Chapter 128: Great Responsibility - part 1

Late at night, in my room.

I had just tossed my foul-smelling suit into the washing machine and taken a shower.

Michelle placed a white plate in front of me as I sat down. The delicious scent of cheese macaroni filled the air.

I poked it with a fork and brought it to my mouth… ugh, it was scorching hot. I thought I’d burned myself.

Michelle gave a small smile at my clumsy reaction and leaned back in her chair.

"Peter, you can eat while we talk… let’s have a strategy meeting, okay?"

"Yeah, I wanted to talk too."

Still poking at the steaming cheese macaroni with my fork, I looked at Michelle.

"First, let’s go over the situation… or rather, what happened after we split up?"

"Well actually—"

I told her about Black Cat, Felicia. About how she stole the antidote for Devil’s Breath from Mister Negative’s base, and how she was planning to sell it to the Maggia.

Michelle pressed her hand to her chin, her face slightly troubled.

"I see… so, Felicia actually trusts you quite a bit, Peter?"

"Huh? Well… maybe?"

How did she come to that conclusion? While I was left bewildered by her unexpected comment, she pursed her lips.

"From her perspective, she had no advantage in telling you about the antidote. I think the only reason was really to reassure you."

I chewed on the cheese macaroni while thinking. …True, she could’ve just sold the antidote to the Maggia without saying anything to me.

"Well, I also know she’s… yeah, not really a bad person deep down."

Even if telling me hurt her own image, the fact that she still did it… yeah, Felicia wasn’t really a bad woman after all—

But across from me, Michelle looked a little displeased.

"Michelle?"

"…What?"

"Are you mad?"

"I’m not mad."

…Not mad, "exactly," huh. I’ve been told I don’t understand women at all, but even I could tell right now that—yeah, she was jealous.

Just as I realized that, Michelle spoke up.

"Anyway, back to the point. Felicia Hardy’s whereabouts are still unknown?"

"Yeah, no idea at all."

"…Then we can’t rely on the antidote. It’s only for a last resort."

I nodded. We didn’t know when we’d ever get Felicia’s antidote, and there was no guarantee it would even work. Keeping it as a backup plan was the safest bet.

"Michelle, in that case, stopping the release of Devil’s Breath should be our top priority, right?"

"Yeah, same as before. Luckily, I don’t think they’ll use it like a random terrorist attack…"

Mister Negative has a grudge against the Maggia. And because Devil’s Breath is a gas weapon, it can only be used once. That limits when he’ll deploy it.

Then Michelle spoke again.

"I interrogated one of the Demons and got some intel on Mister Negative."

"Interrogated?"

I asked back, thinking that sounded a little dangerous.

Michelle folded her arms and nodded.

"…I shocked him. Then he talked."

"O-oh, I see."

Well… they’re criminals after all. And the kind planning to commit mass murder terrorism against innocent people. It’s not surprising that S.H.I.E.L.D. would do something like that. Nick Fury, the director himself, practically embodies the word "interrogation."

While my thoughts wandered, Michelle cleared her throat.

"Mister Negative was apparently once a member of an Asian gang. Their business was smuggling foreigners illegally into this country."

"…Yeah."

"But then he was captured by the giant mafia group Maggia, who felt their territory was being invaded… and he was used as a guinea pig for illegal drugs."

Michelle laced her fingers together on the table. Mutates—people transformed through special drugs. In other words, the same kind of being as her.

"He lost his comrades and family, but he alone survived and gained special powers. After escaping from the Maggia, he gathered the remnants of the ruined Asian drug cartel and now seeks revenge."

Michelle narrowed her eyes. …I’ve heard she was the one who wiped out that cartel. Knowing their remnants were still committing crimes couldn’t sit well with her.

"No one knows Mister Negative’s real name. But from documents found in his base, and evidence of another location—"

Michelle placed a tablet on the table. A map of New York appeared on the screen.

"Connecting the dots… here."

She pointed at a spot on the map. It showed a small building.

"From the vehicles he uses, the interrogation info, and even the gasoline consumption… we can infer he comes here often."

