Luna

Chapters

Chapter 2
Chapter 12
Chapter 1
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16

Chapter 2

Two weeks had passed since the start of school, but the feeling of discomfort hadn’t faded. The hallways of Canterlot High had become a familiar maze, but the laughter, tight-knit groups, and curious stares still made me feel out of place.

That morning, the buzz was louder than usual. Students were chatting excitedly with each other, and I noticed many of them holding flyers. It was club sign-up day, and it was clear that everyone already knew what to do.

I, on the other hand, had no idea where I belonged.

During the break, the gym had been transformed into a big club fair. Tables decorated with posters, props, and live demonstrations lined the perimeter of the room, while students eagerly moved from one booth to the next.

I stopped near the door, gripping the straps of my backpack. I didn’t know where to go or what to look for.

“Hey, Luna!”

I turned and saw Celestia. She was standing by the fashion club table, surrounded by girls who seemed to hang on her every word. She wore a perfect outfit—a pleated skirt and a blouse with a black bow—and looked as at ease as ever.

“Have you decided yet?” she asked with a smile.

I shook my head. “Not yet.”

“Well, there’s plenty to choose from. But make sure you sign up for something. You don’t want to seem…” She paused, tilting her head. Then she laughed. “Well, you know what I mean.”

I knew exactly what she meant.

I moved slowly between the tables, trying to ignore the chaos around me. The volleyball club had a line of enthusiastic students passing a ball back and forth in a corner of the gym. Their energy was contagious, but I knew it wasn’t for me.

Further down, a boy was showing a motocross club video on a tablet. The clips of dirt bikes speeding through muddy tracks were impressive, but the thought of being in the middle of that made me feel out of place.

When I passed the archery club’s table, I stopped for a moment. There was something fascinating about the precision and focus required to shoot an arrow. But I quickly shook my head. Who was I kidding? I’d never have the courage to put myself out there.

The art club, on the other hand, had a calmer vibe. A girl was painting a landscape on a canvas set on an easel, and the colors seemed to come to life under her brushstrokes. For a moment, I was tempted to stop. But then I looked at my wrinkled jeans and empty hands, and I felt out of place there too.

Finally, I found myself in front of a less crowded table, where a sign read: Reading and Writing Club – Giving Hidden Stories a Voice. There was an open notebook and a stack of books on the table.

A girl with glasses smiled at me as I approached. “Do you like reading?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Perfect! We meet every Friday after school. We write, read together, and talk about our favorite books.” She handed me a sign-up form. “You can also try it for a week to see if you like it.”

I took the form and tucked it into my backpack, promising myself I’d think about it.

Before I knew it, I was standing in front of the theater club’s table, unsure how I had ended up there. The dark-haired boy running the booth waved me over, and for a moment, I felt the urge to run away.

“Hey! Interested in theater?” he asked enthusiastically.

“Me? I don’t know…”

“We do a ton of fun things! Acting, scriptwriting, and sometimes we put on huge productions. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to try something new.”

I glanced around, searching for an excuse to leave. But something held me back. Maybe stepping out of my comfort zone could be good, I thought.

What if I tried? I wondered. What if it went badly?

The idea of being the center of attention, with everyone watching me, paralyzed me. But there was a small voice inside me that kept insisting: What if it went well?

“Can I think about it?” I finally asked.

“Of course! Come to the rehearsal on Monday to see what it’s like.”

I nodded and walked away, feeling uncertain. I now had two options in front of me: the reading and writing club, which felt like a safe haven, and the theater club, which scared me—but in an intriguing way.

After dinner, I found myself in the living room, where my dad was reading a book and my mom was fluffing the couch cushions. They were so different from me, always active and busy, always with something to do.

“So, Luna,” my mom said, turning to me. “Have you decided which club to join?”

“Not yet,” I replied, clutching the form I’d brought home from the fair.

My mom raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you think it would be better to pick something… useful? Something that might help you become more social? Maybe a sports club?”

I grimaced. The thought alone made me want to disappear.

“Sports could be good for you,” she continued. “Look at your sister: volleyball helped her tone her body and feel confident. Wouldn’t you like to be a bit more… energetic? A bit more like her?”

Her words hit me like a slap, but I tried not to show it. I just shrugged, lowering my gaze to the club form.
Celestia, sitting on the couch with her phone in hand, looked up. “Mom, let Luna choose. Not everyone has to do the same things.”
My mom turned to her. “I’m not saying she has to do exactly what you do. But, Celestia, you have to admit that sports gave you a discipline and presence that… well, not everyone has naturally.”

Celestia sighed. “Mom, stop it.”

I didn’t know whether to thank Celestia or feel even more embarrassed that she’d defended me.

My dad, who had been silent until then, closed his book and smiled at me. “Whatever you choose, Luna, make sure it’s something you enjoy. There’s no point in committing to something that doesn’t make you happy.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I said softly, though I still felt a weight inside me.

My mom didn’t look convinced. She simply shook her head and went back to fixing the cushions.

I retreated to my room shortly after, closing the door behind me. My room was my world, the only place where I truly felt comfortable. The walls were covered in posters of bands and quotes from my favorite books.

I sat on my bed and opened the reading club form, rereading its description: “Giving Hidden Stories a Voice.” Those words struck me every time. It felt like it could be the right place for me, but there was also something about the theater club that pulled at me.

I placed the form on my nightstand and lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. My mom’s words echoed in my mind: “Choose something useful.” But what did “useful” even mean?

That night, as I tried to sleep, my mind wandered. I wondered if I’d ever find my place, like Celestia had. But a small part of me, however faint, started to think that maybe I didn’t need to be like her.

Maybe I could just be myself.

With that uncertain thought, I closed my eyes and let sleep take me away.

Chapter 12

It was a cold and quiet afternoon.

Luna and Cadence walked side by side along the snowy path in the park, their hands tucked into heavy coats, the snow crunching beneath their steps. The sky above them was gray, but the lampposts cast a warm glow on the fresh snow.

“You know,” Cadence began in a reflective tone, “there’s something I’ve never told anyone at school.”

Luna looked at her, curious, but didn’t want to push. “What is it?” she asked softly.

Cadence lowered her gaze, tracing a circle in the snow with the tip of her boot. “I was adopted when I was just a baby. I don’t know who my real parents are.”

Luna remained silent, surprised. Cadence always seemed so confident, so perfect, and this revelation left her momentarily speechless.

“I never would have guessed,” she admitted finally.

Cadence smiled faintly. “I don’t like to talk about it. Not because I’m ashamed, but because I don’t want people to look at me with pity. My adoptive parents are incredible. They’ve given me everything. They’re such amazing people, you know? But also very human. They taught me to be grateful for what I have and to see the good in people.”

Luna paused for a moment, looking at her. “That must be hard, though.”

Cadence shook her head with a small smile. “Sometimes, yes. But I’m happy. The only thing I’ve ever felt I was missing is a sibling.”

Luna looked down. “It must be nice being an only child. No one to compare yourself to.”

Cadence chuckled lightly. “Maybe in some ways. But it can also be lonely. You know, I think if I’d had a sister, we could have talked about everything. Shared secrets.”

