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

Lina felt it before she even heard it.

The shift in tone. The side glances. The not-so-subtle pauses when she entered the classroom.

She walked to her seat quietly, but her stomach twisted the moment she caught the whispers near the back.

"Let's be real," one girl muttered.

"If she wasn't in that video, no one would even know her name."

Another one giggled. "Ciel's just playing around. Guys like him don't fall for girls like her."

The words weren't directed at her.

Lina lowered her eyes, fingers tightening around her pen. She tried to focus on the lesson, but the air felt heavy — like everyone was thinking the same thing but too polite to say it out loud.

Even Camille, who hadn't said a word to her in days, gave her a look. Not cruel — just amused. Like watching someone pretending to belong.

Lunch Break — Courtyard

Ciel found her sitting on a bench under the acacia tree, untouched lunchbox beside her.

"Not hungry?" he asked gently.

Ciel sad beside her anyway, offering a bottle of water.

"You heard it too, huh?" he said, voice calm.

"They are just bored," he continued. "You're new to their radar, and they can't stand not being in the spotlight."

"Maybe they're right," she mumbled. "Maybe I am just a random girl who got lucky with a video."

Ciel turned to her. "No, you're a girl who made people look up for once."

His voice was soft, but firm — like he meant every word.

But Lina couldn't help it. The doubt still settled in her chest like cold rainwater.

"I just need air," she said quietly, standing.

Ciel watched her go, not following this time.

Five minutes later — School Rooftop

She pushed the door open gently, hoping for silence.

What she didn't expect… was him.

Sitting near the edge, hoodie pulled up, legs stretched out, eyes closed like the sky was the only thing that ever listened to him.

And for the first time in awhile, she didn't feel invisible.

But she wasn't sure she liked being seen.

Chapter 9 — Part 1: Rumors in the Air