The courtyard of Midtown High School had never been this crowded.
Colorful banners hung across the entrance gates while music blasted from massive speakers near the main stage. Food stalls lined the sidewalks and students moved everywhere like a festival crowd — laughter, excitement, competition buzzing through the air.
Today was the annual Midtown School Festival, and the biggest attraction was the band competition.
A large stage had been built in the center of the courtyard. Bright lights, professional sound equipment, rows of chairs already filling with students, teachers, and parents. Behind the stage, several bands prepared nervously — guitars tuned, drums tested, microphones checked.
Jack stood near the backstage area holding his guitar case. He looked around and whistled quietly.
"…Okay. This is bigger than I expected."
Peter stood beside the drum set adjusting the pedals, his hands slightly shaking. "I hate performing in front of crowds."
Mary Jane leaned against the keyboard stand. "That's funny. You're literally sitting behind a drum wall."
Peter sighed. "Still counts."
Gwen walked over holding her guitar, her expression calm and focused. "Relax. We practiced all day yesterday. We'll be fine."
Jack opened his guitar case and began tuning. "Exactly. We're not here to win. We're here to not embarrass ourselves."
MJ laughed. "That is the lowest confidence speech I've ever heard."
Before anyone could respond, a loud voice echoed nearby.
"Well well."
Flash Thompson approached with his group. Several guys followed him carrying instruments — leather jackets, matching shirts. Flash rested his guitar on his shoulder casually.
"Didn't expect the nerd band to show up."
Peter rolled his eyes. "Good morning to you too, Flash."
Flash smirked. "You sure you're in the right place, Parker? This isn't the science club." He pointed at the drum set. "What are you doing with those sticks? Planning to calculate drum physics?"
His friends laughed loudly. Peter clenched his jaw but stayed quiet.
MJ stepped forward. "Flash. Maybe try acting like a normal human being."
Flash ignored her, his eyes staying on Peter. "What's wrong? Going to hide behind the girls again?"
That was when Gwen stepped forward, her expression turning cold. "Flash. Back off."
Flash raised his hands dramatically. "Oh wow. Gwen Stacy defending the nerd squad." Then he leaned closer to Peter. "Man… you really are pathetic."
Jack finally spoke. "Alright."
The group turned toward him. Jack stepped forward calmly. "If you're done talking… why don't we settle it on stage?"
Flash raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Jack pointed toward the stage. "Your band versus ours. Whoever gets the higher score wins."
Flash crossed his arms. "And what do we get if we win, Walker?"
Jack shrugged. "I'll announce to the entire school that Flash Thompson is the king of Midtown."
Flash grinned, clearly enjoying the attention. "And if you win?"
Jack didn't answer immediately. His eyes shifted to Peter for a brief moment, then returned to Flash. "You apologize," he said calmly. "In front of the whole school." A few nearby students turned toward them now, sensing something interesting. "And after that," Jack added, "you stop bothering Peter."
For a second the courtyard fell quiet. Then whispers started spreading through the crowd.
"Did Walker really just challenge Flash?"
"Man's got guts."
Some students looked impressed. Others snickered quietly, clearly expecting Jack to lose. The tension grew as more students gathered to watch.
Flash stared at Jack for a moment. Then his grin widened. "You think your band can beat the Midtown Crushers?"
Jack answered calmly. "What do you say?"
Flash smiled. "I'm in." He pointed lazily toward the stage, the bright festival lights reflecting off the polished floor. "Don't cry when you lose, Walker." He gave a smug smile before turning away, his group following behind him laughing as they walked off like they had already won.
Jack watched them go without saying anything.
Behind him, Peter slowly sank down onto the drum stool. "…We're dead."
MJ burst out laughing, leaning against the keyboard stand. "Relax," she said, waving a hand dismissively.
Gwen crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. "We're not losing."
Peter turned toward Jack, still unconvinced. "You're very confident for someone who joined the band less than a week ago."
Jack gave a small smile. "Confidence is free."
Peter stared at him for a moment, then let out a long dramatic sigh. "We are absolutely going to die."
MJ rolled her eyes and stepped forward, raising her hand in the middle of the group. "Alright. Team meeting."
Jack chuckled and placed his hand on top of hers. Gwen added hers without hesitation. Peter looked at the stack of hands like it was a trap.
"…This is embarrassing."
But after a moment he sighed and reluctantly placed his hand on top.
MJ grinned. "Neon Skyline will defeat them."
Jack smirked. "Let's just try not to lose."
They laughed and broke the huddle.
Around them the noise of the festival grew louder as the next band stepped onto the stage. Amplifiers hummed, drums thundered in the distance, and the crowd's excited chatter filled the air.
Then the host stepped onto the stage microphone.
"Welcome everyone to the Midtown School Festival Band Competition!"
The crowd cheered loudly. Students rushed toward the stage area.
"We have twelve bands competing today! Each band will perform one song. The judges will score based on performance, originality, and crowd reaction."
The speakers boomed across the courtyard. "Let the competition begin!"
The first band walked toward the stage. Jack leaned against the backstage wall and watched. Several performances would happen before their turn, which meant one thing.
The tension had officially started.
And before the day ended, one band would stand victorious.