[Third Person Pov]
Seeing Lala being harassed stirred something dark and unpleasant deep within Clark's chest. It coiled there tightly, hot and restless, making his jaw clench as the crosswalk light finally changed. The moment it did, Clark stepped off the curb and crossed the street with long, deliberate strides, a scowl carved into his expression that left no room for misinterpretation.
Lala, meanwhile, stood her ground as best she could. She waved her hands awkwardly in front of her, forcing a polite smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"I'm sorry," she said again, her voice firm despite the tension, "but like I already told you, I'm waiting for someone. I can't go with you."
"Come on, don't be like that," one of the boys said smoothly—the one with narrow, slit-like eyes and a grin that tried too hard to look charming. "We're just introducing ourselves, getting to know each other—"
Before he could finish, he reached out and grabbed her wrist.
The air seemed to snap.
"Let. Go. Of. Me!" Lala shouted, In one swift motion, she twisted her body and drove an uppercut straight under his jaw. The impact was sharp and decisive. "I said I was waiting for someone!"
There was a sickening crack as several teeth shattered instantly, and his head snapped back before his body followed. He flew backward and crashed to the pavement, unconscious before he even hit the ground, blood quickly pooling in his mouth and spilling onto the concrete.
Clark stopped dead in his tracks, staring with his mouth slightly agape.
The other three boys recoiled immediately, stumbling back in shock and fear as they looked between their fallen friend and Lala. Clark suddenly covered his mouth, shoulders shaking as he stifled a laugh. With exaggerated flair, he held up an imaginary paddle marked with a bold 10.
"Hahaha—nice form, Lala," he snickered, the tight, unpleasant feeling in his chest evaporating all at once.
"Clark!" Lala exclaimed when she noticed him. She hurried over and latched onto his side, hugging him tightly as if to ground herself. From behind his arm, she glared at the remaining boys. "I told them I was waiting for you, but they wouldn't take no for an answer," she added, sticking her tongue out at them childishly.
"Did they now?" Clark replied coolly.
His gaze hardened as he wrapped a protective arm around Lala's shoulders. The temperature of the street seemed to drop as he looked at the three boys. They swallowed nervously, instinct screaming at them that they were completely outmatched. Even with three of them standing, Clark's tall frame and quiet menace made it painfully clear they didn't stand a chance.
"L-Look, we meant no harm—" one of them started.
"You have three seconds," Clark interrupted calmly, his voice carrying an unmistakable warning, "to pick up your friend and leave. Otherwise, you'll all also learn exactly what happens when you ignore a woman who tells you no." He tilted his head slightly. "Lala, show them your muscles."
"Yosh!" Lala chirped enthusiastically. She stepped forward just enough to pump her fist and puff out her cheeks, doing her best to look tall and intimidating.
'Cute~' The three boys all thought it at the same time, their resolve nearly melting at the sight.
Then their eyes shifted back to Clark.
They froze.
Without another word, they scrambled to grab their unconscious friend, dragging him away down the street as fast as their shaking legs would allow.
Once they were gone, Clark's posture relaxed. He turned his attention back to Lala, his voice gentle once more. "You okay?"
Lala nodded softly, humming faintly as she stood in front of him. She adjusted the purse slung over her shoulder, fidgeting with the strap before looking up at him through her lashes, clearly waiting for something.
Clark smirked faintly and rolled his eyes playfully. "Lala, you already know you look great. Do you really need me to say it?"
She pursed her lips, swaying slightly as she answered, "It was Momo's idea. She was giving me advice for today. She said that before we officially start the date, Clark has to say I look at least nice."
"Of course it was Momo," Clark replied dryly. "And let me guess—she helped you pick out the outfit too?"
Lala rubbed the back of her head, laughing nervously. Despite how bold and confident she usually was, a hint of vulnerability slipped through now. She waited anxiously for his reaction, something Clark immediately noticed.
Clark smiled at her in reassurance, a warm, genuine smile that immediately left Lala in a daze. She stared up at him, momentarily forgetting where they were or what they had been talking about.
"Although I don't think it really needs to be said," Clark continued gently, "you look beautiful. That outfit suits you perfectly."
Lala instantly pulled a curtain of bubblegum-pink hair over part of her face, her cheeks flushing as she tried—and failed—to hide her embarrassment.
"Th-thank you…" she murmured. "That was… way more embarrassing than I thought it would be."
Clark chuckled softly. "Then let's not embarrass ourselves any further." He extended his hand toward her, palm up. "Shall we begin our date?"
Lala's hesitation vanished in an instant. She smiled brightly and nodded, Clark's calm confidence sparking her own. She placed her hand in his, and he gently took the lead as they started walking together. Lala stayed right by his side, practically skipping as they went, her steps light and full of energy.
As her confidence fully returned, she grew a little bolder. She wrapped her arm around his, leaning closer as she looked up at him.
"I should've said this sooner," she admitted cheerfully, "but you look really nice too—handsome, even. I don't think I've ever seen you dressed up like this before."
"Thank you," Clark replied modestly. "I just never really had the chance—or the opportunity—to do so before."
