Chapter Text
Chomping on his bread, Mark walks to class with Jeno, who talks about his latest ideas for his research proposal which is probably freaking them both out as it is. Mark hasn’t even started thinking about his own research assignment yet.
“I think I should just do Artificial Intelligence and base my study research on the stupidity of people enforcing that it could take over the world. Which is probably most likely false.”
Mark just sighs as he shoves the rest of his bread into his mouth. He barely even knows why he’s in a doctorate program for god sake while also battling crimes every other day and studying his mind off sleeplessly. It won’t end well for him. “Dude, you never know. There’s research that it’s most likely true. Maybe you should ask Jaemin if you can do research on his AI robotic inventions.”
Jeno makes a face as they finally made it to class and sat down at their seats. “No way. I'm kinda done with what he has to do regarding all of that.”
The thing is, they’re both science tech geeks doing their Ph.D on computer engineering and they used to be part of a team called the Dream Experts which gained significant popularity by developing one of the best machine software in technology during undergrad. But, their friend, Chenle had accidentally done illegal pirating of a software that wasn’t his and it caused him jail time before he could even graduate. And that’s where things fell down the hole and everyone decided to split up. They weren’t criminals, they were just nerds that really didn’t know what they were doing.
“Don’t tell me you’re still afraid of Jaemin. You fell in love with the dude.”
Jeno groans as he covers his face. Jeno has a semi-full time job working as a programmer for a startup that his ex-boyfriend Jaemin built so they see each other like all the time.
“I’m not afraid of Jaemin but when you’ve dated a guy who spent his youth obsessing over computer games to a fucking genius in technology who created a walking humanoid AI version of you so that he can challenge the fact that he can create multiple human versions of you without your knowledge. Plus Jaemin uses multiple AI voice languages to tell me he loves me. He doesn’t love me. He’s obsessed with his work.”
Mark looks up at their professor and massages Jeno’s shoulder without saying anything. Because he knows that Jaemin can be more than what anyone can handle, but that doesn’t mean Jaemin’s a bad person.
Once class was over, Mark grabs his bag and dips to his part time job, to which he works at a small restaurant because he doesn’t have time to really work a nice paying job because he’s fucking a superhero who swings on webs and lands criminals in jail during the time he has spare. And also maybe the real reason he can’t commit to a full time job is due to him having a mid-life crisis figuring out his life because he is a 21st century superhero heading nowhere in life, except possibly death.
“Oh by the way, my cousin is visiting for a while. He’s gonna crash at my place so just be cautious when you come over.”
Turning around, Mark arches his face. “Cousin? Which one? Taeyong?”
Jeno shakes his head. “The one who lives in Paris. Remember? He’s the same age as me. You don’t remember him? He had the biggest crush on you back then.”
Mark nods but he doesn’t remember anything about a cousin in Paris and he has known Jeno since they were kids. He can’t even recall what he had for dinner last night. He must be getting old. “Nope. I don’t remember. But see ya later man.”
Today wasn’t a good day at the restaurant and Queens is just a place for crimes that happen way too often. There was a robbery that happened just as it was closing time for his restaurant. His manager told everyone to evacuate the restaurant as Mark slipped into the restroom and changed into his spiderman fit in the bathroom without anyone seeing. When the robbers saw him approaching from the back, they quickly escaped the restaurant.
“Hey! Where do you think you’re going with all that amount of cash?”
“Oh fuck off spiderman! You’ll never catch us!” They kept running away, even throwing a trash can at him. They turned quickly on a corner and even pushed and injured a passerby who was in their way.
Mark internally cursed as he quickly stopped running to check on the person who fell down. The robbers were already too far away now. “Are you okay?” He asked, helping the man so that he stands upright, checking if he has any major injuries.
“I’m alright. Just those fucking bastards should watch where they’re going!” The man said, pissed and a bit shaken but the man finally looked up at him, gasping. “Oh, you’re spiderman. You really do exist.” The guy had brunette brown hair and his eyes were wide and bright, soft cheeks that had freckles. He was also wearing a red scarf with a hat and he smelled like fresh jasmine flowers to which Mark couldn’t really grasp, it was almost too strong but it wasn’t the scent that caught him off guard, it was the eyes.
Mark somehow thought he’s seen those eyes before, but he doesn’t remember where but Mark thinks he’s probably the prettiest guy he’s ever seen in his entire life. There’s a slight accent with his English and he can’t tell what his native language would be because he looks Korean, but he was definitely not a Korean native nor an American native speaker. He notices droplets of blood on the ground and quickly pulls up the man’s sleeves without thinking. He must have been cut in the arm. “Yeah, I exist and you’re bleeding. Here, come with me.”
He takes him to the nearest convenience store, buys some medicine and patches his arm up. When he’s done, he looks him in the eye and he can’t help but notice that his eyes never looked away from him. “Here, you’re all patched up. And I’m sorry about you getting hurt. I should’ve been faster to stop them.”
The other man just stares at him before shaking his head and getting up. “You superheros think that you’ve got everything under control. This wasn’t your doing and you shouldn’t be sorry. I just happened to be in their way. You can’t be sorry for the things you didn’t do.”
“I didn’t hurt you but you got hurt because I wasn’t fast enough. That I feel bad about,” Mark says firmly.
The man just rolls his eyes. “Many superheroes think they're invincible, powerful, and that they can save as many people as they want. It doesn’t work like that. Spider-Man isn't invincible, you don't have any of those stronger superpowers that makes you think you won’t get hurt and die. I think you should worry about yourself.”
“I don’t have to be invincible. My job is to save people.” But boy, does Mark wish he was invincible, it would save so much trouble for him.
“Yes and that’s all you’ll ever want to do.”
Mark stares at him and suddenly it starts to rain outside. The other man starts out the door and before he knows what he’s doing, he follows him out. Something about him makes him want to protect him, maybe it was because he looked so fragile yet so bold.
“It’s raining. Let me take you home.”
“I can get home safely Spider-Man. Thank you for patching me up. Now let’s go our separate ways.”
Mark doesn’t even know what happened. They weren’t even arguing about anything, but the atmosphere has totally changed. He walks in front of him as the rain starts pouring. They were both getting wet. “Hey, where do you live? I want to make sure you’re getting home safely. It’s pretty dangerous in this part of the city.”
The other man just walks around him. “Don’t you have other crimes to bud your head into? Why don’t you go on your little way and swing on your webs and perhaps slip and fall to your death?”
Mark frowns inside his wet mask. “What is your problem? I haven’t done anything to you.”
“That's right you haven't done anything but I don’t like superheroes. You’re all the same.”
“But you don’t even know me!”
The man stops to look at him, hat, scarf, and outfit drenched in rainwater. “I don’t need to get to know you. You’re probably no one special behind that mask anyways. Just someone that wants save people and destroy villians. Hooray, you’re like every other Marvel hero.”
Before he knows it, someone comes running towards them, calling out something. He turns away and notices that it was Jeno, who was holding up an umbrella.
“Donghyuck!! There you are! We were supposed to meet up half an hour ago.” Jeno looked worried but then looked up at Mark, smiling. “Hey Spider-Man, thank you for taking care of my cousin. I hope he didn’t cause any trouble.” His smile faded before looking back at Donghyuck. “Why are you with Spiderman? You didn’t do anything bad did you?” Although he’s best friends with Jeno, Jeno still doesn’t know he’s a superhero.
Donghyuck looks at Jeno and shakes his head. “Some robbers injured me and he patched me up.” He finally looks back up at Mark, eyes still wary. “Thank you. You can leave now Spidy.”
He nods at them, thinking it’s really time for him to dip. “Alright then. I hope you both get home safely.” With that, he takes one last look at Donghyuck before he shoots up a web and swings up the building. When he looks back, he notices Donghyuck is still staring up at him. Now who exactly was Donghyuck?
A few days later was when Jeno invited him and their few friends to his apartment for a welcome dinner for his cousin. Mark rushes home after an explosion happened in Brooklyn, helping everyone get to safety, saving a female scientist who was almost left behind in the building and making sure everyone was okay before he left. His heart has been pounding all the way home. Not because of the adrenaline, it was something else and he couldn’t tell what it was.
