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 didn't know how long she stood there, staring after Ryan.

The basketball court felt too quiet, too empty without his presence, yet her mind was filled with noise—questions, doubts, and emotions she wasn't ready to name.

This something between them that neither of them wanted to say out loud.

She didn't even know what she wanted to hear from him.

With a frustrated sigh, she turned away and walked off, her heart pounding the whole way.

The Partner Rehearsal That No One Wanted

The next day, their teacher gave them time to start working on their paired scenes.

Celeste didn't even have to look for Ryan.

He was already seated at the farthest desk, arms crossed, his usual smirk nowhere in sight.

Celeste sighed and sat down across from him. "Let's just get this over with."

Ryan didn't respond. He just picked up the script and started reading.

It was a scene between their characters—two people trying to confess their feelings but too stubborn to do it properly.

Celeste almost laughed at the irony.

"So, should we try reading it out loud?" she asked.

Ryan finally met her eyes. "Do we have to?"

Celeste rolled her eyes. "Yes, Ryan. It's called rehearsing."

Ryan sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Fine."

She started reading first. "I don't get you. One minute you're here, the next you're pushing me away."

Ryan's voice was quieter when he read his line. "Maybe I just don't want to hurt you."

She swallowed and continued. "Then stop acting like you don't care."

Ryan hesitated before reading his next line. "What if I do care? What if I care too much?"

For a second, Celeste forgot they were reading a script.

Something about Ryan's voice—about the way he said those words—made it feel real.

Ryan put the script down. "Is that enough rehearsal for today?"

Celeste could barely breathe. "Yeah. Sure."

And just like that, Celeste knew one thing for certain—

This was no longer just a school project.

Across the room, Samantha smirked as she watched Celeste and Ryan's tense exchange.

She leaned back in her chair, twirling a pen between her fingers.

Jared, who had been lazily skimming through his own script, raised an eyebrow. "What is?"

Samantha tilted her head toward Ryan and Celeste. "Them."

Jared smirked. "Ah. Trouble in paradise?"

Samantha laughed. "Not yet. But soon."

Jared leaned forward, intrigued. "And what exactly are you planning?"

Samantha's smile widened. "Let's just say… it's time to test how much Celeste really cares about Ryan."

Jared chuckled. "And let me guess—my job is to make that test a little harder?"

Samantha grinned. "You catch on fast."

Jared smirked. "Then let the games begin."

hapter 16:Samantha’s Plan