Chapter Text
“Hanbin?”
Silence.
“Hanbin!”
Nothing~
“Hey, you better be ready in there or you’re going to be late!” His aunt’s muffled voice sounds through the door.
At first, he thinks he’s dreaming. The covers are far too warm, the pillows way too soft to move now and truly, he’s about to ignore the phenomenon but then, his phone rings.
His hand taps around the sheets as quickly as possible, growing more annoyed and irritated over the sound interrupting his sleep.
His voice is raspy, “Hello?” He doesn’t even bother to see who he’s talking to.
“Yo Sunghan where are you? We have 20 minutes until we split off!” It’s Gunwook, on the phone, calling.
And while this wouldn’t be a shock or surprise to literally anyone else, this, unfortunately does gain a muscle to move because if it’s one thing about him, it’s that Gunwook never calls .
Hanbin eyes the time as he rips out of bed, throwing on any article of clothing he can grab. It’s already 4:30 and he’s slept for most of the day at this point but last nights fight left him too sore to do absolutely anything else.
“Dude hurry up, how are you going to be late the first day of camp?” He rinses out the mouthwash at record speed.
“Don’t you think I’m trying? Ugh how am I supposed to make it now!” he rushes, fumbling over his feet putting on pants.
Another voice speaks this time, “Can’t you just, y’know, swing?” He rolls his eyes and starts sprinting out the door with his bags. He can only pray he has everything.
“No Gyu, I can’t just swing because then I’d have to be in uniform, and I am not putting that prison on right now,” he hauls a taxi, jumping in after throwing his luggage in the back. He offers the driver a tight smile.
“I mean, you’d be so far up in the air, who would be able to tell?”
“Everyone, everyone Gyu, but too late I’m in a taxi. If I don’t make it, start apologizing to Mrs. Park,” he shuts the phone off and for the first time since he woke up, he can breathe.
It’s his last year as a camp counselor before going off to college and he’s already falling. He plans to use his boss as a reference for his community service but if he even wanted to think of that, he needed to be there asap. He’s been doing this since he turned 16 and being late now would only ruin his reputation of being the “bestest, always ready to go” counselor.
But doubling as your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man wasn’t the easiest task either. Keeping such a big secrets, missing out on normal teen activities yet feeing like the city needs you overwhelms and thrills him. Only his friends know, pleading to his higher ups for mercy but even then, it’s like a part of him he has to conceal for the greater good.
But hanbin’s never one to back down from a challenge, so when the driver finally pulls into the wood hidden site with just two minutes to spare, he takes one more glance at his suit in his backpack, and leaps out of the car.
The leaves crack under his weight as he paces to the group standing around the unlit fire pit. “Ah and look who’s here after all,” Mrs.Park claps her hands together.
Kids, lots of kids, all maybe around late elementary to middle school age, stare at him. He slowly steps next to his friends and the other staff.
“Sorry I uhh, ran into some early morning troubles,” he lies and gunwook shakes his head in defeat.
She raises her eyes brows but continues, “Alright campers, you all have your tag right?” Nods and responds sound, “Good! now I’m going to call out the names of our counselors here and you are going to follow them to your lodges!” The women begins tallying off names; Gyuvin, Gunwook, Taerae, Danielle , yeji, and Ryujin all raise their hands and set off.
The sun is starting to set and the heat subsides for some mercy. Bugs calls and echo in the wind as the crowd falls smaller.
Hanbin can’t say he won’t miss this; the familiarity of the sight and the atmosphere overall attaches to him bitter sweetly. Even with growing up, he feels free here, like a kid again as the wind fans his hair.
“Ok almost done here, Winter and Karina, you two will have to share a lodge and so will Hao and Hanbin. That’s it kids, everyone let’s get settled in for the night and counselors, you know what to do,” she finishes her announcements and just like that, camp begins.
Everyone breaks away and he’s left with two groups of kids and Hao. Beautiful, Beautiful Hao, that’s hard working and delicate and so patient with the world. If one told Hanbin to sculpt his face into ice, he would have every mole, divot and line perfectly executed from memory within 10 minutes flat.
It’s like his mind short circuits every time he’s present and in Hanbin’s eyes, he could do no wrong.
“Earth to Hanbin?” Since when was he standing right in front of him?
He chokes a little, “Huh, what’s up?”
He watches as Hao eyes him up and down, his arms crossed with amusement. Lord does he have gorgeous eyes.