He quickly showers and gets ready for dinner. Mark is the type of person who doesn’t care too much about how he looks. There are days when he shaves and there are other days he probably looks like he’s a homeless person living on the streets of Queens. But today, he wants to look a little put together. He looks at the mirror as he blowdries his long black hair, to which he only grew it out because Renjun liked this look on him the best. Today, he decides for a nice t-shirt vest with black pants, a braided ponytail that he learned how to do from Doyoung, Renjun’s half brother, who is currently abroad for work, and some Nike shoes he thrifted. He doesn’t really bake or cook but he makes a quick Korean Salad to bring over.
When he arrives, Renjun and Hendery were in the kitchen organizing all the food and setting up the table. He greets them as he puts his salad on the table. Renjun leans in and kisses his cheeks, before telling him that he really needs to shave again. They both dated for two years before Renjun dumped him because he was time inefficient and kept missing out on date nights. Renjun felt that they worked better as friends and although he was heartbroken, he felt like he couldn’t give his all to Renjun. He walks into the living room and sees everyone looking at the TV. All 3 of them. Yangyang, Xiaojun, and Jeno.
“Hey everyone, what’s going on?”
Yangyang looks at him and tells him to look at the TV. “Something just happened in Brooklyn. A big invention blew up the entire science administration headquarters and they are known for making one of the best technology research inventions ever made. Like how could an invention just go crazy like that?”
Mark sits down next to him. Seeing the building and the invention blow up in front of his eyes was something Mark thinks he can’t ever forget. The front door suddenly opens.
“Donghyuck, where did you go? We couldn’t get a hold of you.” Renjun says, feet shuffling to the doorway. Mark instantly gets up and so does everyone else. Yangyang quickly turns off the TV.
“I just got lost on the way back from shopping. Anyways, I brought some Soju.”
They make their way into the kitchen and Jeno pats his cousin’s shoulder. “Donghyuck, next time you go out, take one of us with you. You don’t know the area really well. Crime rates are high in this part of New York.”
Donghyuck just rolls his eyes, looking at Jeno. “I can find my way around here just fine. I think it’s fun exploring by myself for a bit and look, I’m perfectly fine.”
Jeno just sighs before glancing at Mark, motioning him to come closer. Mark walks closer and he can smell that same fresh hint of jasmine flowers and something very close to warm summer days and it makes Mark almost trip. “Donghyuck, this is Mark by the way. I’m sure you remember him. And Mark, this is Donghyuck, my cousin who lives in Paris.”
They both look at each other and Donghyuck just smiles, bright eyes and warm cheeks, recognizing him. “Hi Mark. I heard so much about you from Jeno and you do look really different from when you were younger.”
“How so?”
Donghyuck just shrugs, eyes travelling to his arm tattoo that was indeed very present. “Your hair grew longer.”
Mark smiles at him, teeth showing. He didn’t see it before but as he looks at him longer, he recognizes those flushed cheeks, those soft brown freckles that always stood out the most and his shy smile. Childhood memories start flooding in. He doesn't remember too much, but Donghyuck was most likely that bright eyed cousin who would come to visit Jeno for two summers in 1st and 2nd grade. After that, Donghyuck never came back. He never thought much of it because he rarely saw him instead for those times when Jeno invited Donghyuck to tag along to the parks with their family. Donghyuck was a shy kid and always had red cheeks whenever they made eye contact or when they were in close proximity, but they never really talked at all. He never really thought much about him all these years.
They all eventually sat down and had dinner. Xiaojun and Yangyang were talking about their grad programs and their jobs, and anything that seemed relevant at that moment. Jeno turned over and asked Donghyuck to talk about his school life, it was when Mark started paying actual attention.
“I dropped out actually. Was doing my Ph.D at University of Paris and then I decided it’s not for me so I left school. Mom and Dad weren’t too happy when they literally spent all their money for me to get an education in France since I was little. They’re expecting me to get my doctorate. I was never supposed to leave Paris but here I am. I just needed to escape Paris for a bit.”
“How long are you here for?” Renjun asked, sipping on his water.
Donghyuck shrugged. “About a month or two, I think. I can’t live under Jeno’s roof forever.”
“We’ll show you around New York,” Xiaojun said, grinning. “Although I was only here for undergrad, I loved it here so much I decided to stay for grad school. Renjun and I can show you around the popular areas that don’t have too much crime there.”
Donghyuck smiled and wiped his mouth. “Sounds wonderful.” He quickly glanced at Mark. “So Mark, how is it like living in the Queens of New York?”
Mark puts down his fork gently. “You know, it gets crazy, like really weird here,” He said, his eyes gradually focusing on the freckles on his cheeks. “Kinda dangerous everywhere, but overall, it's not too bad. You just have to be self-aware.”
“Oh and Spiderman is really amazing here. He’s done so much for the city and he even saved me from a falling building once and I think I’m still in love with him,” Yangyang said, dreamily. “You’ll definitely come across him because he’s sorta everywhere.”
Rejun just rolled his eyes and glanced at Mark, making a face. Mark just smiles but didn’t say anything as he ate his food. They were all planning on drinking tonight as Jeno brought some soju over to the table but suddenly there was a knock on the door. Mark quickly got up and opened it, seeing Jaemin standing there and he was a mess.
“Jaemin. What happened?”
Jaemin barged inside. “Guys, I have bad news.”
“What do you mean?” Renjun asked, getting up.
“There’s something going on in the database systems. I mean as of recently, like probably two days ago. The government thinks someone is hacking and stealing information that is used for advanced technology in all computer systems. It controls all of the AI systems in all of New York and probably the world.”
“Huh? How is that even possible?” Hendery asked.
Jaemin suddenly turns on the TV so that they can all hear about the news. “I’m one of most known machine AI programmers in New York and I know it’s not one of you tech geeks since you all seem clueless about this matter, and Jisung can’t possibly know either because he’s at MIT teaching aerospace engineering to students. So I don’t know who it could be.” The TV talks about the recent news on databases being corrupted and hacked, it makes Mark feel uneasy he has to sit down.
“Oh boy,” Mark says. “I have never heard of this happening before.” Out of the corner of his eyes, he sees Donghyuck open the window and they could hear loud noises on the streets. Donghyuck glances back at him for a second, eyes soft yet so hidden.
Later that night, Mark couldn’t get any sleep.
It was a Friday morning and Mark was on his way to class but decided to quickly stop at a coffee shop to get a drink. Before he knows it, he bumps into someone and causes the coffee to spill all over the other guy. The guy curses in French and Mark quickly realises it’s Donghyuck. Mark knows his spidy senses must have not been working because it seemed as if Donghyuck came out of nowhere.
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry,” he apologises. Donghyuck’s white shirt was covered in coffee stains and Mark thanked the Gods that it was ice coffee instead of hot coffee. Mark runs in to grab some napkins before rushing back to Donghyuck. He makes him sit down on the outside chairs before he helps him wipe all the coffee that was spilled on him.
“Just please watch where you’re going next time, Mark.”
Mark just nods as he throws away the napkins. “Are you okay? Once again, I apologise. I didn’t see you.”
Donghyuck just looks at him and sighs. “It’s okay. I don’t drink coffee anyways. It was for Jeno. He wanted some coffee so I wanted to bring him some before his class starts.”
Mark nods as he looks at his outfit. It does seem as if Donghyuck roughly got dressed without really wanting to go out. He takes in his bed hair, his soft cheeks and eyes. He’s attracted to him because it's not hard to notice his beauty. But there was also something else that drew him in. “Are you really gonna be here for two months?”
Donghyuck nods. “Yeah, once I get my life together. I needed a break and I think this would be a great time to visit New York and reconcile with Jeno. We haven’t seen each other since we were kids after our parents had a falling out.”
Mark nods at him, still standing over him. “I see. I do hope you enjoy your time here. Maybe we can get to know each more, perhaps get dinner sometime when you’re free?” He asked, without really thinking.
Donghyuck suddenly shoots up and it causes them to bump their heads together. “Oh sorry.” Donghyuck rubs his head smoothingly. “Sorry, I was just surprised. But what did you ask?”
Mark just smiles at him sincerely as he reaches for his hand that was rubbing his head and he looks down at bruises on Donghyuck’s knuckles. He would like to know where he got those from. “Do you want to get dinner sometime?”
