Nick wasn't jealous. Deep inside, he had started to feel something for Luna, but he denied it every time. He wasn't the type to fight for love like a villain. Instead, he was selfless. He knew Luna loved Alex, and Alex loved her too. So Nick quietly sacrificed his own heart, telling himself, Her happiness matters more than mine.
The next morning, Alex appeared outside Luna's home just as she was stepping out in her crisp university uniform—black mini skirt, white shirt, and neatly tied tie. She stopped in surprise when she saw him gargling water in front of his car, looking awkwardly adorable.
"Hi," Alex said after spitting the water into a bottle. "I was passing this way to meet someone, so… I thought I'd drop you to university."
Luna raised an eyebrow, though she couldn't hide her smile. "You're becoming so sweet to me these days."
Alex chuckled, his dimples showing.
Just then, Luna's phone rang. It was her headmaster. "Luna, today's meeting is cancelled. Your exam has been rescheduled for this afternoon. Come on time."
Luna's face turned pale with nerves. Alex noticed immediately. When they reached the university, he leaned close, his lips brushing just above her forehead.
"Good luck," he whispered, giving her what felt like a forehead kiss—close enough to make her blush, soft enough to make her heart race.
Luna's hands trembled as she picked up her exam sheet. How could she focus, when all she could think about was Alex… Alex… Alex and that good luck kiss?
That night, on her way home, Luna ran into Nick. Their friendship had grown light and comfortable—Nick cracking jokes, Luna rolling her eyes but laughing anyway.
"It's late," she said finally. "Why don't you stay at my place tonight?"
Nick immediately shook his head. "No, I shouldn't—"
But Luna grabbed his hand playfully. "Don't argue. Just come in."
Inside, they ended up chilling like two kids. Luna tied her hair back and began her skincare routine.
Nick watched in amusement. "Wow, you're glowing like a K-drama actress."
She smirked. "Jealous? Sit down. I'll do yours too."
Before he could protest, she smeared cream across his cheeks. "There, now you're glowing too. Nick, the rich heir… with baby-soft skin."
Nick laughed so hard his mask almost slipped off. "Great, now I look like a skincare commercial."
The night passed in laughter, snacks, and silly jokes. Eventually, they both fell asleep on the couch.
The next morning, Luna was preparing breakfast. While slicing vegetables, she accidentally cut her finger.
Nick's reaction was instant—he grabbed her hand, his voice panicked. "Luna, are you okay? Let me see. You should be more careful!"
His worry was real. His love was real too. But he swallowed it down, reminding himself—I'm just her best friend. Nothing more.
Meanwhile, Alex's condition worsened. The headache he had brushed off grew unbearable. For the first time ever, he took a leave from work. He dragged himself to the pharmacy, where the old pharmacist shook his head.
"It's just stress, my child. Don't overthink. You'll be fine."
But Alex wasn't fine. Deep down, something felt heavier, darker.
That morning, after Nick left, Luna sent Alex her usual "Good morning 🌸" text. But this time, there was no reply. She frowned. Alex always replied.
At university, she checked her phone again and again. Nothing. When she returned home, she looked around, half-expecting Alex to be waiting by her gate like he sometimes did. But no one was there.
Her heart sank.
She opened her laptop, pretending to focus on assignments, but her thoughts were a storm. What if I confess to Alex? He likes me. I like him. Why are we both running away from it?
Her fingers froze on the keyboard. Her heart whispered: I love him.
The very next day arrived.
The day of the grand royal party.
The night when truths, feelings, and secrets would finally collide.