Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In a small, cluttered bathroom, brushing her teeth with a towel slung over her shoulder. Her reflection in the mirror shows a look of determination, as if she’s already gearing up for whatever the day has in store.

"I'm Kawakami Lynn, and I'm the friendly neighborhood Spider-Woman," she says through a mouthful of toothpaste foam, a confident grin on her face, breaking the forth wall 5 seconds in. She spits into the sink, then wipes her mouth with the back of her hand. "It’s not always easy, but hey, someone's got to swing in and save the day."

She heads into her bedroom, tossing the towel onto a chair piled high with clothes, then grabs her backpack from the floor. "It’s just another day of classes, keeping the city safe, and, you know, trying not to flunk out of school. Easy, right?"

As she throws open the window, a gust of wind rushes in, blowing papers off her desk. Lynn doesn’t even blink. She pulls her Spider-Woman mask from her backpack and slips it on, a familiar tingle spreading through her fingertips.

"All right," she murmurs, crouching at the window’s edge, "let’s get to work."

With a quick leap, she dives into the bustling city below, free-falling for a second before her web-shooters spring into action, launching her forward. Lynn swings between skyscrapers with effortless grace, the sun just beginning to rise and cast its golden glow over the city.

The sudden screech of an imaginary record player ripped through her mind as if everything came to a halt.

Wait! Her narration cut in, halting the action in her head as if she’d hit pause on a movie. Before we go any further, you probably need to know my origins. Otherwise, this is just gonna sound like I’ve always been swinging around like a pro.

Rewinding in her mind, she pictured her younger self, back when everything was simpler or at least, different. My family moved from Tokyo to Seoul when I was just a kid, she explained, recalling the chaotic first days of adjusting to life in a whole new city and country. The memory of her parents struggling with oversized luggage while trying to navigate Seoul’s bustling streets brought a nostalgic smile to her face. Lynn had adapted quickly, though.

And as for the spider bite… well, you know how these stories go, she continued with a mental eye roll. The memory of Ms. Kim’s lab floated into her thoughts, where she’d been overtiming to finish a science project. It had been late, far too late to be there alone, but Lynn was nothing if not dedicated — or stubborn.

There had been that spider, glowing faintly — radioactive, naturally — and before she knew it, the thing had crawled right onto her hand and sunk its tiny fangs into her skin. One minute I’m staring at equations, and the next, bam, spider powers. The weeks that followed had been a mess of weird symptoms, sticking to walls by accident, breaking doorknobs without meaning to, shooting webs out of her wrists like some kind of science experiment gone wrong. She’d nearly sent herself flying through her bedroom wall that first week.

And don’t get me started on the suit, she thought, her internal monologue turning dry. The first attempts had been… well, let’s just say they were more embarrassing than heroic. She’d raided her closet for anything remotely stretchy, ending up with an outfit that made her look like she was preparing for a winter hike rather than fighting crime. After some research and a few discreet visits to Ms. Kim’s lab to borrow materials she wasn’t exactly supposed to be borrowing, she finally managed to piece together something that looked the part.

Now, as she swung through the city with her sleek red-and-black suit clinging to her, it was hard to believe she’d ever been that kid stumbling through the streets of Seoul, trying to make a home out of this strange, sprawling city. So, yeah. I’m not just some random vigilante in a fancy costume, she thought, a smirk curling behind her mask. I’m Kawakami Lynn, and this is my city.

With a quick flick of her wrist, she shot another web and swung herself up toward the skyline, the rising sun casting a golden glow on the horizon as she dove back into the heart of Seoul.

The Japanese's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the loud, insistent knocking on her bedroom door. “Lynn!” a familiar voice called out, impatiently hammering on the door with the urgency of a fire alarm. “Are you daydreaming again? We need to get ready for school!”

The sound jolted Lynn back to reality, her web-swinging daydreams quickly fading as she landed on the floor of her actual bedroom. “Yeah, yeah, I’m coming,” she called back, tossing her backpack onto the bed and pulling off her mask, her breath slightly quickened from the mental escapade.

As she made her way to the door, her narration kicked back in with a wry tone. That’s my little sister, she thought, the hint of a smile creeping onto her face. She’s got the attitude of someone twice her age and the volume to match. If I had a penny for every time she told me to get my act together, I’d probably have enough for a lifetime supply of web fluid.

Lynn opened the door to find her younger sister standing there, hands on her hips and a look that screamed I’ve been waiting forever.

“Finally,” her sister huffed, turning on her heel and stomping down the hallway. “You’re going to make us late again.”

What are the requirements for being Spider-Woman? the narration echoed in her head once again, a playful challenge that spurred her imagination as she mentally ticked off an ever-growing list of qualities she believed were essential.

1. Look very cool.

The screen in her mind’s eye practically sparkled with vivid images as she envisioned herself posing dramatically atop a towering skyscraper, the city sprawling beneath her like a glittering tapestry. I mean, obviously, puffing out her chest slightly in a moment of self-appreciation. I’m tall for my age — 172cm, thank you very much. With an extremely awesome physique and a fan base that consists mostly of women who absolutely adore my antics. Her grin widened as she recalled the enthusiastic admirers who often gushed about how cool and graceful she looked while swinging through the city’s skyline. I’ve definitely got the look down, I’m practically a walking inspiration.

And when there’s no crime in sight? I do tricks, she added, her imagination carrying her away to vibrant scenes where she pulled off flips and spins mid-air, just because she could. Style points matter, you know. A superhero can’t just hang around looking bored! In her mind, she saw herself performing breathtaking aerial stunts, every movement a blend of power and elegance. The thought made her heart race with excitement.

2. Spiders have pretty awesome adaptations to water.

The memory shifted to a sun-drenched scene at the school’s pool, where Lynn was mid-dive, breaking the surface of the water with perfect form. Her body sliced through the shimmering blue with hardly a splash, the sunlight filtering down and sparkling across her outstretched limbs like diamonds. I’ve been swimming for as long as I can remember, she mused, feeling a swell of pride. Turns out, being part spider makes you a better natural at it. With each stroke, she swam with effortless speed, and she felt invincible.

3. Impressive reaction speed.

Cut to the tennis courts, where Lynn stood poised on one side of the net, racquet firmly in hand. Her eyes locked onto the incoming ball, her muscles coiled like a spring, ready to unleash her power. The opponent served, and in a blink, she lunged forward, sending the ball flying back with a satisfying thwack that echoed across the court. The score flickered in her mind: 10-0, three games in a row.

Yeah, it’s a bit unfair, She admitted, barely suppressing a chuckle. But what’s the point of being a superhero if you don’t get to enjoy the perks now and then? The thrill of victory surged through her, fueling her confidence. She savored the adrenaline that coursed through her veins, knowing that her abilities set her apart in ways that were exhilarating.

4. Dance skills.

Lynn’s mind drifted to a dance studio, where she had once spent countless afternoons perfecting her moves. She could almost hear the beat of the music echoing through the mirrored room, her body flowing effortlessly from one motion to the next. It complements me looking cool, with a playful shrug. There’s nothing like landing from a swing with a little spin and flair.

She pictured herself leaping through the air like she was back in class, practicing combinations that required balance and precision — things that, unsurprisingly, made her an even better Spider-Woman. But that was a while ago.

Though, I had to stop going, she admitted, a hint of sadness slipping into her tone. Priorities shifted. The city needed me more than the dance floor did.

Lynn closed her door behind her, grabbed her bag, and headed downstairs to join her sister. The smell of breakfast still lingered faintly in the air as they walked out the front door. Their mom was waiting in the car, and the tall Japanese's younger sister climbed into the backseat with a grumble about being late.

“Good morning, girls!” their mom chimed in, her voice as bright as the sun rising over the rooftops. Lynn slid into the passenger seat and buckled up, casting a quick glance at her sister, who was already buried in her phone, scrolling through messages with rapid flicks of her thumb.

“Morning, Mom,” Lynn replied, trying to sound less distracted than she felt. As the car pulled away from the curb, Lynn leaned back and let herself enjoy the brief moment of normalcy. It was just a typical morning, the radio playing softly in the background, the occasional bump of the road, and her mom’s usual light-hearted attempts at conversation.

“So, anything exciting happening at school today?” their mom asked, glancing over at Lynn.

“Nothing much,” Lynn replied with a casual shrug. “Just the usual classes… maybe a tennis rematch.” Her eyes flicked to the rearview mirror where her sister’s skeptical gaze met hers.

“Rematch?” her sister piped up, lowering her phone slightly. “Don’t tell me you’re planning to sweep another set of games like last time. It’s almost like you’re cheating.” There was a teasing edge to her tone, but the girl just grinned.

“Hey, it’s not my fault I’ve got quick reflexes,” she said, winking. “Besides, it’s good exercise.”

Their mom chuckled, navigating a turn. “Well, as long as you’re keeping up with your studies too,” she said, though there wasn’t any real scolding in her voice. It was clear she was used to Lynn’s knack for balancing academics with all her extracurricular activities.

The drive continued, the car humming along the familiar route to school. Lynn let her gaze wander to the city streets, watching as joggers crossed the park, shopkeepers opened their stores, and a few students rushed to catch buses. The city was alive, like it always was.

