Chapter 31: Rumors and Revelations

A/N

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DROP SOME STONE

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James concocted an excuse and sauntered toward the classroom.

"Shouldn't you see a doctor if you're sick? Ignoring a cold could lead to complications," Gwen's voice trailed behind him. James and Peter turned to greet her with a familiar smile—their interactions with the goddess now routine.

Jessica Campbell, tagging along with Gwen, timidly exchanged greetings with the duo, her gaze lingering on Peter.

Noticing Jessica's interest, Peter reciprocated with a friendly smile. "Hey, Jessica."

Caught off guard by Peter's greeting, Jessica's excitement faltered.

James, unfazed by the awkward exchange, continued toward the classroom.

Gwen followed, concern etched on her face. "Are you sure you don't need to see a doctor? The school infirmary could help."

James flashed a grin. "Don't worry, I'm not contagious."

Gwen's interest waned, and she fell silent.

Inside the classroom, classmates huddled around phones, engrossed in videos of Spider-Man's heroics.

James glanced at the screen as he passed, witnessing Thompson's enthusiastic praise for Spider-Man.

Peter, meanwhile, couldn't shake Thompson's sudden declaration of fandom.

Thompson approached Gwen eagerly. "Gwen, do you have any insider info on Spider-Man? Did Sheriff George talk to you?"

Reluctant to share but unable to dissuade her classmates' curiosity, Gwen relented, eager to impress.

"Spider-Man wasn't alone. Another person helped apprehend the robber. And last night, they assisted the police in thwarting a group of armed criminals."

The classmates were astonished, speculating wildly.

"Could this other person be... Sentinel?"

James, mid-nose pick, almost choked.

"Impossible! Sentinel's a menace, not a hero like Spider-Man."

"I wonder where he's hiding. Spider-Man'll catch him soon enough."

A shift in mindset occurred—a preference for superheroes over police.

Sheriff George's concerns seemed justified. It was unfair to the police.

Peter nudged James. "Shouldn't you clarify? They're all painting you as the bad guy."

James retorted, "They're calling Sentinel the bad guy, not me. And can you ask Jessica out already? Whatever."

"By the way, Gwen," Peter interjected. "I'm taking Jessica out tonight. Wanna double date?"

James shrugged. "You two set it up. They won't let me date Gwen anyway."

"What?" Peter's confusion mirrored James's frustration.

James slumped at his desk, feeling misunderstood.

Meanwhile, Jessica posed the same question to Gwen.

Despite her reluctance, Jessica saw an opportunity. "I'm going out with Parker tonight. Maybe you could join James?"

Gwen deliberated, recognizing the validity of Jessica's proposal. It was indeed an opportunity.