MEMORIES ✧˖° PETER PARKER

EPILOGUE

[ DECEMBER 2024 ]

- PETER -

｡･:*:･:*:･ ☆ ･:*:･:*:･｡

"HI. MY NAME IS PETER PARKER, AND YOU DON'T KNOW ME BUT I..."

The cool December breeze flew past as I was practicing off my note. I hurried along the sidewalks that were filled with snow. Everyone was with their loved ones shopping for their Christmas holidays.

I looked down at my note again which had several different introductions that I wanted to say. I've been practicing all week trying to get it perfect before I go to her but I didn't seem to find the right words.

"Uh- Hi, my name is Peter Parker and you don't know me..." I started, "No, that's not it."

I tried reading another statement, "Hi, I'm Peter. You don't know me but I just wanted to say–" I stopped when I saw I'd reached my destination.

Dave's Diner.

I was hesitant to go inside but I took a deep breath in and let it out, "Okay...You got this, Peter."

Warm air had welcomed me as I went inside, it felt nice to have some warmth after walking for a long time in the chilly weather outside.

I looked around and there she was - looking very happy and cheerful. And in front of her, there sat Ned with his computer, rapidly typing out something. I felt myself smile, he's always got some time for some work. And next to him, there was MJ who was reading the newspaper.

"My future MIT students," Y/N chuckled, leaning over the counter, "What can I get for you?"

So I guess they got into MIT.

I felt a sense of relief fill up my body.

"Oh, just a glazed doughnut for me, thanks," Ned replied, "I just need to do last-minute application fill-outs for the financial aid."

"And, just black tea for me, please," MJ added.

"Sure thing," Y/N responded then she hurried over to where I was. I gulped as she came closer, I grabbed my note and looked at it for one more time.

"Hey, how are you? What can I get for you?" She said, looking up at me.

For a moment, I felt my heart warm again as her eyes met mine.

She looked great, happy, and bright. It felt good to see her this happy again after all the suffering she's been through–

"Are you ready to order?" She asked again, interrupting my thoughts.

"H-hi," My voice shook a little, I was starting to get nervous. "I'm Peter. Peter Parker."

She nodded slowly, "Hi, Peter Parker. Would you like to order?"

I looked down at my note, one more time. I paused, contemplating on whether to go by the note or not.

No, I can just speak whatever's on my mind. I don't need this note to keep me going. So I quickly stashed it in my back pocket before replying with, "Uh- I would just like a small Americano, please."

"Sure thing - one small Americano," She confirmed, writing my name on the coffee cup, "That'll be $4.50."

I nodded subtly and paid, she thanked me and handed me a receipt. Her fingers brushed past mine and I felt strange again - a good strange though.

Y/N then quickly got a glazed doughnut and some green tea. "It's on the house," she whispered, handing the food to her friends. Although she whispered, I could still hear her from here.

"You know, I don't understand all the hassle we need to go through during our Christmas break." Ned started, "Like filling out the MIT enrollment form is so complicated."

"I'm pretty sure it's complicated for every school," MJ added, sipping her green tea.

"Well, who cares? It's still MIT. Our dream school!" Y/N exclaimed, happily.

I was happy to hear they've made it in and that everything worked out in the end. I would do anything to see them being happy and in peace. And although, if that means sacrificing myself to bring happiness to them.

Y/N placed a coffee cup on the counter, "One Americano for Peter Parker?"

I smiled slightly, taking the Americano, "Thank you."

"Enjoy," She replied and turned away to do other things. I didn't want our conversation to end now so I did what I wanted to-

"Hey." I started, she stopped and faced me again, "Not to eavesdrop or anything, but you're going to MIT next year?"

She nodded at his question, "Uh yeah - My friends and I."

"Wow. That's amazing." I answered, "Congratulations."

She chuckled softly, "Thank you."

"Are you heading to college next fall?" She asked.

"N-no," I shook his head, then paused, "Well, I'm not too sure - I'm waiting for their response."

I've applied to other schools like Columbia and I'm waiting for their response. But given hope, I have applied regular decisions to MIT - if the universe wants me to be close with them then they'll let that wish come true.

"Yeah?" She said, "Well I'm- uh not really good at giving advice but if you expect disappointment, then–"

"You can never be disappointed." I finished, smiling. She had said that weeks ago before the day of the results for MIT. How could I forget?

A small smile formed around her mouth, "Yeah."

I gave her a smile back, I wanted to tell her about our past.

Now, I'm going to.

"You know-" then I paused as I saw a bandage above her forehead. I guess it still hasn't healed. I felt my stomach drop - she has that scrape because of me. Because of the mistake I've done.

A whole heap of guilt had washed upon me. I couldn't bring our past back. Y/N deserves to be happy, she deserves love and peace. She does not deserve pain, sadness and misery.

I can't do this to her.

Y/N suddenly cleared my throat, "I-uh should probably go back to work."

"O-oh yes," I responded, backing away to leave, "Sorry."

I went to head out of the diner when I heard my name getting called.

"Peter!"

I widened my eyes and turned around rapidly.

Has she remembered?

"I-uh just wanted to say I hope you get whatever you were expecting. And also have a Merry Christmas."

She gave me a slight smile, which made me melt inside.

Thank you, Y/N.

The memories I've had with you were the best and I could never make any memories like those with anyone.

I would love to do it again with you.

But I can't bring you pain.

You deserve to be happy.

So I just gave her a nod and smiled,

"Thank you, really. Merry Christmas to you too."

ᵗʰᵉ ᵉⁿᵈ ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