Clint_Elaris

Brandston Reid has always been the quiet, mysterious first-year student at Lincoln High. Handsome, healthy, and effortlessly popular, he's accustomed to the attention — but he's not interested. All he wants is a peaceful high school life, free from distractions, where he can focus on his future.

But when he meets a girl who doesn’t fall for his charm, everything changes. She’s different. Unfazed by his looks, she seems to ignore him completely. For the first time in his life, Brandston finds himself drawn to someone who doesn’t see him as a heartthrob, but just as... himself.

Will Brandston finally break through the walls of this mystery girl, or will his silent love remain just that — unspoken and unanswered? As friendships, drama, and life’s twists collide, Brandston must confront more than his emotions — he’ll face the choices that will shape his future.

Love, loss, and growing up — sometimes, silence speaks louder than words.

My Silent Love.

Brandston stood frozen as Vanessa inched closer, her breath brushing lightly against his cheek. Her perfume—a sharp, sweet mix of cherry blossom and something darker—filled the space between them. Her lips were just inches from his, eyes locked on his like she was casting a spell.

He clenched his fists, heart pounding not from attraction but from frustration. This isn't right, he told himself. This isn't what I want.

He quickly turned his head to the side, dodging her kiss. "Vanessa," he said, voice low but firm, "I didn't come here for this."

Vanessa blinked, surprised. Her sultry expression faded for a moment, replaced by confusion, then a subtle pout. "Oh, come on, Brand... don't act like you don't feel it too."

"I don't," he replied sharply. "You've been messing with me all week. You show up out of nowhere, bring me food in class, stalk me, and now this?"

Her eyes flickered with a mix of anger and wounded pride. "So now I'm a stalker?"

"I never said that. I just need space. I don't like you that way, Vanessa."

For a second, silence ruled the moment.

Then she laughed softly, the sound echoing eerily in the quiet alley behind the school—the "secret place." It was dimly lit, with a single flickering streetlight above and ivy creeping up the cement walls. It had a kind of forbidden beauty, a hidden corner few dared to wander. Tonight, it felt like a battleground.

Vanessa stepped back, crossing her arms. "You're just confused because of that girl. Audrey, right?"

"I see the way you look at her. You're obsessed. But she doesn't want you," Vanessa continued, her voice sharp now. "She turned you down, humiliated you... and still, you're chasing her?"

"I'm not chasing anyone," Brandston said quietly. "I just want to be honest with myself. I like Audrey. I won't pretend to like someone else just because it's easier."

Vanessa's eyes softened, but only slightly. "I could make you forget her, you know," she whispered. "If you'd let me."

Brandston shook his head, taking a step back. "Good night, Vanessa. Please don't message me like that again."

He turned and walked away, each step feeling heavier than the last. He didn't look back, even when he heard her mutter something behind him.

When he returned to the dorm, Joel was still up, munching on some leftover snacks while watching a basketball highlight on his phone.

Joel looked up. "Yo, where you been? You look like you just escaped a soap opera."

Brandston gave a tired chuckle and flopped onto his bed. "Long story."

Joel grinned. "Lemme guess... Vanessa tried to make a move again?"

"Something like that," Brandston murmured, staring at the ceiling.

Joel whistled. "Man, you better be careful. She's got the eyes of a hunter."

Chapter 27 – Fire in the Silence