“I was saying that since you missed the meeting earlier, you can head to our cabin and I’ll handle them for now. Unless you want to introduce yourself still,” he offers the position but in all honesty he probably should unpack himself before it gets too late.
“Uh yeah, I’ll go first. Thanks, Hao,” He tries not to smile too awkwardly but when he watches the other stifle a giggle, he knows he’s failed.
Sighing, he sets off in the opposite direction to the staff rooms. He takes the bed closest to the door for convenience, carefully avoiding knocking over Hao’s already secured space. A violin case in one corner and his suit cases in another, just as organized as him.
When Hanbin gets to his backpack, his finger run over the smooth covered fabric. Just for a couple weeks, he needs the wonderful state of New York to keep it together. Or at least part take in crimes the police can handle quickly and efficiently without his help. But who is he kidding, it’s New York!
He thinks to himself for a moment. Just how bad would living a normal life be. Sure, he loves being able to help people with the gift he’s been given, his parents would be proud of him to see how far he’s come, but he can’t help but wonder how different life would be if he wasn’t anything at all. Just Hanbin. No secret identity or catch.
“Hey, everything good?” The voice startles him but thankfully, he shoves the suit deeper into his bag, throwing it to the side.
“Of course, was just a little brunt out today. Really needed that sleep,” he answers.
Hao shuffles around the room, presumably preparing to end the night to get ready for tomorrow’s activities. “Well I’m glad you made it still, what would I do without my other half?”
Hanbin knows he’s joking, as they’ve only gotten over their long lasting rivalry just last year but something in him still aches. “I would never bail like that, who do you take me for?”
They face each other for the second time tonight, “Well I don’t know, maybe I’ll find out more soon, read you like a book,” he hangs on to that statement because that could go two ways: finding out who he really is or finding out his true feelings. He pushes it back as far as it can go.
“But for now, I’ll spare you. Goodnight hanbin, that is If you’re already changed and sleep by the time I come back,” he flashes a glamours smile before walking out to the bathrooms, leaving him alone again.
The pace at which his heart races is far from normal and that boy is the only one who has made him feel this way. Not fighting off bad guys in his free time or swinging in the cold brisk air from building to building. Only the Chinese exchange student with burgundy hair, has him wrapped around his finger like a web.
If he’s going to be on his best behavior, then he needs to completely recharge. Meaning that the longer he stays awake contemplating life and love, the less he’ll actually have time to rejuvenate in the morning. This years camp was going to be just fine. Nothing to worry about or ponder on for too long. He just needs to enjoy the moment and be the best dang counselor he’s always been.
However, He’s about to finish brushing out his hair when the gods watching over decides to send the devil in the form of Kim gyuvin. His phone chimes with a news article.
NEW! Friendly-neighborhood super hero caught being not so friendly?
‘Dude look at this’
He mentally face palms himself. It’s an old video that shows him using a chair to completely beat up a young looking boy.
‘I don’t know why they insist on doing this
It was months ago!’
And it was! Plus, they don’t even bother revealing the part where it was a criminal dressed as a little kid with thousands of dollars. Most of the media tends to be on his side but others like this account’s only purpose is to tear his whole branding down.
“Jealousy” Gunwook would call it.
And maybe it is, but this is the 3rd time this week that something has come up again. Hanbin thinks it might be because of recent events but still, all of this not only puts him in a bad light, but will now be a guaranteed conversation tomorrow during breakfast.
‘Hey don’t even worry about it man, I bet this will all blow over sooner or later’ gunwook sends and while Hanbin wants to believe his friend, there’s little hope.
‘ Yeah I doubt that’ he sends back.
‘ Look, just sleep on it for now. You’ve got many fans that would do anything for you
It’s all good’
Famous last words spoken (more like texted) by none other than Kim gyuvin himself.
When the morning does hit, he promptly introduces himself to his group of kids, trying to conceal any leftover pain in his side. All is calm and smooth running, just how camp is normally. Nothing a thing out of place as he leads the group to breakfast.
Him and Hao sit across from each other, some consolers and kids alike take up surrounding spaces. The sun’s out and the birds chirp their morning tone. Peace and scenery relaxes his soul as he lets the hot tofu soup seep down his throat.
He peers over to Hao, engaging in a conversation with a little girl. The sun hits his wine hair perfectly, his eyes big and bright like always. It’s moments like this that make his heart swell with happiness; the boy so warming and welcoming to anyone and everyone, no matter the circumstances.
“Hey counselor Hao, do you like my new jacket? It’s so cool!” A boy, Ollie, asks with excitement.
