Gwen's lips parted slightly.
She stared in amazement at the cloud of dust drifting from the sandbag Hawk had just struck—its shape still faintly visible in the sunlight.
A blunt strike, yet devastating. True mastery in simplicity.
Hawk exhaled deeply, steadying his breath before turning toward her.
Their eyes met.
Gwen's gaze lingered on him—sweat beading his brow, white tank top clinging to his sculpted frame, hands wrapped in tape. Something stirred within her.
Hawk, on the other hand, was puzzled to see her there.
"Something wrong?"
"Nope." Gwen shook her head, clasping her hands behind her back as she slowly walked toward him, glancing around the old, abandoned gymnasium. "The new gym has AC. Why not use that one?"
"It's quiet here."
"It is quiet," she admitted with a smile.
When she casually sat down at the bench where Hawk had left his bag, he was momentarily stunned.
"You do have something to say, don't you, Gwen?"
She tilted her head, smiling. "Not really. Just figured I'd watch a friend throw some punches."
Hawk raised an eyebrow. Was there a deeper meaning in her words?
Forget it. Training came first.
He turned back to the sandbag, focusing again on his daily ten thousand punches.
After all, Gwen's arrival meant he'd have to start over anyway.
With deliberate rhythm, he struck—punch after punch—choosing not to draw on his Microcosmos but relying only on his body.
Gwen stayed seated, quietly watching.
Then, all at once—
Fists blurred into shadows.
Her eyes widened, disbelieving the storm of punches exploding before her.
"I didn't even blink…" she whispered.
Pulling out her phone, she aimed to record.
Without even glancing over, Hawk muttered, "Don't record."
"…Oh."
Startled, Gwen lowered her phone, uncertain whether she'd really heard him right.
Eventually, the flurry ended. The bag stopped trembling, the gym fell silent again.
Hawk unhooked the sandbag, tossed it into the corner, and walked over to grab his towel. Glancing at Gwen, he finally asked again, "Are you sure you don't have a reason for being here?"
Gwen nodded. "I do."
"…."
Hawk's lips twitched—Gwen noticed, and laughed.
"Actually," she admitted, "it's about the annual school dance. You going this year?"
Midtown High was prestigious, but it still held the usual dances and parties.
And every year Gwen asked Hawk.
And every year he said no.
He was a lone wolf. Quiet, solitary.
The polite explanation.
The real one?
He was broke. No tux, no car, no license. He couldn't exactly walk a date home on foot.
And worst of all—he didn't even have a date.
So, once again—
"No."
He shook his head flatly.
Why waste money on noise and crowds when he could sit on his rooftop under the stars for free?
Silence. Comfort. No expenses.
Every dollar counted now that he was legally independent and his savings were already shrinking from rent and supplies.
In fact, he was already regretting his earlier thought of buying a car. That plan was dead.
Better to save. Who needed a car when the school shuttle ran straight to Queensboro Bridge?
Besides—he didn't even have a license.
Damn it.
"…Maybe I should just rob a bank," Hawk thought grimly. "Meteors don't come cheap."
Then again… why rob a bank to buy a meteor from some rich guy when he could just rob the meteor itself?
If stealing Vibranium from Wakanda was already in his plans, then what difference did it make?
Bank, Vibranium, meteor… it was all the same crime.
Across from him, Gwen watched his eyes go distant. "What are you thinking about?"
"…Robbing a bank."
"…."
Her brow arched.
Realizing what he'd just said out loud, Hawk blinked. Their eyes locked.
And then Gwen, smiling sweetly, replied, "If you're serious, I'd recommend the Pacific Bank in the 19th Precinct."
Hawk frowned. "That one's easy to rob?"
"Nope," she said cheerfully. "But my dad's the captain there."
"….."
Silence.
At last, Hawk straightened, expression serious. "I was joking."
Note to self: if he ever robbed a bank, it wouldn't be in her father's jurisdiction.
Before he could say more, Gwen's phone rang.
"Mrs. Snow… yeah. He's here."
Hanging up, she looked at Hawk. "Come on. Mrs. Snow wants to see you."
"…."
(End of Chapter)
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