She turned to Luna with a sweet smile. “But now I don’t feel lonely anymore. Because I’ve found a true friend in you.”

Luna felt a strange warmth grow inside her. “Thank you,” she said quietly.

That week, at the reading and writing club, Josh stood in the center of the room. “Today, we’ll be reading your essays about love,” he announced. “Who wants to go first?”

Luna’s hands were tightly gripping her notebook. She had written a story, a small piece that reflected what she felt, but the idea of sharing it with the others terrified her.

A couple of students volunteered first. Luna listened, trying to calm her racing heart, but when Josh looked at her, she felt a knot tighten in her stomach.

“Luna?” Josh asked with an encouraging smile.

Luna hesitated, but then nodded slowly. She picked up her notebook, opened to the page, and cleared her throat.

“My story is called… Two Planets,” she said, and then began to read:

**“Once upon a time, there were two planets orbiting far from each other. Both were beautiful, but they felt a void inside, as if something was missing.

One day, a mysterious force pulled them closer. They had never met before, but when they exchanged their first rays of light, something changed. They began to talk, to learn about each other. They discovered that, despite their differences, they shared the same dreams.

Over time, their light grew brighter. They were no longer alone in the universe. They reflected each other, and the emptiness they had felt began to fill.

They were no longer two separate planets. They were one system, whole and radiant.”**

When Luna finished, the room was silent for a moment. Then Josh clapped his hands. “Beautiful, Luna.”

The other club members applauded, and for the first time, Luna felt truly seen—not as a shy, quiet girl, but as someone with something to say.

That evening, Luna found Celestia sitting at her desk, surrounded by college brochures. Her brows were furrowed as she read through a long paragraph.

“What are you doing?” Luna asked curiously.

“I’m trying to decide which colleges to apply to,” Celestia replied without looking up. Then she paused and turned toward her. “It’s strange to think that soon, I’ll be leaving. The house will feel so empty without me.”

Luna sat on the edge of the bed. “Yeah… it’ll be strange.”

Celestia smiled, then hesitated. “You know, even though we argue a lot or don’t always understand each other, I’m going to miss you.”

Luna looked at her, surprised. “Really?”

Celestia nodded. “You’re my sister, Luna. You’re special, even if I don’t say it often. I want you to know that.”

Luna suddenly felt closer to her sister. “I’ll miss you too,” she said softly.

The next day, Luna left the theater after rehearsal, and as she walked through the hallways, she passed by the gym. She stopped when she heard laughter and voices coming from inside.

She moved closer to the slightly open door and peeked in. Celestia was in the center of the court, the basketball in her hands. Her movements were confident, her smile radiant.

Luna stood silently, watching her sister. She was a natural leader, loved by everyone. Yet, in that moment, Luna didn’t feel envy, but a deep sense of admiration.

Before heading home, Luna walked through the hallway where the anonymous note bags were hung. Hers was there, identical to the others. She didn’t expect anything, but she slipped her hand inside to check.

Her fingers brushed against a piece of paper. She pulled it out, her hands trembling slightly.

It was a drawing: a crescent moon sketched in dark blue ink.

Luna stared at it, incredulous. Someone had thought of her. Her heart pounded as she wondered who it could have been.

Chapter 1

Summer had slipped away in the blink of an eye this year. I never knew whether to love it or hate it. I liked the quiet of those school-free days, far from the chaos of classrooms and the muffled giggles that always left me feeling empty. But there was also that stifling heat, pressing down on me, and the house felt too big when I was alone. The ticking of the kitchen clock became almost deafening as I watched Celestia climb into a car with her friends, laughing.
The silence cut into my ears like a knife.

My parents adored her. Celestia was the perfect daughter: straight A’s, always smiling, a swarm of friends, and a clear plan for her future. I, on the other hand, was “the odd one.” Always with a book in hand, headphones on, and an inexplicable love for the darkness of my room. I had no friends. Maybe because I didn’t seek them out. Or maybe because they only saw me as someone to help with homework or recommend books.
They called me “antisocial.” Was that just their way of saying I was different? Since I was a child, my classmates avoided me, leaving me to feel like the odd one out. During parent-teacher conferences, my teachers would shake their heads and say, “She needs to open up more.”

Open up. To what, exactly? To whom? I always wondered why I was the one who had to change. Why was being different seen as wrong?
Celestia never missed an opportunity to point it out. Her sharp remarks were like pins—small but constant. “You should smile more, Luna,” she’d say in that tone that made my blood boil. Sometimes I wondered if I’d been born into the wrong family, because my world seemed so distant from theirs.
Celestia always had something to say about me: my clothes, my silences, even the books I read. “Don’t you ever get tired of reading sad stories?” she once asked, laughing with a friend. I just lowered my gaze, clutching the book to my chest.
And yet, my parents never seemed to notice how much her words hurt me. Celestia was their princess, the bright girl who filled the house with light. I, on the other hand, felt like a shadow, always one step behind. Maybe if I were different—more like her—I could earn an extra look of approval. But that thought only made me hurt more.

Today is my first day at Canterlot High. For Celestia, it’s her last first day. She always seemed so confident, as if nothing could shake her, ready to close her high school career with another collection of triumphs. Me? I was a tangle of emotions: nervousness, fear, and that familiar melancholy that never seemed to leave me. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to start. I kept asking myself: Will this time be any different? Or will I just end up as the same strange, quiet girl everyone avoids?
I opened my closet, staring at my clothes as if they could give me an answer. In the end, I chose something simple: a black T-shirt and a pair of jeans. I left my hair down, too lazy to do anything with it, and stuffed my headphones—my only real companions—into my backpack.
As I descended the stairs, the chatter from the kitchen reached my ears. The smell of coffee was inviting, but the thought of facing Celestia made me slow my steps. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. “Just survive the first day,” I told myself. “It’s not that hard… right?”

When I entered the kitchen, Celestia was already there, sitting at the table with her usual effortless elegance. She wore a light dress that seemed made just for her and was finishing her coffee. She barely glanced at me before flashing a sarcastic smile.
“Good morning, Sleeping Beauty,” she said, eyeing me from head to toe. “Don’t tell me you stayed up reading all night. You look like a zombie.”
I stopped for a moment, clutching my headphones tightly. I decided to ignore her and poured myself a cappuccino, focusing on the warm liquid as it flowed into the cup.
“Celestia!” our mom scolded in a reproachful tone. “Can’t you be nice for once?”
“I’m just joking,” Celestia replied with a shrug.

I sat down silently, focusing on the cappuccino in front of me. Its warmth was comforting, but Celestia’s presence seemed to fill the air with subtle tension.
“Luna, are you ready for your first day?” my mom asked, smiling encouragingly.
I didn’t know what to say. “I think so,” I finally replied, though the knot in my stomach said otherwise.
My dad, seated at the head of the table with his newspaper folded beside him, placed a hand on my shoulder. “Don’t worry, Luna. You’ll get through this. You just need to believe in yourself.”
“And maybe be a little more sociable,” Celestia added with a chuckle. “Otherwise, they’ll think you’re a weirdo here too.”
My heart sped up. I felt my blood boiling, but before I could respond, my parents shot her a warning look.

“What your sister was trying to say,” my mom began, trying to diffuse the tension, “is that you should try to be more open. Take a page from her book.”