Donghyuck’s cheeks turn red but he keeps staring at him, confused but also amused. “Are you interested in me like that? We barely know each other!”
Mark laughs but nods anyway because yes he is interested, also curious, but something about Donghyuck makes him want to know more about him. And yes, perhaps he wants to do other things with him too. Maybe just maybe. He hasn’t thought that far yet.
Donghyuck looks actually startled for a moment. He looks up at him for a long time, opening his mouth, but suddenly Mark noticed someone running towards them, so he was quick to grab Donghyuck and move them out of the way, causing them to trip. Mark was quick to catch him before they could hit the floor. Donghyuck grabbed onto his shoulders but then a moment later there was a gunshot.
Donghyuck’s eyes were wide and Mark’s brain activated and his body turned to look inside the cafe from the glass window. The person was pointing a gun at the cashier. Mark knew he had to do something and his suit was under his clothes and he could change quickly but suddenly Donghyuck’s breathing changed.
“Mark. The gun.”
“I know. Just keep calm. It’s gonna be fine.”
Donghyuck shook his head and when the window shattered, Mark pushed Donghyuck down the floor, covering his body while holding his head so that he doesn’t get hurt. Mark looks up and saw that the bullet had landed on the concrete far from them. Mark helped Donghyuck stand up.
“Call the police for me, okay? I’ll check what’s going on in the cafe.” Donghyuck just nods his head, shakily grabbing his phone that landed on the floor.
“Be safe.”
Mark turns away and opens the door to very loud yelling.
“You fucked with my girlfriend! I know it’s you! Stop lying.”
“Man, what are you talking about! I don’t even know who you are!”
“You know exactly who I am! You slept with her and now you’re gonna die!”
Everyone was quiet in the cafe, scared even. Mark just sighs and before he knew it, he moved and quickly kicked the gun out of the man’s hand and caught it in his hands.
“Hey man. You can’t be out here shooting people. Regardless if they slept with your girlfriend or whatever.”
“Who the fuck do you think you are?!” The man yells.
Mark just shrugged. “I did 10 years of taekwondo in addition to watching many kung fu movies. If you can beat me, you can have this back.”
“Ohh you think you’re spiderman or something? Did he teach you those moves? Get out of my face you dumbfuck!”
Mark shook his head and before he knew it, the other guy was coming at him. He kicked him in the shin and he fell to the floor pretty quickly. He also twisted his arm behind his back so that the guy will feel enough pain for awhile before he can get up. He handed the gun over the cashier.
“Here you go. Sorry about this. The cops should be here any moment now.”
With that, he walked out the door and Donghyuck looked back him, confusion written all over his face.
“I saw that! You know how to fight?”
Mark just nodded sheepishly. “Someone had to do something and I know how to fight. A lot of people don’t.”
Donghyuck just blinked at him, still flabbergasted and before he could say anything, the cops arrived. Mark looked at his watch and he was already late for class.
“I’m late for class,” he said and when he looked up, Donghyuck was gone. He looked around but he couldn’t find him anywhere. “Where did he go?”
The next few days were even weirder because during his classes and doing his research proposal, many systems were getting hacked left and right, students and professors talking about stolen databases and it was just circulating everywhere online. He also hasn’t been sleeping well at all, fighting crimes day and night, working his part time job and hanging upside down on buildings and just feeing as if something big was gonna happen, that all of New York will one day come to ruins because he couldn’t save everyone, or that he will die trying to save people. Currently, there was chaos in the tech building of one of the top Universities of New York, multiple AI systems hacked and robots going out of control. The cops couldn’t do anything to stop the mess and Mark was freaking out as it is. He’s a fucking Ph.D student studying computer science, it shouldn’t freak it him but he’s a little bit unsure about everything.
“What is happening?” One of the comsci professors asks, jittery and so scared as he runs in the computer lab after seeing robots escape the building. “Those robots were hidden and only available to tech students for research. How did they escape? We’ve got to stop them.”
All the professors were in the building trying to stop the systems from going haywire, including him. There is someone out there taunting them and Mark really doesn’t know if he can stop them. “Who would do this?” He asks himself as he scrambles to look around and finally notices a ticking bomb under a desk. His heart almost stops. He quickly tells everyone to turn off all the systems. He’s used to just stopping easy criminals but this? This is something he’s never done before. Once the systems are shut off, he finally tells everyone to evacuate the building.
“Spiderman, we’ve got to stop whoever is doing this. You’ve gotta catch them and put them in jail. This is crazy. Our robots are out there running like crazy machines and we can’t stop it. They aren’t programmed like that.”
Mark looks out the window. “Let’s work together then. I need a group of people who can help me track him down. We’ll need a team of experts to create a system that will block anyone’s access to our data systems. Now leave the building! It’s going to blow up.” And with that, he pushes everyone out down the stairs and then out the door of the building. He notices the robots losing control just as he sees Jeno and Jaemin running towards the robots.
“The robots are insane!” Jaemin yells as he grabs and knocks one over, looking at the systems. He quickly hard punches the machine inside the robots until all the systems go blank and the robot falls down. Mark looks at him and Jaemin smiles at him.
“Spiderman! Great seeing you here! I knew you needed some help. I’ve got it covered.”
Mark just nods. Thank god Jaemin was here. “Be careful.” Mark also starts punching the robots right at the wired systems until they go blank. When all the robots fell down, he sees Donghyuck and Renjun running towards them, asking if everyone was alright.
“I think it's going to explode,” Jaemin says, grabbing onto Jeno and his friends. “We have to run!”
Donghyuck looks back at the building for a moment before everything starts blowing up. It was as if he could predict the exact moment it blows up. Mark rushes everyone out of the way, pushing passerbys and students away from the building and robots. When he’s got everyone far away, he looks around, making sure his friends are safe. He notices that Donghyuck was nowhere to be found.
He looks back and Donghyuck had tripped on the ground, a big bruise on his cheeks. His heart pounds and he quickly runs back, careful not to slip on the ashes on the ground and quickly carries him out of the way. And that’s when the building finally falls down. He also falls to the ground with Donghyuck in his arms and shakes his head, and this time, there is a bigger fear that has existed within him.
They all got interviewed on TV by the News people, who were asking them about their experience, with Jaemin saying that robots were machined to go out of control due to the AI technology that is wired in the robots going corrupted. The professors of the University also talked about gathering people to help look for this criminal so that none of this will happen again. They need a big force to stop whoever is out there hacking into their systems.
It started to pour rain the same time the News reporters arrived so everything got wet. A couple of students and kids wanted to take pictures with him, complimenting him on getting everyone to safety. Mark chatted with the cops some more, adding in any details they may need. He makes sure everyone is okay, checking in on Renjun and his friends and other passersby who were around. He finally looks over at Donghyuck, who was sitting down with a scratched face, drenched in rain just like everyone else, chatting quietly with Jeno. Mark sighs and slowly walks over to him and kneels down in front of him.
“Hey, are you okay?”
Donghyuck looks at him and nods, eyes watching him carefully. “Yeah. You didn’t have to save me, but thank you Spiderman.”
Mark just nods as he gets up. Donghyuck still doesn’t look away from him and when he finally shoots a web and jumps into the air, he can feel Donghyuck still looking at him. It’s as if Donghyuck never looks away.
The next day, there was a search everywhere for a mastermind criminal. It was talked about everywhere they went and Mark couldn’t stop thinking about it. He’s been looking, searching, and swinging his webs in every nook and cranny of New York when he has the time to spare. Jaemin has also partook in those meetings about keeping the systems safe and Spiderman was required to visit the meetings, but Mark really didn’t think anyone was really sure what to do.
Renjun noticed that he wasn’t getting much sleep and told him to visit his place for the night. So here he was, at his ex’s place, in the comfort of what he loves the most and who he loves the most. Everything about Renjun makes him feel better, maybe it was because Renjun knows him the best, knows all the burden he has on his shoulders.
“Just let me take care of you Mark. You’re not okay.”
Mark just stands there and drinks the concoction Renjun made for him that relieves headaches. It’s familiar being in Renjun’s presence. Comfortable and safe. “I’m just thinking a lot. It doesn’t stop.”
