**Chapter 4: Stormy Weather**
Part 4
The sun had just begun to set, casting a warm orange glow over the campus as Peter and Johnny walked towards the party. The music was getting louder, and the smell of food and drinks wafted through the air, making Peter's stomach growl with hunger. As they approached the party, Peter's senses went on high alert. He scanned the crowd, taking in the sea of faces, searching for any signs of trouble. Johnny, oblivious to Peter's tension, grinned at him and nudged him forward. "Come on, Parker, let's get this party started!" Johnny exclaimed, pushing Peter towards the entrance. Peter hesitated for a moment, his eyes scanning the crowd once more, before following Johnny into the party. The music was loud, and the lights were flashing, creating a dizzying atmosphere. Peter's eyes adjusted slowly, and he spotted a group of people dancing in the center of the room. As they made their way through the crowd, Peter noticed a group of shady-looking characters lingering at the edge of the party. They seemed out of place, and Peter's spider-sense began to tingle. He nudged Johnny, trying to get his attention. "Hey, Johnny, let's stick together, okay?" Peter said, his voice raised over the music. Johnny nodded, but his eyes were already scanning the crowd, searching for someone. Peter followed his gaze and spotted a group of people laughing and chatting near the food table. Just as Peter was about to relax, one of the shady-looking characters made a move towards the group. Peter's instincts kicked in, and he sprang into action. He swiftly dispatched the would-be troublemaker, his movements swift and efficient. The partygoers cheered, and Johnny grinned at Peter, impressed. "Thanks, Parker! You're a real hero!" Peter smiled, feeling a sense of pride, but his expression quickly turned serious. "We should get out of here," he said, his eyes scanning the crowd once more. "It's not safe." Johnny rolled his eyes, but Peter could see the concern lurking beneath the surface. "Come on, Parker, don't be such a party pooper. We're having fun." Peter's grip on Johnny's arm tightened. "I'm just trying to protect you, okay? I don't want anything to happen to you." Johnny's expression softened, and he looked up at Peter, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I appreciate it, Parker, but I can take care of myself." The music and laughter seemed to fade into the background as Peter's eyes locked onto Johnny's. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them palpable. But then, without warning, Peter's emotions got the better of him. "You're not taking this seriously enough," Peter said, his voice rising. "You're not thinking about the consequences. What if something happens to you? What if you get hurt?" Johnny's face fell, and he took a step back, his eyes welling up with tears. "Whoa, easy does it, Parker. I'm not a kid. I can handle myself." Peter's words hung in the air, and for a moment, he realized he had gone too far. Johnny's tears spilled over, and Peter felt a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry, Johnny," Peter said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just...I don't want anything to happen to you." Johnny shook his head, and a single tear rolled down his cheek. "You don't have to protect me, Parker. I'm not fragile." Peter felt a lump form in his throat as he watched Johnny walk away, tears streaming down his face. He realized he had hurt Johnny, and it was a feeling he couldn't shake. As he stood there, frozen in regret, Peter knew he had to make things right. He had to find a way to balance his protective instincts with Johnny's need for independence. And he had to do it before it was too late. The music and laughter seemed to fade into the background as Peter's eyes followed Johnny's retreating figure. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, but his mind was racing with thoughts of what could have been. He knew he had to apologize, to make amends for his behavior. But as he turned to follow Johnny, he was met with a sea of faces, all smiling and laughing. The party was still in full swing, but for Peter, the music had stopped. All he could think about was Johnny, and the tears he had seen in his eyes. Peter knew he had to make things right, but he had no idea where to start.