“No,” he gets back.
Well, welcoming for the most part. See the thing about Hao is, he hates Spider-man.
And while there’s nothing wrong with disagreeing with the general public’s acceptance, it doesn’t make Hanbin feel all too great considering the obvious.
The crowd of adolescents around him gasp, finally drawing his attention away from his food. He peeps over his ruby bangs, “what?”.
“But why not! He’s so cool,” another boy exclaims as he demonstrates faux webs shooting. Hanbin smiles.
“Yeah Hao, he’s so cool,” Gyuvin stresses as well, smirking in the others direction.
All eyes shifts to his, even Hanbin’s because as much as it hurts a little, he’s been just as curious. His whole brand is to help the overall population of New York and he likes so think that he’s been doing that. Heck he hopes he’s been doing that if it’s going to leave a wound everytime.
He tries to recall any insistences where he’s been out of line. Obviously, there are ones that the internet likes to chop and strew for whatever reason but overall he can’t think of any. Matter of fact, last month, he helped the police track down a drug ring. Then, he rescued a near death incident at the city fair. Just last week he tracked down a burglar fleeing a bank ambush; even with tripping over someone, he still managed to keep his following.
Wait.
“Last week he ran into me on the sidewalk and I ended up tripping in front of everyone and knocking down an old lady’s candy stand. He didn’t even apologize or help either!”
“That was you!?” Hanbin’s eyes widen as his voice gains the attention of them all.
His palms are placed forcefully on the table and he almost doesn’t catch himself until Gunwook elbows him in the side, his hurt side. He lets out a very prompted squeak.
“I mean, I saw that on my way home. Was gonna help but was in a rush” he nervously chuckles as the attention adverts away from his panic being.
Okay so that was one thing! Surly the good out weights the bad. Right?
“Plus, all of his “battles” leave messes in the streets and parks. There’s so much damage that we have to make up for,” Hao continues to go on and on, heavily providing evidence for each claim.
Finally, he comes to an end, “and just last night, I saw that he wailed on a little boy,” he adds to. The audience gasps again.
“That video was clipped! Spider man would never!” Gunwook beats him to it, defending the video he was prompted last night.
He shrugs it off, eating more food once the commotion settles, listening to everyone refute his claims like lawyers.
“Yeah counselor Gunwook is right! Spider Man would never, he’s just trying his best” Hanbin has to thank the spirits for the younger generation. If anyone has his back, it’s them. Could make a grown man cry.
“Yeah! And who knows if spider man is really a man? He could be some poor teenage boy or college student…struggling… in school,” gyuvin starts to defend but only then realizes his mistake.
Before they can go any further into this conversation, the activity bell sounds through the air.
The bunch throw away their trash, following their leaders out to the center of the fire pit again for their first set of fun. Winter explains first.
“Alright, after a very interesting debate this morning, we finally get to begin camp!” Cheers and hollers engulf the environment, echoing off the trees.
“You’re going to be following your leaders on a round of games and task for 2 hours, then you’ll have lunch once the bells ring again. Afterwards you’ll be given the rest of the day to explore and have fun with friends!” The short haired girl lists out the plan with full enthusiasm and energy, making it easy for the kids to engage.
Hanbin watches over the faces of them light up like light bulbs, gleaming with anticipation. His heart swells as memories come crashing in. The first time he came to this camp, he was just their age, maybe slightly younger, but just as pumped. He was away from his nagging family, didn’t have to worry about homework or school and got to spend uninterrupted time with his two best friends.
He loved being social and working with other kids so it was truly time to enjoy and be himself; the times where things and life were easier. No rush about college, no deadlines to meet, no adulting just, time. Time to be a kid.
The first activity is archery in the fields. Hanbin takes his groups to the near side, each with proper gear and equipment. The sun beats down on them in the summer but the energy is still high. It’s fun and the kids enjoy themselves firing at wooden targets.
“Hey Hanbin! It’s so hot today, do you think we can do something inside next?” A young boy comes up to him, panting and sweating heavily. Hanbin frowns but quickly comes up with a solution.
“I don’t think any areas are open right now but how about we save the paintball fight for another day and take a dip in the lake, yeah?” The second the idea leaves his head and mouth, cheers erupt. He smiles.
Next, they head to the lake for a swim to cool off. The day is going fine and as they move through the trail, they see Hao’s group already occupying the space. It takes the wind out of him once he sees the very sight of a special someone.
