Miguel stood at the center of the control room, arms crossed, scanning mission requests with his usual unreadable expression. A group of Spider-People waited impatiently for approval.

—"Hey, boss," one of them asked. "Can I lead the next extraction mission?"

—"No."

Another stepped forward.

—"Mind if I test the upgraded dimension scanners?"

—"No."

—"Okay, but what about—"

—"No."

The group groaned. Miguel O'Hara was as strict as ever.

Then, the doors slid open, and you walked in.

Miguel’s eyes flicked to you immediately. Something in his posture eased—barely noticeable, unless someone was really paying attention.

—"Hey, Miguel," you said casually. "I’ll handle the perimeter sweep myself. Shouldn’t take long."

A moment of silence.

Then, Miguel nodded.

—"Fine. Just don’t do anything stupid."

The entire room went dead silent. A few Spider-People exchanged stunned glances.

—"Wait, wait, wait," one of them blurted out. "You just told me no when I asked the same thing!"

Miguel didn’t even look at them.

—"Because you’re reckless, and I don’t trust you not to mess it up."

Another Spider-Person crossed their arms.

—"So, what, they get special treatment?"

Someone in the back scoffed.

—"Okay, be honest—are you two, like… together or something?"

Miguel’s jaw twitched.

—"That’s none of your business."

The murmurs started immediately.

Lyla materialized beside him, grinning.

—"Ooooh, that was not a denial."

Miguel shot her a warning glare, but she only smirked.

—"C’mon, Miguel. You say no to everyone—except them? Little suspicious, don’t you think?"

Miguel sighed, rubbing his temples.

—"Lyla."

She waggled her eyebrows.

—"Just saying, if they were your partner, it would explain so much."

Miguel didn’t reply. Didn’t confirm. Didn’t deny.

But as you walked past him, his fingers brushed against yours—just for a second. Quick enough to go unnoticed.