The Things We Carry

Beauty has always opened doors for Amethyst Celine Collins, but she has never relied on it. Long before anyone noticed her face, they remembered her voice. She speaks with certainty, thinks three steps ahead, and believes that if something is worth having, it's worth fighting for.

Ethan Andre Avarro has spent his entire life carrying expectations that were never his to begin with. As the basketball team captain, everyone assumes they know him. They don't. All he wants is peace, and he'll protect it at any cost.

She runs toward the things she believes she deserves. He walks away from anything that threatens his peace.

At San Agustin Bautista High School, where everyone is chasing titles, recognition, and the future they've dreamed of, neither of them expects the hardest thing they'll ever carry to be each other.

Because love doesn't always lighten the weight.

Sometimes, it becomes part of it.