“By the way,” her mom started, glancing sideways at Lynn, “didn’t you used to have dance every week? I haven’t seen you head to the studio in a while.”

Lynn felt a slight pang of nostalgia tug at her chest. “Yeah, I stopped going a few months ago,” she said, her tone casual but carrying a hint of wistfulness. “You know, just too busy with other things.” She shot a quick look back at her sister, who was listening with one ear while scrolling through her social media feed. “But I still dance. Sometimes.”

Their mom gave her a knowing glance, the kind that said she suspected there was more to it than Lynn was letting on but didn’t press further. “Well, you were always good at it,” she said. “If you ever change your mind, you should go back. It’d be a shame to give up something you love.”

“I’ll think about it,” she replied with a small smile, even though she knew the likelihood of that was slim. The studio seemed like a lifetime ago now. But it wasn’t where she was needed anymore. Besides, saving the city felt like a dance of its own, just with different moves and that didn’t always end in applauses.

The car hit a brief stretch of traffic, slowing to a crawl. Her sister finally looked up from her phone. “Mom, we’re definitely going to be late,” she said, tapping her fingers impatiently on the armrest. “Can’t you just… I don’t know, go faster?”

She chuckled softly at her sister’s tone, which always managed to sound like a mix of exasperation and teenage angst. “It’s not a race,” she chimed in. “And besides, if you’re that worried about being on time, maybe you should’ve spent less time on your phone this morning.”

Her sister shot her a look that could have melted glass. “Says the girl who probably spends half her mornings daydreaming.” She shook her head, then turned back to her phone with an exaggerated sigh. “Honestly, I don’t know how you always manage to look so put together when you’re barely even paying attention.”

Lynn just grinned at the jab, taking it as a weird kind of compliment. “It’s a gift,” she said lightly, shifting in her seat. Her thoughts wandered back to the days when she used to rush to dance practice after school, already exhausted from classes but eager to throw herself into the rhythm of movement. She missed it sometimes. But now, she had to be ready to move at a moment’s notice in an entirely different way.

As traffic began to ease up, their mom finally maneuvered the car past the congestion, and they were back up to speed. She glanced in the rearview mirror, the smile on her lips turning fond as she looked at her two daughters. “I just want you both to enjoy what you’re doing,” she said gently. “School, hobbies, whatever it is, there’s always time to figure things out.”

The Japanese gave a soft nod, though she wasn’t entirely sure how much time there really was. With great power came a lot of responsibility. and very little downtime. But she kept those thoughts to herself as the school came into view, the tall building looming like a familiar, albeit mundane, landmark in her daily routine.

“Looks like we’re here,” their mom said, pulling up to the curb. “Try to have a good day, alright?”

“Will do,” Lynn replied, reaching for her bag as she opened the door. Her sister was already halfway out, her feet hitting the pavement before Lynn had even unbuckled her seatbelt.

As they both stepped out, Lynn shot one last look at her mom. “Thanks for the ride Mom,” she said with genuine appreciation.

Her mom’s smile was all the answer she needed. “Anytime, sweetheart.”

Lynn closed the car door and turned toward the school entrance, her sister already several steps ahead. It was just another morning, but there was always the chance that by the end of the day, things could turn upside down and not just because of her penchant for hanging from ceilings.

As the tall girl watched her sister disappear into the crowded hallway, her own pace slowed. Her mind kicked back into narration mode, the light-hearted tone returning like a well-worn habit.

Alright, where were we? she thought. Oh, right — requirements for being Spider-Woman. You know, the cool, web-slinging, crime-fighting vigilante who still manages to hand in her homework on time… most of the time.

5. Perfecting the art of sneaking around

Tiptoeing past a teacher in the hallway, slipping her Spider-Woman mask a bit further down her bag just in time before it could be seen. She flashed a completely innocent smile as the teacher glanced over, and just like that, she was back to blending in with the rest of the students. And trust me, it’s harder than it sounds, she thought, suppressing a smirk. The hardest part isn’t the sneaking. It’s making sure nobody notices the faint smell of web fluid on your hands.

6. Always have a witty comeback ready.

Flash to the lunchroom, where Lynn casually twirled her chopsticks like a drumstick, surrounded by a few friends who were discussing a recent news story about Spider-Woman stopping a bank robbery. You know, one of them said, “it’s almost like Spider-Woman’s some kind of superhero ninja. She just shows up out of nowhere and bam! bad guys are down.”

Lynn raised an eyebrow. “I’d say more of a superhero acrobat,” she quipped. “With a flair for style and an impeccable taste in web patterns.”

Her friends rolled their eyes, but she could see the amusement in their expressions. What? Lynn thought, grinning to herself. Gotta practice my comebacks somewhere, right?

Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan, she admitted. In the memory, Lynn barely dodged a flying piece of debris as one of the thieves tossed it her way. Turns out, being Spider-Woman doesn’t come with a manual. She mentally shrugged. But hey, you learn as you go.

The Japanese made her way to her first class, her grin widening as she leaned into the playful nature of her inner monologue again. And if there was a manual? she snickers. Rule number one would probably be: don’t let the double life mess up your grades.

She found her spot. To anyone else, it was just another day at school. But to the tall Japanese, it was all just the calm before the next adventure.

Her eyes shifted to the dance studio door as it swung open, and there she was, Kim Nakyoung, with her effortlessly cool aura, strolling out with her dance bag slung over her shoulder. The sunlight through the windows seemed to catch her just right, making her hair shimmer like it was part of some cheesy rom-com scene. Not that the Japanese girl minded. She could've sworn there was an invisible wind machine just for Nakyoung’s dramatic effect.

7. Have an MJ.

Her tone half-exasperated, half-amused. Or in my case, a NK Because what’s being a friendly neighborhood Spider-Woman without a totally gorgeous, out-of-my-league crush to distract you every time she shows up?

She glanced down at the floor, remembering all those afternoons she spent in the dance studio. Sure, Lynn loved dancing, but if she was being honest, it wasn’t just the rhythm of the music or the adrenaline rush that had kept her there. It was Nakyoung, gracefully leading the group through routines with the kind of dedication that Lynn couldn't help but admire. Joining dance club seemed like a great idea at the time. It was a convenient excuse to be around her without looking like a total creep. Plus, it wasn’t like I was going to pass up a chance to look impressively athletic. She made a face. Too bad I had to drop it.

Her gaze followed the woman as she walked past, her heart doing that stupid fluttery thing it did every time the Korean came into view. She gave a little wave, just casual enough to seem friendly but not overenthusiastic. "Play it cool,” she whispers to herself, flashing a small smile.

Nakyoung glanced her way and returned the smile with a friendly nod. “Lynn-ah,” she said in that effortlessly charming tone.

“Hey,” Lynn replied, her voice coming out a little higher-pitched than she’d intended. She cleared her throat. “You heading to class?”

“Yeah, just did some silly warm-ups and girls' talk.” Nakyoung said, adjusting her bag. “We’re getting ready for the showcase next month. You should come watch.” She gave the girl a teasing look. “Unless you’ve decided to make a dramatic comeback and join us on stage?”

Lynn laughed, her cheeks warming just slightly. “Tempting,” she said, “but I think I’d rather leave the stage to the pros.” Besides it wasn’t like she could just drop her spider duties for dance rehearsals. But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t sneak a peek or two whenever Nakyoung was leading the routine.

As Nakyoung walked away, Lynn’s inner narration picked back up, this time with a wistful undertone. MJ may have been Peter’s motivation, but Nakyoung? She’s the reason I tried to dance my way into her world.

The world was all sound and motion when Lynn dove off the platform. For a moment, there was a rush of air against her skin before the shock of cool water enveloped her, and then silence. She felt weightless, almost suspended in time, and the world above seemed a distant memory.

As her body cut through the water, she could sense every ripple, every bubble trailing behind her. Lynn liked to think of it as the closest she got to flying — her own version of web-slinging when there wasn’t a city skyline to swing through. Down here, she didn’t have to worry about being Spider-Woman or her double life; it was just her, the rhythm of her strokes, and the endless blue.

Lynn’s hand touched the wall, and she surged upwards, breaking the water’s surface with a breath of fresh air. Her thoughts snapped back to reality, reminding her that she wasn’t the only one who’d find it strange if they noticed just how long she could hold her breath. Turns out, superpowers come with some unexpected perks, pushing herself to stay just a little longer after practice for a few more laps. But then again, when you’re trying to keep up appearances, it’s nice to have a reason for why you’re such a great swimmer.

She hauled herself out of the pool, droplets of water streaming down her skin, and headed for the locker room. The faint echoes of laughter and conversation bounced off the tiles as she showered and changed. Her hair still dripped as she walked out, running a towel through the wet strands.

That’s when she spotted Kotone leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed, her face breaking into a grin at the sight of the Japanese.

8. Have a best friend.

Lynn’s narration re-entered with a hint of pride and affection. And not just any best friend. Requirement eight is a special one — someone who gets you, who knows about your quirks, your love of anime, Loona, Stranger Things references, and who shares your ridiculous sense of humor. Oh, and bonus points if they also happen to be from the same country as you. Kotone checks all the boxes.