"…Like a favorite bar?"

Michelle shook her head.

"If it were a bar for criminals, I’d understand. But… this isn’t that."

"…Then what kind of building is it?"

"Food, Emergency Aid, Shelter and Training."

With those words, I nearly choked on the cheese macaroni in my mouth. The terms were far too unrelated for a place criminals would hang out in.

"Commonly called F.E.A.S.T. It’s a volunteer facility providing support to the homeless, refugees, and the underprivileged."

"…Why would Mister Negative be at a place like that?"

I couldn’t hide my confusion.

"Maybe he’s threatening the staff…? Or maybe the facility is just a front for—"

"We don’t know that."

Michelle cut me off before I jumped to conclusions, then continued.

"That’s why we’re going to investigate."

"…Investigate?"

"We’ll look into the situation at F.E.A.S.T. and uncover Mister Negative’s true identity."

"…Yeah."

I nodded.

"Tomorrow, we’ll go to F.E.A.S.T. Are you coming too, Peter?"

"…Yeah. I’m good at stealth, so—"

"No. We won’t sneak in. Tomorrow you should go as Peter Parker."

I blinked.

"…Huh?"

"As a student volunteer, you’ll infiltrate. We can’t risk anyone suspecting Spider-Man is snooping around."

"Oh, right… yeah, that makes sense."

I nodded at her words. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have thought of that on my own. Inwardly, I praised her.

"If we can learn the current location of Devil’s Breath, we’ll steal it before the day comes. If not, we stop the attack when it happens… any objections?"

"Yeah, I think that’s fine."

I nodded, and Michelle nodded as well.

"…That’s all. Peter, the strategy meeting is over. Do you have any questions?"

"…No, nothing comes to mind… haha."

Scratching my cheek, I gave an awkward smile. Seeing that, Michelle—

"Geez."

She poked my cheek with her finger.

"Whawha, what are you doing?"

"You don’t have to put yourself down so much."

Her brows furrowed slightly as she said that.

"But—"

"Peter, you’re doing well. You’re working hard, and you’re doing things I can’t do."

"…You think so?"

"Mm."

Michelle’s lips softened into a small smile, and she plucked a piece of cheese macaroni from my plate. Then, as if realizing something, she looked back at me.

"…Tomorrow we’re going to F.E.A.S.T. in the afternoon, so… make sure you go to bed early, okay?"

"Yeah, got it. Thanks."

When I nodded, Michelle stood up and headed to the bathroom.

Left alone, I chewed on another bite of cheese macaroni and focused on my thoughts.

Why is Mister Negative frequenting a volunteer facility? Maybe he’s actually… no, that’s impossible. Anyone preparing to commit mass slaughter can’t possibly be a good person.

As I was eating—now that the macaroni had cooled enough to be easier to chew—Michelle came back from the bathroom.

She was wearing loose, pale red pajamas and gave a small yawn. In her hand was a nightcap with a fluffy white pom-pom at the tip.

She set it on her head—

"Good night, Peter."

And slid into bed just like that. …Ah, so she’s staying over tonight? Well, she didn’t ask me. Not that she needs permission. And honestly… yeah, I don’t mind at all.

"…Yeah, good night, Michelle."

"Mm."

Before long, she was already asleep, breathing softly.

Since we started dating, she seems to have dropped some of her restraint. But the fact that she can relax and be herself by my side… that makes me happy, not uncomfortable.

I carefully set my plate into the sink, making sure not to make any noise.

By the way, when I slept next to her, her terrible sleeping posture got me a kick right in the stomach.

---

The next day.

Queens, New York.

Michelle and I had come to the front of F.E.A.S.T. Of course, in casual clothes.

Michelle whispered in my ear.

"Yesterday I already filed the paperwork as student volunteers. I’m supposed to be from Empire State University too… on paper."

"Got it. I’ll stick to the story."

"Mm, you catch on quickly. That helps."

Urged forward by Michelle, I pressed the doorbell next to the entrance of F.E.A.S.T. The sound made me unconsciously straighten my posture.