Renjun puts away his kitchenware and walks towards Mark. He sighs and quickly pulls Mark into a hug, rubbing his back. “We’ll find this criminal and it’ll be fine. The world will be fine again. You’ll be okay.” Out of everyone he knows and trusts, Renjun figured out he was Spiderman in the early stages of their dating life and Renjun never made it a big deal. In fact, Renjun helped him out as much as he could and Mark will forever be thankful and grateful for Renjun because having someone you can lean on was something he needed when he didn’t know he needed it. Although they’re not together, he doesn’t think he won’t ever stop appreciating him and loving him. How can he not love him when Renjun understands him so well? And he might not be in love with Renjun anymore, but he doesn’t think he can ever love anyone the way he loves Renjun.
“I’m wary of something,” he says as he walks out of Renjun’s kitchen and sits on the couch. “But I don’t know if my instincts are right.”
“There’s something you know don’t you?” Renjun arches his brow, sitting next to him and leaning his head into his neck. “Do tell me. I’d like to know too.”
Mark drinks the rest of his drink and kisses Renjun’s forehead. “I’m not too sure about anything right now. But I’m sure that I trust you with my life and I think that’s crazy sometimes. I love you, you know?”
Renjun smiles back into his neck. “I love you too. Always Mark.”
Mark takes a deep breath. “One day I’ll tell them, but not now. They have too much on their plates and if they know I’m spiderman, they would want to make sure I’m not putting myself in a position where I might lose my life.” Mark puts on his face mask and walks towards Renjun’s balcony.
Renjun stands next to him and takes his hand, holding him tightly as they stand there together. Renjun just stares at him before deciding to lift up the mask and kiss him on the lips, gently. He pulls back and places the mask down. “I don’t know what I’d do if you really die, Mark. I’m scared and worried about you all the time, but I know that you can take care of yourself. The main reason why we aren’t together anymore is because I know that you would choose to be Spiderman instead of Mark Lee. But I want you to do what makes you happy even if it hurts me.”
Mark nods, looking away. “Sometimes I wonder if what I’m doing is right for me.” And he quickly jumps off the balcony into thin air. He wonders around Queens for a bit, spoting any crimes but today seems to be a crimeless day. He makes it back to his own building, landing on the rooftop.
He notices someone else too and when he walks closer, he realises that it’s Donghyuck, in Jeno’s blue jacket and black hat, staring down at the streets. Sometimes he forgets that Jeno and him live in the same building. When Donghyuck looks over, he was startled.
“Spiderman?”
Mark waves at him. “Oh hey. I was just making sure everyone is safe. What are you doing up here?”
“I just wanted some fresh air,” Donghyuck says, looking back at him. “It’s true, you really are everywhere.”
“Well, I’m always around. There’s no getting rid of me.” Mark looks around and starts to swing away but Donghyuck quickly calls out for him.
“Wait, I wanted to say thank you again. For saving me when the building was gonna collapse on me. I thought I wouldn’t have made it.”
“No worries. It’s what I do. Is your cheek okay?” Mark reaches out to check his cheeks, not really sure why he did that without thinking. There was a bandage on it.
Donghyuck flushed red, turning away. “It’s fine. I’m okay. It was just a scratch.”
Mark takes his hand away and looks away awkwardly. “That’s good news. You should get back inside. It’s dangerous out here.”
Donghyuck just shrugs. “I’ll be fine. I may look weak, but I can take of myself.”
Mark just stares at him from under his mask. Donghyuck is rather soft and shy. And he turns red way too much and it just makes him curious.
“Hey, you’re not afraid of heights are you?”
Donghyuck shakes his head and before he knows it, Mark’s grabbing his waist and swinging him to the highest building he knows in New York, it’s also his favourite spot. Donghyuck clings onto his neck tightly, closing his eyes as they’re swinging around and he screams when they land. Donghyuck slowly opens his eyes as he lets go of his neck and looks around.
“Whoa. It’s really pretty up here,” he says in awe.
“I know. I always go here when I have too many thoughts in my head. Or to just enjoy the view.”
Donghyuck looks back at him, blissful and beautiful. He goes and sits down with his feet dangling down and looks at the streets. Mark joins him as they look around together.
“So what’s up with you hating superheros?” Mark asks.
Donghyuck frowns at that. “Because you all care about saving other people and not yourselves.”
“That’s what superheroes are supposed to do. We choose this path and it’s scary but it’s fulfilling for us. I love saving people because there’s so many people out there who needs saving. I want to be someone who makes a difference in someone’s life. Whether small or big.”
Donghyuck turns to look at him. “Then who is your superhero? Who is someone who saves you?”
Mark just sighs as he looks up at the dark starless sky. “It can be anyone.”
Donghyuck looks at him closely, as if he wants to know him too, as if he wants to understand him. “Is there anyone who knows who you are as a person and as Spiderman?”
Mark looks back at him, letting the cold wind swirl around them. It was getting colder as the night turns darker and his suit isn’t as warm as most people think it is. It also feels weird but comfortable talking to Donghyuck.
“In fact, yes. He’s my first love and he’s still in my life today. And I’m thankful for him.”
Turning away, Donghyuck starts swinging his legs back forth. “Do you think you can live knowing he’s captured or hurt? And that you’ll never see him again?”
Mark raises his brow. “I don’t think I can.”
Donghyuck looks back at him. “How can you date someone knowing that you’re going to endanger them? Doesn’t Spiderman have a lot of enemies?”
Mark looked down at the streets. “I always made it a priority to protect him no matter what I do. It was hard, but I think if you love someone, you’ll make it work.”
Donghyuck hums and bites his lips for the longest time, before shaking his head. “I think I disagree with that. Even if you love someone, you can try to make it work, but you can also hurt them through the process.” Donghyuck takes a deep breath. “Sometimes I don’t think love is real.”
“Why is that? Have you ever been in love?”
Donghyuck doesn’t say anything, not looking at him. “Yes, like how can you not love someone you’ve looked up to since you were kids? I met him when I was so young, he taught me so much about life, but he hurt me in ways I thought wasn’t possible.” Donghyuck finally looks back at him. “I’m not what anyone thinks I am. I'm just worried that one day I like someone else, they realize how fucked up I am and leave me.”
Mark stares at him and before he realises it, he’s moving closer. “There will be someone who will treat you right. You will find that someone.”
Donghyuck looks at him and nods. “I know. But I don’t think they exist.”
They sit a while longer until Donghyuck asks him about his first love and why they broke up.
Mark grips on the concrete of the wall they’re sitting on, thinking hard. “He’s the most amazing guy I’ve ever met. He’s selfless and so kind and thoughtful. I asked him out during college and we dated for awhile. I just couldn’t give him what he deserved because he deserves better than a guy who can’t give him his all. I’m out there chasing bad guys, saving people, getting bruises and injuries, flying up and down the buildings and people always wanting to get into my pants because I’m so hot when I save people I guess. He understood that this was my life, but at the same time, it feels like I was never really someone he could love that way. We ended up being close friends and I think I came to appreciate that as well.”
Donghyuck just smiles at him, eyes sparkling under the light. “Ohh spiderman is really telling me his whole tragic love story. But give or take, mine is worse. Thanks for telling me though. To a random guy you met while chasing some dickhead robbers on the streets.”
Mark smiles, although he knows Donghyuck can’t see it. “Anytime. It’s not like you’re gonna tell anyone right?”
Donghyuck just laughs. “Who would believe a Korean French speaking guy that the famous Spider-Man told me about their whole love life? Probably they would believe me.”
Mark laughs as well and they spend the night enjoying the view. Donghyuck was fun to talk to and he thinks he can get used to this. When he finally drops him off at the building, Donghyuck kisses his left cheek softly.
“I just want you to know that I enjoyed tonight. Thanks for taking me to your favorite spot and spending hours sharing stories with me. I’ve never done that with anyone before. Get home safely.”
Mark looks at him and tucks a hair behind his ear. He doesn’t know if this is the right way to even do things, but Donghyuck was just way too sweet and beautiful. “My pleasure.” And with that, he jumps off the roof.
