Clark Kent · Y/n story by @iluvu12394027

The hallway of Smallville High was loud—lockers slamming, voices overlapping—but Clark Kent barely noticed. He was leaning against the row of beige lockers, his gaze fixed a few feet away.

Naomi

turning the dial on her locker I’m telling you, Pete, it’s physically impossible to finish that reading before first period.

Pete Ross

It’s two pages!

Naomi

It’s two pages of dense agricultural subsidies in 19th century Kansas. My brain glazes over.

Clark watched the way her nose scrunched when she complained, the way a strand of hair fell across her forehead. He cleared his throat softly.

Clark Kent

Maybe Mr. Wexler just wants us to appreciate how exciting our town’s history really is.

He hadn't meant it to be funny. It was just a quiet, earnest observation, said more to himself than to them.

Naomi

lets out a short, genuine laugh Oh, right. Thrilling.

The sound hit Clark like a physical force. He stopped breathing. Naomi’s laugh was brief, bright, and it felt like the sun had broken through the fluorescent lights.

Naomi

slams her locker shut I’ll see you in homeroom.

The bell rang, sharp and final. She was already stepping back, swallowed by the crowd moving toward class. She was gone too fast.

Clark Kent

doesn't move, eyes fixed on the space where she’d been standing

Pete Ross

nudges Clark’s shoulder You know she’s not a solar eclipse, right? You can look away.

Clark Kent

blinks, forcing himself back If every word I said could make her laugh, I’d talk forever.

Pete Ross

stares at him for a second, then shakes his head Man, you’re down bad. C’mon.

They turned and started down the hall toward homeroom—where Naomi would be sitting just a few desks away. Clark felt the familiar, sweet ache settle deep in his chest. He always did.