Mela_Plepi

Celeste is a thoughtful high school student who finds herself drawn to Ryan, a charming yet conflicted classmate. Their connection deepens as they work together on their school play, The Little Mermaid—with Celeste cast as Ariel and Ryan as Prince Eric. During rehearsals, their onstage chemistry hints at a deeper bond, but offstage, Ryan’s mixed signals and emotional distance leave Celeste confused and hurt.

Matters become even more complicated when Natalie, Celeste’s best friend who recently transferred to the school, reveals that she’s also developing feelings for Ryan. As Natalie’s admiration grows, she begins to play subtle games that stir jealousy and tension between her and Celeste. Soon, Natalie even enlists her cousin—a new transfer student—to try and win Ryan’s favor, further intensifying the rivalry.

Throughout these chapters, the school play becomes a backdrop for the unfolding drama. The rehearsals and performances highlight the raw emotions between Celeste and Ryan, while also exposing the complex dynamics of friendship and jealousy. Ryan is torn between his genuine care for Celeste and the allure of the attention from Natalie, leaving Celeste uncertain about their future together.

In short, the story so far follows Celeste as she navigates the highs and lows of love, friendship, and self-discovery in a complicated triangle that is further complicated by the pressures of a major school project.

THE RECKLES HEART (ongoing)

Celeste told herself she wasn't thinking about Ryan Cruz.

Not about the way he had smirked at her in the library. Not about the way his voice had dipped lower when he teased her. And definitely not about the fact that, for a brief moment, she had felt her heart skip a beat.

So why was it that when she walked into the classroom the next morning, her eyes immediately searched for him?

Why did her breath hitch slightly when she found him leaning back in his seat, talking to a few classmates, his usual smirk in place?

And why—why—did he look up the exact moment she was staring at him?

Celeste's heart did that stupid skipping thing again.

Ryan tilted his head slightly, as if amused by her staring. Then, without breaking eye contact, he mouthed:

Celeste scoffed and quickly turned away, forcing herself to focus on anything but him.

A really annoying, frustrating coincidence.

The school festival preparations were more of a disaster than she had expected.

For one, the café idea had sparked way too much enthusiasm.

"We should have a costume theme," one student suggested.

"Let's add live music!" another chimed in.

"Oh! And maybe a special menu where couples can share drinks—"

"No." Celeste shut that idea down immediately.

But despite the chaos, the festival was coming together. Their class had been split into different tasks—some handling the menu, others in charge of decoration, and a few working on the marketing.

Which meant Celeste was still stuck with Ryan.

She had hoped he'd slack off, leave her alone, and let her work in peace.

Instead of skipping meetings like she expected, he showed up. Instead of ignoring their project, he helped. And instead of teasing her non-stop, he—

"Careful, Ramos," Ryan said as she sketched out a floor plan for the café. "You might start enjoying my company."

Celeste didn't even look up. "Doubt it."

Ryan leaned over, looking at her work. "You're really serious about this, huh?"

He smirked. "Oh, I'm serious about some things."

Celeste made the mistake of glancing up at him.

And just like before, their eyes met.

For a second, neither of them moved.

Then Ryan did something unexpected.

He reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Ryan, as if realizing what he had just done, blinked. His hand hovered near her face for a moment before he slowly pulled back.

The air between them felt… different.

Quickly, she grabbed her notebook, stood up, and muttered, "I need a break."

She left without looking back, ignoring the way her heart was still racing.

Because if she wasn't, she was going to fall into something she wouldn't be able to escape from.

And Ryan Cruz was not the kind of guy she could afford to fall for.

Chapter 7:Closer than Before