Chapter 12:Group Project+Jared..Velasco??

Celeste told herself it didn't matter.

So what if Samantha liked Ryan? So what if they had been talking more, laughing more, standing closer than necessary?

It wasn't like Celeste had any reason to care.

Ryan Cruz wasn't hers.

And yet, every time she saw them together, something inside her twisted uncomfortably.

She hated it.

Hated the way her chest tightened when Samantha leaned in just a little too close to Ryan. Hated how Ryan smirked at her like she was the most interesting thing in the world.

But mostly, she hated the fact that she had no right to feel this way.

Because she was not jealous.

Right?

The Group Project

"Alright, listen up!" their teacher called, clapping her hands to get the class's attention. "For this term's performance project, you'll be working in groups. You'll prepare a short skit based on a classic story—with a modern twist."

A buzz of excitement filled the room.

Celeste barely had time to process before the teacher continued. "I'll be assigning the groups myself."

Her heart sank. That meant there was no escaping whatever was coming next.

"As for Group 3…" the teacher scanned the list. "Celeste Ramos, Ryan Cruz, Samantha Velasco, and—"

She paused.

"Jared Velasco."

Silence.

Celeste frowned.

Wait. Velasco?

Her confusion deepened when Samantha let out a surprised laugh. "Oh, no way!"

The door suddenly swung open, and a tall boy strolled in.

His dark hair was slightly tousled, his uniform sleeves casually rolled up. He had the same sharp features as Samantha—but where Samantha was warm and inviting, he had an air of cool confidence.

"Ah, Jared! Perfect timing," the teacher said. "Everyone, meet our newest transfer student—Samantha's cousin."

Jared Velasco smirked. "Looks like I'm right on time."

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Another Velasco?"

Samantha grinned. "Yup. And he's joining our group."

Celeste had a bad feeling about this.

A New Player in the Game

By the time class ended, Celeste was exhausted.

Samantha, however, was practically bouncing with excitement.

"This is amazing! Us, in the same group? And now my cousin's here, too?"

Ryan smirked. "Your cousin, huh?" He glanced at Jared. "So, what's your deal?"

Jared shrugged. "Nothing much. Just here to have fun." His eyes flickered to Celeste. "And maybe stir things up a little."

Celeste frowned. "What does that mean?"

Jared grinned. "You'll find out."

Something about the way he said it sent chills down her spine.

And for the first time, Celeste realized—this wasn't just a group project.

This was the start of something far more complicated.

To Be Continued…