starlaced_heart

Lina wasn’t invisible — she had just learned how to blend in.

Sitting at the back of the class, doing favors no one thanked her for, walking home alone while others laughed in groups — that was her world. No drama. No friends. No expectations.

But all it took was one moment.
One act of courage.

When Lina stood up for a bullied freshman, someone captured it on video. She didn’t expect anything to come from it… but the internet had other plans.

Suddenly, everyone wanted to know who she was.
The once-ignored girl became the name on everyone’s lips.
Upperclassmen smiled at her. Her classmates saved her a seat.
Snacks appeared on her desk. The cold student council president? He started walking her to class.
Even those who used to mock her were now asking, “Are you free this weekend?”

Lina never asked to be admired. She never wanted to be someone worth noticing.

But when the world finally sees her…
Will she be ready to accept the love she’s always thought she didn’t deserve?

All Eyes on Lina

The next morning, Renzo didn't even glance her way.

Lina told herself ut didn't matter. That she was imagining things. That what he said yesterday — "You're not lime them" — wasn't something she should be thinking about over and over.

Especially when she caught him staring at the window during class, jaw clenched, brown furrowed — like he was angry at something no one else could see.

He didn't mean to say that yesterday. He hadn't planned to talk, honestly. But when he turned that corner and saw her — books in hand, blinking up at him like she hadn't already filled his thoughts for the past few days — the words came out before he could stop them.

Renzo never liked soft things. They didn't last.

But then she smiled at him that day in the hallway — a shy, confused smile that didn't ask anything from him — and it stuck. Like a splinter under his skin.

Lunch came quickly, and so did Ciel — like always.

"Lima," he said, sliding beside her as she opened her lunchbox. "I'm kidnapping you after school."

"Okay, maybe not kidnapping. Borrowing," he grinned. "There's this bookstore with cute stationery. You said you like writing journals, right?"

She hesitated. "I don't know…"

"You don't have to say yes right now," he said gently. "Just think about it. I'll wait at the gate either way."

He winked before heading back to his table — where at least three girls looked on with mild jealousy.

This was too much. Too fast. She didn't understand what people were seeing in her now.

After Class — School Gate

She walked out slower than usual, unsure if she wanted to see anyone.

But when she stepped through the gate, she saw him — not Ciel.

Renzo. Leaning against the fence, one earbud in, eyes closed. He didn't move even when students passed him.

But before she could decide, another voice called her name.

"Lina!" Ciel waved, coming up from the side, holding a cute little paper bag. "I got you a keychain. It reminded me of you."

She looked at him, then back at Renzo.

Chapter 7: A Smile He Couldn’t Forget