EP. 1 : LOVE WRITTEN IN HIS SMILE

After suffering a traumatic heartbreak and bullying at his old school, Evan Reyes, a shy and introverted aspiring writer, transfers to a new campus hoping to start over unseen. He plans to stay silent, blend in, and keep his heart guarded.

But everything changes when he meets Liam Sarmiento, a popular, bright, and talented school photographer known for his warm smile—one so genuine it instantly disarms people. Evan soon discovers that Liam’s smile is more than charm; it’s a mask hiding deep personal struggles he refuses to show anyone.

As they grow closer through a school project, Evan begins turning his feelings into handwritten short stories—revealing truths he can’t say out loud. Meanwhile, Liam’s camera captures moments of Evan he finds himself drawn to but can’t explain.

Their love develops slowly, tenderly, and honestly, as two boys who are both hurting learn to heal together. But when Evan’s past returns and Liam’s secrets begin to surface, they must decide whether their connection is strong enough to rewrite the future.

CHARACTERS :

Evan Reyes (17) LEAD

Role: Protagonist, writer

Personality: Quiet, observant, kind, anxious, artistic

Strengths: Creative, empathetic, excellent listener

Weaknesses: Low self-confidence, hides feelings, avoids conflict

Backstory:

Once bullied for being “different” and for being too close to a male friend.

Betrayed by someone he trusted (ex-friend/crush).

Transferred schools due to emotional trauma.

Writes stories as escape and self-expression.

Goal: Start fresh and stay invisible.

Arc: Learns to open up, trust again, and express his true self.

Liam Sarmiento (17) LEAD

Role: Male lead, photographer

Personality: Warm, charming, energetic, secretly lonely

Strengths: Loyal, brave, naturally comforting, talented photographer

Weaknesses: Hides emotions, puts others first, terrified of disappointing people

Backstory:

Comes from a broken family; parents separated.

Became the “happy guy” to avoid worrying others.

Uses his smile as armor.

Passion for photography.

Goal: Make others happy so he doesn’t have to face his own pain.

Arc: Learns that vulnerability is strength, not weakness.

Misty Tolentino (17)

Role: Best friend of Liam, “voice of reason”

Personality: Direct, confident, sarcastic but caring

Role in Story:

Notices Liam’s real emotions behind his smile.

Becomes Evan’s unexpected ally and pushes the boys to open up.

 Kyle Vergara (17)

Role: Evan’s former classmate and unresolved past

Personality: Charming but manipulative

Role in Story:

Evan’s old crush who betrayed him.

Returns later to “apologize” but stirs conflict.

Forces Evan to confront old wounds.

Mr. Ortega (Teacher)

Role: English teacher; assigns Evan & Liam to a project

Function: Catalyst for their connection

Author’s Note

Thank you for picking up Love Written in His Smile.

This story was born from a simple thought: sometimes the people who smile the brightest are the ones hurting the most. Evan and Liam came to life from that idea—two boys carrying their own quiet battles, finding unexpected healing in each other’s presence.

I wrote this novel with the hope that readers who have ever felt unseen, unheard, or unloved would find comfort in these pages. This is a story about second chances, about learning to breathe again after heartbreak, and about allowing yourself to be loved without fear.

If you have ever struggled with your own silence, or used laughter to hide your pain, I hope you see a part of yourself in Liam. If you’ve ever been afraid to open your heart again, I hope Evan’s journey reminds you that healing is possible.

Thank you for joining these boys as they discover the beauty of honesty, vulnerability, and young love.

Your support means more than words can capture—and I hope this story writes a smile in your heart, too.

With love,

—The Author WIZARD

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