The Spider's Vanishing Act

"Stay in your groups and don't make trouble," Mr. Smith said for what felt like the hundredth time as the class stepped into Oscorp's gleaming lobby.

The interior screamed money sleek floors, glass panels, and walls lined with medals and plaques that practically shouted look how important we are. Employees in tailored suits moved with precision, heads down and hands busy.

The guide ushered them to the third floor, keeping a polite but firm pace. "This is where we'll begin the tour," she said, but as they entered, the air felt… off.

Stephen noticed it right away.

In the corner of the room, a group of employees whispered to each other. Their movements were quick and deliberate, like they were on edge.

"What's going on here?" Mr. Smith asked, his teacher instincts kicking in as he noticed the commotion.

"Just a routine checkup," the guide said with a practiced smile. Too practiced.

Stephen's eyes narrowed as he scanned the room. The energy didn't feel routine. The way those employees moved wasn't casual it was calculated.

They weren't just checking something.

They were searching for something, and whatever it was, it seemed to be making them uneasy.

Ofcourse Stephen let his attention drift only for a moment, his gaze landing back on Peter, who was busy snapping photos of everything around him.

"Are you interested in boys?"

The voice came from behind him, soft and teasing. He didn't even need to turn around to know who it was.

"I'm straight," he said simply.

"But you're constantly staring at him," Felicia said, stepping closer, her curiosity clear as she followed his gaze. She couldn't help but wonder what was so special about Peter Parker. From what she remembered, aside from being the top student of their year, there wasn't much remarkable about him. He was a regular target for bullies and pranks, thats all.

"Are you in love with me?" Stephen asked instead, his voice calm as he finally turned his head slightly to glance at her.

Felicia blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift. "What?"

"You're following me," he said, glancing over his shoulder before shifting his focus back to Peter.

Felicia smirked, tilting her head. "Is that what you think? Maybe you're just interesting to follow."

Stephen didn't react, his eyes locked on Peter, who was inching closer to one of the displays. "What do you want, Felicia?"

"Can't a girl be curious?" she replied, her tone light but probing. Her gaze flicked to Peter, then back to Stephen. "Though I have to admit, you've been eyeing Parker like he owes you money. Care to explain?"

"Nothing to explain," Stephen said flatly, his tone giving nothing away.

Felicia paused for a moment, then decided to cut to the chase. "How did you know I took your watch?"

Stephen smirked faintly. "Didn't I give it to you?"

Her eyes narrowed, her voice firm. "I'm serious. You didn't see it, and no normal person should've been able to figure it out."

He met her gaze calmly, acknowledging her point. "You're right. No normal person should've been able to find it."

"Then how?" she pressed, frustration creeping into her tone.

"Simple," he said with a shrug. "You're not as skilled as you think you are. Practice more."

Her jaw tightened, and she glared at him. "You," she muttered before walking away.

"How attractive I am," he sighed, almost like it was a burden.

Suddenly, his eyes caught Peter making a quick movement with his hand.

Ned looked over, "What happened?"

Peter shook his head, brushing it off. "Nothing. Just dropped the camera."

Stephen, who had been observing from a distance, approached them, his mood clearly off. His mind, however, was elsewhere.

His eyes scanned the room, searching for something. Where did that spider go?

Still, he couldn't find it. Then, a thought crossed his mind. Peter wasn't the only one who got bitten.

His eyes shifted to a girl nearby Cindy Moon. Though the stage had changed, the act might still play out the same.

...

"How can you not find it?" a man shouted at the guards in front of him.

"Do you have any idea how much money was spent on you?" he continued, his voice rising. "Millions of dollars on security, and you're telling me you can't find a spider?"

Before anyone could respond, another man approached quickly from behind, speaking in a low, urgent voice. "Sir, we couldn't locate N87."

The first man froze for a moment, his jaw tightening. His gaze snapped to the newcomer. "What do you mean, 'couldn't locate'? How does something like that just disappear?"

The man who delivered the news hesitated, beads of sweat forming on his brow. "We've checked all the containment units and reviewed the surveillance footage. There's no sign of it, sir. It's... gone."

"Gone?" The man let out a bitter laugh, pinching the bridge of his nose as if trying to contain his frustration. "You mean to tell me that the one specimen worth more than all of you combined has just vanished? You think that's acceptable?"

"Sir," another guard interjected nervously, "we're sweeping the area again. We believe it may still be somewhere in the building."

The man's face darkened. "Lock down the building. Nobody leaves until it's found. If that spider gets out..." He didn't finish the thought.