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

It didn't take long for the rooftop moment to stop being theirs.

The very next day, Lina felt it — that shift again. That ripple of attention she couldn't control.

"Did you hear?" someone whispered by the lockers.

"She was with Renzo on the rooftop. Just the two of them."

"No way. Isn't he, like, super cold to everyone?"

At her desk — Morning homeroom

Rachel leaned over with a teasing smile. "So… rooftop dates now?"

"It wasn't like that," Lina said quickly, her face heating up.

Rachel raised an eyebrow. "Relax. I think it's cute. Just… be careful. When upperclassmen pay attention to girls like us, it comes with strings."

Lina wanted to ask what she meant. But she didn't.

Because just then, Ciel walked in — and he didn't greet her.

Today? He walked straight to his seat without even glancing her way.

Break Time — Hallway

Lina caught up to him by the vending machine.

"Ciel," she said, trying not to sound as awkward as she felt.

His voice was casual, but his eyes… weren't.

"I heard something," he said after a pause. "You and Renzo?"

She shook her head. "We just talked."

Ciel gave a small, strained smile. "Right. Just talked. On the school rooftop. Alone."

"No," he said. "I'm just surprised. I didn't think I needed to… hurry."

That last word hit her like a wave.

Before she could respond, he walked away.

After Class — Library

Lina sat alone again, her books open but her thoughts miles away.

She didn't ask for this. Any of it.

She didn't mean for people to talk. She didn't know how to stop them from twisting things.

She just wanted the noise to stop.

She was so caught up in her thoughts, she didn't even notice Renzo sitting down across from her.

Until he slid a folded piece of paper her way.

Let them talk. You don't owe them silence.

And for the first time all day, she smiled — just a little.

Chapter 10: Caught in the Quiet