Kotone pushed off the wall, raising an eyebrow as she took in Lynn’s still-dripping hair. “You always come out looking like a half-drowned cat,” she teased, tip-toeing to reach over to ruffle Lynn’s hair.

“Thanks, I really needed that,” Lynn replied dryly, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her grin. “At least some of us are brave enough to actually get in the water.”

Kotone laughed, nudging the other playfully. “Says the girl who dives like she’s trying to swim away from the apocalypse. You’re not fooling anyone, you know.”

“Maybe I am,” she quipped back. “You’d never know if I was secretly training for the end of the world.”

“Right,” she said, crossing her arms. “And if that happens, I’ll be sure to let you carry us all to safety, preferably without the whole wet hair, dramatic rescue routine.”

Lynn swung her towel over her shoulder, shrugging nonchalantly. “Well, if it comes to that, I’ve got a pretty cool costume for the job,” she thought, biting back the rest of the words with a grin.

Lynn’s narration chimed in again as they walked down the hall together. Tone-chan's awesome. She’s the kind of best friend who’ll drag you out of bed when you’re feeling lazy, give you the reality checks you don’t want but totally need, and still make you laugh about it afterward. She shot Kotone a sideways glance. Plus, she’s one of the few people I can be myself around. At least, as much as anyone can be when they’re hiding a super-secret identity.

The other kept her gaze fixed on Lynn's bag, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Seriously, though," she continued, "that poor phone. It's like every time I see it, the cracks have multiplied. Are you sure you’re not, I don’t know, chucking it out the window on a regular basis? Or letting it fall off rooftops for fun?"

Lynn laughed nervously, running a hand through her still-damp hair. "What can I say? I’m a bit of a klutz," she said, hoping the humor masked her unease. "Gravity and I aren’t always on the best of terms." She could almost hear her own voice strain as she added, "Let’s just say my phone gets a lot of hands-on experience."

The shorter Japanese rolled her eyes, smirking. "Yeah, right. Either that, or you’re some kind of stuntwoman." She tapped her chin thoughtfully, her tone exaggeratedly serious. "Maybe you secretly bungee jump off tall buildings. Or, ooh, what if you were one of those daredevils who do crazy parkour stunts?" She flashed the Japanese a teasing grin, obviously not expecting her friend to be any of those things.

"Parkour?" Lynn repeated, trying to keep the surprise out of her voice. "Ha! If you saw me trying to do parkour, you’d think I was just flailing around like a lost chicken." She waved a hand dismissively. "Trust me, the most daring thing I do is getting out of bed on time."

Undeterred, Kotone shrugged, her expression not softening. "Still, I’m starting to wonder if there’s something you’re not telling me. Like, I don’t know…" She paused, eyes narrowing as though she were deep in thought. "Have you secretly been a superhero? Because you know, I wouldn’t be surprised. Especially with how quick you always are to run off somewhere or how you seem to disappear at the most random times."

Lynn felt her stomach drop for a second before quickly regaining her composure. She laughed, this time a bit more genuinely, as she shook her head. "Oh, come on. I’m just good at making excuses to get away from you."

Kotone gave her a playful shove. "Ha! As if. But really, Lynn, you do act like you’re in a hurry to save the world sometimes." She cocked her head, her eyes narrowing slightly in a way that made Lynn’s heart skip a beat. "And then there was that time you came to school with that huge bruise on your arm. Don’t tell me it was from falling off a bike."

Lynn raised an eyebrow, forcing a nonchalant smile. "What? you think I got into a brawl with a supervillain?" she said, scoffing. "If you ask me, it was just my classic luck of walking into a door. Not exactly glamorous, is it?"

Kotone shrugged, a half-smirk on her face. "I guess not. But, you know, if you ever do decide to go out swinging between skyscrapers or taking on bad guys, at least invest in a screen protector."

Lynn chuckled, shaking her head in mock disbelief. "If I ever get into the business of crime-fighting, I’ll keep that in mind," she said. "And I'll be sure to make you my official tech advisor."

"Good," Kotone said, folding her arms proudly. "Because with how you treat your phone, I’d hate to think of what would happen to actual high-tech equipment. You’d probably have a cracked visor on your fancy hero suit within a week."

Lynn couldn’t help but laugh at that, though there was a flicker of irony in it. "You have no idea," she thought, relieved that Kotone's half-joking guesses had only scratched the surface. "But if you only knew how many times I’ve had to patch up my suit."

Her narration chimed in once more as Kotone's teasing shifted to talking about weekend plans, sparing Lynn from further close calls. Kotone might be onto something if she ever took those hints seriously, she admitted, But for now, I’ll just let her keep guessing. After all, if there’s one thing Spider-Woman needs to do well, it’s keeping a secret identity intact… even if her phone isn’t.

As they strolled down the hallway, the Japanese was mid-sentence about weekend plans when Lynn's phone buzzed in her bag — a familiar, urgent alert. She didn't need to check it to know what it was. Her senses prickled, telling her something was going down in the city, and she’d have to make her exit soon.

"Uh, speaking of plans," Lynn interrupted, her eyes darting toward the exit as she slipped her phone out of sight. "I, um, just remembered. I signed up for an after-school program… for math."

Kotone stopped in her tracks, giving Lynn a puzzled look. "Math? You voluntarily signed up for more math?" she asked, her voice dripping with skepticism. "Since when were you a mathematician?"

The other girl flashed a nervous grin, already backing away. "You know, just trying to… round out my skill set," she said with an awkward wave. "Math is important for… exams."

Kotone raised an eyebrow, her expression doubtful but amused. "Yeah, right. You better not be skipping out on me for some secret society or something."

Lynn shot her a quick finger gun, already halfway down the hall. "Don't worry, I'm not joining any cults… yet!" she called out before turning sharply around the corner and breaking into a jog toward the exit.

Her narration picked up again as she bolted out the school doors, already mapping out the fastest path to the commotion. Math program? That’s probably my worst excuse yet, she admitted to herself, It’s not entirely a lie. Swinging around as Spider-Woman does involve a lot of angles and physics. So, technically, it is math practice.

With that thought, she ducked into a deserted alley, already shrugging off her backpack as she reached for the suit stashed inside. Moments later, she launched herself skyward, her webbing catching the sunlight as she swung toward the city skyline. “Now, time to actually take care of business,” she mused, adrenaline coursing through her as the familiar thrill of soaring over the city took hold.

Lynn's body moved instinctively as she shot a web at the nearest building and launched herself into the air. She soared over the city, the wind rushing past her face as she gained speed. The city skyline sprawled beneath her, its blend of modern high-rises and historic buildings. It never failed to give her a rush as she swung from building to building, like she owned the sky.

Her narration kicked back in as she gained momentum.

9. Take care of bad guys.

And, lucky me, it looks like the bad guys decided to make my job a little easier today. As she rounded a corner, Lynn spotted the source of the alert. Trio of masked men in the middle of a chaotic street scene, trying to smash their way into an armored van. The siren of a distant patrol car was growing louder, but Spider-Woman was already on it. No need to wait for the cavalry when she could wrap this up herself.

She swung lower, landing silently on the ledge above the van. “Hey there,” she called out casually, “I’m going to need you to step away from the vehicle. It’s kind of my job to deal with crooks like you.”

The men whipped around, startled, but quickly reached for their weapons. One of them pulled out a crowbar while another drew a handgun, his hands shaking as he aimed it upward toward her. "Mind your own business, Spider-girl, or whatever you are!" he barked, trying to sound threatening but falling short of it.

Lynn rolled her eyes beneath her mask, already flipping off the ledge to avoid the shot as she spun through the air. "It's Spider-woman, actually," she corrected, extending a web to yank the gun out of the man’s hand. "And you should really work on your manners. Didn’t Korea ever teach you not to play with dangerous toys?"

She landed smoothly, crouched, and immediately lunged forward, delivering a swift kick to the man with the crowbar, sending him stumbling backward. Another one of the men charged at her, swinging wildly with a wrench. She ducked, sidestepped, and webbed his feet to the ground in a blur of motion. "You know," she said, twirling out of the way of the last man’s swing, "you guys really should pick up a hobby. Preferably something less illegal."

The final thug, clearly outmatched but still determined, tried to make a break for it. Spider-Woman sighed dramatically as she launched herself up, swinging ahead of him and landing right in his path. "Going somewhere?" she asked, tilting her head as he skidded to a stop.

He swung his fist, but she sidestepped with ease, planting a hand on his shoulder and flipping him onto the ground. She quickly webbed him up, then turned to glance at the other two, who were struggling in the sticky webbing she had left behind. “Don’t feel bad,” she said, dusting off her hands. “Honestly, you lasted longer than most. A whole thirty seconds, I’m impressed.”

As the distant sound of police sirens grew closer, she zipped up to a lamppost and perched herself on top, looking down at the webbed-up criminals with a satisfied grin. Requirement number nine, her inner voice continued as she swung away to avoid being spotted, check.

But even as she leapt toward the next building, her thoughts wandered back to what Kotone had said about secrets and excuses. Lynn pushed the doubt away, focusing on the rush of swinging through the city and keeping her mind sharp for the next call for help. She could worry about keeping her dual life under wraps later. Right now, Spider-Woman had a job to do.

