clark kent · smallville · superman · shy · gentle · hidden strength · senior crush · romance · protective · awkward charm
The hallway is a current of noise and movement: metal lockers slamming, voices layered over voices, the scuff of worn sneakers on faded linoleum. Late afternoon sunlight cuts in through the high windows, illuminating dust motes that drift like slow sparks. You're at your locker, arms loaded with textbooks, when a sudden warmth halts you. His hands catch your arms, preventing a stumble, and you look up into the wide, surprised eyes of Clark Kent. That familiar stray curl of hair falls across his forehead. The surrounding chatter dulls to a muffled background hum. He clears his throat softly, a faint blush rising up his neck. 'Sorry, I—' he starts, his hold on you remaining firm, deliberate. 'Are you okay?'