Gripping the handle of my cup tightly, I finally looked up at them. “I don’t think I’m a monster,” I said, my voice sharp but quiet. Then, grabbing a cookie, I added, “Not everyone is the same. Thankfully.” I glanced at Celestia, who smirked back at me.
“I want to be myself, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. I’ve never asked anyone to change for me, so I don’t see why I should have to.” I stood up, slung my backpack over my shoulder, and said, “If they don’t like me, that’s their problem, not mine.”
My mom froze, cup in hand, staring at me with a mix of worry and surprise. My dad looked at me in silence, as if searching for the right words to say. Celestia, meanwhile, lowered her gaze to her phone, smirking to herself.

The sound of a car horn broke the silence in the kitchen. I turned toward the door, knowing the bus had arrived.
“Have a great day, girls,” my mom said with her usual care. Then she leaned toward Celestia, lowering her voice, though not enough for me not to hear: “Keep an eye on her.”
Celestia rolled her eyes with an exasperated expression, muttering, “Fine.”
I didn’t respond. I opened the door and left without a word, letting it close behind me. Celestia followed me, and as we walked down the driveway to the bus stop, I could hear the sound of her boots on the asphalt, steady as a metronome.

The bus ride was short but felt like an eternity. Inside, it was crowded with students talking and laughing, filling the air with chaotic energy that made me uncomfortable. Celestia immediately sat with her friends, who started chatting animatedly.
I found a seat by the window, put on my headphones, and lost myself in watching the scenery. The noise around me blended with the music, turning into a confusing background hum.

When we arrived at Canterlot High, the building loomed before me. It was big, with red brick walls and bright windows reflecting the sky. The courtyard was full of students divided into groups, each with its own space and dynamic.
Everyone seemed to know exactly where to go, how to move, and who to talk to. I felt like a misplaced smudge on an otherwise perfect canvas.

Celestia walked past me without so much as a glance, heading straight for a group of students who greeted her with smiles and hugs. She didn’t need to search for her place; her world was already there, ready to embrace her.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to take one step after another toward the entrance. The crowd of students seemed to swallow me, their voices blending into a cacophony of noise.
The inside of the school was bright and clean, with colorful lockers lining the walls. The air was filled with voices and laughter, but every now and then, I caught a few glances that made me feel like I was being watched.

During class, when the teacher called my name, I timidly answered, “Present,” only to hear faint giggles behind me. I shrank into my seat, wishing I could disappear.

By lunchtime, I was already drained. Carrying my tray, I searched for a place to sit. I ended up with my desk mate and a few other girls from class. They talked and laughed, but I felt like a fish out of water.
“You never say anything,” one of them noted.
“Yeah, you’re always so quiet,” added another, laughing.

I looked around, desperate for an escape. In the distance, I saw Celestia sitting with her friends, laughing in perfect harmony, as if nothing in the world could disturb their balance.
I couldn’t take it anymore. I stood up abruptly, mumbling something about going to the bathroom.

Once there, I locked myself in a stall and let the tears flow. It was only the first day, and already I felt the weight of everything. I wanted to disappear, to go home, to hide in my room and forget it all.

When the final bell rang, I returned home with Celestia. She seemed to be in a great mood, chatting about how happy she was to see her friends again. I stayed silent, nodding occasionally.

At dinner, our parents asked how the day had gone.
“Great,” Celestia replied with her usual bright smile.
“Normal,” I muttered, staring at my plate.

After eating, I retreated to my room. I lay on my bed, put on my headphones, and let the music wrap around me, trying to push the day’s thoughts away.
When night came, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep. My mind kept replaying the whispers, the laughter, the stares.
Finally, sleep came, and everything faded to black.

Chapter 3

Friday arrived quickly.
The classroom was silent, filled only with the sound of pens gliding across paper. The history test had started twenty minutes ago, and I had already finished mine. Not because it was easy, but because I had spent days preparing for it.

I glanced at the clock above the blackboard, then at my classmates. Some had furrowed brows, others whispered to one another, hoping not to get caught. I couldn’t help but feel a small sense of pride.

When I handed in my test, Professor Brooke gave me a smile. “Already finished, Luna? Well done, as always.”

I nodded slightly, aware of the curious looks my classmates were throwing my way.

“What a nerd,” someone whispered behind me as I returned to my seat. I shrank into my chair, trying to ignore the giggles that followed. Being good at school was satisfying, but sometimes it felt more like a curse.

When I got home, I found Celestia in the living room with her friends. They were all sitting on the couch, glasses of iced tea on the coffee table, their laughter filling the air.

I stopped at the doorway, hoping none of them would notice me, but of course, Celestia did.

“Hey, Luna!” she called out, making her friends turn toward me. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” I mumbled, trying to slip past without drawing too much attention.

“Luna, right?” one of the girls, a brunette with a perfect smile, asked. “You don’t look much like your sister.”

Celestia chuckled. “We’re pretty different, that’s true.”

I didn’t wait for them to continue. I escaped to my room, but after a few minutes, I had to go back downstairs to grab a book I’d left on the coffee table.

As I descended, I overheard one of Celestia’s friends speaking.

“Luna seems so… different from you. I mean, you’re so bright and outgoing.”

“That’s just how she is,” Celestia replied lightly. “But she’s not a bad person. She’s just… a little closed off.”

Hearing those words hit me harder than I wanted to admit. I grabbed the book and returned to my room without being noticed.

6:00 PM

The school library felt different after hours. The warm lights illuminated the tables, and the atmosphere was quiet, almost magical. I clutched the club sign-up form in my hands, trying to gather the courage to enter the room where the reading club was meeting.

Finally, I pushed the door open, and a group of students sitting around a table turned to look at me. A girl with glasses—the same one I had met at the fair—greeted me with a smile.

“Hi, Luna, right? Welcome! Have a seat.”

I sat down slowly in one of the empty chairs, trying not to draw attention to myself. The table was scattered with books, notebooks, and sheets of notes. The atmosphere was calm, and for the first time in days, I felt my body relax.

“Today, we’ll keep things simple,” said the club leader, a teacher with a kind demeanor and an encouraging expression. “I’d like everyone to share something personal: a book you love, something you’ve written, or even just a thought. No pressure, okay?”

The other members started taking turns. A girl with long brown hair read a poem she had written, while a boy in a black hat described his love for science fiction novels. When it was my turn, I felt my hands begin to sweat.

“I…,” I hesitated. “I don’t have anything to read. I like writing, but I don’t think it’s good enough.”

“Don’t worry,” the girl with glasses said reassuringly. “I was nervous my first time too. If you want, you can share something another day.”

I nodded, feeling relieved. Even without speaking, I felt like I belonged there.

The weekend flew by, and Monday arrived.

At lunch, I searched for a place to sit. Most of the tables were already filled with tight-knit groups, talking and laughing as if they’d known each other forever. I finally sat at a table by the window, alone.

I looked at my tray, then at the rest of the cafeteria. Celestia was sitting on the other side of the room, surrounded by her friends, their laughter filling the air. They seemed like they belonged to a completely different world.

