why so hot, Clara....🔞

Three

Days turned into weeks, and the unspoken tension between Clara and Marlene grew thicker.

Stolen glances during class, lingering touches as they passed in the hallways - their secret world bloomed beneath the surface of their seemingly normal lives.

One Friday evening,

Clara found herself invited to Marlene's house for a movie night.

The air crackled with nervous energy as Clara stepped inside.

Marlene's parents, warm and welcoming, ushered her in.

Max, much to Clara's disappointment, was sprawled on the couch, a half-eaten pizza box resting on the coffee table.

The movie selection process felt like an eternity.

Marlene kept glancing at Clara, a silent communication only they understood.

Finally, with a triumphant flourish, Max announced his choice - a cheesy action flick guaranteed to bore both girls to tears.

A plan hatched in Clara's mind.

As Max grabbed the remote, she feigned a headache.

"Ugh, guys,"

she whined,

"I don't think I can handle all that loud noise. Maybe I should head home."

Marlene's face fell.

"Oh, no, are you sure? We could watch something else."

Max scoffed.

"Come on, babes, loosen up! It's just a movie."

But Clara pressed on, her voice laced with a newfound determination.

"Actually, I was thinking maybe I could... take a raincheck. Marlene could walk me home, right?"

Marlene's eyes widened in surprise, followed by a flicker of understanding.

Max grumbled but shrugged, engrossed in the movie trailer blasting on the TV.

As they stepped outside, the cool night air felt invigorating.

Walking side by side, a comfortable silence settled between them.

"Sorry about Max,"

Clara began, kicking at a pebble.

Marlene chuckled.

"Don't worry about him. Thank you for saving me from that movie torture."

They reached a quiet side street, bathed in the soft glow of lampposts.

Suddenly,

Clara stopped and turned to face Marlene.

Her heart hammered against her ribs, a hummingbird trapped in a cage.

Taking a deep breath, she blurted out,

"Marlene, there's something I need to tell you."

Marlene's gaze held a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

In that moment, the streetlights seemed to dim, the world fading away until all that existed was Clara and Marlene.

"It's about the way I feel about you," Clara confessed, her voice barely a whisper.

"It's... more than just friendship."

The air crackled with anticipation. Marlene's breath hitched, and a blush crept up her neck.

Then, to Clara's immense relief, a smile bloomed on her face.

"Clara," Marlene began, her voice soft yet firm, "I feel the same way. And I've been afraid to say anything."

A wave of relief washed over Clara.

In that quiet street, under the watchful gaze of the moon, a shy smile spread across her face.

(To be continued)