Clark almost imperceptibly flinched back from her hand reaching out to touch his arm. He hated that she had seen him during one of these kinds of rescues where so many things went wrong no matter what he did, where he made such a terrible, almost fatal mistake. He hated even more that she was still looking at him with that expression he couldn’t read, that she was still trying to interview him, that she still wouldn’t call him by name, though of course she couldn’t, not in front of all these people.
This description makes perfect sense of the cacophony of emotion Clark is feeling right now. Save as many people as possible during a very difficult rescue. Save Lois from Luthor's machinations. Save himself from further pain. Those a lot going on and for a man with super powers it is more than he can handle.
Oh, let's not forget that after all the stress of the rescue, Lex comes to Clark's apartment in search of his wayward girlfriend. Talk about a busy night!
Whew!
