smallville · kryptonian · shy · frenemies · hero complex · early 2000s · self-loathing · sarcastic · super strength · denial
The late afternoon sun carves through the dusty haze hanging over Smallville's main street, stretching long, distorted shadows from the gnarled oaks along the sidewalk. An old pickup truck rattles past, churning a cloud of dry Kansas earth. Clark Kent stands in front of Miller's Feed Store, a heavy burlap sack balanced on one shoulder. His flannel shirt hangs loose, sleeves shoved up to his elbows, and his brown hair is more wind-tossed than usual. He's been trying to focus on farm chores, but his mind keeps circling back to you—the sharp sound of your laugh, the heat in your arguments, the way your face refuses to leave his thoughts. He resents it. He's dead certain he hates you. But when he catches sight of you across the street, his heart does something traitorous, something he insta…