Why is everything so easy for her? I wondered. Celestia always seemed to know where to go, what to say, how to be. I, on the other hand, was always the one on the sidelines, only noticed for being too “quiet.”

I lowered my gaze, poking at my pasta with my fork, not feeling hungry. I wondered if I’d ever be part of something.

4:00 PM

The theater room was the opposite of the library—noisy, full of voices and energy. Students were talking and laughing, sitting on the stage or scattered among the rows of seats. I sat in the back row, hoping to go unnoticed.

“Welcome to the theater club!” announced a tall girl wearing a colorful scarf. “I’m Jasmine, the club leader. Today, we’ll do some warm-ups and an improvisation exercise.”

My heart sped up. Improvisation? The word alone made me uneasy.

“Okay, first activity: everyone up on stage!” Jasmine clapped her hands.

The others got up eagerly, and I stayed seated for a moment, torn between the urge to flee and the desire to try. In the end, I slowly stood and followed the group.

Jasmine divided us into pairs. The dark-haired boy I’d met at the fair approached me. “Hey, Luna, right? I’m Pharynx. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty informal.”

“Thanks,” I said quietly, though I didn’t feel calm at all.

“The theme is simple,” Jasmine explained. “You’re two old friends meeting again after years apart. You’ve got thirty seconds. Go!”

Pharynx gave me an encouraging smile. “Go ahead, you start.”

I froze. The words wouldn’t come out. The others on stage were laughing and talking, but I couldn’t say anything. I felt everyone’s eyes on me, and my heart pounded in my chest.

“It’s okay,” Pharynx said. “Look, I’ll start. Hey, Luna! It’s been so long!”

His voice was kind, and it gave me the courage to try. “Yeah, um… a long time,” I replied softly.

It wasn’t much, but Jasmine clapped anyway. “Good! It’s not easy at first, but you’ll get better with time.”

When the meeting ended, I felt drained but also a little proud that I had stayed until the end.

That Monday night, as I lay in bed, I thought about the past few days. The reading club was a safe haven, a place where I could be myself. The theater club, on the other hand, was a challenge that scared me—but there was something about it that kept me wanting to go back.

For the first time, I felt like I was truly trying to step out of my comfort zone.

Chapter 4

Three months had passed since the start of school, and while many things stayed the same, something inside me was beginning to change.

The days hadn’t gotten any easier. My classmates still ignored me or commented on how I was “too quiet,” and at home, the comparisons to Celestia hadn’t stopped. But now I had something that was mine: the clubs.

Every Friday, the reading club became my refuge, a place where I could be myself. Every Monday, the theater club tested my courage, pushing me to do things I never thought I could.

That Friday, I arrived at the reading club with a strange nervousness in my stomach. I had finally decided to talk about the story I was writing. I’d never shown it to anyone before, but I felt the need to share at least a part of it.

We sat around the table as usual. Rose, a girl with brown hair tied back in a braid, was flipping through a poetry book. James, a tall boy with a black hat and a notebook full of doodles, was enthusiastically describing a scene from the fantasy novel he was working on.

“Luna, do you have something to share today?” asked the club leader, a teacher with a kind demeanor and an encouraging smile.

I cleared my throat, clutching the notebook I’d brought with me. “Yes… I’m writing a story. It’s not finished, but… can I tell you what it’s about?”

“Of course!” Rose said with a smile. The others nodded, curious.

I took a deep breath. “It’s a fantasy story. It’s about two sisters, Venus and Selene. They’re princesses, and they rule a kingdom together. But there’s a problem: all the subjects adore Venus. She’s beautiful, charismatic, and seems perfect at everything. Selene, on the other hand, is always in the background. She feels invisible.”

I paused for a moment, trying to see if I was boring them. But James motioned for me to continue.

“Selene starts to feel trapped by the darkness growing inside her. It’s as if this darkness takes on a life of its own. And little by little, Selene…” I hesitated, then lowered my gaze. “Selene begins to change. She becomes someone different.”

“Wow,” James said, leaning back in his chair. “That sounds like a really interesting story. What happens next?”

“I don’t know yet,” I admitted. “I haven’t written much. But I think Selene has to confront her darkness. Maybe it’s not entirely bad, but… I’m not sure how to move the story forward.”

Rose looked at me kindly. “You know, maybe Selene’s darkness doesn’t have to be an enemy. It could help her find her strength. Just an idea.”

Her words made me think. The club leader smiled. “That’s a beautiful idea, Luna. And you’ve described Selene’s emotions so well. I think a lot of people can relate to her.”

For the first time, I felt like someone truly understood what I was trying to say.

Monday afternoon, I arrived at the theater club with the usual feeling of anxiety. The theater room was full of voices and energy, and Jasmine, the club leader, was already organizing the group for warm-ups.

“Today, we’re going to do something a little different,” Jasmine said, clapping her hands to get our attention. “Each pair will work on a scene from a script I’ve prepared. I want to see how you bring the characters to life.”

My heart raced. Acting in front of everyone was one thing, but playing a character felt even more intimidating.

Pharynx, the boy I’d met on the first day, walked over to me. “Hey, want to pair up?”

“Sure,” I said softly, though inside I wanted to say no.

Pharynx handed me a sheet with the script. “It’s a scene where two friends have a fight. I’ll play the one trying to make peace, and you’re the one who’s angry.”

“Angry?” I repeated. I wasn’t sure I could fake anger, but Pharynx smiled.

“Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. I’ll help you.”

When we started the scene, I felt stiff and unsure. But Pharynx’s calm, steady voice guided me through the lines. By the end, Jasmine clapped her hands.

“Well done, Luna!” she said. “You’re starting to find your voice. Keep it up.”

Jasmine’s words made me blush, but for the first time, I felt proud of myself.

That evening, as I sat in my room rereading my notes on Selene and Venus’s story, Celestia knocked on the door.

“Can I come in?” she asked.

“Sure.”

She sat on the edge of my bed, looking at me curiously. “How are your clubs going?”

“They’re going well,” I said.

“You seem to be enjoying them, huh?” Celestia smiled, but there was something in her eyes I couldn’t quite read.

“Yeah,” I admitted. Then, without thinking, I asked, “Have you ever felt… overshadowed?”

Celestia looked at me, surprised. “Overshadowed? No, I don’t think so. Why do you ask?”

I shook my head, trying to change the subject. “Never mind, forget it.”

Celestia didn’t press me, but before leaving, she said, “You know, Luna, I think you have more in common with me than you think. Maybe you should stop feeling overshadowed.”

Her words stayed with me for a long time, even after she left.

Three months ago, I never would have imagined speaking in front of a group or acting out a scene on stage. And yet, a part of me still wondered if I was enough.

But maybe, just like Selene, I was starting to find my place.

Chapter 5

The hallway of Canterlot High was, as usual, a mosaic of noise: hurried footsteps, laughter, and the clanging of lockers. But that day, there was something different in the air. A constant murmur rippled through the students, like a wave spreading without end.

“Have you heard? A student from Crystal Prep is transferring here.”

“They say she’s a prodigy. She wins every competition she enters.”

“And that she’s gorgeous,” added another voice.

At first, I didn’t pay much attention. Gossip at school was nothing new, and it rarely involved me. But in the cafeteria, sitting alone at my usual table by the window, the whispers seemed to follow me.

