**Clara**
I woke up late, the sun shining brightly through my window. As I got out of bed, I heard Mom chatting with someone in the living room.
Is Dad here?
I was excited to see who it was, so I quickly got dressed in my robe and slippers and rushed out of my room.
"Hey, Clara!" Mom said, turning around to greet me.
"Hi," Rose replied, smiling at me.
"Your friend is here, come give her a hug," Mom said, gesturing for me to join them.
I walked over and hugged Rose, feeling a rush of excitement. "Let's talk in my room," I suggested.
When Rose stood up, I noticed the shopping bag that we bought yesterday
As we entered my room, I noticed the mess from our shopping trip the day before. "Sorry about the mess," I said, feeling a bit sheepish.
But Rose was unfazed. "Let's get ready for the party," she said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
"A party?" I asked, feeling a bit confused.
"Mike's birthday party!" Rose exclaimed. "And it's today!"
I groaned inwardly, realizing I had overslept. "Isn't it early?" I asked.
Rose chuckled. "Girl, it's 9 am! Just think of it as an all-day affair. We'll get ready, then head to the party at 12 pm. It'll be fun!"
What, 9 am? Am I a dead person to sleep that whole hour?
I raised an eyebrow. "9 am?"
Rose nodded. "Yeah, but don't worry, we've got plenty of time. And speaking of which... do you have makeup?"
I shook my head. "No."
"Good thing I brought mine!" Rose said, pulling out a makeup bag from behind her back.
I smiled weakly as she headed into my bathroom to change into something new. After she emerged, she started doing her own makeup at my vanity while I changed into something suitable for the occasion.
"Alright, come and sit down, it's your turn," she said while standing up.
"Me, why?" I said.
"Girl, you need makeup," said Rose.
"Am I not pretty enough?" I said.
"No, I don't mean it like that," she said. "I want to say, this party is important. You may find your partner soon."
"Rose," I said, she wants me to get a partner all the time when she sees some handsome guy, and I'll be so mad.
"Alright, just come over here," said Rose.
I got near her and sat on the chair. She started putting on makeup - red lipstick, curled my hair - only the last part. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I was different; I was feeling like another version of myself.
We got out of the house, we said "mom" goodbye, and it was already 12. So I got inside Rose's car, a small, cherry-red sedan with a sleek design and sparkling silver wheels. The interior was cream-colored with soft, plush seats that hugged me as I settled in. The air conditioning blew a gentle breeze on my skin, and the sweet scent of fresh leather filled my nostrils. Rose started the engine, and the purring hum of the motor vibrated through the seat
We arrived at the party after a 20-minute drive, and as we stepped inside, I was struck by the brightness of the party lights, which seemed to dance across the corners of the room like tiny ballerinas. The atmosphere was electric, with the hum of conversation and the soft thumping of music filling the air.
"Look," Rose said, nodding towards the left.
I turned to follow her gaze, and that's when I saw him - John, standing tall and confident in his black suit, his hairstyle slightly different from what I was used to. He looked... handsome. Very handsome.
Rose smiled beside me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "He looks great in that suit and hairstyle, doesn't he?" she said.
I was still taking in John's appearance when he suddenly turned and caught my eye. Our gazes met, and for a moment, everything else around us melted away.
**John**
"Yo, check out Clara!" Mark exclaimed, pointing toward the gate.
I turned, and there she was—her gaze locked onto mine. She wore a stunning white dress that shimmered under the party lights, making her look like a radiant beacon in a sea of faces. In that moment, everyone else faded into a blur, their laughter and chatter dissolving into the background. But just as quickly as she caught my eye, she turned away, and the music surged back into my ears, pulling me from my daze.
"Hey, man, are you still with us?" Mark's voice cut through the noise, snapping me back to reality.
"Yo, wake up!" he urged, nudging my shoulder. I blinked, trying to shake off the spell Clara had cast over me.
"Sorry, I just—" I started, but the words got stuck in my throat. How could I explain this feeling?
"Dude, you're staring like a total creep," Mark chuckled, but I could see the teasing glint in his eyes.
**Clara**
"Clara, can we sit at Mark's table?" Rose asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Where?" I replied, glancing around, unsure.
She pointed toward John's table. "There! Look,Clara!"
I shook my head, stubborn. "No, I think it's better here."
"Come on!" she insisted, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward John's table.
"Hey!" Rose said, her gaze locking onto Mark's.
"Hi," Mark replied, his eyes brightening as he met her gaze.
"Hey," John greeted, turning his attention to me.
"Hello," I said, trying to sound casual but feeling a flutter in my stomach.
"Hi, Clara," Mark smiled, his voice warm.
"Hi, Mark," I managed, my heart racing a little.
Rose settled beside Mark, while I found myself next to John.
His new hairstyle—slicked back and effortlessly cool—was making my heart skip. I couldn't help but remember that Rose had transformed my own hair from curly chaos to sleek straightness.
