Flash leaned over to Harry. Whispered just loud enough for Peter's enhanced hearing to catch. "He's doing it. He's actually doing it. Dating three girls at once."
"He's not dating them," Harry whispered back. "He's just... being really friendly."
"Dude, they're all into him. And he knows it. Look at how he's handling it. He's like a romance ninja or something."
Peter suppressed a smile. Romance ninja. That was a new one.
But Flash wasn't entirely wrong. Peter was being deliberate about his interactions with each girl. Not in a manipulative way. Just honest and attentive. He gave each of them his full attention when they were together. Made them feel valued. Respected their intelligence and individuality.
He wasn't playing games. He was being genuine with all three of them. And eventually, he'd need to figure out what he actually wanted long-term.
But for now, he could just be present. Be real. See where things naturally developed.
---
After school. Coffee shop with MJ.
They sat in their usual booth. MJ had her complicated order. Peter had his black coffee.
"So," MJ said. "Tony Stark. You helped him escape from terrorists. That's what the news is implying."
"I sent him some technical specifications before he left. He used them. That's all."
"That's all," MJ repeated. "Peter, you literally saved one of the most important people in the world. And you're acting like it's no big deal."
"It is a big deal. But it's also just what happened. I saw a problem. Provided a solution. Tony implemented it. That's how collaboration works."
MJ studied his face. "You don't see yourself clearly, do you? You don't realize how extraordinary you are."
"I'm just someone with abilities trying to use them well."
"No. You're someone who saves lives. Makes things better. And you do it without needing credit or recognition." MJ reached across the table. Put her hand on his. "That's why you're special, Peter. Not because you're smart. Because you care."
Peter looked at her hand on his. Small. Warm. Artist's fingers with paint stains that never quite washed out.
"You see the best in me," Peter said quietly.
"I see what's actually there. The Peter I've known since we were kids. Smart, yes. But also kind. Thoughtful. Someone who wants to help people."
They sat like that for a moment. Hands touching. Eye contact sustained.
"MJ," Peter said carefully. "I need to be honest with you about something."
"Okay."
"You're not the only person I'm spending time with. Gwen and Felicia both seem interested in... getting closer. And I'm not sure what I want yet. I don't want to lead anyone on or make promises I can't keep."
MJ pulled her hand back slowly. "I know. I've noticed. We all have." She took a breath. "Are you asking permission to date multiple people?"
"I'm asking if it's okay to take things slowly. To be honest about where I'm at. I care about all three of you. Different ways. Different reasons. But I don't want to hurt anyone by being unclear."
"That's surprisingly mature," MJ said. "Most guys would just string everyone along or ghost people they're not interested in."
"I'm not most guys."
"No. You're really not." MJ smiled. "Okay. Here's what I think. Take your time. Figure out what you want. But be honest with all of us. Don't make promises you can't keep. And don't make any of us feel like backups or second choices."
"I won't. I promise."
[A/N: Please I don't have a harem in real life 😭, neither do I plan to ....unless it's religious or traditional...which I won't touch... I'm trying to make it feel real and deeper ...heads up .. there's a big plot twist you won't expect in this harem, this entire fic itself... hehehe...]
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