The next day—June 12, 2013.
It was a Wednesday, and also the day of Midtown High's twelfth-grade graduation ceremony.
On the grassy field near the East River, parents had already arrived, snapping photo after photo with their children before the ceremony began.
Hawk and Gwen were no exception. Dressed in cap and gown, they stood hand in hand, smiling for Helen Stacy's camera as she directed them into different poses.
Beneath a tree, Gwen apologized with a small smile.
"Sorry."
"For what?"
"My mom's being too enthusiastic."
"I think it's nice."
Helen suddenly brightened. "Hawk! When I count to three, kiss her."
"Alright."
On three, Hawk leaned in without hesitation, and Gwen met him halfway.
Click-click-click! Helen fired away like a professional photographer, capturing the moment.
Later, she sat among the audience, grinning as she reviewed her shots, unable to stop smiling. Good thing George couldn't come—if he saw these, his face would have soured instantly.
Up front, Gwen leaned toward Hawk and whispered, "Don't come upstairs tonight."
"Why?"
"Because if Dad sees these photos, he'll probably shoot you."
"…Fair point," Hawk admitted. "I'll wait downstairs."
Tonight, they had plans to celebrate graduation with Mary and Peter at a new restaurant near Times Square.
Mary, sitting nearby, muttered sourly, "At least you two have photos. I don't even have that."
"Peter hasn't shown up yet?" Gwen asked.
"No. And if he doesn't in ten minutes, he's my ex."
Hawk caught Gwen's glance, nodded, and called Peter. Sirens wailed in the background when Peter picked up.
"Hello?"
"Skip the hello. You've got ten minutes or Mary's done with you," Hawk said flatly before hanging up.
Nine minutes later, while Gwen gave her speech as valedictorian, Hawk spotted Peter sneaking in from a portable restroom, tugging on his cap and dodging Mary's pointed glare. Mary hadn't broken up with him—yet—but she didn't hold back her fury.
Hawk, meanwhile, exchanged a smile with Gwen onstage.
…
That evening, Gwen emerged from her apartment, spotted Hawk's Audi across the street, and slid into the passenger seat with a smile.
"How's George's face?" Hawk asked as he drove.
"Not just bad—very bad. He even asked when you were coming upstairs. Thank God you didn't."
Hawk sighed. "You realize I can't avoid him forever. One day I'll have to face him."
"Then what?"
"Trust future Hawk to deal with it."
"Future Hawk is going to curse present Hawk as a coward."
"Let him. He can't time-travel back to punch me."
Gwen shook her head, laughing, and changed the subject.
At the restaurant, they met Mary and Peter. Over dinner, Mary suggested, "How about we travel abroad this summer? London?"
"London sounds great," Gwen agreed, then turned to Hawk. "You in?"
Hawk smiled but didn't answer. Gwen moved on to Peter.
Peter hesitated—London flights weren't cheap. But Hawk cut in: "He's going."
Peter blinked. "…I'm going?"
"You're going."
Gwen's expectant smile sealed it. "Peter?"
"…Fine," he sighed. "I'm going."
The girls immediately pulled out their phones, already booking flights and planning. By the end of the meal, the London trip was practically settled.
Afterward, as they strolled toward Times Square, Hawk noticed Peter's worried look.
"Relax. I'll cover your expenses," Hawk said.
Peter shook his head. "No, I'll figure it out."
"What, sell more selfies?"
Peter winced. "Yeah, but the Bugle's cutting rates. Too many photos this year."
"Then change papers," Hawk suggested.
"Others pay even less."
"…Fine. Save your Bugle money. I'll pay. Unlike you, I don't earn mine by selling myself."
Peter raised a brow. "Then how do you make it?"
"Blown in by the wind." Hawk smirked.
Peter rolled his eyes. Before he could reply—
BOOM!
An explosion thundered through Times Square. Sparks of silver lightning arced across the sky, striking a massive screen and shattering it.
Crowds screamed.
Hawk and Peter locked eyes.
The next second, both of them vanished from sight.
…
(End of Chapter)
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