You describe Clark's fears so well:
He was still barely daring to hope. Despite his decision that morning not to attempt to prejudge or predict Lois’s feelings towards him, it was very difficult to set aside years of conditioning and the decision he’d come to after Lana. Lois was attracted to him; she’d proved that by taking the initiative and kissing him after he’d taken her home. But she’d been dead on her feet - she couldn’t have been thinking straight!
And anyway, there was a huge difference between being attracted to someone and actually wanting a relationship with them.
And, of course, he knew that Lois hadn’t had nearly enough time yet to come to terms with what he was.
Abnormal.
Probably not even human.
What woman would want to build a relationship with someone like him?
At least, that was what he’d always thought. Was it possible that Lois was the one woman who could accept him as he was?
What a super move Lois takes by letting him to hear her humilating secret first. Showing him the ultimate trust hopefully helps him to open, also. Trust for trust.
