Raffy arrived at school like a quiet storm.
He wasn't loud or flashy, but his presence was undeniable.
His smile was warm, his laugh easy, and somehow he noticed the little things that others overlooked—like the way Luna furrowed her brows when thinking hard, or how Via tucked her hair behind her ear when nervous.
At first, Via thought she might catch his attention.
She tried subtle smiles and friendly greetings, even small gestures like saving him a seat in class.
But it didn't take long to realize the truth: Raffy was drawn to Luna.
The way he stayed by her side during projects, laughed at her jokes, and looked at her with quiet admiration—it was painfully clear to everyone except Luna.
Via: It's fine. I can cheer for her. I can help her be happy… even if it kills me inside.
Via began to distance herself in small ways, joining other friend groups and casual hangouts, trying to distract herself from the ache in her chest.
But every time she saw Luna and Raffy together, the pang came back, sharper than before.
Meanwhile, Luna remained oblivious.
Her focus was on school, projects, and her responsibilities.
She didn't notice Via's quiet suffering.
Classmates began noticing the triangle forming.
They whispered and watched, smiling at Luna and Raffy's interactions, while Via faded into the background.