The next day, Viona walked to school feeling empty. The day went on as usual—classes, assignments, friends’ laughter—but everything felt distant. Every step she took was heavy, as if something was left behind. Even though she tried to focus on her lessons and other activities, her mind couldn’t escape Dewa’s shadow. The noisy classroom atmosphere couldn’t penetrate the silence in her heart.
Viona tried to strengthen herself. She remembered very well what Gita said: she had to move on. But in reality, that feeling wasn’t easy to erase. Sometimes she got trapped in her own thoughts, wondering what if everything was different. If Dewa hadn’t chosen to move away. If their feelings had found a place.
When break time arrived, Viona sat with her friends under a shady tree. She stared blankly at the field, trying to ignore the crowds passing around her. Her eyes accidentally caught Dewa talking to Hilda. Every now and then, Dewa’s gaze glanced in her direction, but quickly looked away. There was something hanging—unspoken, unexplained. However, Viona knew… maybe it was just an illusion of her heart.
Her feelings were getting more and more chaotic. Gita might be right: she should forget. But how could she forget someone who had occupied the deepest space in her heart for so long?
In the distance, Viona saw Sandi walking towards the classroom. Instantly, she said goodbye to her friends and approached him.
"Bro, do you want to get the script?" Viona greeted once they were close enough.
Sandi turned his head, smiling faintly. “Yes, I also wanted to ask about music. I’ve chosen a few songs last night. If you’re not busy, we can discuss for a bit. Can we match the accompanying music for the drama?”
Viona nodded slowly, trying to hide her nervousness. Not because of Sandi—they were cousins ​​and quite close. But her heart was unstable, and that made everything feel awkward.
“I also have some references. But I don’t know if they match the script or not,” she said, opening the notes in her hand.
They sat on a concrete bench hidden behind a small bush. Sandi opened the folder containing the script and began to point out parts that he thought needed musical accompaniment. He explained with his typical enthusiasm—sincere, honest, and not fake.
Viona watched. For the first time that day, she felt a little calm. Maybe because Sandi wasn’t the type to ask a lot of questions. He was just… there. And that kind of presence felt warm.
"This one... I imagine using a rather melancholic piano instrumental. Like Yiruma," said Viona, showing the song titles she had prepared.
Sandi nodded. "It fits perfectly. The vibes are there. It's not wrong to ask you to help me."
Viona smiled thinly. "I just need something to fill my head. So I don't overthink too much."
Sandi turned his head. His gaze was serious, but gentle.
"If there's something you want to talk about... I'll listen, Vi. No need to hold it in."
The words were simple, but enough to make Viona feel... understood. She knew that Sandi wasn't the type to interfere, but he always knew when to be there. And maybe, that was more than enough.
Teeeet... Teeeet...
The bell signaling the end of break cut through the silence. They got up and walked to their respective classes.
But before Viona could sit down, a teasing voice greeted her.
"Ehmm... Now that it's break time, someone's already calling, let's make an appointment for Saturday night," Dicky joked.
"Yeah... there's no way I'll lose to Dewa. How could Viona be left behind like this, and then a senior took her," Andrew continued, greeted by small laughter around him. They didn't know that Viona and Sandi were just cousins.
Viona only smiled faintly, not answering. Because for now, it was enough for her to know that she wasn't alone—even though her heart was still learning to heal.
*****
After school, Viona chose to go straight home. Tonight was the peak of the celebration of the anniversary of city X. He needed to get enough rest so that he wouldn't be exhausted when performing later.
In his room, he sat by the window, looking at the cloudy sky. A faint smile appeared on his face. His memories drifted to the time when Dewa often drove back and forth in front of his house on his motorbike. The sound of the engine at that time seemed to be a song to accompany the twilight. Sometimes he pretended not to care, but his heart always knew—Dewa came for a reason.
Now, all that was left were memories. Like the shadow of twilight slowly being swallowed by the night, Dewa's presence disappeared swallowed by time. But strangely, that feeling still remained and was still as strong as ever.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Dewa sat back, staring at his phone screen. He reopened his old conversation with Viona.
"How are you now, Vi? Do I have to see you with that guy every day?" he muttered to himself.
As the days went by, Dewa felt more and more trapped in feelings that were never clear. Even though he was now with Hilda—a kind, caring girl who was always there for him—there was a feeling that kept bothering him. Their relationship seemed good in the eyes of others, but deep inside, Dewa knew something was wrong.
Every time he was with Hilda, Dewa tried to feel happy. However, there was always a distance that he couldn't reach, as if he was forcing himself to accept comfort that didn't come from the heart.
Sometimes, he felt like he was in a relationship with a shadow. Because Viona's shadow never really disappeared. Memories of Viona were too deep to forget. The way she spoke, her smile, her spoiled attitude—all were still alive in Dewa's memory.
The last few days, the feeling of anxiety had gotten worse. Every time he saw Viona, especially when she was with Sandi, the feeling of jealousy arose so strongly. But what was more painful was regret. Regret for taking a step back too quickly. If only he had given her more chances, if only he had not been afraid… maybe everything would have been different.
Viona should not have been part of the past. She should still be there—by his side, in his life.