Chapter 14:Lead Role

Celeste knew something was off.

She could feel it in the way Samantha kept throwing her these secretive little glances, in the way Jared's smirks lasted just a little too long, and—most of all—in the way Ryan seemed off ever since their last conversation.

Something was shifting, something unspoken hanging in the air, thick like a storm waiting to break.

And Celeste?

She was stuck right in the middle of it.

A Change in the Script

"The modern twist on The Little Mermaid is actually a great idea," their teacher said, nodding approvingly as she skimmed through their outline. "But I'd like to see more emotional depth in the characters."

Samantha beamed. "Don't worry, Miss! We're working on that."

The teacher nodded. "Good. Since this is a group project, I expect you all to put in equal effort." She glanced at the script in front of her. "Hmm… I see you've changed some of the roles?"

Celeste's stomach twisted.

Oh, she definitely hadn't missed that.

Originally, the lead roles were supposed to be played by Samantha and Ryan.

But somehow, somewhere along the way—Samantha had changed it.

Now?

Celeste was playing the lead.

With Ryan.

And Jared?

He was playing the second male lead—the one who tries to win over the girl.

It didn't take a genius to figure out who had orchestrated that.

Backstage Tensions

"You changed the script?" Celeste hissed as soon as they were out of the teacher's earshot.

Samantha just smiled innocently. "Oh, come on, Celeste. It'll be fun."

Celeste crossed her arms. "You were supposed to be the lead."

Samantha waved a hand. "I decided I'd rather be the villain."

Celeste narrowed her eyes. "Why do I feel like there's more to this?"

Samantha's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe because Jared thought you'd be a better fit for the main role?"

Celeste's head snapped toward Jared, who was leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed, watching their conversation with amusement.

"You suggested this?" she asked.

Jared smirked. "Of course. I thought it'd be more entertaining this way."

Ryan, who had been silent this whole time, suddenly scoffed. "What a coincidence. I don't."

Jared chuckled. "Relax, Cruz. It's just acting."

Ryan's jaw clenched. "Right."

Celeste wanted to disappear.

Between Samantha's scheming, Jared's games, and Ryan's bad mood, she had a feeling this project was going to be a disaster.

The First Rehearsal

The gymnasium had been turned into their rehearsal space, and as Celeste skimmed through her script, she couldn't ignore the way Jared and Ryan kept throwing each other tense glances.

She had a bad feeling about this.

The scene they were rehearsing?

It was one of the key moments in the play.

Celeste's character—the modern mermaid—was supposed to have a close moment with Jared's character, where he confesses his feelings for her.

Ryan's character, the one she was actually in love with, was meant to witness the scene from a distance—before storming off in jealousy.

And the worst part?

Jared was clearly enjoying this.

"Alright," Samantha called out from the side, acting as their self-appointed director. "Celeste, Jared—get in position."

Celeste sighed, forcing herself to focus. It was just acting.

Just a role.

But the moment Jared stepped closer, that lazy smirk on his face, she knew he wasn't about to make this easy.

"You know…" Jared murmured, loud enough for only her to hear. "I am supposed to make this scene look real."

Celeste shot him a glare. "Stick to the script, Velasco."

Jared only grinned.

Then—

He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Celeste stiffened.

He wasn't supposed to do that.

And from the corner of her eye, she saw Ryan tense.

Jared leaned in, voice smooth. "You don't have to say anything. Just… listen."

Celeste swallowed hard.

She wasn't sure if it was her heart racing or if it was just because they were being watched.

But then—

Ryan stood up abruptly, tossing his script onto the bench.

"That's enough," he muttered.

Samantha raised an eyebrow. "Uh, Ryan? That wasn't even your cue yet."

Ryan ignored her, eyes locked on Jared. "Let's move to the next scene."

Jared smirked, leaning back. "Aw, Cruz. You're no fun."

Ryan's expression darkened. "And you don't know when to quit."

The tension in the room was unbearable.

And Celeste?

She wasn't sure how much longer she could take it.

A Private Conversation

Later that afternoon, Celeste found herself alone with Ryan outside the gym.

He hadn't said a word since rehearsal ended, and she wasn't sure if she should ask—or just pretend she hadn't noticed his mood.

But then—

"You're really okay with this?" Ryan finally asked, voice unreadable.

Celeste frowned. "With what?"

"With him."

She blinked. "Jared?"

Ryan clenched his jaw. "Yeah."

Celeste crossed her arms. "It's just acting."

Ryan let out a humorless laugh. "Right. Acting."

She narrowed her eyes. "Ryan, what's your problem?"

His gaze met hers, and for a moment, she thought he was actually going to say something—

But then he just shook his head.

"Forget it."

And just like that, he walked away.

Leaving Celeste more confused than ever.