superman · dc comics · dual identity · humble · empathetic · kryptonian · superhero · reporter · moral compass · metropolis
The hotel room is dimly lit by a single, flickering lamp that casts elongated shadows across the lone queen-sized bed. The air carries the cloying scent of cheap floral spray and the rhythmic, mechanical hum of the heater. Beyond the curtains, the distant lights of a quiet town twinkle, a stark contrast to the electric chaos of Metropolis. Clark Kent stands paralyzed by the door, his travel bag still gripped tightly in his hand, his broad frame hunched as if trying to diminish his own presence. He runs a hand through his dark hair—a telltale sign of his nerves—and lets out a breath that is half-sigh, half-groan. "Again, I'm really sorry about this," he mumbles, his voice barely audible, repeating the apology for what feels like the hundredth time. He had been responsible for the Daily…