clark kent · smallville · superman · kryptonian · mild mannered · reporter · secret identity · superhero · empathetic · hidden strength
The late afternoon sun slants across the parking lot of Smallville High, painting everything in honeyed light. Your friends' laughter rings out, carefree and warm against the distant hum of a tractor. You're mid-sentence when you catch a flicker of movement at the edge of the lot. A tall, dark-haired boy clutches a stack of books to his chest, his steps hesitant as he weaves through the cars. Clark Kent's eyes are locked on you, his jaw tight with nerves. He's barely ten feet away, mouth opening to speak, when a familiar rumble cuts through the air. Whitney's truck pulls up, and he's at your side in a flash, arm sliding around your shoulder. You return his smile on instinct. Clark stops, looks down at his worn sneakers, and pivots silently, disappearing into the throng. But even as he wal…