"By the way, that new hairstyle really suits you," John said, glancing at me with genuine admiration.
"Yeah, he's right, Clara," Mark chimed in, nodding.
"Thanks! But yours looks great too, John," I replied, trying to keep the compliment light.
"Oh really?" John raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on his lips.
"Yeah," I said, feeling a bit shy under his gaze.
"At least it's better than that old style of yours," Rose teased, nudging John playfully.
"Thank you," John laughed, rolling his eyes in mock exasperation.
Rose and Mark began to stroll away, drinks in hand, their laughter weaving through the air like music. The way they chatted, leaning in close, made it seem like they were sharing secrets only they could understand.
she left me with my enemy -Rose
The silence stretched on, thick and awkward, until a smooth song began to play. People started to sway and dance, lost in their own worlds. I took a sip of my drink, trying to focus on anything but the tension in the air. John's gaze found me, and I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. I quickly looked away, not wanting to appear too eager.
"Clara," he called, his voice warm and inviting.
"Yes?" I replied, my heart racing as I met his gaze.
"Would you like to dance with me?" he asked, his eyes sparkling.
No,-I can't, I really can't because I don't know how to dance -it's pretty funny.
"Nope," I said, immediately feeling regret for turning him down.
"Why not? Is it because you don't like me?" John asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
You could say that, but the truth is, I just can't dance.
"No, John, it's not about that," I replied, trying to sound more confident.
"Then what is it about?" he pressed, his curiosity piqued.
"John, listen—I really don't know how to dance," I whispered, glancing around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. It felt so embarrassing to admit this to him, and I managed a shy smile.
"It's alright," John said, trying to hide his amusement.
"What do you mean it's alright?" I asked, puzzled.
"Clara, I can hold you with my feet so you can dance with me," he joked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"John, did you know you're the funniest person I've ever met? Do you really think you can hold me with your feet?" I laughed, shaking my head in disbelief.
"Yeah, I can," he replied, his smile growing wider.
"I'm... kind of heavy," I whispered, feeling self-conscious again, but I could see him struggling to contain his laughter.
"It's okay, Clara. I can still hold you," John assured me, extending his hand, inviting me to dance. The best part was that no one was watching us.
"Huh, John," I said, placing my hand in his, feeling a rush of excitement and courage.
He led me into the crowded dance floor, and we stood in the middle, yet somehow felt like we were in our own little world.
"Now just listen to my instructions," John said, his tone serious.
"Alright, Mr. John," I whispered in his ear, smiling.
"Clara, I'm not joking. Just do as I say," he insisted, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Alright, alright," I replied, trying to suppress my laughter.
"Put your left hand on my shoulder," he instructed.
I complied, placing my left hand on his shoulder while he took my right hand and held it firmly. "What's next?" I asked, curious.
"Clara," he said, looking at me as if I had broken the rules.
"Huh, alright, sorry about that," I said, my cheeks warming.
He placed his left hand on my waist, and suddenly, we felt so close. "Put your feet on mine," John said.
"John," I interrupted again, unable to help myself.
"It's alright; I can hold you. Just put your feet on mine," he urged.
I hesitated but finally placed my right foot on his, then my left. He held my waist so tightly that I was now pressed against him. "John, I know I'm heavy, but you insisted on holding me," I said, a mix of embarrassment and disbelief.
"But I can feel that your waist is small," John replied, a teasing smile on his face.
"John," I said, my cheeks flushing, "Why are you checking that?"
He chuckled, brushing off my question. "Alright, just hold me tight because I'm going to start," he said, his tone light but serious.
I wrapped my arms around him, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. I held on tightly, my heart racing, determined not to fall as he began to move.
"Alright," I said, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
He started to dance, and it felt incredible—like I was floating in the air, completely lost in the moment.
"I can feel your heart beating so fast," I said, looking up at him, straining my neck because I was shorter. He flashed a perfect smile that made my heart beat.
"Am I too heavy?" I whispered, suddenly feeling vulnerable.
"No way," he replied, but then he stopped dancing. I placed my left hand on his chest, feeling the rapid thump beneath my palm. "Then why is it racing?" I asked, curiosity bubbling inside me.
"I don't know," he said, glancing away for a moment. "Maybe it's just... you?"
I felt a rush of warmth at his words. "Maybe we should stop before I embarrass myself," I suggested, my voice a mix of teasing and genuine concern.
"Yeah, probably a good idea," he said, a hint of relief in his tone. I slowly lifted my feet off his and pulled my right hand away from his, feeling the sudden chill of separation.
"Let's get back to our table," he said, trying to sound casual, but I could see the slight blush creeping onto his cheeks.
As we walked back, I felt a mix of disappointment and excitement. I glanced at him, and our eyes met for a brief moment, sending a thrill through me.