Here… here’s where we’ll find a lead on Mister Negative—

A flicker of nerves passed through me… when I suddenly felt a hand brush against my side. Looking down, I saw Michelle’s usual calm, expressionless face turned toward me.

…I drew in a deep breath. Relax. Just act natural.

The door opened.

"Oh my, are you the two student volunteers we were expecting today?"

It was the voice of an elderly woman.

"Yes, I’m—"

I lifted my gaze to her face—

And froze.

"Ah…"

My voice caught.

"Oh dear, are you alright? Something wrong?"

Her words brought me back to reality. I needed to say something—anything—to keep from seeming suspicious.

"N-no, it’s just… you looked like someone I know."

"Oh, is that so?"

"I’m sorry, that was rude of me…"

I apologized, quickly averting my gaze. Someone I know? No… not just similar. It was the same person.

A bond I’d lost years ago… my family.

May Parker. The aunt who raised me, standing right there.

From the corner of my vision, I saw Michelle’s eyes on me—concerned, worried.

---

I continued with the volunteer work.

…My encounter with Aunt May had left me a little shaken.

As a result, Michelle told me, "Leave the investigation to me. Go help her instead."

That must mean I’m useless.

No… I’m sure she doesn’t think that. She’s just worried about me.

"Peter, could you carry this box for me?"

"Y-yes, of course!"

I picked up the cardboard box filled with antibiotics and other supplies. It was heavy, but I’m used to lifting cars and trucks. This was nothing.

"It’s such a relief to have young people like you here. I can’t manage the heavy loads by myself."

"No, no, it’s no trouble at all."

I glanced over at Aunt May.

It wasn’t the fact that I was seeing the family I thought I’d lost that shocked me. It was her appearance.

She was thinner. Compared to two years ago, when I’d last seen her… she’d aged.

Aging is natural, of course. But more than that, she looked… frail.

Fragile, like an old tree branch that could snap at any moment.

"So, um, Ms. May, have you been with F.E.A.S.T. for long?"

I kept carrying the supplies while disguising my questions as small talk. If I could, I’d call her "Aunt May." But right now, I had no right to do so.

The unfamiliar title stumbled on my tongue, but I had no choice but to call her "Ms. May." The right to call her "Aunt"… was something I’d already given up.

"Eh? Oh yes, since two years ago. You can help people at any age, after all."

I nodded, but felt uneasy.

I knew Aunt May better than anyone: she was the kind of person who always wanted to do good for others. So it wasn’t strange that she’d be part of a group like this.

But… two years ago. That was when she joined F.E.A.S.T. That was also when her aging seemed to accelerate. It was only natural to wonder if there was a connection.

…Could it be because of Mister Negative?

Burying that thought deep down, I kept up the outward conversation.

"…That’s amazing."

"I’m just doing what I can. Everyone should do what they’re capable of."

She opened a box and started placing the supplies onto a shelf. Then she turned back toward me.

"I’m fortunate enough to be able to volunteer like this. Those with strength must help those without it."

"…I understand."

"Yes. My husband used to say that often. With great power—"

"Comes great responsibility…"

The words slipped out before I could stop them.

Her hands froze mid-task. She looked straight at me.

"Oh? And how do you know that?"

"Ah, no, it’s just… a long time ago, someone once told me the same thing."

She tilted her head slightly at my vague answer.

"…And who was that?"

"That was… when I was lost once, someone who helped me said it."

Not physically lost. Lost in my heart.

But she must have taken it literally, because she nodded as if it made sense.

"…Yes, that sounds like him."

If it was Uncle Ben, he’d have tried to help even a total stranger who was lost.

I almost agreed with her whispered words—then stopped myself. That bond I lost… the memories I erased… the price was too great.

"So—"

I forced myself to break away and changed the subject.

"Have you been feeling unwell lately?"

It might have been a rude question. But seeing her condition now, I couldn’t help but ask.

"…Do I really look that bad?"

"Ah, no, I mean… yes."

When I nodded, she let out a sigh.

"Yes, for about two years now… my health hasn’t been the best."

I knew it.

Then it really was connected to Mister Negative—

"But since coming here to F.E.A.S.T., it’s gotten much better."

…What?

"For some reason, I suddenly lost all drive in life… I became so listless. Maybe that’s what made me physically weak."

That means… the thing she lost, the drive she no longer had, was—

"I see… I’m glad you found F.E.A.S.T."

"Yes, I am too."

But wasn’t it because of me, her nephew?

Two years ago, she suddenly found herself alone. That must be why.

Because I… erased myself from her memory.

Her aging wasn’t some effect of superpowers. It was simply human. The aging that comes from loneliness.

"Well then, shall we get back to work?"

"…Yes."

I nodded, cold sweat running down my back.

Together we walked through F.E.A.S.T.’s corridors. Wheelchair-bound seniors, people in ragged clothes… Aunt May was working so hard to help them.

…Even though she herself wasn’t in perfect health.

And yet.

…Was what I did really the right choice?

Hadn’t I just turned my back on the people who’d lost their memories of me?

I followed her into a storeroom.

"Could you carry this one next?"

"Yes, of course—"

The moment I nodded—

"May."

A voice rang out.

At the sound of a man’s voice, Aunt May and I turned around.

"Oh, Mr. Lee."

The one she called Lee was an Asian man in a business suit—someone who clearly didn’t look like one of F.E.A.S.T.’s clients.

"Well then, should I lend a hand too?"

"Oh, no need. We’ve got a young volunteer helping today."

"Ah, you must be him, right?"

He seemed close with Aunt May, turning toward me with a warm, friendly smile.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Martin Li. Just a humble shipping operator."

"Uh, I’m Peter Parker. I’m a student."

At my introduction, Li blinked, then shifted his gaze toward Aunt May.

"That’s surprising. Same last name as you, May. Any chance you’re related?"

"Oh, no, nothing like that. Well, maybe some very distant relative, perhaps."

While we chatted lightly, Aunt May glanced at me.

"Let me clarify for you. Mr. Li is the one who started this F.E.A.S.T. project."

"He started this place?"

When I turned to him, Li gave a small, modest smile that looked almost embarrassed.

"I won’t deny it… though it does feel a little awkward to hear it said outright."

From his tone, I could tell he truly did feel embarrassed, not just pretending.

…I see. No wonder Aunt May wanted to explain it herself.

So this was Martin Li. His face… looked strangely familiar.

Something about him nagged at me. For someone who seemed so good, so genuine.

If my instincts weren’t failing me, he was overflowing with goodness. His consideration, his manner, his words, everything.

Which is why… where had I seen him before? A man like this shouldn’t be the kind you forget.

While I wrestled with that unease, Li turned his attention back to me.

"How old are you?"

"Nineteen."

"I see. So young, and already volunteering… that’s truly admirable."

He smiled with genuine admiration and gave my shoulder a friendly pat.

"When I was your age, I could barely take care of myself."

"…Really?"

"Oh, yes. But as the years went by, I was lucky. In time, I managed to make a name for myself in the transport industry."

It seemed he was more accomplished than I’d assumed. Yet, he carried himself without arrogance.

"I gained strength. And because of that, I decided to do what only I could do."

The words reminded me of Uncle Ben. …That’s what I thought.

"That’s why I founded F.E.A.S.T. Those with power have a responsibility to help those who are oppressed."

"…I couldn’t agree with you more."

"Is that so? I’m glad you feel the same."

Li’s expression brightened, and again, he patted my shoulder.

"If you’d like, I’d be grateful if you signed up as a regular student volunteer for F.E.A.S.T."

His eyes met mine briefly, then he turned away, looking back toward May.

"Well then, May. Sorry to interrupt. I’ll be going now."

The words escaped me before I realized it.

"You’re leaving already?"

"Yes. As you can see, I’m a busy man. I only came by today because I had a brief opening in my schedule."

"I see…"

When I nodded, he looked to Aunt May again.

