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 wished she could say she was overthinking things.

That Jared Velasco was just messing around.

That Samantha's interest in Ryan didn't bother her.

That Ryan himself wasn't paying Samantha any extra attention.

She wasn't the only one noticing the shifts happening around her.

Project Discussions & Unspoken Tensions

"So, what story are we doing?" Ryan asked, leaning back in his chair. They had gathered in the library for their first group meeting, but so far, no one had offered a real idea.

Samantha tapped her chin. "We need something dramatic. Something with romance. Something that grabs attention."

Ryan smirked. "You mean something that lets you play a lead role?"

Celeste sighed. "We're supposed to put a modern twist on a classic. Maybe Romeo and Juliet?"

Jared let out a low whistle. "Tragic love story, huh?" His gaze flickered to Celeste, sharp and knowing. "Fitting."

Celeste narrowed her eyes. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

Jared shrugged, his smirk deepening. "Nothing. Just an observation."

Ryan scoffed. "Yeah, well, I'm not dying in any play. Pick another story."

"The Little Mermaid?" Samantha suggested. "But instead of the mermaid giving up her voice for love, maybe she's torn between two choices?"

Celeste opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Ryan chuckled. "Sounds like you just want a love triangle plot."

Samantha smirked. "And what if I do?"

Ryan, however, only laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, whatever. Let's just pick something and move on."

But as the conversation continued, Celeste realized something.

The more Samantha flirted with Ryan, the more Jared seemed to focus on her.

And she didn't like the way he was watching her at all.

"So, what's up with you and Ryan?"

Celeste stiffened, gripping her books tighter. It was the next day, and she and Samantha were walking together in the hallway.

"What?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

Samantha grinned. "Oh, come on. You two are always arguing, always pushing each other's buttons." She nudged Celeste playfully. "There's something there."

Celeste forced a laugh. "We're just friends."

"Hmm," Samantha hummed, unconvinced. "That's good to know."

Something about the way she said it made Celeste pause.

Before she could say anything, Samantha flipped her hair and smiled. "Because I really think Ryan and I would be a great match."

Ryan stopped mid-step, blinking at Jared. "What?"

Jared grinned. "Celeste. You like her."

Jared just smirked, shoving his hands into his pockets. "You don't notice it, do you?"

Jared chuckled. "The way you get annoyed when she's too close to someone else."

Ryan rolled his eyes. "You're imagining things."

"Am I?" Jared tilted his head. "What if I started getting close to her?"

Ryan's jaw clenched. "Do whatever you want."

That afternoon, Celeste found herself sitting in the cafeteria, poking at her food.

Across from her, Samantha was laughing at something Ryan had said, her hand lightly touching his arm.

"I have an idea," Jared said suddenly, pulling everyone's attention. "Let's make our play more interesting."

Jared grinned. "By adding more… romantic tension."

Samantha clapped her hands together. "Ooh, I like the sound of that."

Celeste, however, had a sinking feeling in her stomach.

Because the way Jared was looking at her?

She knew exactly who he had in mind.

Chapter 13:Unwanted Realizations