“We already know her. Her name’s Cadence. She was one of the best at Crystal Prep.”

Crystal Prep. Just hearing the name of that school made my stomach tighten. Canterlot High was already hard enough for me; I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have someone so perfect among us.

I glanced at my reflection in the window: my hair tied back in a messy ponytail, my faded jeans, and an oversized sweater. I pictured Cadence as one of those girls straight out of a movie: flawless, confident, with everyone flocking around her.

I shook off the thought, but the murmurs in the cafeteria continued to hum, a background noise I couldn’t ignore.

Two days later, during literature class, the quiet of the room was interrupted by the crackle of the intercom.

“Good morning, students. I’d like to give a special thank-you to Luna, who has accepted the role of mentor for our new students. I’m sure you’ll do a wonderful job, Luna.”

I felt every eye in the room turn toward me. My heart skipped a beat. Mentor for the new students? Me?

Professor Brooke gave me an encouraging look. “Congratulations, Luna. It’s an important role.”

Whispers filled the classroom. Some sounded surprised, others… amused. I sank into my chair, my face burning. I didn’t know whether to feel humiliated or angry.

When class ended, I rushed to find Celestia. I spotted her in the hallway, chatting with a few girls from the fashion club. She was dressed in a perfectly coordinated outfit: a cream skirt and a pale pink blouse that looked like it had been tailored for her.

I approached her, trying not to draw too much attention, but when I opened my mouth, the words came out louder than I intended. “Celestia, can I talk to you?”

She turned to me, surprised by my tone, and excused herself from her friends before following me to a quiet corner.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, tilting her head.

“You talked to the principal, didn’t you?” I said, clenching my fists.

Celestia didn’t deny it. “Yes, I did. I thought it was a good idea.”

“Why?” My voice trembled. “Why do you always have to meddle in my life?”

She sighed, crossing her arms. “I wasn’t trying to interfere. But, Luna, you’re more capable than you think. I just thought you needed a little push.”

“I didn’t need it!” I snapped, my voice louder than I intended. I stopped, realizing some people were watching us. Lowering my gaze, I continued more quietly. “I don’t want to be like you, Celestia. I don’t want to be the center of attention.”

Celestia was silent for a moment before she said, “I don’t want you to be like me. I want you to be yourself. And to stop hiding.”

I didn’t respond. I walked away before she could say anything else.

On Monday afternoon, when it was time for theater club, I stopped in front of the door to the auditorium. The buzz of voices from inside made me hesitate.

The theater room was alive: students scattered among the rows of seats, Jasmine talking to a few members on stage, and Pharynx laughing with a second-year girl. It was a chaos that should have been comforting, but for me, it was overwhelming.

I walked in slowly, trying to go unnoticed. Jasmine was already there, giving instructions for the day’s activity. I sat down in one of the chairs at the back of the room, clutching my backpack.

“Hi, Luna!” Jasmine greeted me with her usual enthusiasm.

“Hi,” I replied softly.

Pharynx approached my seat with a smile. “Ready for today?”

“Yeah,” I lied, though inside, I wanted nothing more than to go home.

When the activity ended and everyone started chatting, I sat by myself, pretending to check my phone. I watched the others laugh, exchange jokes, and make plans for after school. No one was rude, but I still felt a hollow emptiness inside.

Maybe I’m not cut out for this, I thought.

That evening, back home, I lay on my bed feeling heavy. Why did I keep going to the theater club when every time I felt so out of place?

The rumors about Cadence’s arrival continued to fill the hallways, and I tried to handle my new responsibility as a mentor for the new students. Between theater club, the gossip, and my relationship with Celestia, my life had become a confusing mix of challenges and chaos.

But maybe, beneath all the pressure, something new was beginning to take shape.

Chapter 6

Tuesday morning, the chatter in the halls of Canterlot High was louder than usual. Rumors about Cadence’s arrival were everywhere, and when I finally saw her for the first time, I understood why everyone was talking about her.

She had just walked into the principal’s office, her calm smile and confident posture drawing every gaze. Her pink hair was perfectly styled, and she wore a simple yet elegant dress that looked straight out of a fashion magazine. I wondered if she had dressed like that on purpose to impress or if it was just natural for her.

When the principal called me in to introduce me to Cadence, I felt my stomach tighten.

“Luna, thank you for being here. This is Cadence, our new student. You’ll be her guide for the week.”

Cadence smiled at me, extending her hand. “Hi, Luna. Thanks for helping me.”

“Hi,” I replied, shaking her hand. She seemed kind, but part of me couldn’t help thinking she was too perfect.

That evening at the reading club, my notebook lay open in front of me, but I couldn’t focus. The image of Cadence kept popping into my mind. She was everything I wasn’t: bright, confident, admired by everyone.

I tried to shift my attention back to my story. I wrote:

“Selene watched Venus speaking to the kingdom’s subjects. Every smile, every word her sister spoke seemed to light up the world around her. Selene, on the other hand, was a shadow, invisible to everyone. Yet, the darkness within her began to whisper: ‘You can be more.’”

“Are you writing something new?” Rose’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Yes,” I said, quickly closing the notebook. “I’m still working on Selene and Venus.”

Rose smiled. “I love how you describe Selene’s emotions. She feels so real.”

I didn’t respond, but deep down, I knew that Selene was more real than Rose could imagine.

The next day, I found myself walking alongside Cadence in the hallways, showing her the classrooms and main areas of the school. She listened attentively, asking questions now and then, but I still felt tense.

“This seems like a great school,” Cadence said with a smile.

“Yeah, it’s… nice,” I replied, not too enthusiastically.

When we reached the club area, I noticed the hallways were full of flyers and colorful posters. Cadence looked at them curiously.

“There are so many clubs! Which ones are you in?”

“Reading and theater,” I said, lowering my gaze.

“Theater? That sounds fun. I’d love to try it.”

Her words surprised me. She didn’t seem like the theater type, yet there was something sincere in her tone.

We stepped into the fashion lab, where Celestia and her group were working on new sketches. When Celestia saw Cadence, her face lit up.

“You must be Cadence!” she said, approaching her with enthusiasm.

“Yes,” Cadence replied, shaking her hand.

Celestia looked her up and down with an admiring smile. “You have incredible style. Would you like to join our club? We’re working on costumes for the next theater production.”

Cadence smiled. “That sounds interesting. I’ll think about it.”

The girls from the fashion club crowded around, introducing themselves and drawing Cadence into their conversation. I stayed back, silent, feeling like an outsider.

Celestia turned to me for a moment. “Luna, isn’t it great that Cadence is thinking about joining the clubs?”

“Yes,” I said softly, but my voice was drowned out by the general chatter.

When we left the fashion lab, Cadence looked at me. “Your sister is really nice. It’s clear she’s very good at what she does.”

I nodded, unsure of what to say.

“You know,” Cadence continued, “I was a little nervous about transferring here. At Crystal Prep, everyone always expected the best from me. Sometimes it’s… suffocating.”

I looked at her, surprised. For the first time, I saw something beyond her perfection. Maybe she had her own insecurities too.