He spends the next two days going to classes, doing presentations, solving minor crimes, and even attending an interview that consists of him talking about the recent stolen databases with the camera men trying to take pics of his ass, and just working his night shifts. Today, on a Thursday night, his friends ended up surprising him at his restaurant and he chats with them as he takes their order. It was a few hours later when Donghyuck joined his friends, but he came in with a busted cheek, black eye, and bruised lips.
Jeno rushes him to sit down. “Hyuck, what happened this time? Don’t tell me you got into another fight!”
Donghyuck shook his head. “I just fell down the stairs-”
“Donghyuck!” Jeno said, almost yelling. “You didn’t fall down the stairs. You go home looking like something is going to eat you alive and you spend nights drinking soju until you black out.”
Yangyang looks at Donghyuck, worried. “What exactly is bothering you Hyuck? You can tell us you know.”
Donghyuck takes a deep breath before looking at Jeno’s friends. “Okay fine. I started a fight at a bar and got punched. That’s all.”
They all shook their heads, not believing him and Mark just frowns as he looks at him. They seem to all know Donghyuck was lying and Jeno looks about halfway to shaking Donghyuck out of his skin. He’s sure that Jeno is going to make Donghyuck spit out the truth sooner or later.
His co-worker Jacob slowly turned the channel on their TV to a news channel.
“Things are hitting up a major storm with another meeting with the Neo Technology Services that is working to stop the mastermind behind all the data corruption. And research has been revealed that the mastermind has been involved with trafficking of major datasets all throughout the tech industry in New York and are branching out to corrupting datasets all over the world. How will we be able to stop whoever is behind all this?”
Mark clenches and unclenches his hands. He looks over at Jeno as he walks closer to them. “How is Jaemin dealing with all this?”
Jeno just stares at the screen. “He’s figuring a way to fix this but yeah, it kinda seems hopeless. I wonder how Spider-Man is coping with all this.”
Mark sighs and he makes eye contact with Donghyuck, who looks back at him, smiling a little. Mark hasn’t really talked much to Donghyuck, as Mark and not as spiderman, because of how busy he is. There were no other customers around so he walks to the back and gets an aid kit before standing in front of Donghyuck and kneeling down.
“So exactly how did the fight even start?” He asked, gently taking off Donghyuck’s hat and hoodie without permission. He starts dabbing medicine on his cheeks and Donghyuck winces.
“Don’t mind Mark, he likes taking care of people,” Xiaojun says. “He even bandaged my arm when I slipped and fell from a staircase and then kept making sure I was okay for a whole week.”
Donghyuck just looks at Mark and bites his lips. “I’m not usually like this, I promise. I was just being stupid.”
Mark bandaids his cheek and looks once over at him. The other bruise on his cheek didn’t heal properly and this new one was a deep wound. “This one is going to scar sadly. Don’t get into trouble okay? If you do, you should let one of us know. Or even better, let Spiderman know.”
“How do I even get Spiderman’s number?” he asks, eyes lighting up a little. Mark tries not thinking much of it.
“He left his number here awhile ago when the robbers were here. Let me write it for you. Just make sure to mention your name when you're calling him.”
Donghyuck nods and Mark gets up. He scribbles his number down and gives it to Donghyuck. Donghyuck thanks him with a shy smile. Mark smiles back and looks over at his friends. “It’s almost time to close up. Are you all gonna head back home?”
Yangyang just shrugs. “I’m watching a movie at Renjun’s after he comes back from work. You all can join us if you guys want.”
“I’m down,” Xiaojun says.
“I’m heading to see Jaemin again. Sometimes I don’t think he understands we actually broke up.”
Yangyang just rolls his eyes. “You both don’t sound like you did break up. Or maybe you’re both just used to pretending that you’re both still in love.”
Jeno scowls at Yangyang before he gets up and glances at Mark. “Mark, can you take Donghyuck home? I don’t want him in any more trouble as it is. Unless you wanna come with me to Jaemin’s?” Jeno looks back at his cousin to see him with a disgusted face.
“You and Jaemin are probably going to fuck am I right? I’ll just head home.”
Jeno looks flabbergasted. “We don’t fuck. Not anymore.”
“Then what are you even doing at Jaemin’s?”
“That’s really none of your business.”
They all roll their eyes at Jeno. Mark tells Donghyuck to wait for him as their friends start going their separate ways.
“I can walk home, Mark. Thanks for the thought though.”
Mark shakes his head. “I apologise for making things seem weird when I asked you out last time. But still, I’d like to be friends if that’s okay. I’ve been quite busy lately, but if you don’t mind, I don’t see any reason to not be friends.”
Donghyuck nods his head, thinking. “Okay. Well, because you patched me up, I’ll let you take me home.”
“Cool. Just let me close up really quick.” He went back inside and him and his co-workers starts cleaning up and washing the dishes, throwing away the trash, counting the money, and clocking out. He bids everyone goodbye before walking to Donghyuck. Donghyuck checks his watch.
“You made me wait for exactly half an hour.”
“Well, I have a job, what can I say?”
Donghyuck just laughs and walks ahead. “So exactly, who are you Mark? Although you and Jeno are best friends, I feel like you’re off and about. Maybe you have more than one job right?”
Mark blinks at him, slightly spooked out but he guesses he’ll play along. “What? Well maybe I go into bars and start fights during my time off.”
Donghyuck turns back to look at him, checking him out from head to toe. “I don’t see why that can’t be an option. Maybe you’re a secret gangster and fight underground. I’ve noticed your tattoo.”
Mark looks at his arm. His arm tattoo is noticeable and Mark doesn’t really like to show it off too much. He only got the arm tattoo because he fell in love with body art during his transition into becoming an adult and losing his parents back then. He’s stopped getting tattoos for a year now.
“Well you’re definitely correct. You wouldn’t date a gangster would you?”
Donghyuck smiles back at him, before turning away. “What exactly are you implying? That you are one?”
“I can be anything if you keep imagining weird scenarios in your head. I’m just a regular guy living a regular life in New York, there’s not much going on for me.”
“I’ll believe you if you’re honest.”
They keep walking until they reach their building. Donghyuck looks at him again. “Hey, sorry for leaving you last time, I had something to do. And to answer your question, I don’t think we should date. I just feel like I won’t be here that long so there’s no point in starting a relationship.”
Mark shakes his head at him. “It’s not that. I know you won’t be here for long, but have you ever thought about maybe staying?”
Donghyuck frowns and waves his arms around. “New York? This place is a joke if I’m being honest. You have Spiderman swinging his webs saving people who are in danger, you have a mastermind genius corrupting robots and computers, and civilians pointing guns in cafes in everyday life. This is a scary place. I’m not brave enough to be here.”
“But you’re here now and that’s something. The things that are happening can’t be controlled and even I can’t do anything to fix it.”
Donghyuck looks back at him. “And that’s so scary Mark. How do you live a life like this?”
“Because I grew up here. I’m used to it and it’s all I’ve ever known.”
Donghyuck frowns at him. “If we date and fall in love, will you move to Paris for me?”
Mark freezes. Move to Paris? He doesn’t think he can because he’s been New York’s spiderman for so long. New York needs him and he needs New York. Leaving is something he will have to think hard about. Maybe it’s good that Donghyuck is rejecting him because if he does let himself fall, he wouldn’t know how to handle it. He already couldn’t give his all to Renjun, what difference would it be with Donghyuck?
Donghyuck just shakes his head at him. “I feel like I might fall in love too,” he says gently, as if he could read his thoughts. “But I’m not sure who will catch me though.” He looks up at him with soft eyes. He finally walks away and steps into the building.
When Mark first steps foot into Jaemin’s office, it was a mess and it seems as if someone ransacked it or broke into the building.
“So what exactly happened?”
“Jeno and I fucked around so there’s that.”
Mark just nods, sitting down. “So what did you call me here for?”
“You know Spiderman right? You’re the only one that knows him well enough, more than anyone else in the world because you did a one on one interview with him like a year ago. He even hangs out with you sometimes, right? You both are close and I need a favour. We need him in our meeting this afternoon and each time we call him to come to a meeting, he ditches.”
“He has better things to do than sit at a meeting where it’s going nowhere each time. You guys need to think of a better way to implement ideas that will get you guys somewhere. Spiderman is trying to figure out a way to track down whoever this criminal is.”
Jaemin frowns at him, as if he couldn’t comprehend what he just said. “And how is he doing that? He doesn’t even know what this criminal can do.”