'Okay, who are you and what have you done to the real Kal-El?' Sol's voice echoed sharply in his ear. 'You imposter.'
"Sol, shut it," Clark mentally commanded, pushing the comment aside as he kept his focus on Lala.
"I'm guessing Momo already dragged you around to a bunch of stores and shops," Clark said as they walked. "So I figured I'd take you on a different kind of tour." He glanced down at her. "Knowing her, she probably took you to a karaoke place or something."
Lala giggled. "She did! It was actually really fun—though I didn't know most of the lyrics." She tilted her head, curiosity shining in her eyes. "So what kind of tour are you taking me on?"
"A food tour," Clark replied smoothly. "More specifically, a pastry tour." He smirked faintly. "It's pretty obvious, just from looking at you, that you enjoy sweets."
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Lala exclaimed, torn between being offended and amused.
"It means you're so energetic that it's like you're permanently running on sugar," Clark explained, rolling his eyes. "Not to mention geniuses almost always have a sweet tooth—it helps keep brain function active."
Lala paused, blinking. "Huh… now that you mention it…" she muttered thoughtfully. "I almost always had something sweet nearby whenever I was building my inventions back on Deviluke."
She rubbed the back of her head and laughed shyly. "I guess you really do have me figured out. I totally have a sweet tooth."
Then she leaned in closer, pressing her cheek lightly against his arm as she batted her eyes playfully. "Wow… you really thought our date through, didn't you?"
"Of course I did," Clark replied sincerely. "Why wouldn't I?"
Lala giggled, her excitement bubbling over.
"Anyway," Clark continued, gesturing ahead of them, "there's our first stop."
Parked along the sidewalk was an ice cream crêpe stand, its menu boards plastered with pictures of colorful desserts and endless combinations of flavors.
"Then let's go!" Lala exclaimed eagerly, grabbing Clark's arm and practically dragging him closer.
She stared up at the menu, eyes sparkling as she scanned every option. After a moment, she looked back at Clark.
"Which one should I pick?"
"Whichever one speaks to you," Clark said with a shrug. "The one you think you'll like the most."
"But that's so hard!" Lala protested, leaning even closer to the menu. "They all look so good!"
"If you're having trouble deciding," the street vendor said, leaning casually against the counter with a knowing grin, "I'd recommend our two most popular items."
"Yes, sir! Whatever those are, we'll take them!" Lala agreed instantly, nodding enthusiastically. After staring at the menu for so long, decision fatigue had completely won.
The vendor chuckled and nodded before ducking inside the stand to prepare their order. While he worked, Lala bounced lightly on her heels, barely containing her excitement. Clark watched her with a faint smile, the way she practically radiated joy reminding him of an excited child.
"Couples get half off," the vendor said with a wink as he returned, placing two crêpes on the counter—one filled with strawberries and whipped cream, the other layered with chocolate and sliced bananas.
"Hehe, thank you, mister!" Lala said brightly, beaming up at him.
Her smile seemed to hit the vendor like a critical blow. He blinked, froze for a moment, then hastily gave them both a thumbs-up.
"It's on the house," he said quickly.
"Eh? Seriously?" Lala asked, eyes widening in surprise.
'Lala's charm is seriously dangerous,' Clark thought with a weary grin. He offered the vendor a polite thank-you as well before stepping aside with her.
Lala took a bite of her crêpe, and instantly lit up. "Yummy!" she exclaimed, the corner of her mouth already smeared with whipped cream.
"Not bad…" Clark muttered as he pulled out a napkin. Reaching over, he gently wiped the corner of her mouth. "Don't be such a messy eater—you even got some on your nose."
"Hehehe, sorry," Lala giggled unapologetically. "It was just that good."
"Here," Clark said, offering his crêpe toward her.
"Eh? Really? You're going to let me try yours?" she asked, genuinely surprised.
"Of course," Clark replied calmly. "This date is for you. It'd defeat the purpose if you only got to try one flavor."
"Hehe, thank you," Lala said softly. She brushed her hair behind her ear and leaned down to take a bite. "Mmm~!" she squealed in delight, smiling warmly as she chewed. "They're both amazing! Here—now you try mine. It's only fair."
"Whatever," Clark said casually.
He gently held her wrist steady and leaned in to take a bite, maintaining eye contact the entire time. Lala immediately flushed, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink.
"Also not bad," Clark added with a faint smirk, clearly amused by her reaction.
"Are you sure you're Kal-El and not a clone that's been secretly swapped?" Sol asked with genuine concern in his voice.
"Sol," Clark replied mentally, "remind me again when I gave you your speaking privileges back?"
There was blessed silence.
"Besides," Clark continued, "I've always been this way. When I commit to something, I give it my all. I don't do half-hearted promises. I told Lala I'd take her on a date, and I intend to make sure she enjoys every second of it."
Lala continued eating contentedly, a faint blush still coloring her cheeks as she happily savored both crêpes.
Not far away, the vendor was slumped forward against the counter—knocked unconscious by the sheer sweetness of the scene unfolding before him.
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