In the auditorium, Peter checked the entrance again.
Still nothing.
Flash was already starting to laugh.
"Parker, did your friend get lost? Does Spider-Man get stuck in traffic too?"
Peter bit the bullet. "He'll come."
Mary Jane came over, her tone gentle.
"Peter, it's okay. It doesn't matter if he can't make it."
Peter immediately said, "No, he'll definitely come. I mean, he probably just got held up. He's Spider-Man. He's busy. New York really needs him."
Flash said, "Sounds like something you just made up."
Harry Osborn lowered his voice. "Flash."
Flash spread his hands.
"I'm just telling the truth. Parker's always like this, going on about knowing this person and that person, but in the end-"
A tremendous crash cut him off.
Every window in the auditorium shook.
The music stopped.
Someone screamed.
His Spider-Sense went off, and Peter whipped his head around to look out the window.
In the distant night sky, a burst of blue-white light also erupted, illuminating the edges of several buildings.
Peter's expression changed.
"Oh no."
Gwen Stacy looked at him.
"Peter?"
Peter set down his cup of juice, trying to make the movement look natural.
"My stomach suddenly kind of hurts."
Harry Osborn said, "Now?"
"Very suddenly." Peter nodded. "I'm going to the restroom."
Flash burst out laughing.
"Seriously, Parker? Going to hide in the bathroom now that your lie's been exposed?"
Peter was already heading out.
"Yep, I'm the kind of guy who respects his bladder's signals at crucial moments."
Gwen Stacy reacted quickly and immediately chimed in.
"He's always been like this. He's had trouble since freshman year."
Harry Osborn nodded.
"Yeah, it's a chronic problem."
Peter stumbled, nearly turning around to protest.
Are you two helping me or destroying my high school image?
Mary Jane watched him worriedly.
"Do