Mark just rolls his eyes. “I’ll call him and tell him you think he’s stupid. The next time this place gets robbed, you’re dealing with it yourself.”
Jaemin sighs and slumps back into his seat, exasperated. “There’s a problem with this, you know? I feel like all the databases he’s corrupted isn’t even just AI data, it’s about something else that’s way bigger than we know. I think they’re making something horrendous and Spiderman is in trouble and I mean it. If it is something that can control him or something that will kill him, then I’m afraid this might be the end for our superhero. I’m actually really worried.”
Mark stares at him, heart beating faster. No way. “You mean this criminal is using all this data to create something that might kill him?”
Jaemin nods. “Yes, now tell him he has to be here today. There’s something we’re planning.”
Mark nods as they both stand up. Jaemin walks him out of the building and Jaemin pats his back. Mark makes his way to class as he shoots up his webs and starts swinging on them. Things are just going to get worse and he can feel it.
He’s back in Jeno’s apartment after the Neo Technology Services meeting and let’s say there were some things Mark should have saw coming. But one thing is, Jaemin is more than what he can handle. He wants to be able to tell Jeno, but Jeno doesn’t know he’s spiderman. Not yet anyways.
They were working on their assignments, but Jeno decides to take a break and turns on TV to check on the news. While Mark was listening and half typing up his assignment, Donghyuck arrives home. Donghyuck greets Jeno who greets him back but then he looks at Mark, a little shocked that he’s there but he tries not to show it.
“Oh hi Mark,” he says slowly, doing a small wave before going into the kitchen. Jeno was too focused on the TV but Mark can hear Donghyuck microwaving something. He puts down his laptop before walking into the kitchen. Donghyuck was leaning against the counter, eyes glued to his phone. When he looked up, he almost dropped his phone.
“Oh mon dieu!” He says, holding his chest. “Shit Mark, you scared me.”
“Sorry, was just checking on you.” Mark says, watching him as he walks closer.
Donghyuck fumbles a bit just as his food finishes. He takes it out of the microwave, grabs a fork and looks up at him, mustering up a smile. “Well bye, I’m gonna go into my room. See you Mark.” He hurries away but Mark quickly blocks his way.
“You have a whole bandage on your arm, Donghyuck.”
Donghyuck sighs, feeling annoyed. “I fell and scraped it because I’m clumsy. Now can you leave me alone?”
They both hear Jeno walk in and Donghyuck takes the chance and quickly slips away as fast he can into his room. He hears it lock and Jeno just stands there confused as if he caused something to happen.
“Do you think there’s something going on with him?” Mark asks, worried.
Jeno looks at the direction of Donghyuck. “He’s hiding something for sure, but he won’t ever tell me. I’m worried for him too.”
Mark quickly excuses himself, saying that he’s tired for the night, grabbing his stuff and leaving the apartment. He changes into his Spider-Man suit and jumps out of his window, crawling his way to the rooftop. He knows that Donghyuck’s room had a window that has a small ladder that leads up the rooftop. When he makes it to the rooftop, he sees him.
Donghyuck quickly spots him and smiles and it’s as if Donghyuck has been waiting for him. The first time he saw him, he had never seen him this happy to see him. Maybe Donghyuck is starting to think he’s not that bad.
“You’re here to see me again right?” Donghyuck asks, watching him as he climbs around the building. Donghyuck just laughs.
“I was just hanging around and saw you here. I think you were waiting for me too.”
Donghyuck says something in French but then he shakes his head. “You're interesting, Spiderman. Do you have a real name I can call you by?”
Mark finally hops and lands on the ground. “I do have a real name, but only my friends know it.”
Donghyuck just studied at him, as if he wants to see through him. Mark motions down at his arm. “What happened here?”
“Just a little bruise, nothing much really. I’m used to getting hurt. I’m just really clumsy and always get myself in trouble.”
Mark just frowns inside his mask. “If you’re ever in danger, let me know. I exist for a reason.”
Donghyuck shyly looks up at him, but then averts his eyes. “Someone did give me your number, Spidey. But I don’t think I will ever call you when I’m in trouble. I can’t have you dropping everything and swinging to me when I need you. You have better things to do.”
Mark was Spiderman and Spiderman is Mark, but sometimes he thinks that Spiderman can be way more than what Mark ever can be. Maybe it’s because they would never call Mark anything related to crimes or to save a life. “You need to stop thinking that way. We all need help, one way or another. I need help too and I won’t hesitate to reach out and call others.”
Donghyuck bites his lips. “So if I call you, you’ll come right?”
“Just call me. It doesn’t hurt to try. I want to help people.”
Donghyuck nods, moving closer to him. “Will you take me somewhere? I just need to clear my head.”
Mark nods, taking him into his arms, careful of the bandaged arm. Donghyuck wraps his arms around him, clinging his legs around his waist. “Yeah, I can take you somewhere. Just hold on tight.”
Donghyuck just nods, tucking his face in his neck, closing his eyes. Mark looks up and shoots up a web.
They make it to Brooklyn Bridge and Mark makes a web high up in the air where they can watch the ocean and the cars on the bridge from below.
“So what made you want to be a superhero, Spiderman?” Donghyuck asks him, laying next to him.
Mark just looks up into the sky. “My parents died due to these crimes that happen everyday. I realised I wanted to help people so that they don’t experience the things I did. It gives me a sense of joy knowing that I’m able to make a difference in someone’s life.”
Donghyuck looks softly at him. “I’m sorry about your parents.”
“It’s okay. It really is.”
Donghyuck reaches out for his hand and kisses it, lips lingering on the latex. “I think what you’re doing is amazing but don’t want you to get hurt either. You made the decision to save people but I want you to also be safe. You superheroes need to think of yourself, your safety before anyone else.”
Mark looks over at him, seeing the sincere look in Donghyuck’s eyes. “I’ll be safe. I can take care of myself as well as save other people.”
Donghyuck doesn’t seem to believe him as he slowly moves closer and lays his head on his chest, hands reaching for his. Mark reluctantly holds his hands, pulling him in close as they watch the cars below them. Mark isn’t sure what is happening at all, but he can tell Donghyuck might have an inclination to Spider-Man, yet he knows that Spiderman shouldn’t fall in love when there are bigger things at hand.
Donghyuck slowly looks up at him, fingers tracing the lining of his mask below his neck. Before he knows it, Donghyuck lifts up his mask, breathing into his mouth before they’re finally kissing. Mark shouldn't kiss back, but Donghyuck looks so soft, pretty, and so beautiful. Donghyuck doesn’t attempt to take off his mask, he just kisses him like nothing else matters at the moment. Mark tilts his head and kisses him deeply.
It was late when they make it back to Donghyuck’s place, Mark lands him right outside his window. Donghyuck lingers and slowly takes in his hands.
“It was nice,” Donghyuck begins, “I just know even though I won’t be here long, it was amazing getting to know you Spider-Man. And I want to know more about you. Just for a little while.” Donghyuck kisses his lips over the mask. “Good night Spidey.”
Mark makes it back to his own room and flops on his bed, drifting off to sleep, mind and heart heavy.
Mark wakes up from his slumber to a knock on his door so he groogly gets up and opens it. Jeno stands at the door in his PJs and quickly walks inside, distressed.
“Donghyuck is missing.”
Mark frowns, confused. He literally dropped him off at his window last night and watched him climb in. How could he be missing?
“What do you mean?”
Jeno takes a deep breath and sits on his couch, thinking hard. “He disappeared. We both saw him come home and go into his room last night. When I opened it this morning, he wasn’t there. I tried calling him and everything but it seems like his phone is turned off. Ever since he came here, he’s been making me worry.”
Nodding, Mark starts trying to circulate his thoughts. “If I’m being honest, I’m worried about him too. He had a whole bandage on his arm and I know he didn’t just trip and fall. It’s concerning.”
Jeno gets up, pacing around the apartment. “When I say he makes me worry, I don’t just mean I’m worried about him, I'm worried about the idea of him being here. The thing is my cousin and I aren’t super close nor do I know him on a deeper level. I’ve visited him in Paris before, we talk through instagram or whatsapp, but we’ve lived completely different lives and I feel like I just don’t know him that well. Yet there’s something missing about him and I’ve been trying to figure it out, but I don’t know what it could be.”
