Peter considered. He knew what this was.
Gwen creating an excuse to spend time with him. Her interest wasn't subtle. But it also wasn't unwelcome.
"What's the topic?" he asked.
"Quantum entanglement applications in data transmission. I'm trying to prove that theoretically, we could send information faster than light without violating causality."
Peter raised an eyebrow. "That's ambitious. Einstein wouldn't approve."
"Einstein also didn't believe in quantum mechanics at first. Sometimes the old guard is wrong."
Gwen's competitive streak showed. "So? Will you help or not?"
"I'll help. But I should warn you, your approach has a fundamental flaw."
"What flaw?"
"You're assuming quantum entanglement allows information transfer. It doesn't. It only allows correlation without communication."
Gwen's eyes narrowed. "I've accounted for that with a workaround using—"
"Delayed choice quantum erasers? That won't work either. Wheeler already proved that doesn't allow retrocausal signaling."
Gwen stared at him. Then smiled slowly. "You're going to make me completely redesign this, aren't you?"
"Probably. But the new design will actually work."
"Fine. Tomorrow. My house. Four o'clock. Bring your ego and your brain."
"I always do," Peter said.
The teacher started class. But Peter noticed Gwen kept glancing at him throughout the lesson. Studying him like he was a particularly interesting problem.
---
Lunch period. Peter sat at his usual table with Harry and Flash. MJ Watson approached with her lunch tray.
"Mind if I sit here?" she asked. Her red hair caught the cafeteria lights.
"Of course," Peter said. He shifted over to make room.
MJ sat down next to him. Closer than strictly necessary. "So. The haircut. When did this happen?"
"Saturday morning."
"It's really good. Makes your face look..."
She trailed off. Seemed to catch herself. "Different. In a good way."
"Thanks."
"Are you going to the basketball tryouts Wednesday?" MJ asked. "I'm covering it for the school paper. Doing profiles on new team members."
"I'm trying out," Peter confirmed.
"I didn't know you played basketball."
"There's a lot you don't know about me, MJ." Peter kept his tone light. Teasing but not unkind.
MJ's cheeks colored slightly. "Maybe you could tell me more sometime. We could get coffee after school. Catch up properly. We've been friends for years but we don't actually talk that much anymore.
Peter recognized the invitation for what it was. MJ making her interest known. She was less subtle than Gwen but more direct.
"I'd like that," Peter said. "What day works for you?"
"Thursday?" MJ suggested. "After you survive tryouts."
"Assuming I make the team."
"You'll make the team," MJ said with confidence. "You're good at everything else. Why not basketball too?"
Flash laughed. "She's got you there, Parker."
Before Peter could respond, another figure appeared at their table. Felicia Hardy, carrying her lunch tray with casual grace.
"Is this the cool kids table?" Felicia asked.
Her green eyes locked on Peter. "Or are you accepting new members?"
"There's room," Harry said, gesturing to the empty seat across from Peter.
Felicia sat down. Crossed her legs. Looked directly at Peter with a slight smile. "I almost didn't recognize you this morning, Parker. The new look suits you."
"Third person to tell me that today," Peter said.
"Because it's true. You were always attractive in that nerdy, unaware kind of way. But now you actually look like you know it."
MJ's expression tightened slightly. Gwen, who had just approached with her tray, stopped and assessed the seating situation.
She chose the seat next to Flash, directly across from MJ.
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