"Until next time, May."

Smoothing his suit sleeve, he bowed his head politely, then left the room. Aunt May saw him off with a smile.

"…He’s an admirable man."

"Yes. Very much so."

…I spoke again, without meeting her eyes.

"Ms. May."

"Yes? What is it?"

"Well, um—"

I searched for the words. What was I even trying to say?

I couldn’t tell anymore. The words rose to my throat, only to be swallowed back down.

"…Where should I carry this box?"

"Oh, I’m sorry, over this way. Follow me."

Walking behind Aunt May, I let out a small sigh.

Was I running away? From the memories I had erased… from the bonds that had disappeared because of me?

…If I told her the truth, and she didn’t believe me—was that what I was afraid of?

The loss of her memories was bound up with the fact that I am Spider-Man. Telling her my identity would only drag her into danger.

So I tell myself, as if it were a reason… when in truth, it’s just another excuse not to speak.

With no answer to my dilemma, I sank deeper into thought.

---

Time passed, and the sky had turned orange.

"Thank you both so much for today. You were a huge help."

"Uh, well, I’m just glad I got to experience something so valuable."

Standing beside Michelle, I said goodbye to Aunt May. She handed us a raspberry pie she had baked as a little thank-you gift—

"Ms. May."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Would it be okay… if I came again?"

It was lingering attachment. A longing for family ties. Words born from my clinging to what I had lost.

But Aunt May didn’t notice my inner struggle. She just smiled warmly.

"Of course. And your girlfriend is welcome to come along too."

At the word "girlfriend," Michelle’s lips pursed ever so slightly. A tiny change, subtle enough that only I—someone always by her side—would notice.

But… what was that emotion?

Ah, I see. She must be embarrassed, now that she’s been recognized as my girlfriend by someone’s mother.

I turned my gaze back to Aunt May.

"Uh, then yes… I’ll come again."

"Thank you, Peter. Truly, for today."

Hearing her call my name made my heart skip a beat. The memories came back, leaving me with a pang of sadness.

I forced myself not to cry, hid the feeling, waved, and we parted ways.

Michelle and I walked together through the streets of Queens.

"…Peter, are you okay?"

"Huh? Oh… yeah. I’m fine."

I smiled, and she lowered her eyebrows slightly. …I decided to change the subject.

"Anyway, sorry about making promises on my own."

"It’s fine. If you want to volunteer, I’ll help too. Don’t worry."

She said it easily. But Michelle knew. She knew why I wanted to volunteer—no, why I wanted to go to F.E.A.S.T. And though she knew, she didn’t say it aloud. Out of kindness, no doubt.

We soon arrived at my apartment, not too far away. With practiced ease, Michelle cut the pie Aunt May had baked. She was deft with a knife.

We placed the slices onto plates and sat facing each other at the table.

I picked up a piece—

Took a bite—

…………

"…Peter?"

Tears spilled out.

Because this was—

The taste of my birthday.
The taste of my elementary school entrance celebration.
The taste of ordinary days.
The taste I shared with Uncle Ben and Aunt May.
The taste of family.

Remembering that it was gone forever… realizing it had been erased… I couldn’t hold back—

Then, something soft wrapped around me.

"…Michelle."

I realized she was hugging me.

Gently. Just gently.

I held back my tears and looked at her.

Michelle gave me a small, gentle smile.

"Feeling better?"

"…I’m sorry. Thank you."

"Mhm. You’re welcome."

She sat back down across from me and started on her slice of pie.

I let out a faint laugh and exhaled.

"I feel like… I’ve been crying more easily lately."

"Tears mean you’re kind, Peter."

"…You think so?"

"Or maybe you’re just getting older."

"…Haha, let’s go with kind, then."

We smiled as we ate the pie.

When we finished, Michelle’s expression turned a little more serious.

"I want to share today’s investigation results with you."

"Yeah… though on my end, I, uh—"

"It’s fine. It couldn’t be helped."

"…Sorry."

Volunteering had only been a cover for investigating. But I had ended up actually just… volunteering.

