The sharp light of the New York City morning filtered through thin curtains into a small, cramped apartment. The familiar hum of traffic below mixed with distant honking cars and hurried conversations from the street. In a tiny bedroom, the worn alarm clock buzzed, shaking slightly on a rickety nightstand. A pale hand smacked the snooze button, silencing the alarm.
Ben Reily groaned, staring at the cracked ceiling. Sixteen years old, living in a run-down apartment, and still trying to figure out what life was supposed to be. He dragged himself out of bed, stretching his lanky frame before heading into the tiny bathroom.
He splashed cold water on his face, feeling the sting against his pale skin. His stormy grey eyes stared back at him through the chipped mirror, framed by unruly black hair that seemed determined never to cooperate. Running a hand through the tangled mess, he muttered, "I need to get out more."
After a quick shower, he threw on a black t-shirt, green cargo pants, and a pair of scuffed black-and-white Vans. His old backpack hung from a hook by the door, waiting to be slung over his shoulder. With one last glance in the mirror, he sighed and left the apartment, stepping into the chaos of New York City.
The streets were alive with movement. Vendors shouted about bagels and coffee, taxis sped by, and people bustled toward their destinations. Ben walked with purpose, headphones blasting music that drowned out the noise. His destination: Midtown High School, a place he endured but never enjoyed.
As he entered the crowded school halls, he felt an arm wrap around his shoulders in a familiar grip. He didn't even have to look. "What do you want, Johnny?" he sighed.
Johnny Storm grinned, his signature mischievous spark lighting up his face. "Is that any way to greet your best friend after summer break?"
Ben shrugged. "I didn't forget you existed, if that's what you're worried about."
Johnny ignored the sarcasm. "Man, my summer was awesome. I finally got with Sarah. She's… well, let's just say it was legendary."
Ben smirked faintly. "Good for you."
Johnny narrowed his eyes. "Let me guess—you worked all summer and binge-watched anime every night."
Ben hesitated. "…No comment."
Johnny laughed, slapping him on the back. "Dude, you're hopeless."
Despite the teasing, Ben couldn't imagine life without Johnny. They'd both grown up in foster care, bouncing from home to home until they landed at the same group home. Johnny decided Ben was his new best friend, whether Ben liked it or not. Over time, Ben realized Johnny wasn't just sticking around out of pity—he genuinely cared.
First-period history dragged on like usual, until the classroom door opened. Ben's breath caught.
Felicia Hardy strolled in with effortless grace, radiating confidence. Her platinum-blonde hair shimmered under the classroom lights, and her piercing blue eyes scanned the room briefly before she sat in the front row. The air seemed to shift when she walked by, drawing attention like gravity itself.
Ben tried not to stare but failed miserably.
Johnny leaned over, whispering with a sly grin, "This year, I'm making it my mission to get you two together."
Ben's face burned. "What?! No way!"
"Come on, man. You've been crushing on her since she moved back last year."
"We don't even talk."
"That's the problem!" Johnny chuckled. "I can't have you graduating a virgin, bro. You gotta live a little."
Ben buried his face in his hands. "Please stop talking."
By the time gym class rolled around, Ben was already exhausted—not from physical activity, but from trying to dodge Johnny's relentless teasing. They sat on the bleachers, watching a chaotic basketball game while discussing their shared obsession: anime.
Johnny waved his hands excitedly. "The final battle in One Piece is gonna be an all-out war! Marines, Blackbeard Pirates, Red-Haired Pirates, the Revolutionary Army, the Gorosei… everyone! Then Emu shows up, and they all team up to take him down."
Ben shook his head. "Nah, Luffy's taking down Blackbeard and Shanks separately. After that, he faces the Marines, the Gorosei, and Emu with the Revolutionary Army backing him."
Their debate was interrupted when Ben's gaze drifted toward the gym floor. Felicia was playing volleyball, her athletic frame highlighted by fitted gym shorts. She spiked the ball with effortless precision, commanding the court's attention like she owned it.
A sharp slap to the back of Ben's head snapped him out of it. "Ow!"
Johnny rolled his eyes. "Dude, focus. You could have that, if you just talked to her."
Ben shook his head. "Not happening."
Johnny sighed in exasperation. "So you're just gonna admire from afar? Again?"
Ben shrugged. "It's fine."
"No, it's not. You pulled the same stunt with Gwen before she moved to Gotham. You didn't even tell her how you felt!"
Ben looked down, feeling a familiar pang of regret. Gwen Stacy. His first real crush—kind, brilliant, and way out of his league. She'd left for Gotham almost a year ago, and he never said a word.
Johnny leaned back with a defeated groan. "You're impossible."
Ben pulled out a worn manga from his bag and started reading, tuning out the world. For now, books and stories were easier than reality. Reality was unpredictable… and he'd had enough unpredictability to last a lifetime.