But she couldn't say it out loud.
Thinking of what had been weighing on her recently, Gwen muttered, "Jessica, you've probably seen those reports about the Black Spider. Ever since he showed up, my dad's been less enthusiastic about Ghost Spider. Says he's not sure he trusts her anymore."
Jessica raised an eyebrow. "And what does that have to do with you?"
Sliding her arm around Gwen's shoulder, she teased, "Wait… don't tell me you're a fan of Ghost Spider?"
"A fan? …Well, I guess you could say that." Gwen shrugged, her voice stiff with embarrassment.
How was she supposed to admit she was Ghost Spider? That would be ridiculous. Being your own fan? Too much cringe.
But Jessica, as always, was sharp—and mischievous. The moment Gwen looked away, she whipped out her phone and started typing rapidly.
...
Meanwhile, on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan...
Inside a sleek, high-end studio adorned with framed concept art and digital canvases, Jack Kadere sat across from a man who looked every bit the reserved academic.
"Dr. Banner, it's not a long trip from home to my studio," Jack said coolly, trying to keep the unease from his voice. "But I don't usually open shop more than once or twice a week, so if you're joking about wanting to learn to paint… now would be the time to admit it."
Across from him sat Bruce Banner—yes, that Bruce Banner. The one who turned into a green wrecking ball when he got upset.
Even with his Knight Spider enhancements, Jack wasn't confident about fighting the Hulk. Especially not in the middle of his own studio.
That's why he'd picked this neutral ground for their first meeting. He didn't want the big guy near his apartment. And frankly, if not for the system's nudge, he wouldn't have agreed to this meeting at all.
Still, the Hulk template had its appeal… minus the uncontrollable transformations, shredded clothing, and bad PR.
More importantly, unless the system recognized him as one of Banner's "extraordinary relations," there was no mission, no template, no nothing.
"Yes, Mr. Kadere," Banner replied, voice low and heavy. "I've heard painting can be therapeutic. I want to give it a try."
"If it's emotional control you're after, maybe a licensed therapist would be better," Jack replied dryly. "Sure, painting's calming. Until it's not. Ever heard of Van Gogh?"
Banner nodded. "I know. But I've tried almost everything. There's no harm in one more attempt."
There's no harm for you, Jack thought. But for me…
He was about to respond when his phone buzzed. Only messages from Gwen and Jessica had alerts enabled.
It was from Jessica:
[Jack, I want to start a Ghost Spider fan club!]
[You like Ghost Spider too, right? Can you design a poster for the launch tonight?]
[I'm gonna announce it at the party. Hehe~ Gwen's a fan too—I can't wait to see her reaction!]
Jack nearly choked with laughter.
Gwen's a fan of herself? That's comedy gold.
He shook his head with a smirk and swiveled to the studio's desktop. "Well, if I'm making a proper poster, I better go digital."
Then, casually, he turned to Banner.
"Alright, Doc. I'll make you a deal."
Banner looked up.
"You can be my assistant for a while—until you feel like this painting thing isn't working out."
Banner gave a small smile. "Thanks, Jack. I appreciate it."
"You're welcome," Jack said, eyes back on the screen.
Free labor? I'd be a fool not to use it.
...
Meanwhile, back at Midtown High School...
Gwen and her classmates were already deep into their first-period biology lecture.
At the front of the room stood a one-armed middle-aged man with sharp features and an intense gaze—Dr. Curtis Connors, the school's part-time lecturer and a well-respected biologist.
His knowledge, especially in genetics and regenerative biology, made even complex concepts easy to follow.
Gwen sat up straight, fully focused. She had worked under Dr. Connors during her summer internship at Oscorp and respected him immensely.
Jessica, on the other hand, was not so engaged.
She sat slouched in her seat, tapping away at her phone, replying to Jack's message.
Jack: [Working on the poster now. I'll bring it tonight.]
Jessica: [Wow, you're actually not slacking for once?]
Jack: [Credit goes to my assistant. Guy's a genius—learning everything fast.]
Jessica: [Tell him thanks! Also, you just earned yourself VP of the Ghost Spider fan club.]
Jack: [Aren't you supposed to be in class right now?]
Jessica: [Uhhh… (ー〃)]
Jack: [Put your phone away before I give you detention myself.]
Jessica groaned softly and reluctantly put her phone away.
"Jessica," Gwen whispered, tugging her sleeve. "Dr. Connors rarely gives in-person lectures. You really should be listening."
She motioned with her chin toward the front row. "Look how focused Peter is."
Jessica rolled her eyes. "Tch. That nerd? I had to rescue him from Flash Thompson the other day."