As the spider soared above the bustling streets, the sounds of the city blended into a distant murmur. She was already mapping out her next swing when a flash of movement caught her eye — a large TV screen perched on a nearby building, broadcasting a live news feed.

“Breaking news!” the anchor's voice echoed through the streets, immediately catching her attention. “A robbery is currently in progress at a jewelry store in downtown Seoul. Eyewitnesses report multiple armed suspects inside the building, and police are urging civilians to stay clear of the area. The suspects have barricaded themselves in, and the situation is still unfolding.”

Lynn’s grip tightened on the web line she was about to release. “Of course,” she muttered under her breath, her gaze snapping toward the direction of downtown. She could see the faint glow of flashing lights on the horizon, even from this height. Just when I thought I could squeeze in a break. Guess I’m getting extra credit in hero work today.

Without hesitation, she veered off course, letting herself fall into a steep dive before launching another web to change direction. She swung faster now, her movements more urgent, the adrenaline pumping through her veins as she aimed herself toward the chaos.

Alright, she thought, preparing herself for whatever awaited at the jewelry store. Time to see if these robbers are in the mood for a little fun.

Spider-Woman hurtled through the air, her body twisting and turning as she deftly wove between the skyscrapers. The world blurred around her, flashes of light and color streaking past as she closed in on the scene. Senses sharpened, every sound and movement in her surroundings heightened — each flap of a bird’s wings, each gust of wind that brushed against her, each honking car horn from the streets below. She reached the jewelry store in a matter of moments, catching sight of the shattered glass and the faint outline of masked figures inside. With a swift motion, she released her web, somersaulting gracefully in midair before landing on the store’s rooftop with barely a sound.

Peering over the edge, she took a quick assessment of the situation: three robbers, each armed and nervously pacing around the store’s interior, surrounded by shattered display cases and glittering jewels scattered across the floor. A few terrified hostages huddled behind a counter, and one of the thugs was barking orders at them, the other two rifling through the glass cases, stuffing bags full of jewelry. Lynn’s eyes narrowed beneath her mask as she sized up the scene, her adrenaline spiking as a plan quickly formed in her mind.

With a flick of her wrist, she sent out two web lines, anchoring herself to the roof’s ledge and silently lowering down. She dropped through the shattered glass with the elegance of a dancer, twisting mid-descent to aim a web directly at the gunman’s wrist, yanking the weapon out of his hand before his eyes could even widen in shock. She landed in a crouch right in front of him, the momentum of her entrance sending shards of glass skidding across the floor like a shower of glittering confetti. Before he could react, she delivered a swift kick to his gut, sending him crashing into a display case with a groan.

"Sorry to crash the party, boys," she said, her voice dripping with confidence as she straightened up, cracking her knuckles. "But I’m afraid this heist just got… cancelled."

One of the other robbers lunged at her with a crowbar, but she sidestepped effortlessly, her body a blur of motion. She grabbed his arm, twisting it around and using his own momentum to flip him onto the ground, webbing him up before he could so much as cry out. The third thug pulled a knife, but Lynn didn’t even flinch; with a flick of her wrist, she webbed the blade to the floor and sent a swift uppercut to his jaw, knocking him out cold.

In less than twenty seconds, the room was silent, save for the rapid breathing of the now-freed hostages. Lynn stood at the center of the chaos she had so effortlessly quelled, surrounded by webbed-up robbers and shards of broken glass, her silhouette illuminated by the flickering red and blue lights from outside. “And that,” she said, dusting off her hands, “is why you don’t mess with the friendly neighborhood Spider-Woman.”

10. Have a sidekick

Right on cue, a second figure dropped from above, landing with a not-so-graceful thud beside the experienced spider. She had all the makings of a Spider — similar costume, web-shooters, and a mask that almost seemed a size too big for her. But unlike Lynn, whose entrance had been all sleekness and poise, the newcomer stumbled slightly, catching herself on the edge of a display case before straightening up with a sheepish grin.

“Sorry, sorry!” The other spider called out, brushing shards of glass off her suit. “I’m not late, am I?”

Lynn glanced sideways at the girl, shaking her head with a bemused smile. “No, Spidercadet, you’re just in time,” she replied, as if correcting a student who had barely passed the final exam. “But remember, the whole point is to land properly, not trip over yourself.”

Spidercadet winced slightly, scratching the back of her head. “Right… got it. Cool entrances. I’m working on it!” She shot out a web, aiming for one of the webbed-up robbers. The strand hit its mark, but as she attempted to swing the thug into a more secured spot, she misjudged the tension. Instead of a fluid motion, the thug ended up bouncing awkwardly off the ground like a yo-yo.

The robbers groaned, and Lynn resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Hey, don’t sweat it,” Lynn said, shooting a quick web at the same thug to finish the job. “You’ll get there. Besides, it’s not all about the style points. Even I had some rough starts.”

“Thanks,” Spidercadet muttered, clearly grateful but still looking determined to improve. “I just want to be as good as you, you know?”

Spider-Woman gave her an encouraging pat on the shoulder. “Just keep practicing, Cadet. You'll be sticking landings and webbing baddies in your sleep soon enough. For now, let's just make sure these guys stay wrapped up.” She glanced at the tied-up robbers and added with a unnoticeable wink, “Literally.”

Spidercadet grinned beneath her mask, nodding with newfound energy. She knew she had a lot to learn, but with an experienced spider guiding her, maybe being the city’s newer web-slinger wasn’t such a daunting task after all.

Lynn folded her arms, raising an eyebrow at her young partner. "So, Cadet." she said, glancing at the girl's suit. "What made you pick that name? It’s got kind of a... training wheels vibe to it."

Spidercadet didn’t miss a beat. She drew herself up, standing a little taller, and her voice shifted. What once was the nervous, uncertain tone. In its place was a steady, mature cadence that seemed to add a few inches to her stature. “I chose it because of the color,” she said, gesturing to the Cadet Blue that ran through the lines of her suit. “I thought it fit, considering that I’m still learning but fully committed to protecting this city.”

Lynn was a little taken aback by the transformation. One moment, Spidercadet was all awkwardness and stumbles. The next, she seemed almost like a different person entirely, with a confidence that hinted at something deeper than just raw enthusiasm. “Well, when you put it like that,” she replied, a hint of approval in her voice, “I guess it suits you just fine. Got to admit, you’ve got a knack for dramatic flair.”

The new Spider gave a half-smirk through the mask. “I figure if I’m going to be a superhero, I should at least sound like one,” she said, her voice still maintaining that calm, steady tone. “It’s not just about saving people. It’s about inspiring them, making them believe that everything’s going to be okay when they hear my voice or see me swing by. Even if I trip over my own feet half the time,” Cadet added with a small, self-aware laugh that broke the spell of her serious voice.

Lynn chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re more than just a voice. But you’re right.” She gestured toward the tangled robbers on the floor. “And for the record, you’re getting better. Just keep channeling that cool and collected act when it counts.”

Spidercadet beamed at the praise, her usual energy returning as she relaxed her posture. “I’ll keep that in mind, sunbaenim.” she said, her tone grew thoughtful. “It’s just… if I’m gonna carry the name, I want to make sure it means something more than just beginner. I’m aiming to earn it, you know?”

Lynn nodded slowly, a proud smile forming behind her mask. “You’re already on your way,” she said. “The name doesn’t make the hero — you do. Just remember that the next time you swing in.”

Spidercadet gleamed as she took a small step forward, her earlier clumsiness seeming a distant memory. “Got it, sunbaenim,” she replied with a newfound determination. “I’ll make sure Spidercadet becomes a name people can trust.”

Lynn gave her an approving nod, watching as the young Spider’s self-assuredness seemed to grow with every word. Despite the rough edges and the occasional mishap, there was something undeniably promising about the girl — a fire that could, given time, burn just as brightly as her own.

As the dust settled and the last of the robbers were handed over to the authorities, Lynn couldn’t help but notice a small group of her admirers gathering at the edge of the scene. A cluster of students and a few young women held up their phones, excitedly whispering and pointing in her direction. Lynn swung over with a graceful flip, landing lightly in front of them.

“Hello!” she greeted with a friendly wave. “Everybody doing okay? No bumps or bruises, right?”

Her fangirls burst into a chorus of squeals, the energy rippling through the crowd like an electric current. A couple of them immediately asked for selfies, while others simply gushed over how amazing it was to see her in action. One young woman, looking no older than a college freshman, nervously stepped forward, phone in hand. “Spider-Woman, can I— um— can I get a picture with you?” she asked, her voice trembling with excitement.

“Of course.” Lynn replied. “But only if you promise to tag me in it,” she added, striking a classic heroic pose. The girl’s cheeks flushed as she snapped a selfie, her friends jumping in to photobomb the moment. The Japanese took the opportunity to engage with the crowd, cracking jokes and answering questions with the kind of relaxed charm that made her feel like a friend more than just a superhero.

“Wow, you’re even taller in person!” one of the fangirls exclaimed, looking up at Lynn with wide eyes.

Lynn laughed. “Being Spider-Woman adds a couple of inches,” she jokes, tossing in a hilarious sassy gesture before glancing over to check on Spidercadet.

