Closer than Before (Whispers of the Heart)

Ollie's life has always felt a bit quiet, like he's standing on the edge of something he can't quite name. With his best friend, Finn, by his side, he's made it through the ups and downs of growing up in a small town, facing high school, and navigating the everyday uncertainties of teenage life. But as Ollie grapples with unspoken feelings for Finn, his carefully maintained world begins to shift in ways he never anticipated.

Told through Ollie's introspective and heartfelt perspective, the story explores his journey of self-discovery, courage, and the struggle between staying silent or taking a risk that could change everything. As Ollie faces family pressures, friendship complexities, and his own evolving identity, he finds himself confronting questions about love, loyalty, and the delicate balance between being true to himself and protecting a friendship that means everything to him.