They’re both tech nerds, but when it comes to figuring out a person, it’s hard. And Mark doesn’t know much about Donghyuck even if they talked and kissed last night, but he’s so drawn to him and wants to do everything to protect him if he could. He desperately wants to make sure he’s okay.
Jeno stops pacing and looks at him. “I don’t think he came here because he needed an escape, I’m sure about that. He did drop out of his program and he studied computer science like we did, but there’s nothing else I know about him. And that's why I’m worried.”
Donghyuck studied computer science? Mark didn’t know that he was also a tech geek, just like them and it piques his interest. He desperately wants to get to know him more and understand everything about Donghyuck. He recalls the way Donghyuck looked at him before he slipped inside the window. Eyes filled with comfort and warmth.
Jeno’s phone rings about a moment later and he checks the caller ID. “It’s Jaemin.” He immediately picks up.
“Jaem, is something wrong?”
“Jeno. I need everyone in my office now.”
Mark’s eyes make contact with Jeno, feeling his heart might jump out of his chest.
“Is something wrong?”
”We need the Dream Experts back.”
“Hold up,” Yangyang says, putting his arms up. “You want us to help track this villain? This AI stealing villain who can literally hack into any database? You want the Dream Experts to do this?”
Mark doesn’t say anything as he looks out the big window, Jeno was leaning back on his chair, Renjun was sitting with a stern expression, and Xiaojun and Jaemin were staring right at Yangyang.
“Together with the Neo Technology Services, we can capture this criminal as well as work on creating AI data that has been stolen. I can’t do this on my own so I need your guys' help. What I’m most worried about is my robots losing control. I’ve locked all of them up but it won’t be long until they lose control.”
“The smartest out of all of us is Jisung and Chenle. We can’t do this without them,” Renjun says. “We can ask Jisung to come back.”
Jaemin shakes his head, standing up. “Jisung’s business isn’t in New York anymore. He’s busy teaching and we can’t get Chenle out of jail. We are going to get to the bottom of this on our own and find out who this criminal is. We are the Dream Experts, are we not?”
Pulling away from the window, Mark looks back at them. “We are the Dream Experts because we create and program new AI technologies, what we can’t do is chase down a criminal.”
Jeno nods. “I agree with Mark on this Jaemin. We can leave catching the criminal to Spider-Man since that’s what he does best, but for us, it will be too dangerous.”
Xiaojun also nods as he says, “Possibly Jeno can really write his research on the fact that AI is going to take over the world! We don’t have a chance against this mastermind.”
Jaemin sighs and looks around at everyone. “Okay. Then we won’t! But we are going to create something. I have proposed to The Neo Technology Services about making multiple humanoids versions of Spiderman. I think Spiderman is targeted so my plan is to create multiple versions of him so that the mastermind can’t kill the real Spider-Man. But our AI data is corrupted which means we have zero access to it. We will have to find a way around it which means making a whole new set of AI software.”
Renjun speaks up, unsettled. “You think that the criminal is targeting Spider-Man?”
Jaemin nods. “I believe so. I think they’re using all these data to make something that can kill Spider-Man. I don’t exactly know but we have to be prepared. That’s why I think making multiple versions of Spider-Man is a good idea.”
“Just like how you made several Lee Jenos for the fun of it. Seeing multiple Jenos was scary I tell you,” Hendery says, shivering at the thought of seeing way too many Jenos in one place.
Yangyang speaks up. “I think Donghyuck can help us out. He studied computer science like us and I’m sure we all need the help we can get.”
“Yeah he graduated with honours in France before moving to Paris. We definitely need him on our team.”
Jeno perks up. “About him, he’s gone missing.”
Yangyang whips his head to Jeno and so does everyone else in the room. “And you haven’t reported him missing? He could be in danger, Jeno!”
“I know he can be in danger! I’m going to file a police report if he doesn’t come back in 12 hours. You know the police doesn’t really take missing people reports seriously.”
Mark feels uneasy once again at the thought of Donghyuck going missing and he just wants to drop everything and go searching for him. He can’t just kiss him and then disappear the next morning. Something isn’t right and he needs to get to the bottom of it.
Jaemin looks at everyone, determined. “Alright Dream Experts, we have to get started on this project.” Jaemin quickly makes eye contact with Jeno. “But first Jeno, you are going to report Donghyuck missing right now.”
“Let me come with you,” Mark says as he follows Jeno out. “We were the last ones to see him.”
Jeno nods at him, clicking the elevator door close. “I just hope everything is okay with him, you know. Him getting all these injuries and avoiding telling me the truth. I wonder what kind of trouble he’s in. If he is in any trouble, he should know to call Spider-Man. He’s making me worried sick.”
Mark racks his brain around it all. He had told Donghyuck to call him if he’s ever in danger but he hasn’t received anything yet. He can’t help but think about him and the kind of trouble he could be in. “What kind of trouble could he be in this time?”
Jeno shrugs. “I don’t know. He doesn't tell me anything.” Jeno drives them to the police station but on their way there, they see a big commotion happening at a Queens Technology Center.
“It’s happening again isn’t it?” Jeno questions. He immediately parks the car nearby and they both get out of the car and run towards the building. Mark looks around and sees the News Reporter reporting what’s happening on TV.
“This morning, all of the computers in the building started going crazy! Nothing I’ve ever seen before! The computers turned on by itself and started to speak about killing Spider-Man!!It was insane! Currently all the computer specialists in the building have no idea how to turn off the computers! Spider-Man if you’re seeing this, stay safe.”
Jeno looks at him and his eyes grew wide. “The computers turned on by itself and started talking?” They instantly headed towards the building and merged inside. There were so many people trying to turn off the computers, running in circles, panicking and shaking.
“This is impossible. What is wrong with these computers? They keep saying the same things over again!” One of the IT technicians says, frantically clicking on the keyboards. Mark can’t make out the exact words the computers were saying but they were definitely talking about Spider-Man. Mark doesn’t even know how to react to all this.
Jeno goes and helps them out and even does so to smash the computers.
“We have to destroy these computers! They’re being hacked and we need to get rid of them! They’re being controlled by someone.” They all look at him.
“You must be crazy! We can’t destroy them! We need them!”
“We have to destroy them,” Mark says, looking at everyone. “We’re unable to control them so we have to destroy it before they destroy us. Or control us.”
After a bit of convincing, they all agreed to destroy them so Mark and Jeno started smashing down the computers. When all the computers were destroyed, Jeno looks over at him.
“I think Jaemin is right. The computers were saying something about killing Spider-Man and I think they’re coming after him.”
Mark takes a deep breath. “I think computers are going to start brainwashing people.”
And Mark wishes he knew how to fix all of this.
The next day, Renjun had texted him that he was gonna be over after his classes were done but Mark had just finished solving a crime in the upper part of New York so he had arrived back home a little later than he should have arrived at home.
When he sees Renjun outside of his apartment, Rejun greets him with a kiss on the cheek and then scanned him over. “You were out solving crimes tonight right?” Renjun asks, looking at him, eyes tired.
Mark led Renjun inside his place. “Someone was robbing the bank earlier and I landed them in jail.”
“And you’re okay right?” Renjun asks, checking his face. “You’ve been solving a lot of crimes these days.”
Mark just shrugs. “I’m okay. And I have to. I’m the only superhero in New York.” Renjun just sighs at him. “Donghyuck is missing and Spider-Man is possibly a target for the hacker. I can’t rest.”
“I’m worried about you,” Renjun admits. “More now than ever.”
“I’m not going to die okay?” Mark takes Renjun into his arms. “I promise you.”
Renjun looks up at him and holds his face in his hands, thumb brushing his unshaved beard. “That’s what you always tell me.” Renjun moves away from him and pours himself a drink from the fridge. He chugs it down.
Mark thinks for a moment before he walks closer to him and hugs him from behind, breathing in his scent. Renjun always smells so earthy and sweet, something he loves so much. “I’m going to make sure that you’re gonna be safe too. Nothing will happen to you or me.”
