The event began. The atmosphere of the school hall turned into a sea of ​​cheers and applause, full of enthusiasm and passion from the students and teachers present. One by one the classes performed, presenting the results of their hard work for months: from drama performances, traditional and modern dances, martial arts, to acoustic band performances. 
It was class 9.C's turn—Sandi's class. 
Sandi, as the class leader and performance coordinator, stepped to the center of the stage with full confidence. His voice sounded loud and steady as he gave a short speech, arousing the enthusiasm of the audience. 
The first performance began with the acoustic band. Sandi strummed the guitar deftly while singing the male vocal part. On the other side of the stage, Viona sat behind the keyboard. Her fingers danced nimbly on the keys, while her soft voice blended harmoniously with Sandi's vocals. The songs they performed seemed to enchant the atmosphere. Some of the audience looked stunned, while others hummed softly, enjoying the flowing rhythm. 
Next, a fashion show was wrapped in the form of a musical drama that raised the theme of diversity and dreams. Music, dialogue, and dance flowed in a captivating unity. And as a closing, all students of class 9.C went up to the stage, singing the song “Mari Berkarya” by Titi DJ with burning enthusiasm, then continued with “The Final Countdown.” One by one the students stepped to the front of the stage and stepped down, like a small, meaningful farewell symbol.
Cheers erupted. The audience stood up to give a standing ovation. Several teachers seemed to smile proudly, nodding in satisfaction at the creativity and hard work that had been displayed. 
But in one corner of the hall, Dewa just stood still. The cheers seemed to disappear in his ears. His gaze was fixed on one point: the stage where Viona and Sandi stood side by side. Their compactness, the small laughter between songs, and the way they understood each other's notes—all of it was like a soundless blow. 
Andrew, who had been observing his friend, patted Dewa's shoulder lightly. "Bro... are you okay?" 
Dewa just nodded slightly, although his eyes did not leave the stage. "They... are so cool," he muttered. "And Viona... looks happy." And that was what hurt the most. 
His happiness was not because of him. Not because of his presence. But because of someone else. 
Andrew sighed softly. "You still like her, right? If so, don't keep quiet. Don't regret it. Take action soon." 
Dewa didn't answer. But when Viona's eyes suddenly met his from the stage, time seemed to stop. The gaze only lasted a second, but it was enough to shake his chest. Viona smiled thinly. Not a cheerful smile like the one she gave the audience, but a small smile... warm... as if to say, "I see you." Dewa replied with a slow nod, trying to smile. But inside, his feelings were mixed. Maybe... it was time to stop waiting.
Viona and Sandi remained on stage until the end of the song, still playing their respective instruments while occasionally smiling at each other—an unconcealable chemistry, indicating their natural closeness.
"This is the performance of jelas Sembilan C (9.C) is truly amazing, especially since these two people looked compact since they first went on stage. "If I may ask, who are the two main players who sang together earlier? I don't remember Viona on the list of students in class 9.C..."
"I also teach in class nine C (9.c) but I've never seen Viona in class, what class is Viona from?" Mrs. Neneng asked again.
Dewa turned to the stage, reflexively. Silence spread throughout the hall, as everyone's attention was now focused on the two people standing in the middle of the spotlight.
"I'm from class 7.C, Ma'am," Viona answered, her voice soft but clear. She seemed to be biting her lower lip, a little nervous.
Dewa furrowed his eyebrows and sharpened his hearing.
"Grade seven? Wow! Then why did you join the ninth graders?” asked Mrs. Neneng, sounding genuinely surprised.
“Brother Sandi asked me to help,” Viona replied briefly, softly.
“What kind of relationship do you have that you can be so united?” Mrs. Neneng teased.
The question hung in the air. Dewa’s heart seemed to stop beating for a moment.
And then...
Viona’s smile froze. She turned to Sandi, who only chuckled, trying to ease the suddenly awkward atmosphere. The audience that had been quiet began to sound noisy, curious whispers spreading among the crowd.
Sandi raised the microphone, calmly answering Mrs. Neneng’s question. “Viona and I are cousins, Mrs. So we’ve been together since we were little. Maybe that’s why we look so close.”
“Cousins?” Mrs. Neneng raised her eyebrows, then smiled in amusement. “Wow, so this is family chemistry, huh? No wonder we’re so harmonious on stage!”
The atmosphere relaxed again. Light laughter could be heard from the audience and the students started clapping again. However, in the midst of the crowd, Dewa remained still in his place. The cheers couldn’t reach his heart. He just stared at the stage, his eyes not moving from Viona’s figure.
Cousins. Just cousins. For some reason, that was what made his chest feel tighter.
Because that meant… it wasn’t Sandi who was the obstacle. But himself.