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 couldn't sleep that night.

She tossed and turned, staring at the ceiling, replaying the events of rehearsal over and over in her head. Jared's smirk. Samantha's knowing glances. Ryan's sudden anger.

Why did that question keep bothering her?

Why did Ryan care so much about Jared?

And more importantly—why did she care so much about Ryan's reaction?

The next day at school, Celeste walked into the classroom and immediately felt the tension in the air.

Ryan was already in his seat, staring out the window, his expression unreadable.

Jared, as usual, was lounging at the back, chatting with some classmates.

Samantha was watching Celeste with a knowing smirk, as if she already knew what was going through her mind.

Celeste sighed and made her way to her seat.

The moment she sat down, Samantha leaned in. "So…" she whispered. "How was it?"

Celeste shot her a look. "How was what?"

Celeste narrowed her eyes. "You changed the roles on purpose, didn't you?"

Samantha just smiled. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Celeste sighed, rubbing her temples. "Samantha…"

Her best friend just shrugged. "Look, I did you a favor, okay? Now you know where Ryan really stands."

Celeste's heart skipped a beat. "And where is that?"

Samantha leaned closer. "He's jealous."

The Project That Changes Everything

After lunch, their teacher made an announcement.

"As part of your performance project, I'm assigning you a secondary task. You'll all be paired up to create an additional scene—a moment that explores your characters' relationships even further."

Celeste frowned. "A second scene?"

"Yes," the teacher confirmed. "Something emotional. Something that makes the audience feel."

Celeste felt a sinking feeling in her stomach as she glanced around the room.

She already knew how this was going to go.

"The pairs will be: Celeste and Ryan, Samantha and Jared."

After School: A Conversation They Can't Avoid

Celeste found Ryan by the basketball court after school.

He was shooting hoops alone, his face tense, his movements sharp.

She hesitated before calling out, "Ryan."

He caught the ball, but didn't turn around. "What?"

Celeste took a deep breath. "We need to talk about the project."

Ryan dribbled the ball once. "What about it?"

Celeste crossed her arms. "Don't act like you don't care."

Ryan finally turned to face her, his dark eyes unreadable. "Maybe I don't."

Celeste clenched her fists. "Why are you acting like this?"

Ryan let out a harsh laugh. "Like what?"

"Like this!" Celeste threw her hands in the air. "You've been acting weird ever since Jared got involved in the project. Ever since that scene."

Ryan's jaw tightened. "I just don't like the guy."

Celeste stared at him. "That's it?"

Ryan met her gaze. "What else do you want me to say?"

Celeste took a deep breath, stepping closer. "If there's something bothering you, Ryan, just say it."

Ryan held her gaze for a long moment.

Leaving Celeste with a storm of emotions she couldn't even begin to understand.

Chapter 15:Acting Project