He lays of his back, hair wet and dripping as he demonstrates a dead man float to one of the kids. The light shines in all the right places, the water drops glistening with each move. The way his shirt outlines his figure is making his brain short circuit and it takes every atom in his being to tear his eyes away.
“Hey, mind if we join?” he musters up once awaiting eyes fall to him. He watches as Hao peeks up at him, turning vertical.
With water running down his face, oh so gracious, he grins, “Actually it’s all yours, we should probably head to our next destination,” he says climbing out of the lake.
Hanbin tries to not let his face drop too dramatically but it does falters some, he’s only human after all.
“Oh, well thanks, see you around,” Hanbin whispers out as they pass by. Once fully out of sight, he hears a group of girls talking about how handsome counselor Hao is while swimming. Mostly likely one of the only times he will relate to the young middle school girls.
They wastes no time getting comfortable with the water however; playing games and with Hanbin approval, using the swing rope.
In a blink of time, he pulls them out to dry before the lunch bell rings. Once it does, the teams all gather just like breakfast.
“Counselor Hao, do you have a girlfriend?” One of Hanbin’s kids asks him.
The whole table halts as if asking Hao questions was a museum project. Constantly being worked on to the point where even he is taken aback.
“No, I do not,” he answers calmly after regaining control.
“A boyfriend then?” Another one asks.
He just so ever glances in Hanbin’s direction; if it was anyone else, they probably would have missed it. But it wasn’t anyone else, it was Hanbin who caught it.
“No, no boyfriend either,”
“But why are you single, you’re literally such a catch,” she retaliates.
“I don’t know, I’m not as forward as you guys think so, they would have to approach me first. Either way, I don’t think I should be telling or talking about this with you guys,” he chuckles at the thought of a bunch of middle schoolers knowing his dating background.
“Well what about you counselor Hanbin, do you have a girlfriend?” The same kid asks and he’s even more taken aback. He has their attention now and it’s in possibly one of the worse ways to have it.
“Or boyfriend yujin, you can’t just assume,” a girl, kyujin, tacks on with a scowl.
“Uhh I may or may not have my eye on someone but Hao’s right! We can’t spill our information to a bunch of 12 year olds!” He stabs his fork in the Mac and cheese a little too hard. He feels a blush creep up, face and ears growing hotter by the second.
He doesn’t watch for the others reaction to the obvious hint but thankfully it doesn’t matter anymore. It’s not like he wanted to confess that instant anyways.
The bells ring right after, successfully ending the interrogation. It’s the kids free time now, letting them roam and explore on their own accord.
The sun just barely lowers, giving mercy to them all. The staff stay back to help clean up, collecting plates and cups to the kitchen.
“So, someone catches your eye, Mr. Sung? ” Taerae, a loud, cheerful boy says, filling the otherwise quiet space.
Hanbin perks up at him, processing the careful smirk he wears, with his dimples on full display. He knows something Hanbin doesn’t and it for sure doesn’t make it easier to read since he’s both friends with his crush and best friend.
“Yes, maybe a tad,” Hanbin wishes it was just a tad.
“Well I have to ask, is it someone from school? Or perhaps, someone here?” More ears track their conversation now and God, it’s like no one can have a little discretion here!
He can’t think of a quick enough way to face the question without completely outing himself so instead he opts for a sheer…
“Ah taerae, wouldn’t Gunwook find it a little strange that you’re so focused on someone’s else love life? Or are you dropping hints here..” Gasps are sounded from peer shock. Taerae’s mouth gets even bigger in defeat as he tunes back to sweeping the ground.
“Dude! What the hell?” Gunwook says in pure betrayal.
Does he feel bad for throwing his friend under the bus, a little, but he was handed a game that was either play or be played.
So, he shrugs with a light hearted laugh, satisfied with his doing. In the corner of his eye however, he can see the amusement it has brought to a certain someone as well. So maybe he can’t be too hard on taerae next time if it means he gets to make Hao happy.
Some more hours past before the kids start rallying back in for dinner and heading to bed, a long, eventful day down and only more to come. Hanbin uses this time to just grab a quick snack to take back to the lodge, getting a feeling that he shouldn’t eat so heavy tonight.
The moon takes over for the night, letting the fiery star and heat retire to bed. The day’s been filled with fun and excitement, everyone getting into the flow of camp life and settling into the area. Hanbin plots onto his bed alone, the room is dimly lit and he breathes out a deep breath. The water from today’s swimming ached his muscles just a tad but he was finally comfortable.
He was happy sleep was going to come easy tonight, preparing him for the next day to be bright and awake for whatever takes place. It might also give him some beauty sleep for a special someone if the chances allow him that courtesy.
