Chapter 24: Chapter 24 (edited)
After calming little Clark's emotions, Kara fully devoted herself to preparing for the college entrance exam. The academic material didn't pose much of a challenge for her; her ability to absorb and retain information was remarkable, as if everything she read was permanently etched into her memory. However, she knew that the interview required a more nuanced preparation.
To practice, she and her friends organized mock interviews. They took turns acting as interviewers, asking questions based on the experiences of successful alumni. However, these sessions often devolved into playful antics. For instance, Jennifer once jokingly asked Kara how she maintained her hair and skin. Kara, amused but unsure how to respond, replied, "I've never done anything special. Can I just say sunlight is my secret? You could try basking in the sun." Jennifer shot her a skeptical look. "If I do that, I'll just end up getting sunburned!"
Danni joined in with equally nonsensical questions. "Forget that, Kara. Tell me, what kind of person do you like? Or do you prefer girls?" Kara sighed and rubbed her temples. "Do you really think the interviewers will ask that?" Jennifer, pretending to be serious, crossed her arms and eyed Kara with exaggerated envy. "Alright, then tell me your measurements." Kara raised her hands in surrender. "Okay, that's enough, girls."
Despite being over 1.8 meters tall, Kara maintained perfect proportions and an athletic figure, which often drew teasing comments from Jennifer. On more than one occasion, Jennifer half-jokingly suggested moving in with Kara to adopt her lifestyle, something Jennifer's parents would never allow. But amid the laughter and distractions, their practice paid off. When exam day arrived, all three felt prepared. The written test went smoothly; their months of diligent studying were reflected in their confident answers. Now, they just had to face the interview.
The interviewers began with basic questions. "Why did you choose our university?" Kara answered confidently, "Because my hometown is nearby, and I plan to stay in the metropolis after graduation. This school is my first choice." The interviewers, observing her intently, exchanged approving glances. They then asked about her knowledge of the institution. Kara had done her research thoroughly, but instead of reciting facts, she reorganized the information in her own words, which added authenticity to her responses.
Throughout the process, the interviewers evaluated not only her answers but also her demeanor. A single mistake or sign of immaturity could cost her valuable points, but Kara remained composed, responding to each question with poise. Finally, they reviewed her written exam and asked her to explain certain answers. Kara, fully prepared, handled the questions without hesitation.
The interviewers seemed satisfied, although they didn't reveal the results immediately. "Thank you, Kara. We'll notify you soon." She stood up with a sigh of relief, but as she reached the door, she heard them call the next candidate. "Send in the next candidate—Bruce Wayne."
Kara froze mid-step. Bruce Wayne? While Bruce wasn't an uncommon name, the Wayne surname was unmistakable, directly associated with Wayne Enterprises, one of the world's most powerful corporations. Intrigued, Kara lingered for a moment, hoping to catch a glimpse of the candidate.
Bruce was tall, with sharp features and an air of mystery that was hard to ignore. Yet there was something odd about his presence: a melancholy that contrasted sharply with the confident and commanding image one might expect from the heir to Wayne Enterprises. As their eyes briefly met, Kara felt a fleeting connection before Bruce disappeared behind the door.
"Batman in Metropolis?" Kara thought to herself as she exited the building. "What's next, Superman in Gotham?" The idea made her chuckle, but she couldn't shake the curiosity about Bruce Wayne. What was he doing here, and why did he seem so different from what she had imagined?
She waited outside for Jennifer and Danni to finish. Although the three had submitted their applications together, the interview order had been rearranged. Jennifer was the first to emerge, her excitement evident. "Kara! I just saw the most handsome guy ever." Kara immediately knew who she meant. "Bruce Wayne, right?" Jennifer's eyes widened in surprise. "You saw him too? He's unbelievably gorgeous!" Danni, following close behind, rolled her eyes and added sarcastically, "Jennifer practically threw herself at him while we waited. If she had another minute, she would've taken out her phone for a selfie." Jennifer protested indignantly. "That's not true!" But the blush on her cheeks betrayed her.
Kara smirked and shook her head. "Focus, Jen. If you fail the interview, Danni and I will celebrate without you." Still muttering under her breath, Jennifer finally returned to her notes. Kara and Danni exchanged knowing smiles. They both shared Jennifer's curiosity about Bruce Wayne. Was he really the heir to Wayne Enterprises? And if so, why did he seem so downtrodden?
As the day came to an end, Kara couldn't shake the feeling that her encounter with Bruce Wayne marked the beginning of something much bigger, though she had no idea what it might be.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone