Chapter 21: The Media Spin*

The *Daily Planet* was buzzing with excitement on that Wednesday morning. Superman was the headline everywhere, and Perry White was determined to keep the Planet ahead of the game. Who was this new hero? Where had he come from? The newsroom was alive with speculation, eager to chase down leads and claim the ultimate exclusive.

Perry White stood in the heart of the chaos, waving a sharp photo that Jimmy had snapped during the Superman rescue at the power plant. His voice cut through the noise like a hammer on steel. "Alright, listen up! I need all hands on deck." He raised the photo for emphasis, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the room. "Who is this guy? Where did he come from? I want angles—*every* angle—on Superman! And don't kid yourselves—the *Star* isn't sleeping on this. Now MOVE!"

The room buzzed with activity as reporters scrambled to their assignments, the sound of furious typing and murmured conversations filling the air. Perry's voice rang out again, this time aimed directly at Lois. "Lane! What've you got for me? With your connections to the military and the Justice League, your piece should've been on my desk *yesterday*! I need details. By Friday lunch!"

Lois, already in motion, barely paused as she grabbed her coat and bag, phone in hand, rapidly texting. Her eyes were focused, determined. Jimmy jogged up beside her, camera bouncing at his side, eager to join in.

"Lois, can I tag along? Get some shots, maybe?" Jimmy asked, his excitement palpable.

"Not this time, Jimmy," Lois said briskly, sparing him a glance but not slowing her pace. "I've got a source to meet—solo mission."

Jimmy's shoulders slumped slightly, but he knew better than to argue. He watched as Lois swept out of the newsroom, already on her way to chase the next lead.

Lois made her way to the Watchtower, the Justice League's headquarters, knowing it was the place where she'd get the answers she needed. When she arrived, Chloe was there, waiting for her with a knowing look.

"Lois, you look like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders," Chloe commented, leaning casually against a console.

Lois wasted no time. "Superman," she said, cutting straight to the point. "The media's spinning out of control. Perry's demanding an exclusive, and I need to know how we're handling this before the tabloids paint him as a rogue vigilante."

Before Chloe could respond, Oliver strolled in, his usual easygoing grin in place. "Well, if it isn't Metropolis' finest reporter."

Lois barely glanced at him, all business. "Oliver, we need a public statement from the League about Superman. If you don't step in, someone's going to twist this into something ugly. Superman showing up without any acknowledgment from the League has people confused."

Oliver raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her no-nonsense attitude. "Straight to the point as always, Lois." He threw a quick look at Chloe before turning to Clark, who had just entered the room, adjusting his glasses with a slightly self-conscious air. "Clark, I don't think you've met our media strategist." Oliver made a grand gesture toward Lois. "She's the one keeping our image in check, making sure we walk the line between helping the world and keeping the truth straight. She'll make sure you don't mess this up."

Clark blinked, genuinely surprised by the revelation. He looked at Lois, a touch of awe in his expression. "I didn't realize."

Lois met his gaze, calm and composed. "I'm not here for a scoop, Clark."

Clark nodded, understanding sinking in. Lois wasn't just here because of her connections through Chloe or Victor—she had her own role to play in all of this. Her professionalism and control over the situation left him momentarily struck by how much he still had to learn about her.

"So, what's the plan?" Clark asked, his tone shifting into something more serious.

Lois turned to Oliver, her expression all business. "You need to issue a press release by the end of the day. The public needs to know Superman's appearance wasn't some rogue action. He's here to help, and the League is aware of it. We can't afford for the media to start spinning this narrative."

Oliver nodded, already thinking it through. "You're right. We can't let people believe Superman's acting solo."

Clark glanced between them, his brow furrowing in thought. "What about the interview? Perry's not going to wait forever."

Lois crossed her arms, locking eyes with Clark. "It's up to you. Perry wants Superman for an exclusive, and the public's going to want answers—who you are, why you're here. But it's your call on how much you want to reveal."

Clark didn't hesitate. "I want you to interview me."

Lois blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his decisiveness. She'd expected him to deliberate more, but his immediate answer left her nodding, professionalism taking over.

"Alright," Lois said, her tone becoming more serious. "But if I'm doing this, Clark, it's as a *reporter, not as the League's media consultant. I'll be fair, but I can't be partial. Whatever you tell me—it's going in the article. No spin."

Clark's gaze softened as he absorbed her words. "I understand. That's what I want. It needs to be real."

Lois's expression flickered for just a moment with admiration before she pulled herself back to business. "Good. So, do you want some questions pre-approved, or are you up for a broader conversation?"

Clark thought for a moment, his eyes never leaving her. He was fascinated by how easily Lois shifted into work mode, her intensity so different from what he'd seen in her during their personal moments. "Maybe a few pre-agreed questions," he said finally. "But I don't mind going off-script. It should feel authentic."

Lois nodded, quickly jotting down notes on her phone. "We'll need to cover the essentials—your origin, your intentions, and your connection to the League."

Oliver, watching the exchange with a knowing grin, jumped in. "I've gotta say, you two make quite the team."

Chloe shot him a quick, warning look, but Oliver just shrugged, amused.

Meanwhile, Lois was engrossed in her notes, completely unaware of how close Clark had moved. He leaned in, his voice low and soft in her ear. "So... where do you want to do it?"

The question hit Lois with an unexpected jolt. She blinked, heat rushing to her cheeks as she glanced up at him, momentarily caught off guard. "Excuse me?"

Clark's eyes widened in realization, and he quickly corrected himself. "The interview. Where do you want to do the interview?"

Lois exhaled, mentally cursing herself for reacting so obviously. She quickly glanced around the room to ensure Oliver and Chloe hadn't picked up on the brief tension. "Right. The interview," she muttered, regaining her composure. "We'll need somewhere quiet. Can we use the Watchtower, Oliver?"

Oliver, oblivious to the awkwardness, shrugged. "We've got that Star City drill tomorrow. Why don't you use your terrace? Superman can just... swoop in," he said, making an exaggerated flying gesture with his hands.

Lois pressed her lips together, fighting the urge to roll her eyes. Interviewing Superman alone on her terrace wasn't exactly how she'd envisioned keeping things strictly professional. But she nodded. "Alright, my place works," she agreed, keeping her voice steady.

Clark, back in control of his emotions, leaned forward with a soft smile. "Tomorrow evening then? That'll give you time to meet Perry's deadline."

Lois glanced up from her phone, still in work mode. "Tomorrow evening works. We'll keep it concise. You don't want to overwhelm the public with too much too soon."

She quickly scribbled her address on a sheet of paper and handed it to him, their fingers brushing for a split second. "Seven sharp, Smallville. Don't be late."

Clark took the paper, his smirk returning. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Lois smiled faintly but quickly turned, gathering her things. As she walked away, she threw a final look over her shoulder. "See you tomorrow."

Clark watched her go, a mix of admiration and curiosity swirling inside him. He'd always known Lois was sharp, but seeing her command a room, navigate the complex media landscape, and hold her own—it was impossible not to be even more fascinated by her.

Oliver clapped Clark on the back, breaking his reverie. "You'll be fine. Just follow her lead. Lois knows what she's doing."

Chloe, standing nearby, nodded with a knowing smile. "Tomorrow's going to be interesting."

As Clark left the Watchtower, his mind was filled not only with thoughts of the interview but also with Lois. Her professionalism, her confidence, the way she balanced everything with ease—it was impossible not to be captivated by her. Tomorrow, Superman's story would be told. But tonight, Clark couldn't stop thinking about the woman who would be telling it.

To be continued...*