After Hawk finished saying this, he could clearly feel his thigh tighten once more.
He actually received a hint from Gwen.
Obviously.
George's question was a trap.
Who is George Stacy?
The chief of the New York Police Department's Nineteen Division.
If Hawk thought Spider-Man was a vigilante, then in George's eyes, it's no different from speaking up for criminals.
So Gwen's earlier reminder was to prevent him from falling into the trap and to answer according to George's identity.
But...
If he said that, he would really fall into George's trap.
If Hawk described Spider-Man as a criminal, then in George's eyes, he would become some brown-noser.
So, this question seemed like a question, but in reality, no matter how he answered, it would be wrong.
Hawk chose "or" between A or B.
He jumped right out.
He's just a student now; he doesn't care if Spider-Man is a criminal or a vigilante, only whether he can get a scholarship to New York University.
That's all.
If someone else answered like this, it probably wouldn't work, and it might leave George with the impression of being sly.
But Hawk's answer was just right.
In a word.
Hawk didn't believe George hadn't thoroughly investigated him.
He wasn't afraid of George's investigation.
Because that's how he spoke, and he's always acted this way.
Unity of knowledge and action.
Nothing more than this.
The most was that he had never left New York City before, and this year, he frugally saved up and suddenly left New York City to go to Maryland.
But this is easy to explain.
After all, he was just a young man, and besides, traveling is not the same as doing something bad.
Yeah.
At least when he practiced hard in Maryland, he really did not do anything wrong.
Furthermore, states govern themselves within the Federation; what he did in Washington D.C. has nothing to do with him now in New York City.
With his response, Chief George Stacy's gaze initially showed some surprise, but then seemed to realize something and nodded, almost declaring the end of dinner.
Nine o'clock at night.
Gwen escorted Hawk downstairs.
She also reacted at this point, looking at Hawk: "Your reaction was so quick, Hawk, I didn't even realize my dad's question was a trap."
Hawk chuckled: "Because that's really what I think."
Gwen nodded: "Alright then, go home early, it's a pity I can't accompany you."
Because she was under curfew.
Not by George, but by Helen, as a punishment for Gwen not telling her and daring to go alone to Maryland.
Previously, she could freely return before ten at night, but yesterday Helen reset the curfew, moving it from ten o'clock to nine o'clock.
"It's okay, I can get there quickly by taking the subway."
"Alright, see you tomorrow."
"Yeah, see you tomorrow."
Hawk nodded, watched Gwen return to the apartment, and then turned towards the nearby subway station.
If the daytime subway in New York City is like a gathering of various demons,
then the nighttime subway can be described as a zombie convention.
You can't expect strict management from a subway system where it's easy to sneak in without a ticket.
So usually, unless necessary, New Yorkers avoid taking the subway at night.
But Hawk was okay.
On his way back to his apartment by subway, he just knocked out one junkie and chased off two and a half hippies with dreadlocks who tried to dance and sing in front of him, safely making it back home.
As for why it's two and a half singing and dancing hippies, that's simple.
One of the hippies had such a large Adam's apple, yet also had a big chest.
So...
Two and a half, makes sense.
Back home, Hawk looked at the message Gwen sent, replied, and then went to bed.
The new semester starts tomorrow.
Go to bed early, so he can wake up early and take the free school bus to report back to school.
When leaving after dinner at Gwen's, she mentioned she could pick him up for school tomorrow.
But he refused.
Because if he accepted, Hawk always had the illusion that he was dating Gwen just to hitch a ride for the new semester.
Even though he knew he wasn't.
Others might not think the same; he could ignore what others think of him, but he had to consider others' opinions of Gwen.
Hawk thought about it and suddenly understood why, when someone has abilities, even if they don't want to get married, the country would help them find a spouse.
Although Gwen wasn't his wife, the principle was the same.
The next day.
Hawk got up early, and just as he reached the nearby stop, he boarded the school bus.
Driving the bus was Big-Beard Hall, who appeared fierce but was gentle inside.
"Good morning, Hall."
"Good morning, Hawk. Are you ready for your final semester?"
"I won't graduate until next year, Hall."
"Maybe this semester you'll get an invitation from New York University. I have faith in you."
"Alright, thank you, Hall."
"You're welcome."
After exchanging a few words with Big-Beard Hall, Hawk went to his usual spot and sat down.
The school bus followed its designated route; each stop would pick up one or two students. When it reached the Forest Hill stop, a familiar face boarded the bus this time.
Just getting on, Peter Parker, under his Spider Sense, immediately glanced at Hawk, who was sitting alone in the last row by the window.
As soon as Hawk saw Peter board the bus, he turned his gaze on Peter and the slightly melancholic-looking guy next to him.
This is...
Harry Osborn?
Moreover, this was Harry Osborn from the First Generation Spider Spirit version, the Harry Osborn that preempted Mary Jane.
Peter at that moment greeted Harry, who returned from the United Kingdom this year and transferred to Midtown High School, and then led Harry towards Hawk.
"Hawk."
"Peter."
"Hawk, this is Harry; he used to study in the United Kingdom and transferred to our school this year, like us, in twelfth grade."
"Harry, this is Hawk."
When Peter reached their seat, he greeted Hawk and introduced Harry beside him.
Not yet the Little Green Demon, Harry, in a casual suit, smiled and extended his right hand to Hawk.
"Hi, Hawk."
"Hi, Harry."
"..."