_RelleLebby_
On Kensington Avenue in Richmond, Virginia, Jay and Malik grow up side by side-storm-night rules and snow-day hoodies, creek water and city lights, secrets whispered between tent walls and dorm-room doors. Jay, a quiet Korean American artist with a heart that feels too much, has loved his next-door best friend for as long as he can remember. Malik, a magnetic Black model from St. Thomas with a grin like sunlight, keeps the world laughing even when it tries to quiet him.
From middle school pickup games to VCU nights and the James River at dawn, their friendship becomes a slow burn neither can ignore. But love in the real world is more than a confession; it's contracts and closets, family and faith, courage and community. When a "morality clause" threatens Malik's career and a viral moment puts their private promise on a public stage, Jay and Malik have to decide what kind of men they want to be-and who gets to write their story.
Tender and defiant, Listen What The Heart Says is a BM/AM best-friends-to-lovers romance about growing up, coming home, and building a life where love isn't whispered-it's chosen, again and again.
©️ Relle H