As weeks passed, the unspoken tension grew.
Raffy's gaze lingered on Luna a little too long, and Via's forced smiles hid her pain.
Luna, always busy, started noticing subtle changes in her own feelings.
She found herself thinking of Raffy when he wasn't around, laughing a little too loudly when he complimented her, and getting flustered when he looked her way.
Luna: Why does he make my chest feel heavy when he smiles at me? I can't… I shouldn't feel this way. Via… I can't let this hurt her. I just… I don't know.
Via, watching silently, felt her heart ache. She pushed her jealousy down, supporting Luna at every step.
She cheered the loudest during Luna's victories, helped her with student council preparations, and stayed up late assisting with projects, all while hiding the storm inside her.
Via: I can't let her see. I can't let anyone see that it hurts. Just smile, laugh… be her shadow. That's all I can do.
The students, aware of Raffy's feelings, began to "cheer" the pair on, oblivious to Via's suffering.
Luna tried to ignore her own feelings, telling herself it was just admiration, but deep down, her heart knew otherwise.