“What is it, Clark?” Lois asked, her brow creased with worry. “This isn’t like you. Are you okay? Why did you ask me to meet you up here?”

Clark turned to face her, the evening light casting a soft glow over her signature purple dress. For a moment, he hesitated. The words he’d practiced in his head evaporated, replaced by the weight of what he was about to say.

Behind him, the skyline stretched endlessly, a reflection of the life he’d led—soaring above the city but always apart from it. How many times had he stood here, saving everyone but himself? How many nights had he debated the same question: _Am I strong enough to be honest?_

The irony of his existence—the so-called paragon of truth living a life built on secrets—twisted his stomach in knots. He’d spent years convincing himself the lies were necessary. After all, revealing his identity would endanger everyone he loved. What would stop his enemies from using them as pawns?

But this was different. Lois was different.

“I can’t keep this from her anymore,” he thought.

“I have something to tell you,” he finally muttered, his voice low and shaky.

Lois took a step closer, her eyes searching his face. “You’re scaring me, Clark. Whatever it is, just say it.”

“Do you trust me?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Of course I do,” Lois replied, her hand reaching up to cup his face. “What is it?”

Clark exhaled slowly, steeling himself. “Okay… here goes. Lois, I’m Superman.”

A laugh burst from her lips, sudden and unrestrained. “Clark, stop. This isn’t the time for jokes.”

“I’m serious, Lois,” he said, his tone firm now.

Before she could respond, he turned and climbed onto the balcony rail.

“Clark, no!” she shouted, panic flashing across her face. “Please, get down! Whatever’s going on, we can fix it—just don’t do this!”

“Trust me,” he mouthed. Then, without another word, he stepped off.

Lois’s scream echoed into the night as she lunged for the rail, her heart pounding. “NO!”

But before she could process what had happened, Clark reappeared, hovering effortlessly in front of her. This time, he wore the iconic red and blue suit. The cape fluttered lightly in the breeze as his dark hair caught the moonlight.

Lois staggered back, her hand flying to her mouth. “But… how? I mean… you…?”

Clark floated closer, extending a hand. His expression was calm now, the nervousness replaced by quiet resolve.

“I know this is a lot to take in,” he said. “And I’ll tell you everything—I promise. But I had to tell you because… Lois, I love you. I can’t build a life with you while keeping this from you.”

Her eyes darted between his face and the suit, her mind racing. “But… I see you all the time—even when Superman’s on the news saving the day. How is this even possible?”

Clark allowed himself a small smile. “Super speed.”

“This isn’t funny, Clark!” she snapped, though her voice trembled.

“I know, I know. I’m sorry,” he said, his smile softening. “You’re just… so cute when you’re flustered.”

Lois narrowed her eyes. “Start talking. Now.”

Clark sighed, stepping back onto the balcony and leaning against the rail. “I discovered my powers when I was three. My parents caught me lifting my baby carriage with one finger. At first, they thought I was just… a really strong kid. But when I started reading by the time I could walk, they realized there was more to it.

“That’s when they told me the truth: I wasn’t from Earth. They’d found me in a spaceship and hid it in the barn. Over time, I kept discovering new abilities—strength, speed, flight—and they taught me how to control them. They were scared the government would find out and… experiment on me. So they made me promise to keep it a secret. To live like everyone else, no matter how hard it was.”

Lois stared at him, her eyes wide. “All this time…”

Clark reached for her hand. “And all this time, Lois… you’ve been the one person I’ve wanted to share it with.”