Chapter 6: Everyone is dumb

"Clara," he said, leaning in so she could hear him over the music, "would you like to go somewhere a bit quieter? There's something I want to show you."

Clara hesitated, glancing back at her friends. Jessica was deep in conversation with a group of boys, Emma was animatedly discussing something with a fellow student, and Sophie was still dancing, completely immersed in the music. They all seemed carefree and fully engaged in their own fun.

Seeing them so happy and at ease gave Clara the confidence to take a step outside her comfort zone. She nodded, allowing Marcus to lead her away from the bustling crowd. As they walked, he handed her another drink. She accepted it, feeling the buzz of the alcohol start to create a pleasant, fuzzy sensation.

Marcus guided her through the mansion, the noise of the party fading into the background. They passed through elegantly decorated hallways and lavish rooms until they reached a large wooden door. Marcus pushed it open, revealing a beautifully appointed library, its walls lined with towering shelves of books. The room was dimly lit, a soft glow emanating from a few well-placed lamps, casting a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

"Wow," Clara breathed, looking around in awe. "This is amazing."

Marcus smiled, clearly pleased by her reaction. "I thought you might like it. It's one of my favorite places in the house. We can talk here without all the noise."

Clara took another sip of her drink, feeling the warmth of the alcohol spread through her. Her mind felt pleasantly fuzzy, the edges of her thoughts blurring in a way that was both comforting and disorienting.

Marcus led her to a plush sofa near a fireplace, where they sat down. He turned to her, his expression softening. "I wanted to get to know you better, Clara. I've noticed you in class, and I've always been curious about you."

Clara felt a flutter in her chest at his words. "Really? I never thought someone like you would even notice me."

"Someone like me?" Marcus chuckled, shaking his head. "You're incredible, Clara. You're intelligent, kind, and beautiful. I couldn't help but be drawn to you."

Her cheeks flushed at his compliments, and she took another sip of her drink, feeling her inhibitions melt away. "Thank you, Marcus. That's really sweet of you to say."

He reached out and gently took her hand, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. "I'm serious. I've wanted to talk to you for a long time."

Marcus leaned in, his gaze fixed on her lips. Clara’s heart pounded in her chest, her nerves and the alcohol creating a whirlwind of emotions. Just as his face neared hers, she instinctively turned her head, dodging his attempt to kiss her.

“Oh, um, sorry,” she stammered, feeling a rush of embarrassment and confusion. “I just… I’m not sure.”

Marcus pulled back slightly, his expression a mix of surprise and understanding. “It’s okay, Clara. I understand.” He gave her a reassuring smile, though there was a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. “How about another drink?”

Clara hesitated, but then nodded. “Sure, thanks.”

Marcus stood up and walked over to a side table where an assortment of drinks was laid out. He poured a fresh cocktail and brought it back to her, the glass shimmering in the soft light. “Here you go,” he said, handing it to her with a smile. “This one’s a bit sweeter. I think you’ll like it.”

Clara accepted the drink, her hands trembling slightly. She took a sip, the sweetness of the cocktail masking the strength of the alcohol. It was delicious, and she felt the warmth spread through her once more, dulling the edge of her earlier apprehension.

“Thank you,” she said softly, looking up at Marcus. “I’m just a bit nervous, I guess. This is all new to me.”

Marcus nodded, his smile returning. “I get it, Clara. No pressure, okay? Let’s just enjoy the night and each other’s company.”

They continued to talk, and Clara gradually relaxed again, the alcohol and Marcus’s easy demeanor helping to soothe her nerves.

As the conversation continued, Marcus leaned closer, his gaze warm and sincere. "Clara, you know, you're really pretty," he said softly.

Clara felt her cheeks flush a deep pink. "Thank you," she murmured, looking down at her drink. "But I don't think so. No one pays attention to me at school. I feel invisible most of the time."

Marcus frowned, shaking his head. "Well, then everyone at school is dumb. They clearly don't see what I see."

Clara's heart skipped a beat at his words. There was something so genuine about the way he said it, a conviction that made her feel special, seen in a way she hadn't before. She looked up at him, her eyes meeting his.

Before she could say anything else, Marcus leaned in again, his intention clear. This time, Clara didn’t pull away. She felt a rush of warmth and anticipation as his lips brushed against hers, gentle at first, then more insistent.

She closed her eyes, allowing herself to get lost in the moment. The kiss was everything she had imagined it might be—soft, tender, and filled with a sweet intensity that made her heart race. Clara felt herself melting into the kiss, the room around them fading away until there was only Marcus, his touch, and the dizzying sensation of being kissed for the first time.