A short distance away, Spidercadet was crouched beside a young boy who had taken a tumble during the chaos. She carefully helped him to his feet, checking his knee and offering him a comfort. “You’re going to be okay, little guy,” she said in that calm, reassuring voice she’d shown earlier. “Just a scrape. Be sure to show it off to your friends later. Chicks dig scars.” The boy giggled through his sniffles, seeming to forget his pain as he stared up at the masked hero with a mixture of awe and relief.

As she moved on to assist another civilian, an elderly woman who had lost her cane in the commotion, Spidercadet’s demeanor shifted again. She was careful and attentive, making sure the woman was steady on her feet before retrieving the cane from under a fallen bench. “There you go, ma’am,” she said softly. “You’re safe now.”

The contrast between the two Spiders was apparent. Lynn dazzled with her confident, show-stopping style, Spidercadet was a steady presence, quietly tending to those who needed help. Lynn noticed and couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. The rookie might still have a lot to learn about heroism, but she had the heart for it, and that was the most important part.

“Looking good out there, Cadet!” Lynn called, offering a thumbs-up.

Spidercadet's energy beamed back in happiness, her mask wrinkling slightly as she smiled underneath. “Just taking care of business,” she replied, sounding almost as if she were trying to mimic Lynn’s casual swagger. “I think I’m starting to get the hang of this.”

Lynn chuckled, turning back to her adoring fans as she signed a makeshift autograph on a young woman’s phone case with a quick spray of webbing. “Well, don’t get too good,” she teased. “I still need to look like the cool one around here.”

The girls surrounding her burst into laughter, and Spidercadet shook her head, still smiling as she helped another civilian to their feet. After serving their respective people, they said farewell and left the scene to the professionals.

As they swung through the city, leaping from one building to another, Spidercadet’s voice echoed between the rooftops. “You know, I’ve been thinking,” she said, matching Lynn’s swing rhythm, “if I hadn’t been punished with that extra cleaning duty, I wouldn’t have been bitten at all. Fate has a weird way of turning things around, doesn’t it?”

Lynn flipped in mid-air, releasing a webline before landing gracefully on a rooftop. “Tell me about it,” she replied, glancing over as Spidercadet followed beside her. The newer spider whispers a small celebration on her successful land. “One minute, you’re minding your own business, and the next, boom, radioactive spider decides you’re its favorite snack.”

They walked to the edge of the rooftop, sitting down side by side, their feet dangling over the city below. The neon lights flickered around them, casting a surreal glow across their suits. Lynn leaned back, her elbows resting against the rough surface as she glanced at the horizon. “So, two months, huh?” she said, her tone casual. “You've come a long way since then.”

Spidercadet chuckled nervously, pulling her knees up to her chest. “Yeah, though I still feel like I’m figuring it all out,” she admitted. “But, you know, I’m graduating high school soon, so at least that’s one thing I’ll have figured out.” Her voice carried a mix of pride and uncertainty.

The Japanese turned her head slightly, biting back a smile as she processed the information. High school, huh? If Spidercadet was already graduating, that meant she was a year older than Lynn.

But here was her sidekick, assuming she was some part-time worker in college, balancing lectures with crime-fighting. It took all of her self-control not to laugh out loud at the thought.

“Well, congratulations,” Spider-Woman said, keeping her tone as steady as she could. “Graduating’s a big deal. I’m sure you’ve got a lot on your plate, between that and, you know,” she gestured around, indicating their rooftop vantage point and all that came with being a superhero. “Balancing school and saving the city is no small feat.”

Spidercadet shrugged, her gaze shifting down to the bustling streets below. “I’m not the only one, right?” she said. “You probably have a million things going on. Work, maybe classes? Yeah classes. You must have a part-time job or something. I’ve been trying to figure out where, but you keep it pretty low-key,” she added with a sheepish laugh.

It was amusing, watching Cadet try to piece together her assumed civilian life. “Oh, you know,” she replied vaguely, her tone light. “Just your average college student stuff. It’s not nearly as exciting as this.”

Spidercadet nodded, her eyes still scanning the city. “I figured,” she said. “The way you handle things out here, you’ve got to be used to working under pressure. I was thinking maybe you worked in a busy restaurant or something. You seem like the type who could juggle a million things at once.”

Spider-Woman chuckled, swinging her legs slightly over the ledge. If only you knew, Cadet. The idea of herself waiting tables between chemistry homework and swinging through Seoul’s streets was almost too ridiculous to entertain. But there was no harm in letting Spidercadet believe the illusion. It wasn’t like she was ready to admit that she was actually just a high schooler with a few scraped textbooks and a whole lot of web fluid stashed in who knows where.

“Yeah, something like that,” she said, a hint of mischief creeping into her voice. “But enough about my day job. What’s your plan after graduation? College? Training full-time? Or are you just going to stick to kicking butt in the city?”

The newer spider sighed, a mix of exhaustion and excitement in her tone. “I’m still figuring that out,” she confessed. “Part of me thinks I should go to college and keep my options open, but then I think about how much more I could do if I went all-in on this… superhero thing.” She paused, glancing sideways at Lynn. “I guess I kind of want to know. Did you ever feel like that? Like there’s this big choice you have to make?”

She felt a pang of sympathy for the other. For all her confidence and bravado, Spidercadet was still just a kid trying to navigate two worlds. “It’s a tough decision,” she replied softly. “But remember, you don’t have to choose one or the other right now. You can be both a student and a hero. And if you ever need some advice, well,” she grinned, “I’ve been doing this long enough to give a tip or two.”

Spidercadet looked over at her with gratitude shining in her eyes. “Thanks, Spider-Woman,” she said quietly. “I guess I still have a lot to learn.”

Lynn patted her on the back, her voice warm. “You’re doing just fine, Cadet. Just take it one swing at a time.”

As the conversation drifted back into lighter territory, Spidercadet turned to Lynn with a thoughtful look on her face. “So, since we have to keep our first names a secret... how about we share our last names?” she asked, sounding genuinely curious. “I mean, it’s South Korea, right? A lot of people share the same last names, so it’s not like anyone’s gonna track us down because of it.”

Lynn raised an eyebrow beneath her mask, a skeptical smile tugging at her lips. “You know there’s a reason we wear masks, right?” she teased. “The whole point is to keep our identities secret. No sharing names, no comparing yearbooks, none of that. I can’t risk it and neither should you.”

Spidercadet let out a small groan, crossing her arms in mock frustration. “Oh, come on! It’s just our last names,” she pressed. “Besides, if I told you mine, it wouldn’t narrow it down at all. There are millions of Kims in Korea. It’s basically the most ambiguous thing I could tell you.”

Lynn hesitated, weighing her options. It was true. Kim was as common as it got. It wasn’t like Cadet was giving away any state secrets. And the kid did seem desperate for some kind of camaraderie, even if it was just a tiny, almost meaningless exchange. “Fine,” she said, her voice reluctant, “You go first then.”

“Okay,” Spidercadet said eagerly, as if she’d been waiting for this moment. “I’m a Kim. Pretty ambiguous, yeah?” She grinned under her mask, clearly proud of her cautious, yet somehow bold reveal.

Lynn felt a smile twitch at her lips despite herself. Kim, she thought, that’s about as safe as it gets. “Well, that’s pretty standard,” she replied with a chuckle. “You could be anyone.”

Spidercadet tilted her head, still expectant, her gaze fixed on Lynn. “Your turn.”

Lynn knew it was a bad idea, but the trust in Cadet’s voice made her second-guess herself. Plus, how much harm could one syllable do? “Uh… Ka—” she started, but immediately stopped herself. The name felt strange coming out, and she wasn't used to saying even a part of it in this context.

“Ga?” Spidercadet interrupted with a surprised tone. “Your last name is Ga?” She let out a small, impressed whistle. “Wow, that’s super rare! I heard there are like, what, less than ten thousand Ga’s in the whole country?” Her voice sounded almost reverent, as if she’d just discovered a rare Pokémon. “That’s pretty cool, Spider-Woman. You’ve got a special name.”

Lynn almost burst out laughing. Ga? But she bit back the urge and played along. “Uh, yeah,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. “Pretty rare, I guess.”

Spidercadet’s eyes seemed to widen with excitement. “So you must get that a lot, huh?” she asked, sounding like she was piecing together some grand mystery. “People probably ask if you're related to that one famous Ga family or something. Man, I bet you have stories.”

Lynn struggled not to break character as she nodded. “Y-yeah, I get that sometimes,” she said. “People are always curious.” She leaned back, crossing her arms in an attempt to keep herself composed, but she could feel the laughter bubbling just beneath the surface.

“Well, Ga-sunbaenim, it’s an honor to be swinging alongside someone with such a unique last name,” Spidercadet said, giving a playful salute. “Maybe next time, you can tell me if you have awesome connections... or if you’re secretly part of some hidden chaebol dynasty.”

“Oh, sure,” Spider-Woman replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she flicked a piece of imaginary dust off her shoulder. “You’ve figured it all out, Cadet. I’m secretly living a double life as a chaebol heiress. I’m just doing this whole Spider-Woman thing for kicks.”

Spidercadet giggled, clearly having fun with the whole conversation. “You know, that wouldn’t even be the weirdest secret identity in superhero history,” she remarked. “Besides, if you were an heiress, I’d totally be okay with a ride in your private helicopter. Just saying.”