“I wish that was true,” Renjun says, turning around to look at him again. Renjun twirls his fingers on his hair and leans up to kiss him, softly. They end up kissing for a moment leaning on the counter, but Mark pulls back, shaking his head. Renjun and him still kiss and have sex sometimes even if they broke up, but it’s because Mark adores him so much and it’s a bad habit. He likes having sex with Renjun, he likes his kisses, but it doesn’t do anything but make him want his presence all the time. He still loves Renjun so much but he can’t help but think about Donghyuck at this moment.
Renjun doesn’t say anything as he walks into the living room and opens the window to let some fresh air in. “Will you tell me what’s on your mind?” He asks, voice soft but also so stern. Renjun can make him so vulnerable but also at the same time, so scared.
“It’s about Donghyuck.”
Renjun looks back at him, thinking. “What do you think about him?”
Mark doesn’t say anything as he also stares outside the window. “There’s something about him. I can’t put my finger on it. I want to get to know him.”
Renjun keeps silent as his head leans on his chest, and arms wrapping himself around Mark. “You like him don’t you?”
“I don’t know. I just think Spider-Man does.”
Renjun just laughs against his chest.
It was about a week after they reported Donghyuck missing that Donghyuck ended up at Jeno’s door, bruised up and bloody.
Jeno had carried him into his apartment, saying that Donghyuck needed to go to the hospital but Donghyuck had refused to go. Jeno had texted him and Mark came running to the apartment. Seeing Donghyuck look so bloody and hurt made him question so many things. Who would hurt him so bad like that? Who is hurting him?
“We have to take you to the hospital. I’ll call Renjun and he can get us a room.”
Donghyuck shakes his head furiously. “I’m alright I promise you guys.”
Mark touches his cheeks and his scars that was left on his collarbone. “Tell us who hurt you Donghyuck. We have to know who is doing this to you.”
Donghyuck shakes his head again. “I got involved in a gang fight. It was my fault.”
Jeno ends up punching a wall. “Shut up Hyuck. You either tell me who he is or I will make sure you never leave this apartment on your own.”
Donghyuck stands up and looks at Jeno. “This is none of your business.”
Mark pushes him down, making sure that he’s not hurting himself. He notices Donghyuck cursing as he plops down. “Guys, let’s not fight. I’m gonna clean you up okay?” Donghyuck doesn’t say anything but Mark just cleans him up anyways, bandaging him wherever he is cut on his arms and legs. “We want to help you. You’re scaring us Donghyuck.”
“I will be fine. I just need to heal and-“
“It’s not safe for you here,” Jeno says, cutting him off. “I want to you to go back home where it’s safer. I can’t have you getting bruised up like this. I’m taking you back to Paris.”
Donghyuck gets up and shakes his head. “I can’t go back there. I need to stay here.”
“You aren’t staying here!” Jeno shouts at him. “I don’t care what you say because obviously you’re getting yourself in trouble. You won’t tell me what’s wrong. What business do you even have here? Getting into stupid fights and getting yourself all bloody. You don't tell me anything and then you go missing. I’ve been worried sick about you for days!”
Donghyuck doesn’t say anything. He keeps silent and Mark frowns. “Say something Donghyuck. This all doesn’t make sense.”
“If you’re not going to answer, then I’m booking you a flight back home and calling your parents. You’re not staying here Hyuck and that’s that.”
Jeno goes into his room and slams the door shut. Donghyuck takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, lips quivering. Mark grabs him a cup of water and Donghyuck drinks it all down.
“Who is doing this to you? You have to let us help you.”
Donghyuck finally looks up at Mark, taking him in. “It’s complicated Mark. But I’m in trouble and there isn’t a way out. Even if I go home, I can’t escape the situation I’m in.”
Mark sits on the chair across from him. “What kind of trouble? Didn’t I tell you to call Spider-Man whenever you need help?”
Donghyuck looks up at the mention of Spider-Man. He can see the affection look in his eyes. “I don’t know if I want to see him again.”
Mark’s breathing almost changed. “Why not?”
Donghyuck just shakes his head and smiles at him. Donghyuck glances at his braided hair, his tattoos, and his clothes. “I don’t want Spider-Man to come save me when I’m in trouble. I feel like I owe him.”
“He saves people. You don’t owe him anything.”
“That’s the problem,” he says. “He would rather get himself hurt than realise what’s really important.”
“What is more important than saving people? It’s his job.”
Donghyuck looks at him before he shakes his head and tries getting up. Mark helps him but Donghyuck pushes his hands away. He limps to his room. “I don’t want Spider-Man to make a mistake. That’s all.”
Donghyuck doesn’t look back at him as he closes his door shut.
Creating a whole new AI data for the creation of Spider-Man humanoids was time consuming and difficult. For the past few days, whenever they were out of class, they would go to work in Jaemin’s building until night time. Jeno had Donghyuck work for them until the day of this flight back home which is scheduled for tomorrow, but Donghyuck was nowhere to be found again. He just left like the wind. Jeno and Hendery kept their eye out and kept were searching for him while Jaemin had him, Xiaojun, and Yangyang work on programming new AI data for the night. The Neo Technology Services had finally come up with a few systems that were unhackable for the universities and other institutions while the Dream Experts were creating AI data for Spider-Man. When it was nearing night time, Xiaojun and Yangyang had already headed home. Jaemin was still in his office, but for some odd reason, Mark had an inkling that something bad was going to happen. It was his spidey senses spiking up.
He suddenly receives a call. It was from an unknown number. He picks it up without thinking, hoping it could be Donghyuck.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it’s me. Donghyuck.”
Mark’s heart skips a beat. Where are you? Did something happen to you? There were so many questions he wanted to ask.
“Are you okay?” He finally voices out.
“I’m okay. I just wanted to see you, Spidey.”
“Where are you?”
“At your favourite place. On top of the building. I hope you don’t mind seeing me.”
“I’ll be right there.”
Mark shuts down the computer and goes into Jaemin’s office to tell him that he’s heading home. Jaemin was too hyper focused on his computer, Red Bull next to him but still manages to say goodbye to him. Mark quickly changes out his clothes and puts on his mask. He swings to the tallest building in Brooklyn and he sees him. Donghyuck looks at him, eyes so beautiful and captivating.
Mark comes up to him. “You’re here.”
Donghyuck just smiles at him. “I am.”
Mark takes in his cheeks, looking at the bruises and scars on his freckled cheeks. “Where have you been? It’s been awhile since I last saw you.”
Donghyuck replies, “I’ve just been around.”
Mark circles his arms around him. “Around where?”
Donghyuck hesitated but he also wraps his arms around him, eyes staring up at him. “I’ve been working. I didn’t come here to have a vacation. I have things I do.”
“I’m curious about you. If you don’t mind, I’d like to know what you do. I want to get to know you.”
Donghyuck just shrugs at him. “It’s not very interesting. I’m not interesting either.”
Mark frowns at that. He takes a closer look at him. “I doubt it. I think you’re interesting.”
Donghyuck just looks at him, not answering. He starts peeling up his mask and kissing him. Mark kisses him back, with more passion than he ever has before. Suddenly it starts to rain. Donghyuck pulls back and slides his mask back down, lips wet and the bandages on his face are drenched. “You would hate me.”
Mark doesn’t know what’s going on. Before he can grasp what’s happening, Donghyuck steps back and he hears an explosion. He immediately looks down and he sees it. Jaemin’s building was on fire. Mark couldn’t believe what’s happening. All of Jaemin’s hard work, all of the new data is all lost. He looks back at Donghyuck. Donghyuck doesn’t say anything.
“What just happened?”
Donghyuck shakes his head, regret in his eyes. It almost breaks his heart. “I want to get to know you. But I can’t.”
Mark doesn’t care as he takes in his hands. “Do you know who is doing this?”
Donghyuck pulls away. “You’ll get yourself hurt.”
“It doesn’t matter. I don’t care if I get hurt but if people around me are hurt, I wouldn’t bat an eye to save them.”
Donghyuck shakes his head at him. “It’s not worth it.”
Mark pulls him in closer to him. He doesn’t want to let Donghyuck go. “Being Spider-Man isn’t worth it if I can’t save you.”
Donghyuck looks at him once again, eyes watery. “Please save yourself first. That’s all I ask.” And then Donghyuck walks away and doesn’t look back. He takes Mark’s heart along with him.