The bright morning light of New York City filtered through the blinds of a small apartment, illuminating the cluttered room of 16-year-old Ben Parker. The sound of cars honking and people shouting in the streets below served as his unrelenting alarm clock. Ben groaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes before reluctantly sitting up on his bed.
With a sigh, he shuffled to the bathroom. He stared at his reflection in the cracked mirror, his pale skin stark against his tousled blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. He ran a hand through his messy locks and muttered, "I need to get out more."
After brushing his teeth and taking a quick shower, Ben stood before the mirror again, droplets of water still clinging to his face. For a brief moment, he wondered what it would be like to be normal. Shrugging off the thought, he grabbed a towel, dried off, and got dressed in his usual attire: a black shirt, green cargo pants, and black-and-white Vans. Slinging his backpack over his shoulder, he left the apartment and descended into the chaos of the city.
The streets of New York were alive with noise. Vendors shouted, car engines roared, and the chatter of pedestrians filled the air. Ben slipped on his headphones, letting the music drown out the world as he walked to school. The towering buildings and bustling sidewalks were all part of the routine, but today, something felt different. He couldn't quite place it.
Arriving at Midtown High, Ben was greeted by the familiar buzz of teenage life. The halls were crowded, lockers slammed shut, and laughter echoed through the corridors. Just as he reached his locker, a heavy arm draped over his shoulder.
What's up, Benji?" a familiar voice chimed.
Ben didn't need to look to know who it was. "What do you want, Johnny?" he asked, already bracing for the inevitable teasing.
Johnny Storm, Ben's only friend and self-proclaimed "coolest kid in school," grinned. "How was your summer? Mine was amazing. Finally got with Sarah, and let me tell you, it was legendary."
Ben rolled his eyes. "It was fine."
Johnny raised an eyebrow. "Fine? Let me guess you worked, watched anime, and stayed locked up in your room."
Ben hesitated before muttering, "No comment."
Johnny laughed. "Man, you need to live a little."
The bell rang, signaling the start of their first period. They made their way to class, sitting in their usual spots at the back. As the teacher began the lesson, the door opened, and in walked Felicia Hardy.
Ben's heart skipped a beat. She was stunning, her blonde hair catching the light as she confidently made her way to her seat at the front. Ben tried to focus on anything else, but his eyes kept drifting back to her. They had been friends once, years ago, before her family moved away. Now, she was back, but they hadn't spoken since.
Johnny leaned over, smirking. "This year, I'm getting you two together. That's my mission as your best friend."
Ben blushed. "No way," he whispered.
Johnny chuckled. "Come on, man. You've got to lose your virginity before you turn 18."
Ben's face turned crimson. "Shut up," he hissed, turning his attention back to the teacher, though his thoughts were miles away.
Gym class was its usual mix of chaos and boredom. Ben and Johnny sat on the bleachers, watching as other students played basketball. They passed the time debating anime theories.
"I'm telling you," Johnny said, "the final battle in One Piece is gonna be an all-out war. Marines, Blackbeard Pirates, Red Hair Pirates, Revolutionary Army, Gorosei, and the Straw Hats. Then Emu shows up, and everyone has to team up to take him down."
Ben shook his head. "Nah, Luffy will fight Blackbeard and Shanks separately. Then he'll take on the Marines and Gorosei with the Revolutionary Army. Emu will be the final boss, but it won't be a big team-up like you think."
Their conversation was interrupted when Felicia jogged onto the court, wearing gym shorts that left little to the imagination. Ben's eyes widened, his thoughts scattering.
Johnny smirked and smacked the back of Ben's head. "Focus," he said. "You want a chance with her? Just walk up and say, 'Hi, how are you?' That's all it takes."
Ben rubbed his head. "Not happening."
Johnny sighed. "So, you're just gonna admire her from a distance? Again?"
Ben nodded, pulling a book from his bag and pretending to read. Johnny shook his head in exasperation. "This is just like what happened with Gwen. You had a shot, and you let her move to Gotham without saying a word."
Ben's grip on the book tightened. "Drop it, Johnny."
The gym teacher blew the whistle, signaling the end of class. As everyone gathered their things, Johnny clapped Ben on the shoulder. "You're hopeless, but I'll keep trying."
Ben rolled his eyes. "Thanks, I guess."
The rest of the day passed in a blur. Classes came and went, but Ben's mind kept drifting. By the time the final bell rang, he felt more drained than usual. He met Johnny by the lockers, and they walked out of the building together.
"So, any plans tonight?" Johnny asked.
Ben shrugged. "Probably just gonna work and watch some anime."
Johnny groaned. "Dude, you need a hobby that involves other people."
Ben smiled faintly. "I have you, don't I?"
Johnny laughed. "True. Alright, see you tomorrow, Benji."
Ben watched as Johnny jogged off, his ever-present energy seemingly endless. Sighing, he adjusted his bag and began the walk home. The city was just as loud and chaotic as ever, but Ben found comfort in the routine.
As he reached his apartment, he paused, looking up at the sky. The sun was setting, painting the clouds in shades of orange and pink. For a moment, the world felt calm.
But deep down, Ben knew something was about to change. He just didn't know what.