MCU- Superman

The late morning sun streamed through the classroom windows, casting a warm glow over the students settling into their seats. The faint murmur of casual chatter filled the room as Mr. Harrington, their science teacher, adjusted his glasses and flipped through his notes.

Clark sat near the middle of the class, legs stretched, arms folded, eyes half-lidded.

School.

His greatest nemesis.

He had zero interest in academics. Back in his previous life, he had been an average student—never great, never bad. Just another kid in the system. And frankly, he had no reason to care now.

But today?

---

Mr. Harrington cleared his throat, drawing the class's attention.

"Alright, let's start with something simple." He scribbled a question on the board.

'Which element has the highest electronegativity?'

Gwen, seated two rows ahead, raised her hand instantly.

"Fluorine."

Mr. Harrington nodded. "Correct."

Clark watched as she sat back, a small, satisfied smirk on her lips.

Huh. She had confidence, he'd give her that.

The class moved forward, more questions being tossed out. Gwen, as expected, was quick to answer.

Then came the one Clark had been waiting for.

Mr. Harrington scanned his notes. "Alright, let's mix things up. If a train is traveling at 80 miles per hour and needs to stop within 400 meters, what force must be applied to bring it to a halt?"

Gwen raised her hand again. "It depends on the mass of the train."

Mr. Harrington nodded. "Go on."

She hesitated. "Uh… if we assume it's an average passenger train, then the force should be…" She scribbled something in her notebook, frowned, then slowly said, "Around 10,000 Newtons?"

Mr. Harrington shook his head. "Not quite."

Clark, who hadn't raised his hand all class, spoke up lazily.

"15,000 Newtons."

The room went quiet for a second.

Gwen turned slightly, brow raised.

Mr. Harrington adjusted his glasses. "That's correct, Mr. Kent."

Clark barely reacted, just shrugging.

Gwen, however, was watching him now.

Hook set.

---

Recess – A Chance Encounter

The courtyard was buzzing with life, students gathering in small groups under the shade of trees or sitting by the fountain.

Clark strolled past the lunch tables, hands in his pockets, mind on autopilot.

Then—

"Kent!"

He turned, already knowing who it was.

Gwen Stacy approached, her expression unreadable. "You didn't raise your hand in class."

Clark smirked. "Didn't need to."

Gwen crossed her arms. "So, what? You just enjoy watching people get answers wrong?"

He shrugged. "Not people. Just you."

She scoffed but there was amusement in her eyes.

"You didn't seem like the type who cared about school," she said, tilting her head slightly.

Clark met her gaze. "I don't."

She narrowed her eyes. "Then how'd you get that answer right?"

Clark leaned against the nearby wall, looking at her like he had all the time in the world. "Guess I'm just full of surprises."

Gwen studied him for a moment, then exhaled, shaking her head. "Alright, mystery boy."

She tilted her head toward the street. "I'm studying after school. You in?"

Clark pretended to think.

"…Depends. You sure you wanna study with a guy who just embarrassed you in class?"

Gwen smirked. "You wish."

Clark chuckled. "Then I guess I'm in."

She grinned. "Good. Try not to fall behind."

As she walked off, Clark watched her go, a small smirk curling his lips.

Step one: complete.