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[New York , Astoria, Queens , 23/04/2002]

-Siegel Street

Apartment: 4B

Astoria, Queens, is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in New York, known for its tree-lined streets, a unique blend of historical and modern architecture, and a rich cultural tapestry.

With its multicultural influences, it's a place where you can find authentic Greek restaurants next to Middle Eastern markets and cozy Italian cafes.

Local shops range from fashion boutiques to family bakeries, and parks offer tranquil green spaces amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

On Siegel Street, in a typical red-brick building, is apartment 4B. Climbing a few flights of stairs, you reach the apartment's front door.

The interior of the apartment is a clear reflection of a recent move. The living room is almost empty, with just a few essential pieces of furniture scattered around.

Cardboard boxes, both open and closed, are all over the floor, along with clothes piled up waiting to be put away. Papers and personal items are strewn across a table, indicating an attempt at organization amidst the chaos.

The master bedroom is no different. A messy bed occupies the center of the space, covered with tangled sheets and blankets.

Next to the bed, there's a pile of clothes thrown on the floor and some unopened boxes leaning against the wall.

The resident is deeply asleep, exhausted from the recent move. The soft morning light filters through the poorly closed curtains, casting a faint glow over the mess.

Suddenly, the silence is interrupted.

*BRRRRING, BRRRRING*

The sound echoes through the room, making the resident jump out of bed startled, his deep blue eyes wide open.

"I'm late!!" He shouts.

Clark Kent, now 21 years old and recently graduated in journalism from Smallville University, looks around desperately.

He had a young and robust appearance, with an athletic build, dark hair, and a well-defined jawline. Clark is wearing a simple white T-shirt and wrinkled jeans, both rumpled from the hectic move.

Clark pauses for a moment to pick up a small picture frame with a photo of him with his parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent. He places the frame on the bedside table and smiles gently, feeling a wave of comfort and homesickness seeing the familiar faces. It was good to have a piece of Smallville with him in New York.

"Okay, Clark, from today you're just going to be a normal guy, no weird accidents!" He says confidently, adjusting the glasses that never seem to sit perfectly straight.

But, as he adjusts his glasses, he notices the clock on the wall. "Darn it, I'm late for my first day of internship!"

In the blink of an eye, Clark begins to move around the apartment at an impressive speed.

He runs to the bathroom, brushes his teeth in seconds, and fixes his hair. Back in the bedroom, he changes the T-shirt and jeans for a light blue dress shirt and black pants, trying to look as presentable as possible for his new job at one of the city's most important newspapers.

As he moves around, the apartment's mess disappears. Books are placed on the shelves, clothes are folded and put away, and the boxes are finally unpacked.

In a few seconds, the apartment that once looked like chaos now looks like a cozy and organized home.

Clark stands in front of the mirror, adjusts his tie, and takes a deep breath. "Just a normal guy," he murmurs to himself. But then, he remembers again the urgency.

"Oh crap, I have to go!" He runs out the door, ready to face his first day in the big city.

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As he gets off the bus and steps onto the sidewalk, he's immediately enveloped by the frenetic movement of Manhattan. People are hurrying back and forth, cars honking, and the constant sound of the big city. He takes a deep breath and starts walking towards the newspaper office.

"Okay, Clark, you got this. Just another normal day... with millions of people around you," he thinks, trying to stay calm.

As he walks, he tries to dodge people on the sidewalk. First, he almost bumps into a man in a suit carrying a briefcase. Then, a woman with a coffee in hand walks right in front of him, making him stop abruptly. "Sorry!" he mumbles, raising his hand timidly.

"This is definitely different from Smallville," he thinks, remembering the quiet sidewalks and the few people he knew by name. "There, I could walk without worrying about bumping into anyone. Here, it's like a minefield."

He sidesteps a mother pushing a stroller, then nearly trips over a skateboarder who zooms past him. "Sorry, sorry!" he repeats, trying not to look completely lost.

"The loudest sound I heard was cows mooing or the wind in the fields," he thinks, sensing the difference. "Here, it's honking, sirens, people yelling... and this is just the start of the morning!"

Clark finds himself at a corner, waiting for the pedestrian signal to turn green. He looks around, amazed by the skyscrapers towering above him. "Who would've thought a farm boy would be here, trying not to get run over by a yellow cab?" he thinks, laughing at himself.

When the light changes, he crosses the street, nearly colliding with a man distracted by his phone. "My God, how does everyone not bump into each other all the time here?" He keeps walking, trying to keep pace, but also fascinated by everything around him.

Finally, he sees the newspaper building in the distance. "Almost there," he whispers, trying not to look too awestruck by the urban landscape. "First day of the internship, Clark. Everything will be fine. And remember, just a normal guy, no strange accidents!" He then comes face to face with the entrance.

When Clark finally arrives in front of the newspaper building, he pauses for a moment to admire the structure.

The Daily Bugle, one of New York's most iconic newspapers, has a long history of impactful reporting and journalistic investigations that have shaped public opinion for decades.

Founded in 1938, the Daily Bugle has published historic headlines, from World War II to the most recent events, always standing out for its relentless pursuit of truth.

The building itself is an old but well-maintained structure. Its red brick walls show signs of wear, but this only adds to its classic charm.

Large windows line the façades, allowing plenty of natural light to enter, and the Daily Bugle sign, with its gleaming gold letters, is proudly displayed above the main entrance. An ornate metal marquee shelters the entrance, giving the building a touch of elegance and history.

Clark takes a deep breath as he looks at the building. "So, this is where it begins. The Daily Bugle... I've heard so much about this place. How many can say they started their careers here?"

He feels a mix of nervousness and excitement, his heart beating a bit faster than usual. "This building has so many stories. How many renowned journalists have passed through these doors? How many big news stories have been written here?"

Clark adjusts his glasses and steps forward. "Okay, Clark, you're just a normal guy about to have a normal day." He murmurs and then walks through the doors.

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Cast:

Clark Kent: David Corenswet