Chapter 10
The bustling streets of New York swallowed Marinette and Chloe, leaving them disoriented and desperate. Lila and Alya had orchestrated their abandonment, and now the two friends were lost in a sea of strangers. Panic gnawed at their insides as the minutes ticked away—the Manhattan Museum, their destination, remained elusive.
Just when despair threatened to consume them, a friendly voice cut through the chaos. They turned, and there he was: a boy with tousled brown hair, glasses perched on his nose, and a backpack slung over one shoulder. His warm smile eased their tension.
"Hey, are you guys okay?" he asked, concern etching his features.
Marinette's heart skipped a beat. He was cute—more than cute, really. And that accent! She steadied herself and introduced them. "I'm Marinette, and this is Chloe. We're from Paris, desperately seeking the Manhattan Museum. Any chance you know the way?"
His grin widened. "Certainly! I'm Peter—Peter Parker. Photographer for the Daily Bugle."
Relief washed over Marinette. "Thank you. That would be incredibly kind."
As they walked, Peter pointed out landmarks, sharing tidbits about the city. His camera hung from his neck, capturing fleeting moments. Marinette found herself drawn to him—the way he spoke, the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed. And that scar on his cheek? It only added to his charm.
"So, Spider-Man," Marinette said, recalling his earlier mention. "He's the new superhero in town?"
Peter nodded. "Yeah, swings around, saves the day. You know, the usual."
Chloe, ever the observer, chimed in. "And what's your take on Spider-Man?"
Peter shrugged. "He's got guts. Risky gig, but someone's gotta do it."
Marinette's stomach fluttered. "And what about you, Peter? What's your story?"
He hesitated, then grinned. "Well, I'm just a guy trying to make a difference. Photography pays the bills, but Spider-Man? He's the real hero."
As they reached the museum, Marinette felt a connection—a shared secret. Peter had rescued them, not with webs but with kindness. His touch lingered on her arm, and she wondered if this was fate.
Chloe, meanwhile, was busy texting their friends. Her phone buzzed with excitement, and Marinette peeked. "What's Alix saying?"
Chloe smirked. "Oh, just fangirling about our little Maribug getting a boyfriend."
Marinette blushed, glancing at Peter. Maybe New York wasn't so bad after all. And perhaps, just perhaps, this chance encounter was the beginning of something extraordinary.