That evening, as I thought about Cadence, I realized that her presence made me feel insecure, but perhaps it wasn’t fair to judge her so quickly. Like Selene and Venus, maybe Cadence also hid something behind her light.

Chapter 7

The day started like any other, but it didn’t take long for me to feel invisible. Walking through the halls next to Cadence, I tried to appear calm, but everywhere we went, all eyes were on her.

“Wow, are you Cadence?” asked a sophomore, stopping us in front of the library. “I’ve heard about you from Crystal Prep. You’re really good at singing, right?”

Cadence smiled, almost shyly. “Oh, nothing special. I enjoy singing, but there’s always so much to learn.”

The girl seemed enchanted. “You’re too modest. I’m sure you’ll become a star here at Canterlot High.”

I hung back slightly, hoping not to attract attention. When Cadence turned to me with one of her kind smiles, I simply nodded.

Why did everything seem so easy for her?

That afternoon, at the theater club, the room was as noisy and full of energy as ever. Jasmine announced a special exercise: we would be split into small groups to work on a group scene.

“Luna, Cadence, Pharynx, and Olivia,” she said, assigning us to the first group.

My heart sank. Cadence looked excited. “This is great! I can’t wait to try!”

As we started the scene, Pharynx took the lead with confidence, and Cadence seemed immediately at ease, as if the stage were her natural place. Even Olivia, one of the more experienced members, added lines and ideas effortlessly. Meanwhile, I felt like a burden.

“Luna, it’s your turn,” Jasmine said, motioning for me to speak.

The words were written on the script in front of me, but they felt distant, blurred. When I finally managed to say them, my voice was shaky, almost a whisper.

“Don’t worry,” Cadence said with a smile. “You’re doing great.”

But I wasn’t. When I glanced at Jasmine, I could see she was trying to encourage me, but I knew I wasn’t on their level.

When the scene ended, everyone praised Cadence.

“You were amazing,” Olivia said.

“You have a natural presence,” Pharynx added.

I forced a smile, but inside, I felt like Selene: a shadow destined to be forgotten.

That evening, I returned home with a heavy heart. I dropped my backpack on the floor of my room and sat on the bed, staring into space. The sense of worthlessness was suffocating.

I slowly took off my shoes, letting them fall to the floor, and stared at the ceiling. Every time I went to theater club, I felt like an extra in a film that wasn’t mine.

Running a hand through my hair, my breath trembled. Maybe I should just stop going, I thought. No one would really care.

I imagined Jasmine announcing the week’s activities with her usual enthusiasm, not even noticing my absence. Pharynx and the others would keep laughing, acting, shining in the spotlight.

The thought hurt, but maybe it was for the best. Leaving the club would mean no longer feeling like a burden, no longer experiencing that tightness in my chest every time I tried to speak.

The tears came before I even realized it. I tried to hold them back, but in the end, I collapsed onto my pillow, letting the sobs consume me.

Why can’t I be like them? I wondered. Why am I never enough?

Outside my door, Celestia paused. She was about to knock, but the muffled sound of my crying stopped her.

She peeked through the small gap in the door, her face a mix of worry and uncertainty.

“Luna…” she whispered softly, though not loud enough for me to hear.

She seemed like she wanted to come in but stayed frozen in place. Maybe she didn’t know what to say, or maybe she was afraid of making things worse. After a moment, she turned and walked back to her room, quietly closing the door behind her.

When the tears finally stopped, I felt drained. I looked at the notebook on my nightstand, where I had written notes about Selene and Venus’s story.

I picked up the pen and wrote:

“Selene collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. The darkness whispered to her: ‘There is no place for you here. No one will ever see you.’ But deep down, a small spark of light continued to shine, hidden beneath the weight of the shadows.”

I closed the notebook and pulled the blanket around me. I wasn’t Selene, but for the first time, I began to wonder if I, too, had a spark of light somewhere within me.

Still, as I tried to fall asleep, the thought of quitting theater club kept returning. Maybe I’m not cut out for this, I told myself.

That night, as I lay in bed, I wondered if things would ever change. I had always believed that loneliness was my fate, but part of me was beginning to hope that maybe it didn’t have to be.

Chapter 8

It was Friday afternoon, and while the rest of the theater club was getting ready for practice, I was in my room, my science books spread out on the bed.

I didn’t really need to study, but it was the only excuse I could come up with to justify my absence. The week before, I’d told Jasmine I had a fever, and the week before that, I said I needed to prepare for an important test.

I didn’t know if Jasmine or Pharynx actually believed my excuses, but it didn’t matter. Every time I thought about going back, I remembered that feeling of inadequacy on the stage—the constant awareness that I didn’t measure up to the others.

My phone buzzed beside me. I unlocked the screen and opened the theater club group chat, which Jasmine had created to coordinate activities.

Jasmine: See you all soon! Today we’ll work on improvisations—it’ll be fun.
Pharynx: I’ll be the best, as usual.
Olivia: In your dreams, maybe.

The banter kept scrolling, and I noticed a cheerful message from Cadence, as upbeat as ever.

Cadence: I can’t wait! I have a surprise for the group.

I stared at the messages for a moment, then closed the chat. It wasn’t my place. Even if I were there, I wouldn’t know what to say or how to join in.

I lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Maybe I should just quit altogether, I thought. They don’t need me, and I don’t need to keep feeling like this every week.

The next day, at lunch, I sat at my usual table by the window. It was a quiet corner, far from the chaos and laughter of the other students.

I was finishing my pasta, trying to tune out the groups around me, when I noticed Cadence on the other side of the cafeteria. She was sitting at the center of a crowded table, surrounded by at least five students who were chatting and laughing with her. She seemed so comfortable, like she had always belonged there.

I wondered how she did it. She didn’t even have to search for a place—students seemed drawn to her like bees to honey.

I lowered my gaze to my tray, trying to ignore the growing discomfort inside me. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed movement.

Cadence had stood up. She was heading toward me.

“Hi, Luna. Can I sit here?” she asked with her usual gentle smile.

I nodded, too surprised to answer.

“Thanks,” she said, setting down her tray. “It was too noisy over there.”

I glanced at the table she had just left, still surrounded by students. I couldn’t understand why she had come to sit with me.

“I didn’t think you’d want to sit here,” I finally said, looking down.

Cadence studied me curiously. “Why not?”

I didn’t respond, but my silence seemed to tell her everything.

“You know,” Cadence began, sliding her tray aside, “I transferred here to catch my breath. At Crystal Prep, everything was a competition. Who had the best grades, who was the most talented, who won the most awards. It was… exhausting.”

I looked at her, surprised. “You seemed… at ease there.”

She gave a faint smile. “I wasn’t. And I’m not always at ease here, either. But I like to think we can choose where we belong, and who we belong with.”

I didn’t know how to respond. It was strange hearing her speak so openly, as if she had insecurities of her own.

“By the way,” Cadence continued, “why don’t you come to theater club anymore? Jasmine says you’ve missed a few meetings. Is everything okay?”

I felt my cheeks heat up. “I’m fine. I’ve just… been busy.”

Cadence gave me a look that seemed to see right through me. “Well, I miss you at the club. Even though we haven’t known each other long, it’s nice having you there. I hope you’ll come back.”