He takes a generous bite out of his fruit bar as he pulls out his phone. The light illuminates the room some more as he mindlessly scrolls through his socials. A cat video here, and dance challenge there and then… the news.
His eyes widened as the short clip loops and loops. A strange person trying to break into the city vault, destroying everything in range. He jumps up quickly, just as a text header falls.
‘ Bro, you’re not gonna like what I’m about to say but’
Of course, Gunwook sends him the exact same video. At this point, Hanbin can’t help but believe that boys got powers of his own.
He clicks on the video again just to make sure he was seeing correctly. The timestamp in the corner read a loud 10 mins ago right in front of his face. It’s around 10 pm and unfortunately, the gods don’t think he deserves sleep.
‘ I’m on it!’ He quickly texts, shooting a web to grab his suit from his backpack. The tight material engulfs his figure in seconds as he grabs his mask and phone.
‘ Hey cover for me if anything happens! ’ He adds before placing his phone in a closed off compartment. As much as it saddens him, he’s glad Hao isn’t in sight and the camp grounds are currently clear. Sneaking through the exit, he then swigs on the nearest building to gain momentum and rang.
Sirens start to sound, street lights busy with a mix of gold, blue and red bouncing off each other. The night sky fades with smoke, a small fire breaking out of a flipped car. Hanbin doesn’t realize the severity of the situation until he smells it, swinging closer and closer to the scene.
By the time he reaches it, the fog is heavy and laced with screams of panic. He lands on a truck, panting and assessing the grounds. The police are yelling unfulfilled orders and parents and kids hide under abandoned vehicles.
“Hey look! It’s Spider-Man!” One says, gaining the attention of everyone. Including the criminal.
With a burning glaze, the man speaks,” So it is.”
Hanbin wobbles on his feet, his deep and taunting voice irks him. There is too much that needs to be done, too much action to take but it almost feels like he can’t move.
The man’s glaze gets stronger and it holds Hanbin in place, making him realize that he actually can't move . “Who-who are you?” He wishes it came out louder but he’s putting too much energy into activating his webs.
He’s never felt something like this. What was it? A mind thing? Is it some form of Medusa power? He has so many questions, things to do but the one thing he’s wondering the most is why the police stopped helping!
“Oh me? You need not to worry about that. What I need from you is that ring,” the man speaks again but he can’t recognize that voice or what he’s talking about. He raises his arm to control another car and throw it into the government building once more.
Hanbin still struggles but finally, he gets his fingers to wiggle. “What ring! I don’t know what you’re talking about!” He shouts but the man only smirks.
He tries to trace his memory for any secrecy that he might’ve disclosed a long time ago but to no avail. More things keep getting distorted and destroyed the more he stays in this grip and it’s tearing him apart. This feeling has never happened before and it’s like the longer Hanbin is locked, the longer he questions himself.
He’s only ever dealt with smaller, mediocre crimes that usually end in an hour or less. This being his first time getting so over powered and there’s no one to help him. How could this be? What was so different now that he wasn’t performing as well? He thinks to himself.
“Hey mister! Over here!” Just as the creature faces him, a little voice declares attention, flinging a disregarded piece of debris.
Hanbin smiles as the affected man loses eye contact, officially allowing him to move. He wastes no time, shooting a web in the opposite direction, grabbing at a wall as his other wrist maneuvers to shoot webs at the man’s eyes.
He continues to circle around him, going from his eyes to his arms to his legs; carefully crafting a mummy shell.
“Hey man, I don’t know who you are or what ring you’re talking about but I can assure there’s nothing to look for around here!” He walks up to the man, now squirming on the wet pavement.
Cops finally decide to help as they began to lift him away. As they do, however, he gets a good look at his suit and surroundings. Dark blue and black clothing with snake like lining runs down his cloak. The webs he used to cover his eyes were slightly tainted, like they had been burned.
Just as he notices this, he looks around too. Almost everything he touched was on fire or melted away to rubber. It was like a venom poisoned the city, certain spots more than others. Hanbin helps the remaining people evacuate as he thinks on this.
Melting cars, ignited buildings and dark snake like designs. Realization hits.
He had only been joking when he thought of him having Medusa - est powers but now it really does seem like it. Every time he was setting something on fire, he was throwing venom. The hold he had on Hanbin was through eye contact. Whoever this mysterious creature was, he knew he was powerful.
But not only is he powerful, he’s also after spider man.
After him .