Lynn shook her head, unable to contain her laughter any longer. “Don’t get any ideas,” she warned, though her tone was playful. “We still stick to swinging from rooftops like normal, everyday superheroes.”

“But think of the efficiency!” Spidercadet protested, half-jokingly.

Lynn rolled her eyes, still grinning beneath her mask. “Yeah, because nothing screams low-profile like a giant helicopter shaped like a spider.”

“Or the Ga-Copter!” Spidercadet shot back, causing Lynn to nearly lose her balance from laughing too hard. She steadied herself, shaking her head.

“Alright, alright, enough with the helicopters,” she said, holding up a hand in surrender. “We’ve got real work to do, remember?”

Spidercadet mimed zipping her lips. “Okay, Ga-sunbaenim,” she said, her voice still brimming with enthusiasm. “Lead the way!” And with that, they leaped off the rooftop together, swinging into the evening air, their banter still echoing between the buildings.

Lynn strolled beside the other Japanese, clutching her cup of coffee like it was her lifeline. She took a sip, savoring the warm sensation as it chased away the chill of the surroundings. The buzz of city life surrounded them, the murmur of conversations, the occasional honk of a car, and the distant rumble of the subway beneath their feet. Kotone glanced at Lynn with a knowing look, her eyebrow arched just slightly.

“So, you were really up all night because of that after-school math program?” Kotone asked, skepticism laced in her voice. “Because I swear, you look like you’ve been through some kind of boot camp.”

Lynn managed a lopsided grin, shrugging one shoulder as she replied, “Yep, math definitely made me lose sleep.” She stirred her coffee idly, watching the steam rise as she took another sip, as if trying to make the statement seem more convincing.

Kotone gave a playful scoff, nudging Lynn’s arm. “Right. Math,” she said dryly, her tone suggesting she was anything but convinced. “Because that totally explains why you keep vanishing after school and show up the next day with bags under your eyes. You sure you’re not secretly training for the Olympics or something?”

“Hey, math is a marathon in its own right,” Lynn quipped, flashing a grin at Kotone. “You ever tried solving calculus problems for hours on end? It's brutal.”

The other rolled her eyes, her tone softening as she shook her head. “You’re impossible, you know that?” She peered at the tall Japanese, the kind of look that was halfway between concern and amusement. “You don’t have to keep pretending. If something’s up, you know you can talk to me, right?”

For a split second, She appreciated Kotone's concern, it felt genuine, steady, but she couldn’t exactly explain that the real reason for her sleepless nights wasn’t algebra but swinging around in a mask.

“Of course,” Lynn replied, managing to keep her voice steady. “It’s nothing dramatic, I promise. Just school stuff, you know how it is.” She tried to laugh it off, hoping she wouldn’t press further. “Besides, I’ve got coffee now. That solves everything.”

Kotone gave her a long look, then sighed in resignation. “Fine, I’ll let it slide for now. But if you start collapsing, I’m dragging you straight to the nurse's office,” she said, her tone only half-joking.

Lynn smirked, holding up her cup in a mock toast. “Noted,” she said. “I’ll try to stay upright.”

As they continued walking, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, but Lynn couldn’t help but feel the tiniest weight in her chest. Kotone was right, she was keeping secrets, and she wasn’t sure how long she could keep up the act. But for now, she’d stick to her story, holding onto her double life as tightly as she held her coffee.

The playful banter continued as they walked, the conversation drifting toward safer territory, away from the suspicious late-night math sessions and into the usual chatter that came with being high school students.

“So, what did you think about the big dance coming up?” Kotone asked, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. “Are you actually going to show up this time, or are you going to pull one of your classic disappearances?”

Lynn let out a mock gasp, clutching her chest as if offended. “I’ll have you know that I fully intend to be there... for at least a solid fifteen minutes,” she said, grinning at the exaggerated eye roll she earned from the girl.

“Wow, a whole fifteen minutes,” Kotone teased. “Guess that’s long enough for you to take a few selfies and then magically disappear to go study for math again.”

“Hey, that sounds about right,” Lynn replied, chuckling. “I mean, someone’s gotta keep their grades up, right? And besides, aren’t you the one who’s going to be hogging the dance floor the whole night?”

Kotone grinned. “I’ll take that as a compliment,” she said, puffing out her chest proudly. “But yeah, you better believe I’ll be there all night. They’re even playing some of my favorite songs.” She nudged Lynn with her elbow. “You could always join me, you know. It’d be like old times, back when you were actually in the dance club.”

“Yeah... maybe,” she said. “I’m not sure I still remember all the moves. You’re the real dancing queen now.”

The shorter Japanese tilted her head, studying the girl's expression for a moment. “You say that, but you’re still pretty light on your feet. Like, for someone who isn’t training for anything, you’ve got surprisingly good reflexes.” She flashed a playful smirk. “Maybe you’ve been taking secret dance lessons while you’re at it?”

Lynn couldn’t help but chuckle. “Guess I’m just naturally gifted,” she said, trying to steer the conversation away before Kotone could unknowingly stumble onto anything too close to the truth.

“Sure, sure,” Kotone said with a knowing grin. “Anyway, speaking of training, I saw some people at the pool today talking about your swim times. You’re getting pretty fast. Are you secretly trying out for the Olympics?”

Lynn shook her head, laughing softly. “Nope, I just like diving in and clearing my head sometimes. It’s... relaxing.”

“Fair enough. Just don’t start breaking any records, or people are gonna start thinking you’re actually secretly training for the Olympics. I swear, Lynn, with how mysterious you are sometimes, I wouldn’t be surprised if you had a whole other life no one knows about.” Lynn nearly choked on her coffee but quickly covered it with a laugh. “Ha, yeah. Can you imagine? A double life? That’d be crazy,” she said, her voice just a tad too high-pitched to sound casual.

Kotone didn’t seem to notice, already turning her attention to another topic. “Well, crazy or not, you’d definitely be able to pull it off,” she said. “You’re already good at disappearing, remember?”

Lynn just smiled, shaking her head. “I guess I’m just full of surprises.” She felt a tiny bead of sweat forming on the back of her neck, but she brushed it off. Kotone might not be aware of how close she was getting to the truth, but the girl could feel the walls closing in bit by bit. The more they joked, the more she felt like she was walking a tightrope.

“Well, surprise me by actually showing up to the dance until the end,” Kotone added with a wink, drifting away from the suspicious line of questioning entirely. “Just think about it — you could show off those hidden dance moves you’ve been keeping secret. Who knows? You might even impress someone.”

“Like who?” Lynn asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kotone shrugged, her voice casual but her eyes glinting with mischief. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe a certain someone who’s always hanging around the dance club... tall, cool, goes by Kim Nakyoung?”

A blush creeping up her neck as she swirled her coffee. “Alright, alright. I’ll think about it,” she said, trying to sound indifferent. “But no promises.”

“Fine by me,” Kotone said. “Just don’t vanish.”

“I’ll do my best,” she replied, making a silent vow to herself to find a way to balance it all. As Lynn and Kotone rounded the corner, chatting away, Lynn didn’t notice the person walking straight into her path until it was too late. Her shoulder collided with another, and the impact sent her coffee cup wobbling dangerously. She barely managed to catch it with the help of her boosted senses before the contents spilled over, but a couple of drops still sloshed onto her hand.

“Are you okay—” Lynn began, but the words died in her throat when she saw who she had bumped into.

It was Nakyoung. She was standing right in front of her, holding her own cup of coffee. The same cup of coffee she probably grabbed after her dance practice, which meant she was still dressed in her athletic clothes, just slightly tousled hair, a sheen of sweat still on her skin, and an effortless coolness that made her seem like she had just stepped out of a music video.

“Oh!” Nakyoung exclaimed, looking up with a half-surprised, half-amused expression as she steadied herself. “I didn’t see you there.”

Lynn’s brain froze for a split second, her heart beating faster than it should have, faster than even the caffeine in her system warranted. “Uh, s— sorry!” she stammered, flustered. “I wasn’t paying attention, I guess.”

The Korean gave her a lopsided grin that did nothing to help Lynn’s racing heart. “Guess we both weren’t,” she said lightly, before glancing at the coffee cup in Lynn’s hand. “Same place for coffee, huh? I should’ve known you were a regular there too.”

Lynn nodded, not trusting herself to say anything coherent. She could already feel the heat creeping up her neck. Nakyoung was closer than she usually got when they passed in the hallways or shared a casual wave. And there was something in the way Nakyoung’s gaze lingered on her, something that sent a shiver down the girl's spine.

“So, math program?” Nakyoung said, with a teasing glint in her eyes. “Kotone’s been going on about how you’ve practically become a math wizard or something.”

“Math wizard, right...” she replied awkwardly, glancing at the other Japanese around a meter, who looked back at her with look that translated to I'm not getting you out on this one. “I, uh, just thought I could use some extra credit.” She tried to ignore the way her voice wavered and mentally kicked herself for sounding like she had something to hide. Then again, she did.

“Extra credit’s good,” She said, her tone a little too casual. “Helps keep you out of trouble.” Her lips twitched as if she was amused by her own words, but there was a flicker in her eyes that made Lynn feel as if Nakyoung was talking about something else the tall girl couldn’t quite put her finger on.

