Soon, it was time for the science fair. The school was buzzing with excitement. Peter was already talking about the exhibits, and Evan could tell he was looking forward to it.
As the students gathered, Peter glanced over his shoulder and did a double take. "You actually came?" he asked, his voice a mix of surprise and relief.
Evan grinned and slung an arm around Peter's shoulder. "Of course. I didn't want you to get bored alone-so I came to keep you company."
Peter looked at the crowd. "Why? Aren't all these your classmates?" He gestured to the students milling around, though his own friendships were few.
Ned appeared, waving. "Oh, Evan, you're here too!" He gave Evan a high five, then turned to Peter. "Don't worry, your brother's got me," Ned said, thumping his chest.
Evan laughed. "Just here to hang out with my brother."
The instructor clapped his hands. "Alright, everyone, follow me. We're starting the exhibition tour." Each student wore a badge with their name, school, and class. They filed in behind the instructor, moving as a group through the entrance.
As they walked, Peter whispered, "You know, I thought you'd bail."
Evan nudged him. "And miss seeing you geek out over science? No way."
Peter rolled his eyes. "I'm not that bad."
Ned chimed in from behind. "You are, but we love you for it."
They all laughed as they entered the first exhibit hall.
Half an hour later, the instructor checked his watch. "Okay, everyone, you now have free time. Meet back here in thirty minutes. Don't wander too far."
Peter glanced at the map. "Um… guys, want to go see the nuclear test exhibit?" He sounded hopeful.
Everyone stared at him. Thompson snorted. "Come on, Peter the nerd! Careful you don't get zapped and turn into a monster, haha!" The others laughed, making it clear they weren't interested.
Ned shrugged apologetically. "Sorry, man. I want to…" He trailed off, eyes drifting to a pretty girl in their class.
Peter tried to hide his disappointment. "It's fine."
Evan nudged him. "C'mon, bro, let's go! I'll go with you."
Peter's face lit up. "Thank God for you," he said, smiling. "If you hadn't come, I'd be all alone."
Evan grinned. "Let's do it." Peter pulled his camera from his backpack, and together they headed for the nuclear radiation exhibit.
Inside, Peter was in his element. "Evan, check this out!" he said, snapping photos of the displays. Evan nodded, but his attention was elsewhere. He scanned the area, searching for the infamous radioactive spider.
Suddenly, he spotted it-a small spider creeping toward Peter, who was too busy taking pictures to notice. Evan tensed. The spider was getting closer.
Peter flinched. "Ow!" He reached up and rubbed his neck.
Evan acted quickly, crouching down as if to tie his shoelaces. In one swift motion, he scooped up the spider just as it tried to escape. The spider bit him, sharp and sudden.
"Hiss-" Evan winced, but kept his face neutral.
Peter looked confused. "I think something stung me," he said, rubbing his neck.
Evan stood up, glancing around. "I don't see anything."
Peter shrugged. "I dunno. It's already fading."
Evan changed the subject. "Anyway, are you done with the photos?"
Peter brightened. "Yeah, I got everything. Let's head back."
Evan nodded. "Alright, but I need to hit the bathroom first." He walked off, tossing the spider into the kingdom of shadows once he was alone, then washed his hands and returned.
Peter was waiting. "So fast?"
Evan rolled his eyes. "I just tied my shoelaces and got some dust on my hands. Needed a quick wash."
Peter nodded. "Got it. Let's go."
Back at the meeting point, Ned greeted them. "Hey, Evan, Peter, how was your tour?" He grinned, clearly in a good mood.
Peter smiled. "Not bad. How about you?"
Ned leaned in, lowering his voice. "I've got a date with Kate tomorrow."
Peter's jaw dropped. "You… how did you…?"
Ned shrugged. "Just asked her. Peter, you should tell Liz how you feel."
Peter blushed. "Maybe next time." He glanced at Liz, who was chatting with her friends. She caught his eye, and he quickly looked away, fiddling with his glasses.
One of Liz's friends noticed. "What's up with Liz? Nerdy Peter? Do you like him? He's a real school genius," she said, half-mocking.
Liz shook her head. "No way. I'd never like someone like that," she said, turning back to her friends.
Peter whispered to Evan, "Is Liz still looking at me?"
Evan checked. "Nope."
Peter risked a glance. "Whew," he sighed.
Ned nudged him. "Peter, you can't keep avoiding her. You should look her in the eye."
Peter mumbled, "Next time."
Ned shook his head. "You always say that."
The instructor returned, gathering everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone, the exhibition is over. I expect a thorough report from each of you."
The group groaned. Evan sighed, even though he wasn't in Peter's class.
The instructor pointed at Evan. "And Evan, your teacher has already spoken to me. You'll submit your report to me on Monday."
Evan groaned. "No way…"
The group began to break up. Ned turned to Peter. "Want to hang out?"
Peter shook his head. "Maybe next time, Ned. I feel a little dizzy."
Ned frowned. "You want me to walk you home?"
Peter shook his head. "Thanks, but Evan's here."
Evan noticed Peter looked pale. He felt a bit dizzy himself, but his body handled it better. "Don't worry, I've got him," Evan said, picking up Peter's backpack.
Ned waved. "See you."
Evan waved back. "Bye."
They walked home together. Peter was quiet, leaning on Evan a little.
At home, Peter called out, "Aunt May, I'm going upstairs to rest." He moved slowly, Evan supporting him.
Aunt May looked concerned. "Alright. Evan, did you have fun today?"
Evan nodded. "Yeah, but I'm exhausted from all the walking."
She smiled. "You boys work too hard."
Ben glanced up from his newspaper. "Everything alright?"
Evan nodded. "Just tired."
As soon as they reached their rooms, Peter collapsed onto his bed and fell asleep almost instantly. Evan, feeling the fatigue himself, closed Peter's door gently and went to his own room.
He lay down, staring at the ceiling. His arm still tingles from the spider bite. He wondered what would happen next.
As the two brothers slept, the genes in their bodies began to change.
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A/N: Hey Everyone, If you like the chapter please share your reviews and feedbacks. Thanks for reading.