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)

Out of all the possible projects, out of all the possible partners, out of all the stories they could have been assigned—

She was stuck playing Ariel in The Little Mermaid.

Because life apparently hated her.

She stared at the cast list posted on the classroom wall, rereading it as if the letters would magically rearrange themselves into something different.

Still Ryan's name next to Prince Eric.

Still her heart pounding way too hard in her chest.

She turned to their teacher, Mr. Alonzo, hoping for a miracle.

"Sir," she started, trying to keep her voice calm. "Is there any way I could switch roles?"

Mr. Alonzo barely glanced up from his clipboard. "No."

Celeste clenched her jaw. "But—"

"I chose the roles carefully, Celeste," Mr. Alonzo said. "You are Ariel. Ryan is your Prince Eric. That's final."

Ryan—who had been watching the whole time—chuckled.

"Excited, partner?" he teased, leaning against the wall next to her.

Celeste shot him a glare. "Not. Even. A little."

Celeste crossed her arms. "I'm serious, Ryan. This is going to be a disaster."

Ryan shrugged. "I don't know… I think it'll be fun."

Celeste let out a frustrated sigh. "You would think that."

Ryan grinned. "Of course. I get to be a prince, and you get to be my mermaid. Sounds perfect to me."

Celeste felt her face heat up. "You're impossible."

Ryan chuckled. "And yet, you're stuck with me."

A week later, the rehearsals for The Little Mermaid officially started.

And Celeste quickly realized one thing—

Acting like she wasn't falling for Ryan Cruz was way harder than memorizing lines.

Every time he smiled at her during a scene.

Every time he said his lines like he actually meant them.

She felt like she was losing a battle she never even agreed to fight.

"You and Ryan are so cute together," Natalie said one afternoon, watching from the audience as Celeste and Ryan ran through their lines.

Celeste turned away, pretending to focus on her script.

But she could feel Natalie's eyes on her.

The problem wasn't just that Ryan was a good actor.

The problem was that sometimes, Celeste couldn't tell if he was even acting at all.

The one where Prince Eric and Ariel are supposed to dance.

Mr. Alonzo clapped his hands. "Alright, Ryan, Celeste—let's go. I want real emotion here. Make us feel it."

Ryan turned to her, extending his hand. "Shall we, Princess?"

Then, slowly, she placed her hand in his.

Her heart slammed against her ribs.

Ryan led her across the stage, his hands steady, his touch warm.

For a second—just a second—Celeste forgot they were acting.

Forgot there was an audience watching.

Until Mr. Alonzo's voice cut through the air.

"That's it! That's what I want! Perfect chemistry!"

"Nervous?" he asked, his voice low.

But deep down, she wasn't sure at all.

Because something was happening between them.

And she had no idea what to do about it.

Watching Celeste and Ryan together made her sick.

But somehow, Celeste was always in the way.

A way to make Celeste feel exactly what she had been feeling.

Chapter 20:A scene too real