A strange thought occurred to Lynn, something that felt both silly and oddly logical, the tone of Nakyoung’s voice was eerily reminiscent of someone else’s. A familiar confidence that she had only ever heard on the rooftops, from a different girl in a different costume. But no, that was impossible. She couldn’t be. Could she?

“Uh, yeah. Trouble’s not exactly something I’m looking for,” the Japanese said, trying to shake the bizarre thought away. She hoped the other couldn’t see the way she was fidgeting with her coffee cup or hear the slight tremor in her voice.

Kotone cleared her throat, clearly enjoying Lynn’s awkwardness. “Well, if you two are done exchanging life advice, I think we’re supposed to head to class soon,” She said, tossing a wink at Lynn, as unsubtle as chucking a bright red brick through a window. The brick would spin wildly through the air before smashing against the glass with a deafening crash.

The girl couldn’t help but glance at Nakyoung one more time, her mind still whirling with confusion and a touch of excitement. “Right. See you around, Unnie.” she said, her voice steadying a bit.

“See you,” the Korean replied, her smile lingering as she gave the other a one last look. “And, uh, actually show up to the dance this time, okay?” She said it with a lightness that seemed genuine.

Lynn nodded dumbly, feeling the thrum of her pulse in her ears. “I— I’ll think about it,” she said as she walked away with Kotone, her legs slightly unsteady. Her senses tell her that Nakyoung was looking back at her for a moment, as they went their ways.

The other leaned in, her voice low as she teased, “Well, that was cute. For a second there, I thought you were gonna spill the coffee all over yourself.”

“Shut up,” Lynn mumbled, but she couldn’t help the smile tugging at the corner of her lips. As much as she hated to admit it, bumping into Nakyoung had set off more than just her nerves. The way Nakyoung spoke, the way she carried herself, it almost seemed like there was another side to her that wasn’t just a popular dancer at school.

Lynn shook her head, mentally scolding herself for even entertaining the idea. There was no way. The chances of that were like, one in a million. But still… she couldn’t ignore the feeling that the universe had just dropped a small clue in her lap.

“Earth to Lynn?” Kotone’s voice cut through her thoughts.

Kotone snickered and gave Lynn a playful nudge. “Falling in love for the hundredth time, are we?”

Lynn rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the small, embarrassed grin that crept onto her face. “It’s not like that," she protested, though the warmth in her cheeks betrayed her. "It’s just— she's really cool, okay?”

“Uh-huh.” Kotone said, her tone drenched in sarcasm. "Just make sure your heart can handle it next time you two collide."

Cut to the afternoon, Lynn was walking home with her younger sister, who was enthusiastically recounting the day's events. “And then Ms. Park said my presentation was the best in class.” she declared.

“That’s because you’re a genius," Lynn teased. “Guess that means I have to start working harder now so I can keep up with you.”

“Like you could ever keep up with me,” her sister shot back with a mischievous grin. “Besides, I’m not the one who’s always spacing out in class. Seriously, what are you even thinking about?”

“Oh, you know, the mysteries of the universe,” Lynn said breezily. “Or maybe just daydreaming about— yeah.”

“You mean the girl you’re always staring at? You really need to get it together.”

“Shush before I tell yours to Mom—” Before the tall girl could come up with a retort, she heard a distinct thwip sound. It was faint, but unmistakable — the sound of a web being shot out. Her ears perked up instinctively, the enhanced senses from the spider bite coming into play. She looked around, subtly trying to pinpoint the direction.

“Uh, actually, I just remembered I have to— uh— do this thing. You can head on home without me, alright?” Lynn said hastily, flashing the youngster a grin before taking off.

“Okay…” her sister called after her, shaking her head at Lynn’s sudden departure.

She quickly made her way toward the direction of the sound, which seemed to come from the area behind the school where the trash bins were lined up. As she approached, she slowed her pace, keeping her steps light and her senses on high alert. She peered around the corner, expecting to see, well, nothing. And that’s exactly what she saw. The alleyway was empty.

She furrowed her brow, her spider senses starting to tingle, warning her that something was off. She took a deep breath and slowly turned her head, following the faint prickling sensation that crawled up the back of her neck.

Then there she was.

Nakyoung stood there, wide-eyed, looking like a deer caught in headlights, a meter or two up, pressed up against the wall as if she was trying to disappear into it. Her chest heaved slightly, and Lynn could swear she saw a glint of panic in her eyes.

“Ehh!? Nani?” Lynn sputtered, completely floored by the sight. Her voice came out louder than intended, and she instinctively glanced around, suddenly nervous someone else might see them. “Unnie what… what are you doing here?”

The other's face flushed, and her eyes darted between the Japanese girl and the ground as if searching for a believable excuse. She swallowed, her lips parting as if to speak, but no sound came out. It was as if she was hoping to magically fade into the bricks behind her.

Meanwhile, Lynn’s mind raced a mile a minute. Her spider senses were still buzzing, but there was no danger, just the unmistakable feeling that something wasn't adding up. Why was Nakyoung hiding back here? And why did it feel like Lynn had just stumbled upon a huge secret?

Lynn took a small step forward, her brow furrowing in concern mixed with curiosity. “Naky-unnie, you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost or something.” Her tone was light, but there was an edge to it, a hint of suspicion.

Nakyoung finally seemed to find her voice, dropping on the ground, but it came out slightly breathless. “Uh, I was just— looking for my earring! Yeah, I think I dropped it somewhere around here,” she said, giving a half-hearted shrug and flashing a weak smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Lynn tilted her head. “An earring… near the trash bins?”

“Well… yeah, it’s, uh, a very valuable earring,” Nakyoung stammered. “I didn’t want to just leave it lying around.” Her gaze sharpened as she tried to piece together the odd circumstances. She had a feeling there was a lot more to than she was letting on especially since the Japanese was sure she’d heard the thwip of webbing just moments before finding her. It wasn’t adding up. And judging by her nervous expression, she was beginning to suspect the same thing.

The girl's gaze drifted to the scene near Nakyoung. Glass bottles scattered across the ground, some shattered from what seemed like a recent impact, and a tangled mess of webs clinging to them, glistening under the dim light. There was a lot of webbing, too much for it to be an accident. It wasn’t just one web sticking to a bottle; it was a chaotic network, as if someone had panicked and sprayed web fluid all over the place.

Her mind was already running through the possibilities, each one more outrageous than the last, and it felt like a neon sign was blinking the answer in her head. She turned back to the woman, eyes narrowing with growing suspicion. “Are you…”

Before she could finish, Nakyoung's eyes widened with alarm, and she lurched forward, closing the gap between them in a flash. She pressed a finger to the other's lips, effectively shushing her, her warm breath brushing against Lynn's cheek in the close proximity. “Don't tell this to anyone, please,” she whispered, her voice low and almost pleading. Her hand trembled slightly, as though even this request was a struggle.

Lynn froze, her mind briefly blanking out from the sudden closeness. Nakyoung was so near that she could see the tiny details on jer face and the panic flickering in her eyes. She could feel Nakyoung’s pulse through the finger pressed against her lips, a frantic rhythm that mirrored her own racing heartbeat.

“Uh…” Lynn’s voice came out and she raised an eyebrow, glancing between Nakyoung and the web-covered scene. “I— I wasn't going to—“

“Promise me,” the Korean interrupted, leaning even closer as if to ensure not a single soul could overhear them. “Promise you won't tell anyone what you saw here.” Her tone had shifted slightly, a touch of desperation underlying the request, and her grip tightened on her shoulder as if to emphasize the urgency.

The girl's mind whirled, the pieces of the puzzle stubbornly sliding into place despite her reluctance to believe it. The excessive webs, the weirdly defensive behavior, the skittishness. It all pointed to one conclusion, but that conclusion was so outrageous that it felt like something out of her own double life. Lynn swallowed, trying to keep her tone neutral. “Okay… I promise. But… Naky-unnie, what are you doing here?” she asked, trying to sound like a concerned friend rather than someone who was almost positive she was standing face-to-face with another Spider.

She hesitated, her eyes darting to the web-covered mess behind her before flicking back to Lynn. She forced a tight-lipped smile, though it wavered at the corners. “Like I said, I was trying to find my earring,” she repeated, but the lie was paper-thin, and even she seemed to realize it. “It’s something. Just please, let’s forget about this, okay?”

She didn’t move, didn’t step back. She couldn’t tear her gaze away from the panicked expression. The closeness made it hard to think, but it also made it clear that Nakyoung was desperately hiding something that wasn’t just a missing earring. The same way the Japanese hid her secret, Nakyoung was hiding hers.

The suspicion she felt had now turned into something more than certainty, and despite the seriousness of the situation, she couldn’t resist the urge to test her theory. She leaned in slightly, a sly smile tugging at her lips. "Okay, so… are you, like, Spider-Woman or the blue one?" she asked, her tone casual, as if she was merely inquiring about Nakyoung’s favorite color.

Nakyoung's face turned several shades of red, and she lunged forward again, this time planting both hands on Lynn's shoulders, as though trying to physically push the words back into her mouth. “Shhh!” she whispered frantically, her eyes darting around as if expecting someone to emerge from the shadows at any moment. “You can’t just say things like that out loud.” Her voice was an urgent hiss, and she seemed genuinely terrified that someone might overhear.