I didn’t know what to say. No one had ever told me they missed me before.

In the distance, I saw Celestia sitting with her friends. She was watching us, and when our eyes met, her lips curved into a small smile.

That evening, as I was in my room writing, there was a soft knock on the door.

“Can I come in?” Celestia asked.

“Yeah,” I said.

She sat on the edge of my bed, studying me with curiosity. “I saw you today, in the cafeteria. With Cadence.”

“So what?” I asked, trying to sound indifferent.

“Nothing,” she replied, crossing her arms. “It was nice to see. You seemed… comfortable with her.”

I paused, watching her face. She seemed sincere, but there was something in her expression I couldn’t quite read.

“She’s just a classmate,” I said finally.

Celestia smiled faintly. “She seems like more than that. She’s a good person, you know. Maybe… she could help you see things differently.”

I didn’t respond. It felt strange that Celestia cared so much about my connection with Cadence. As she stood up to leave, I called out to her.

“Celestia?”

“Yes?”

“Why do you care?”

She stopped at the door, looking at me for a long moment. Then she answered, “Because I want you to be okay.”

She closed the door behind her, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

That night, as I lay in bed, I replayed the events of the day. Cadence’s words lingered in my mind: “I miss you at the club. I hope you’ll come back.”

It was such a simple thing to say, but it had stuck with me, gnawing at the walls I’d built around myself.

Maybe I should go back, I thought. But the idea of stepping onto that stage again, of feeling small and inadequate compared to the others, still made my stomach churn.

I glanced at my notebook on the nightstand, filled with the story of Selene and Venus. I picked up my pen and wrote:

“Selene stood at the edge of the crowd, watching Venus shine in the light. The whispers of the darkness inside her grew louder, telling her to step back, to hide where it was safe. But a faint spark of something—hope, maybe—whispered a different truth: ‘You don’t have to be her. You just have to be you.’”

I closed the notebook and set it aside, pulling the blanket around me. Maybe Cadence and Celestia were right. Maybe it was time to stop hiding.

But as I drifted to sleep, the thought of returning to the theater club still felt daunting. Would they really want me there?

Monday afternoon arrived quickly. I found myself standing outside the theater room, listening to the familiar hum of voices and laughter from inside. My heart raced as I hesitated, my hand hovering over the door handle.

I could still turn around. I could just walk away and no one would notice.

But then I thought of Cadence’s words, of how she’d said she missed me, and I thought of the story I was writing. Selene had a spark of hope, didn’t she? Maybe I could have one too.

I took a deep breath and opened the door.

The room quieted for a moment as everyone turned to look at me. Jasmine’s face lit up instantly.

“Luna! You’re back!” she said with her usual enthusiasm.

Pharynx gave me a nod and a small grin. “Nice of you to show up.”

Cadence was standing near the stage. When she saw me, she smiled warmly.

“I’m glad you’re here,” she said, her voice soft but sincere.

I felt my face flush, but for once, it wasn’t entirely from embarrassment. I nodded slightly and made my way to an empty seat near the back, letting the chatter resume around me.

As the club meeting went on, I didn’t say much, but I stayed. I listened, I observed, and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel like I was on the outside looking in.

Maybe I wasn’t quite ready to shine on stage like the others, but I’d taken a step back into the light. And for now, that was enough.

Chapter 9

On Sunday morning, my phone vibrated on the nightstand. I stretched, still wrapped in the blanket, and picked up the phone, not expecting anything special.

It was an unknown number.

Hi, Luna! It’s Cadence. I got your number from the theater club chat. I hope you don’t mind. I just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing. :)

I stared at the screen for a few seconds. It was rare for someone to be interested in me, and even rarer for them to text me first. After a moment of hesitation, I replied:

Luna: Hi. I’m fine, thanks.

A few seconds later, another message came in.

Cadence: I’m glad to hear that! You know, I miss you at the theater. I hope you’ll come back soon.

I bit my lip, unsure of what to say. Finally, I typed:

Luna: Thanks… I’ll try to be there.

The following Monday, during the break between classes, I was putting my books in my backpack when I heard a familiar voice behind me.

“Hi, Luna!”
I turned around. Cadence was there, with her usual gentle smile.

“Hi,” I replied quietly.

“How’s it going?” she asked, leaning against the desk next to mine.

“Good,” I mumbled. Then, before I could stop myself, I added: “How about you? How’s literature going?”

She made a face. “Not great, to be honest. This text analysis is more complicated than I thought.”

The words slipped out of my mouth before I could stop them. “If you want, I can help you. Maybe after school… at my place.”

As soon as I said it, I regretted it. I had never invited anyone to my house, let alone someone like Cadence. But she looked at me in surprise and then smiled.

“Really? That would be great. Thanks, Luna.”

I nodded, trying to seem calm, though inside, I was a storm of emotions.

That afternoon, when I heard the doorbell ring, my stomach tightened. I hoped my mom wouldn’t ask any embarrassing questions or, worse, start talking too much.

She opened the door with her usual warm smile. “Hi! You must be one of Celestia’s friends!” she said enthusiastically. “She didn’t tell me you’d be coming. But she’s not home right now, she’s at volleyball club.”

Cadence smiled politely. “No, ma’am. I’m Luna’s friend. I’m here because she offered to help me with literature.”

My mom’s gaze shifted from Cadence to me, clearly surprised. “Oh my, sorry! You know, Luna has never invited anyone here before! She’s always been such a loner!”

I felt the heat rise to my cheeks and lowered my gaze, hoping she would stop.

“Celestia, though, is totally the opposite! She’s always inviting her friends over! She and Luna don’t even seem like sisters! Celestia is the day, and Luna is the night!”

“Mom,” I said softly, trying to interrupt her.

But she ignored my tone and continued, addressing Cadence. “Luna is a good girl, but she’s veeeery private! She’s always doing her own thing! Sometimes, we don’t even know if she’s at home! She comes in, eats, and then locks herself in her room. We only see her at lunch and dinner. Celestia, on the other hand, always has so much to do. You know she’s the president of the fashion club? And this year is her last year of high school, the house is going to be so sad next year without her!”

“Mom!” I said, this time raising my voice. “Enough! Can we go study now?”

My mom raised her hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. I didn’t mean to say anything bad.”

Cadence gave me a calm look, and I quickly led her to my room, feeling deeply uncomfortable.

Once in my room, I slammed the door shut and sat down on the chair, avoiding Cadence’s gaze.

She looked around the room with curiosity. “You have a nice room,” she said.

“Thanks,” I replied, still mortified by what my mom had said.

We sat on the floor, surrounded by notebooks and notes. Cadence seemed at ease and spoke enthusiastically about school and the subjects she liked. Eventually, I relaxed enough to tell her a little about myself, like my passion for music and writing.

When we finished studying, I felt lighter. Cadence thanked me with a sincere smile.

The next day, during the break, I found Cadence near the library. I approached slowly, trying to gather the courage to speak.

“Hi,” I said quietly, stopping next to her.

“Hi, Luna!” she replied with a warm smile.

“I wanted to apologize for last night,” I mumbled. “My mom shouldn’t have said those things.”

Cadence placed a hand on my shoulder. “Don’t worry. I enjoyed meeting her. And it made me realize how unique you are.”

