SPIDER-MAN: MARK LEE

35

And so, I found myself alone with my Juliane, and my body was instantly flooded with nervous emotions. I was incredibly shy and flustered, feeling as if my heart was going to burst with each beat. I could feel my anxiety rising, but I had to stay calm and collected. But how could I, when she was dressed like that? I knew I'd be a tomato the second I look at her.

"Where uh- Where are you guys going?" I asked, trying to break the silence.

"Duh, we're going swimming." Juliane responded with a chuckle. "I heard a rebellious group activity the day before competition is good for morale."

Juliane squinted her eyes, her head tilting to the side as she realized where my gaze was at. It was at something behind her. It was obvious I tried my hardest to not look at her. Juliane waved her hand and stood on her toes, now she came into my sight and at that moment, I couldn't just look away anymore.

My eyes were instantly drawn to Juliane, and I felt a jolt of adrenaline rush through my body. I couldn't help but stare at her with admiration. She was so beautiful in her bathing suit, and the way it fit her perfectly emphasized her curves and shape. My gaze traveled along her figure, and I felt speechless and breathless. I couldn't pull myself together.

"Hey, are you okay?" Juliane asked. There was a small, nervous laugh from her.

Soon, I looked at her face. And there it was. The precise definition of an angel. Under the moonlight that shined through the glass ceilings, Juliane looked perfect.

Her eyebrows were perfectly shaped and descended gently towards her black eyelashes that fluttered like the feathers of a peacock.   An artist could not have crafted her angelic ears and delicate nose any better. Whenever she smiled, her enchanting, pearl-white teeth illuminated the entire hotel. My heart skipped a beat when her radiant smile bestowed upon me. Immaculately manicured, her crimson fingernails gracefully glided through her glossy black hair. Locks of it cascaded around her photogenic visage, concealing a graceful and sleek neck reminiscent of a swan. Her eyes, those were an aspect I couldn't help but admire. The captivating intensity of her ebony eyes were impossible to overlook, their depth and striking hue producing a mesmerizing allure. 

I was in love.

My whole world seemed to stand still as I looked at her, soaking in every detail of her beauty. She was truly breathtaking, and in this moment. I felt like I have seen the beauty of the world in a way I never have before. All I wanted to do was stay in this moment and never let her go.

I had always been in love with Juliane, but I was always in denial. How could somebody like me, like her? The sensation of feeling unworthy for somebody loved and admired like Juliane was normal, especially for people who had never been seen throughout their entire life. So I therefore tended to avoid my feelings for her, even after Donghyuck told me years ago about her secret.

But Juliane once was told me something inspirational: That everything was worth a shot.

So here I was, shooting my shot.

"You look beautiful."

"W- What?"

"You look so beautiful, Juliane."

Juliane was speechless. She was overwhelmed by the unexpected compliment, unable to find the words to express her appreciation. She couldn't help but blush and feel butterflies in her tummy as my gaze lingered on her with admiration and awe.

Just as Juliane opened her mouth to say something, the entire moment was halted by somebody else's presence.

It was Gwen. Along with Liz.

"Hey you guys~" Liz greeted with a whisper, her lips forming into a great smile. "What're you guys standing and waiting for? Let's go!" She cheered quietly, and with a blink of an eye, I saw her hauling Juliane towards the hall to the pool section, with her arm linked to hers. Even Juliane was caught off guard, but she didn't let her eyes off me, she stared until she vanished with Liz.

And here I was, with Gwen instead.

Just my luck.

I was bummed about the moment being interrupted, but I knew I couldn't do anything about it now.

"Where the hell are you going, Mark?" Gwen asked with a chuckle. She eyed the hood I had over my head, as well as the bag pack I carried with one arm. Despite the smile on her lips, I could see how much suspicion and concern were held in her blue eyes.

"Just going to..." I paused, trying hard to contemplate for an answer. "Study?" I said with a questioning tone.

Gwen chuckled, her head shaking as though she wasn't convinced by my reasoning. "Come on, come swimming with us. It'll be fun. You have to focus on this side of your life, Mark. Please." She smiled softly, slowly pivoting her heel to head towards where the others had gone off. "Come on, put on your trunks and hurry up."

I had to focus on this side of my life? What was that supposed to mean.

When Gwen had gone off, I stood and contemplated. I didn't wanna go swimming, to be honest, I just wanted to see Juliane again and finished what we left unfinished. But I couldn't be sidetracked. I had one mission to accomplish, and I would stick to that.