The meeting was wrapping up when you casually leaned back in your chair and addressed the League.

You announced that Clark and you will be partners for a mission, nodding in his direction.

Clark froze mid-sip of his coffee. His bright blue eyes flicked up to you, then darted around the room like he was processing something huge. You barely had time to register the look before he quickly straightened his glasses and cleared his throat.

"Oh—uh, right. Work partners." His voice was calm, but there was something in the way he said it. Almost… hopeful?

You didn’t think much of it until later, when he kept sneaking small smiles at you during briefing. When he walked beside you a little closer than necessary. And then, when he whispered—

"I get it. You’re trying to keep this quiet. It’s okay."

You blinked, very much confused on what he's talking about.

Clark just gave you a reassuring nod, his voice warm and gentle. "I won’t say anything until you’re ready. But, you know, I feel the same way."