"Really, I don’t mind. It’s fine."

As she said that, Michelle pulled a handheld device from her pocket and showed me the screen. It was a photo—of what looked like an office.

"What’s this?"

"An office inside F.E.A.S.T."

"…How did you manage to take that?"

"I snuck off during volunteer work."

She swiped the screen. A painting on the wall was shifted aside, revealing a metal door behind it.

"Huh?"

"A hidden door. When you open it—"

The photo changed again.

A room, walled in by concrete. A plain space, scattered with papers and a desk.

"There was a hidden basement room."

A large map of New York was pinned to the wall. Red marks had been drawn across it.

I recognized the places marked. They were facilities attacked by the "Demons."

On another wall hung traditional demon masks.

"…This is—"

"Yeah. Mister Negative’s hideout."

She swiped again.

The camera showed the floor. Heavy drag marks scarred the concrete.

"This basement connects to the outside parking lot. And what was kept here was—"

"Devil’s Breath, right?"

"So. I discovered this place around four o’clock. The marks from moving it are fresh… scratches made just today."

"…Today?"

"Mm. I think after yesterday’s escape, it was only stored here temporarily… and then taken away."

I narrowed my eyes and touched my chin.

If that’s the case, then Mister Negative’s true identity… would have to be someone who came to F.E.A.S.T. today.

…I recalled Mister Negative’s form from yesterday. His inverted appearance—black and white reversed.

A white business suit. The inverted color of a black suit.

"…Michelle. Whose office was that?"

A bad feeling stirred inside me. A feeling I desperately didn’t want to be right.

"…That office belonged to—"

They didn’t resemble each other at all. In fact, they were opposites.

But Mister Negative’s appearance was a reflection of black and white reversed. If his very nature matched his outward form—

Evil Negative and virtuous Positive, two sides of a single coin… opposite natures.

That’s why—

"The benefactor of F.E.A.S.T.. His name is… Martin Li. That was his office."

"…I… see."

My premonition was correct.

Was he deceiving everyone? The people of F.E.A.S.T.? Aunt May?

…Unless my eyes were lying to me, he had been nothing but genuine. And there was no reason to fund a volunteer facility out of his own pocket if it were just a front.

…Then I remembered Mister Negative’s past. The story Michelle had told me.

A past scarred by wounds, driven by vengeance.

If, at his core, he was good—then how could he drag others into this?

I couldn’t understand. The Martin Li I had met today and Mister Negative’s shadowy figure simply didn’t overlap.

…No. That wasn’t it.

They couldn’t overlap. They were opposites.

Light and dark. Goodness and malice. Polar opposites cannot align.

"Peter?"

"…I met Martin Li today. Inside F.E.A.S.T.."

Judging by the situation, that must have been when he retrieved the Devil’s Breath hidden there.

I was already convinced—Martin Li was Mister Negative.

And because of that, unease gnawed at me.

He was the benefactor of F.E.A.S.T.. If he were gone… what would happen to the place?

I already knew the answer.

But still—

"…I have to stop him."

I couldn’t allow Martin Li to commit any more crimes. If I believed in his goodness, then because I believed in it, I couldn’t stand to watch him sink further into evil.

I had to save him.

The people caught up in this. The mafia gang steeped in corruption. Even the vengeful instigator of these crimes.

I had to save them all. …I wasn’t going to abandon anyone.

"…Peter, I’m here too."

"Huh?"

Suddenly, she spoke.

"You don’t have to carry everything on your own. I’ll fight alongside you."

…Right.

She was right.

"…Thank you."

I wasn’t alone. If that was true, then I could share the burden.

Michelle softened her expression… then suddenly tightened it again.

"Ahem."

She gave a cute little cough.

"In any case, the current location of Devil’s Breath is still unknown."

"…So, as planned, we’ll snatch it right before tomorrow’s operation, okay?"

"Mm. S.H.I.E.L.D. agents are combing the city for it, but… if they push too far and it gets triggered in the middle of town, it’ll be catastrophic."

