Maguire sat at his table, digging into the food in front of him with relish.
Meanwhile—
Flash stormed out of the academic building, still fuming from his earlier humiliation. He was so focused on his anger that he didn't notice a scrawny boy walking right into his path.
A second later—
BAM.
The smaller boy collided with Flash and went down instantly. With Flash's size and build, there was no contest.
Already seething and looking for an outlet, Flash found his target.
"F\*\*\*! Don't you watch where you're going, kid?"
The boy, Carlisle, was one of the school's quiet "pushovers."
Seeing the notorious school bully glaring down at him, Carlisle didn't dare make a sound.
"I'm sorry, Flash, I didn't mean to," he said timidly.
But Flash, in this mood, wasn't letting him off.
He stepped forward, grabbed Carlisle with both hands, and hoisted him off the ground.
That's when Garfield happened to walk out of the building.
His eyes narrowed at the scene. He remembered Maguire's words earlier and decided it was time to stand up to Flash.
Then—
"Flash! What are you doing?"
The voice was female—firm, sharp.
Garfield turned toward it and froze.
A blonde girl stood there, glaring at Flash.
High nose bridge, clear blue eyes, sharp and symmetrical features, fair skin… and an athletic figure that radiated energy.
Garfield's mind went blank for a second.
*She's gorgeous.*
Flash, however, looked instantly conflicted.
This wasn't just any girl.
This was Gwen Stacy—the daughter of NYPD Captain George Stacy.
…
Frozen in place, Flash didn't know whether to keep acting tough or back down.
Garfield, meanwhile, felt his resolve harden. This was the perfect chance to impress the girl he'd just fallen for. He clenched his fists, ready to step in.
But then—
Bully Maguire entered the scene.
Wearing his black suit and walking with that signature swagger, he emerged from the school building.
He immediately spotted Flash holding Carlisle… and Garfield standing tense nearby.
Seeing Garfield's posture, Maguire thought, *Good. The kid's learning.*
*Violence should be answered with greater violence.*
He gave Garfield a small approving nod.
Unfortunately for Flash, he caught that nod too.
His heart skipped a beat.
*Oh no… he's here. The nightmare himself. Is he mad at me now? God, please let me go just once—I can't take another beating.*
Flash immediately dropped Carlisle and forced a smile at Maguire.
Garfield and Gwen both noticed the newcomer. Garfield waved cheerfully. Gwen, however, frowned in confusion.
*Peter? Since when does he dress like that? And… he feels different somehow.*
Maguire closed the distance quickly, drawing all eyes. Carlisle just looked around in total confusion.
*What the hell is going on?*
Then Gwen caught Maguire's attention.
*Huh… nice. And she looks familiar.*
Dipping into Peter's memories, Maguire placed her instantly.
*Ah—Gwen Stacy. Garfield's girl. I'll give it to him—his taste is way better than Peter's.*
…
When Maguire reached them, Flash looked like a cat cornered by a dog.
"I'm sorry, Maguire," he blurted instantly.
That surprised Gwen.
*Isn't his name Peter? Why's Flash calling him Maguire? And… wait, doesn't Flash usually bully Peter? Why is he afraid of him now?*
Maguire raised a brow.
"You're sorry? Sorry for what?"
Flash answered quickly, "For picking on Carlisle. It was wrong."
Gwen was now genuinely shocked.
*Peter can be this intimidating?*
Maguire just looked at him blankly.
"You bullying Carlisle has nothing to do with me. Why apologize to me? You got water in your brain?"
Flash spun toward the bewildered Carlisle and stammered, "Sorry, sorry—it's all my fault."
…
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