Midtown High's Homecoming was always set for the last weekend of every September. This year, because there was no deliberate meddling from Norman Osborn, the Spirit Week themes featured something new every day. Similarly, Harry had a new gimmick for every single day as well.
Peter was just about numb to it all by now.
By the time the actual Homecoming day arrived, Harry was finally dressed like a normal human being. He wore a crisp, well-tailored black suit, standing beside Amadeus Cho and Liz Allan while chatting and laughing. When he spotted Peter, Harry's eyes lit up and he walked over, slapping Peter on the shoulder. "Nice threads, brother. Looks like you're actually taking Homecoming seriously this year."
"I didn't actually pick this outfit myself. Someone else picked it out for me."
"Hmm? Was it Gwen or Cindy?"
"Neither." Peter sighed helplessly. "Felicia picked it out."
For a moment, a look of utter confusion surfaced on Harry's face, mirrored by the look Peter had given Harry's various costumes throughout the week. Peter, meanwhile, stood off to the side with an air of indifference and surveyed his surroundings. Gwen hadn't come today, and neither had Cindy; that much was expected. However, as Peter looked around, he noticed another issue.
Flash Thompson wasn't here either.
"Fury definitely has his own goals and plans, otherwise he wouldn't go as far as reassigning Flash... I don't think Flash would ever willingly miss something like this, especially the Homecoming football game. He's the star quarterback."
As Peter thought, he scanned the crowd, waiting for Felicia's arrival and the start of the Homecoming dance. Just then, a small commotion broke out among the students. Peter looked over and saw Felicia, the source of the stir.
In truth, she hadn't done anything special; she was simply wearing the off-the-shoulder black evening gown she had shown Peter before. In addition to that, she wore a pair of black silk gloves, a pair of teardrop earrings, and the silver necklace she usually wore had been replaced with a stunning sapphire pendant.
The minor stir was, of course, due to her appearance. Felicia was already striking, and today's ensemble caused immediate hushed discussions within her circle of acquaintances, which in turn drew the gazes of everyone else. Noticing this, Peter began to sigh helplessly again.
Great. Spider-Man was already busy enough, and now he had even more reasons not to spend his time at school.
Harry, witnessing this, was quite surprised. He leaned in close to Peter and whispered, "What exactly is the situation here?"
"Uh... it's a long story. To put it simply, she offered me a price I couldn't refuse. In exchange, I have to accompany her to the Homecoming dance."
Harry had a sudden realization. "No wonder Gwen and Cindy didn't show up. I see how it is."
You animal, what exactly do you think you 'see'?!
A helpless Peter shook his head and looked back at the crowd. He caught Felicia's gaze and sighed yet again. Harry looked toward her and then turned back to Peter. "Is she signaling for you to go over there and rescue her from the crowd?"
"No, quite the opposite. She means I shouldn't go looking for her until the dance actually starts."
Harry looked at Peter with confusion. "How can you be so sure?"
"Because she sent me a text saying I should wait a bit."
As Peter spoke, he waited there for a long time. Felicia certainly commanded a great deal of attention and time from those around her, but as time passed, the crowd's focus naturally began to wane. Perhaps that is simply human nature; when something has nothing to do with oneself, it quickly leaves one's sphere of attention.
It was only then that Felicia began to walk toward Peter.
"Something's not right. I don't see Tandy and the others."
After walking over, Felicia's first words were something that caught Peter by surprise. Peter simply replied, "But Richard Rider is still here," before looking around. "I'm willing to bet I'm going to become a school celebrity after this."
"If you had walked over earlier, then you'd be a celebrity. Now, the problem is solved. I've sufficiently explained my reasons and standards for choosing a date to my friends. They actually feel sorry for you now."
Peter barely managed to suppress an eye-roll. He looked around and checked his phone. "No, there's no news from Matt, and the other Defenders haven't contacted me. It seems like nothing major is happening for the moment. There shouldn't be any big problems."
"That's good. I wouldn't want my dance partner to suddenly disappear halfway through."
Peter looked at Felicia with a touch of resignation. "Just how much do you... care about this?"
"Well, the probability of it happening is quite high. Anyway, it's time. Let's go."
The Homecoming dance was less a formal ball and more of a massive party where students borrowed school grounds to unwind. Even for Americans, a party of this scale—where hundreds or even thousands of students gathered—was a rare sight.
However, Peter wasn't particularly eager to step onto the dance floor.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm worried that the second I walk in there, I'll become the center of attention. After all... I'm dancing with the actual center of attention."
Felicia couldn't help but laugh. "So, you don't like crowds?"
"I don't mind them, but I don't like being in the spotlight. It makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. But don't worry, I have a very strong sixth sense. I definitely won't step on your toes."
"Or perhaps..." Felicia paused for a moment before adding, "You follow my lead. I'll guide you through the dance and we'll avoid the crowd's attention. How does that sound?"
Peter looked around, a bit startled. "Are you sure?"
"Of course. I'm Felicia Hardy. I certainly know how to move through a crowd without being noticed." Felicia looked at Peter. "Why? Is there something else you need to do?"
Peter shook his head and extended his hand to Felicia.
"Nothing else, milady. May I invite you to a dance that no one will care about?"
"Certainly, sir."
Felicia placed her hand in his and gently pulled Peter onto the dance floor. They wove through the throng of people, and to Peter's surprise, following Felicia's lead allowed them to be swallowed by the tide of the crowd. They drew almost no attention from anyone not already looking for them.
"How long do you think they'll keep dancing?"
Felicia asked as she led Peter. Peter thought for a moment. "Last year, it went as late as midnight. Of course, people who got tired could go home early. Are you planning on leaving early?"
"That's a bit of a strange question to ask at a time like this, but it's fine. Regardless, the person we're looking for isn't going anywhere."
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