She nodded firmly. Still, my chest was heavy with unease.

"…I really wish we had Felicia’s antidote."

I muttered under my breath, and Michelle blinked.

"Why not contact her?"

"…I don’t have her number."

Michelle frowned, clearly baffled.

"…Then how exactly were you planning to make that deal, Peter?"

"Eh? Well… Felicia has this habit of showing up at just the right time, so I figured—"

Clatter. A chair scraped against the floor. Michelle had suddenly stood up.

"M-Michelle?"

"…Peter, you’re too much of a softie."

Chiding me, she strode purposefully across the room… and picked up my suit, still hanging to dry.

The fabric was slightly damp from being freshly washed.

"Uh, what are you… doing?"

"…"

She ran her hands across the suit, feeling over it carefully.

Closing her eyes, she finally pulled her hand back.

"…Just as I thought."

Michelle was silently staring at her open palm. I leaned in to look too… and noticed something tiny resting there.

"…Careless."

"Huh?"

"This is a tracker. A common type, circulated on the black market."

My eyes widened before I could stop myself. Someone had been tracking me.

But who on earth—

…Ah, of course.

"Felicia…?"

"Exactly. You let your guard down around her too much."

Michelle’s brow furrowed deeply. She was angry.

"S-sorry, I’ll be more careful…"

"…Even if some girl clings all over you, you can’t afford to let your guard down."

"Ugh… y-yeah…"

I couldn’t argue back. If Felicia had acted with any ill intent, then by now, I… no, even the people around me, could have been in danger.

B-but… it’s not like I let my guard down just because a beautiful woman hugged me. It’s only because she didn’t seem malicious… not that I could ever say that aloud.

It would sound way too much like some lame excuse for cheating.

"I’m sorry, Michelle…"

"…………"

As I sank into guilt, Michelle suddenly pulled me by the hand. She gave me a light hug.

"Peter… do you dislike having a jealous, possessive girlfriend?"

She whispered it right at my ear. A shiver ran down my spine. I gave a small shake of my head.

"No… I think I like it."

"…Mm. Thanks."

She released me then, and I pressed a hand to my chest. My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might explode.

"I’ll forgive you."

Michelle murmured it softly.

The fact that she could get jealous… it meant she loved me that much. And I had to respond to that feeling.

I needed to pull myself together—

"But still, be careful, okay?"

Yes… pull myself together.

"Peter, you seem like the type to fall for a honey trap."

Pull myself—wait, am I really that bad? Even if this whole thing was my fault… my mood plummeted.

"…You don’t trust me? Do I seem like I’d cheat or something?"

"No, the opposite."

…The opposite? Michelle puffed her cheeks just slightly.

"You’re too nice to everyone…"

"…Am I?"

"You’re completely unaware of your own charm."

"…Eh? What’s that supposed to mean?"

Michelle narrowed her eyes, giving me a sharp, damp glare.

"…And you have no sense of danger. That’s why I have to work extra hard."

"Uh, wait… aren’t you misunderstanding something?"

"I’m not."

Michelle tends to overestimate me. There’s no way I’m that popular with women… no way.

…Yeah, it’s just her imagination.

As I wrestled with the thought, Michelle poked me in the side.

"Anyway, we’ll use this tracker to trace back to Felicia Hardy."

"…You can actually do that?"

Michelle pulled out her phone.

"It’s loaded with tons of Tony Stark’s handy apps. Backtracing this transmitter’s signal is easy."

"H-huh… that’s impressive…"

I peeked at the phone she was fiddling with. …Ah. Her home screen was a picture of the two of us together.

Even as my face turned red from realizing it, Michelle didn’t seem to care and just kept her eyes on the screen.

And then—

"Heh."

She laughed.

Her lips curved upward.

"Now we’ll finally catch that thieving cat, Black Cat…"

…Somewhere I’d heard that smiles were originally meant to be threatening. Like when an animal bares its fangs.

Why was I remembering that right now?

…Well, never mind.

All I could do was hope this didn’t turn into a huge mess.