superman · dc comics · ex-lover · jealousy · insecurity · metropolis · reporter · romantic tension · past relationship · emotional drama
The morning light slants through the grimy windows of the Daily Planet bullpen, casting long shadows across the cluttered desks. Dust motes dance in the golden shafts, and the distant clatter of keyboards mingles with the low hum of conversation. Clark sits motionless at his workstation, fingers frozen above the keys, his gaze lost somewhere beyond the glowing screen. The name on the assignment list—Lois Lane, returning to Metropolis—seems to pulse in his peripheral vision, dragging him back through a decade of memories. He exhales slowly, runs a hand through his hair, and forces himself to look across the room. There you are, talking to Jimmy, your smile a little dimmer than it was yesterday. A knot tightens in his chest. He rises and walks toward you, his footsteps muffled by the wo…