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 hadn't even made it to the front gate before someone called her name.

She turned. It was Ciel, catching up, his usual bright smile slightly dimmer.

"I've been trying to talk to you," he said, matching her pace. "You've been… surrounded."

He laughed a little. "Renzo. The President. Half the class."

Ciel scratched the back of his neck. "I'm not mad or anything. I just— I liked it when you'd sit by the tree and zone out with your lunch. Felt like… that was yours. Yours and mine."

Lina looked at him, something soft flickering in her chest. "I didn't mean to change things."

"I know," he said, voice low. "But things are changing anyway."

He handed her a small notebook. "Saw this at the bookstore. You said you wanted to start journaling."

Before she could respond, he gave a half-wave and jogged away — back into the crowd.

Later That Afternoon – School Hallway

Renzo was standing near the guidance office when Lina passed.

He saw the notebook in her hands and looked away quickly.

"Want to say something?" she asked.

He hesitated. Then: "He's not your type."

"Ciel. You're too quiet for someone that loud."

Lina blinked. "And you're too cold for someone who cares this much."

For once, he was the one caught off guard.

She walked away, leaving him standing there like he'd just been caught red-handed — by someone who never raised her voice.

Meanwhile – Somewhere Else

Tyron sat in the student council room, tapping his pen slowly.

"She's gaining attention faster than expected," one of the council members said.

Tyron didn't look up. "She's not trying to. That's the most dangerous kind."

He closed his notebook, stood, and straightened his blazer.

"Keep an eye on her. Quiet people break the loudest when pushed."

Chapter 13: Between Two Fires