"What? It’s a perfectly valid question," she continued, undeterred. "I mean, if you’re gonna shoot webs everywhere, you might as well clear up who you are, right? So, Spider-Woman or… Spidercadet?" Lynn put extra emphasis on the last word, her tone teasing.

The other's response was to frantically shush her again, now holding her hands up as if trying to physically block Lynn’s words from reaching anyone’s ears. "Will you please stop?" she whispered, her expression a mix of exasperation and desperation. She grabbed Lynn’s arm and pulled her a few steps back, away from the web-covered bottles. "I don’t know what you think you saw, but—"

“But you’re definitely not just looking for an earring, right?” She interjected, crossing her arms with a raised eyebrow. “Because, not to be that person, but I’ve never seen someone lose an earring and then cover the evidence in an explosion of webs.” She mimicked shooting a web for added effect, careful not to press hard, grinning as the girl shot her a death glare.

“Okay, fine!” Nakyoung relented, her shoulders sagging slightly as she ran a hand through her hair, visibly trying to gather her thoughts.

Barely stifling a laugh. "Then what, are you part of some secret earring-hunting club that uses webs for—”

Nakyoung clamped a hand over Lynn’s mouth, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "Would you just stop making fun of me for two seconds?" Clearly flustered. "And no, I’m not part of an earring-hunting club, okay?" She removed her hand slowly, her gaze darting to the mess of webs, then back to Lynn. “Look, just… pretend you didn’t see anything, alright? I’m… I was just trying to practice—”

“Practice?” Lynn interrupted, unable to hide her amused grin. “So you're Spidercadet.”

Her’s eyes widened, and she nearly jumped back, her voice dropping to an urgent tone. “You can't just go around guessing people's superhero names like that!” she insisted, rubbing the back of her neck anxiously. “I’m… I’m not saying you’re right, but…”

“Uh-huh, sure. You just happen to know a lot about rookie web-slingers,” she quipped. “Listen, I’ll keep your secret, but only if you admit that I’m right. C’mon, just say, ‘Yes, you’re right; I’m the newer Spider.” She gave a playful nudge, enjoying how the dancer seemed to be struggling to find an excuse that wouldn’t make the situation even more suspicious.

Nakyoung bit her lip, glancing back at the web-covered bottles before sighing in defeat. “Fine, fine, just… yes, okay?” She held up her hands in surrender, then added quickly, “But only if you swear to keep your mouth shut, or else I swear I will web your mouth closed myself.”

The Japanese snorted, putting a hand over her chest as if to swear an oath. “My lips are sealed,” she said, though the glint in her eye showed she was already thinking of a dozen ways to tease Nakyoung about this in the future. “But for the record, you might want to work on your web aim a little. Just a friendly suggestion from a totally unbiased, non-superhero source.”

The other rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smirk tugging at her lips. “Oh, because you’re an expert on slinging webs now?” she retorted, a hint of challenge in her voice. “Last time I checked, you weren't exactly the type to swing around the city.”

Lynn shrugged nonchalantly. "Hey, I might not be a web-slinger, but I’ve seen enough of you in action to know that wrapping random glass bottles in webs isn't exactly textbook hero work." She stepped closer to the webbed mess, inspecting it with an exaggeratedly thoughtful expression. “You know, maybe you should leave the advanced acrobatics and web control lessons for later, after you’ve, I don’t know, perfected swinging in a straight line.”

Nakyoung huffed, her cheeks still tinged pink. “Okay, okay, I get it. I’m still working on my aim. But in my defense, I wasn’t expecting anyone to be back here,” she grumbled, glancing around the quiet area behind the school. “I mean, who even comes near the trash bins after school?”

“Apparently, rookie superheroes and bored students who enjoy eavesdropping on rookie superheroes,” Lynn replied, flashing a cheeky grin. “Don’t worry, though. Your secret's safe with me.“ She mimed zipping her lips shut, then tossing away the imaginary key.

Nakyoung relaxed a little, though she still looked like she was resisting the urge to bury her face in her hands. “Thanks,” she muttered, awkwardly shifting from foot to foot. “And, um, if you did see anything else — like, say, someone swinging by the school last week — it’s just a coincidence, alright?”

“Sure, sure, just a coincidence,” Lynn said, nodding in mock seriousness. “And if I happen to notice you taking off every time something happens, that’s just you practicing for the earring-hunting club, right?” She shot her a warning look but couldn't help a reluctant laugh. “You know, I could still web you up and leave you here if you keep teasing me.”

“Please, as if you’d risk exposing your secret identity just to shut me up,” Lynn shot back, though she took a half-step back just in case. "Besides, I’m doing you a favor. Now you know not to try web practice in plain sight next time. Who knows, you might actually thank me one day."

Nakyoung shook her head, her laughter fading as she gave Lynn a long, considering look. "You're… surprisingly calm about all this, you know?" she said, her tone quieter now. "Most people would freak out if they found out someone they knew was a… you know." She gestured vaguely at the web-covered bottles.

Her expression softened, and she offered a small shrug. She was just channeling her energy and image as Spider-Woman with her fangirls but in the physical form of Kawakami Lynn. “What can I say? Maybe I’ve just got a knack for keeping cool under pressure,” she replied casually.

The dancer blinked, as if caught off guard by Lynn's words, then nodded slowly. “Yeah… right.” Her gaze drifted back to the web-covered bottles, and a flicker of determination crossed her face. “Okay, then. I’ll keep practicing, and maybe next time you catch me, there won’t be a mess to clean up.”

Lynn grinned, already stepping away. “I’ll hold you to that,” she called over her shoulder. “And don’t worry, I’ll make sure to coincidentally not be around when you’re testing your web-swinging next time.” She gave a final playful wave before disappearing around the corner, leaving Nakyoung to untangle her mess of webs.

Lynn burst through the door of her bedroom and slammed it shut behind her, leaning back against it with wide eyes and a huge grin spreading across her face. Her heart raced like it was trying to keep up with all the thoughts colliding in her head. She took a deep breath, and then—

"WAAAAAAAW!!" She practically squealed, springing off the door and launching herself onto her bed, bouncing on the mattress like a little kid. "Naky-unnie is Spidercadet!" she cheered, muffling a scream into her pillow. She flipped onto her back and stared at the ceiling, feeling her cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

She kicked her legs in the air like she was pedaling a bike, overwhelmed by an unstoppable wave of giddiness. “She’s not just some random woman, she’s Kim Nakyoung-unnie! The most amazing woman I’ve ever known! And she’s out there, saving people, swinging from rooftops just like me!” Lynn’s thoughts spun faster than ever. She rolled off the bed and threw her hands up like she was doing a victory dance.

The Japanese threw herself back onto the bed again, giggling uncontrollably. “I mean, come on, how much luckier could I get?” she said aloud, as if someone else were there to share in her enthusiasm. She hugged her pillow to her chest.

Lynn sprang back up, pacing around her room with a newfound excitement coursing through her veins. “Okay, okay, calm down. Focus, Lynn. This is serious,” she said to herself, though her grin only widened. “But still, Nakyoung as Spidercadet? It’s like the universe handed me a gift with a big shiny bow on top.”

She laughed and dropped back down onto her bed for the third time, already feeling like she was on cloud nine. “This is the best thing that could've ever happened,” she whispered, staring up at the ceiling, her heart still pounding. “I’ve gotta be the luckiest in the world.”

Lynn's excitement simmered down as reality sank in, with a mix of wonder and worry. "Wait... Cadet is Nakyoung." Her voice came out quieter, the thrill tempered by a hint of uncertainty. "Cadet's Nakyoung."

She sat up slowly, her thoughts turning over in her mind like the gears of a clock. "Oh no. Cadet is Nakyoung." The implications settled in. Nakyoung — the dancer she had admired from afar, the one who made her heart race for entirely non-spider-related reasons — was also out there risking her life fighting crime. What if something happened to her? The idea twisted in her chest, causing her to chew her lip anxiously. “She's not just Nakyoung from school. She's... out there. And she’s still new at this.”

But then the other side of her thoughts rushed back in, brightening her expression again. "But... Cadet is Nakyoung." Lynn couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. The same girl who left her awestruck with her dance moves was also swinging from rooftops and helping to keep the city safe. It was like finding out that the person she'd thought was just amazing was actually even more incredible than she could have ever imagined.

She got up from the bed and began to pace again, one moment biting her nails, the next clenching her fists in excitement. “But how do I keep her safe? Do I keep a closer eye on her? Or do I… treat her the same?” The conflicting thoughts tugged at her, alternating between wanting to protect Nakyoung more than ever and feeling overjoyed that she already had her back without knowing it. “She's out there, but… she’s also getting better. She’s learning.”

Lynn's steps slowed as she came to a reluctant conclusion. “I’ll have to find a balance.” She took a deep breath, determination settling in her chest. “She’s Naky-unnie, but she’s also Spidercadet. And I’ve got to let her prove herself… while also making sure she doesn't get hurt.” Her lips curved into a small, fond smile. “Yes, Cadet is Nakyoung.” she repeated quietly, a warm feeling settling in her chest. “I wouldn’t want it to be anyone else.”