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)

Not on class. Not on her group project. Not even when the teacher called on her twice to answer a question.

Because across the room, Ryan was talking to her.

Why does it bother me so much? Celeste thought, gripping her pen tightly.

Celeste forced a nod. "Yeah. Fine."

Samantha smirked. "You don't look fine."

Celeste shot her a glare. "Shouldn't you be with your boyfriend?"

Samantha only laughed. "Oh please, Jared knows this is all just for fun."

Celeste turned back to her notes, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in her stomach.

And things were about to get worse.

"Everyone, we have a new student joining our class today."

The teacher's voice snapped Celeste out of her thoughts.

Long, wavy brown hair. Big, expressive eyes. A confident smile that made her look like she already owned the whole classroom.

"This is Natalie Castillo," the teacher continued. "She just transferred here, so I expect all of you to make her feel welcome."

Ryan leaned back in his seat, smirking. "Don't worry, sir. I'll make sure she feels very welcome."

She wanted to throw something at him.

Natalie's eyes lit up. "Ooh, I like you already."

By lunchtime, the whole school was already talking about the new girl.

More specifically, about how quickly she had clicked with Ryan.

Celeste didn't want to believe it.

She wanted to tell herself that it was all just rumors. That it didn't mean anything.

But then, as she and Samantha sat in the cafeteria, Natalie suddenly plopped down beside them, grinning.

"I really like your friend," she told Samantha.

Natalie laughed. "Ryan! He's so funny. And hot."

Celeste nearly choked on her drink.

Samantha smirked. "Ooh, interesting. So, you like him?"

Natalie shrugged. "Maybe. I don't know yet."

But instead, she forced a polite smile. "You… just met him."

Samantha was watching her closely, amusement clear in her eyes. "Well, well, well… This is getting interesting."

Natalie leaned forward. "Oh, come on. What do you think, Celeste? Should I go for him?"

But before she could answer, Ryan suddenly walked up behind them.

"Talking about me already?" he teased, his smirk as infuriating as ever.

Celeste hated how her pulse jumped.

She stood up abruptly. "I… need to go."

Samantha shot her a knowing look. "Where?"

"Anywhere but here," Celeste muttered before storming off.

She didn't know where she was going.

All she knew was that she needed to breathe.

Because if she stayed a second longer, she might do something crazy.

Like tell Ryan exactly how she felt.

Chapter 18:Introducing…Natalie