone, completely unaware of the chaos you were about to cause. Pavitr froze mid‑sentence. Time didn’t just slow down — it stopped. His heart did a dramatic flip. His brain short‑circuited. And in his mind, little glowing hearts floated around your face like a romantic anime scene. You looked up and smiled at him. Pavitr’s knees nearly gave out. Miles blinked. “Uh… did he just—pause?” Gwen waved a hand in front of Pav’s face. “Pav? Hello? You good?” Nothing. He was staring at you like you were the only person in the multiverse. You walked closer, curious. “Hey, Pav. Who are your friends?” Pavitr opened his mouth. Nothing came out. Miles whispered, “Oh wow. He’s broken.” Gwen snorted. “He’s in love. Look at him.” Pav finally snapped out of it, cheeks burning. He swatted their hands away. “Stop interrupting! I was— I was having a moment!” Miles raised his eyebrows. “A moment? Dude, you were staring like she hung the moon.” Gwen nudged him. “Introduce us, lover boy.” Pav shot them a glare, then turned back to you, trying desperately to act normal. “This—uh—these are my friends,” he said, voice cracking adorably. “Gwen and Miles. They’re visiting. From… uh… far away.” You smiled warmly. “Nice to meet you both.” Pavitr melted. He tried again, clearing his throat. “And this is—this is my best friend.” He gestured to you with a soft, almost reverent smile. “She’s… amazing.” You blushed. Miles elbowed Gwen. Gwen whispered, “He’s gone. Completely gone.” Pavitr ignored them, eyes locked on you like you were the only thing keeping him alive. And honestly? You kind of were. Miles snorted. Gwen tried to hold in a laugh. Pav spun around. “Can you two NOT right now? Seriously.” He turned back to you, instantly soft again. You giggled. “Everything okay?” “Yes—no—I mean yes,” he said quickly, trying to look composed. Miles whispered loudly, “He’s struggling.” Pav snapped, “STOP INTERRUPTING ME. I AM TRYING TO TALK TO—” He cut himself off before he said something embarrassing, then turned back to you with a shy smile. You laughed, and Pav’s irritation vanished like it never existed. He tried again, brushing his hair back. “So… um… if you’re not busy… maybe you could walk with us?” You smiled. “Yeah, I’d like that.” Pav lit up instantly. Behind him, Gwen whispered, “He’s so whipped.” Miles nodded, “It’s adorable.” Pav turned around one last time, whisper‑snapping, “Please. I’m begging. Don’t ruin this.” Then he looked back at you — and instantly softened again, walking beside you like nothing else mattered.