The sincerity in her voice struck me. I wasn’t used to receiving compliments, and even less so to believing them.

On Friday afternoon, I decided to return to the theater club. My heart raced as I walked toward the room. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew I had to try.

When I entered, Jasmine greeted me enthusiastically. “Luna! I’m so happy you’re back!”

Pharynx gave me a nod, and even Olivia smiled at me. But it was Cadence’s look that affected me the most. She seemed genuinely happy to see me.

During the activity that day, I felt less stiff, less out of place. When Jasmine paired us up, Cadence chose me without hesitation.

“Welcome back,” she said, with a smile that seemed to light up the whole room.

That evening, as I walked home, I felt different. I wasn’t sure of myself yet, but for the first time, I felt that maybe it wasn’t too late to change.

Chapter 10

December 22nd began like any other day.

Luna got out of bed slowly, dragging her feet toward the window. Outside, snow was falling softly, covering everything in a white blanket. It was her birthday, but she didn’t feel anything special about it.

She knew her parents and Celestia would wish her a happy birthday, but beyond them, no one would remember the day. It had always been that way.

She went downstairs to the kitchen, where her mom and dad greeted her with warm smiles.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart!” her mom said, giving her a hug.

“Happy birthday, kiddo,” her dad added, ruffling her hair.

“Thanks,” Luna murmured, trying to hide her melancholy.

As she finished pouring milk into her cereal, Celestia came down the stairs, her usual energy lighting up the room.

“Happy birthday, little sis!” she said, pulling her into a hug.

Luna gave her a faint smile. “Thanks.”

Celestia looked at her for a moment, as if she wanted to say more, but simply smiled warmly instead.

By mid-afternoon, Luna was in her room reading when her phone buzzed. It was a message from Cadence.

Cadence: Hey, Luna! Want to go for a walk? It’s too cold to stay indoors all day. :)

Luna hesitated for a moment but then surprised herself by replying:

Luna: Sure. Where should we meet?

Shortly after, the two girls met near the snow-covered park in town. Cadence wore an elegant beige coat with a pale pink scarf that framed her face.

“It’s such a nice afternoon for a walk,” Cadence said with a smile.

Luna nodded, trying to hide the smile creeping onto her lips. She hadn’t told Cadence it was her birthday—she didn’t want pity.

They walked for a while, talking about everything and nothing. Luna felt more at ease than usual. Maybe, she thought, this friendship was the best thing that had happened to her in a long time.

What Luna didn’t know was that Cadence had an extra reason for wanting to spend the afternoon with her. A few days earlier, Celestia had approached her at school.

“You know,” Celestia had said, her tone conspiratorial, “December 22nd is Luna’s birthday. But she doesn’t like people knowing. I want to throw her a little party. Would you help me?”

Cadence had agreed without hesitation, and that afternoon she was doing her part, keeping Luna occupied while Celestia and their parents prepared everything at home.

When Cadence walked Luna home, the sky had grown dark. Luna paused in front of the door, noticing that the lights were off.

“That’s odd,” she murmured. “There’s usually a light on.”

She opened the door slowly, a mix of curiosity and concern stirring inside her. Then, suddenly, the lights came on, and a chorus of voices shouted:

“Happy birthday, Luna!”

Luna froze, her heart pounding. The room was decorated with balloons, streamers, and a small cake on the table. Celestia rushed toward her, pulling her into a tight hug.

“Surprise!” she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Luna felt overwhelmed. “I… I don’t know what to say,” she murmured, her voice breaking.

Cadence placed a hand on her back. “You don’t have to say anything. Just enjoy the moment.”

As Luna’s parents approached to hug her, tears welled up in her eyes. She tried to hold them back but eventually burst into tears.

“Thank you,” she managed to say, clutching Celestia even tighter.

Celestia, slightly teary herself, gave her a playful pat on the shoulder. “Don’t do that, or I’ll start crying too.”

After blowing out the candles and eating cake, Cadence pulled out a neatly wrapped package.

“This is for you,” she said, handing it to Luna.

Luna unwrapped it with trembling hands, revealing a small notebook with a cover decorated in gold stars.

“I thought you might like it for writing,” Cadence said, smiling.

Luna ran her fingers over the cover, her shy smile growing. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

The evening ended with laughter and conversation. For the first time in a long while, Luna felt like she was at the center of attention—not in an uncomfortable way, but surrounded by people who truly cared about her.

As she slipped under the covers that night, she thought that maybe this birthday had been the best one of her life.

Chapter 11

February had arrived, bringing with it a different atmosphere.

The hallways of Canterlot High were decorated with paper hearts and pink ribbons hanging everywhere. Posters advertised romantic activities and inspiring quotes about love.

“Let’s spread love in all its forms!” declared a large banner at the school’s entrance.

One event, in particular, caught everyone’s attention: the anonymous notes game. Every student was tasked with decorating a bag with their name and hanging it in the main hallway. Anyone who had a message for a classmate—whether a simple compliment or a love confession—could leave it in the bag anonymously.

Luna watched absentmindedly as students busied themselves with their bags. Some laughed and joked, while others speculated about who would receive the most notes.

As always, Celestia was the center of attention. Her bag was already half full by midday.

“Have you decorated your bag yet?” Cadence asked as we walked to class.

I shook my head. “I haven’t thought about it. It’s not really my thing.”

Cadence laughed. “Oh, I think it’s adorable! It’s such a cute way to express feelings. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get a note from a secret admirer.”

I doubted that very much, but I didn’t respond. Cadence always seemed so enthusiastic about everything, and part of me envied her lightness.

That week, at the reading and writing club, Josh suggested a special activity: writing a short essay about love.

“It can be any kind of love,” Josh explained. “Romantic, familial, platonic. The important thing is that it’s authentic to you.”

While the others dove straight into writing, I sat staring at the blank page. Writing was something I loved, but love? It wasn’t a topic I thought about often.

After the club meeting, I ran into Cadence in the hallway.

“How was the writing club?” she asked.

I shrugged. “We have a theme. We’re supposed to write an essay about love. But I don’t even know where to start.”

She looked at me curiously. “If you want, I can help. How about I come over to your house tomorrow afternoon?”

I hesitated for a moment. I wasn’t used to asking for help, but the idea of working with Cadence felt reassuring. “Okay,” I said softly.

The next day, when the doorbell rang, I heard Celestia’s footsteps as she went to answer it. I stopped at the top of the stairs, watching the scene unfold.

“Cadence?” Celestia asked, surprised but smiling. “What are you doing here?”

“Hi, Celestia!” Cadence replied. “I’m here to help Luna with a writing assignment for her club.”

Celestia gave her a warm smile. “I’m so glad you and Luna are becoming friends. She really needs someone like you in her life.”

Cadence returned her smile with a look full of kindness. “Luna is a special person, Celestia. It’s a privilege to spend time with her.”

Celestia nodded, then turned to me. “Be good to her, Luna.”

My cheeks flushed, but I didn’t say anything. I led Cadence up to my room, ignoring Celestia’s satisfied expression as we left the living room behind.

In my room, we sat on the floor surrounded by notebooks and notes. Cadence seemed completely at ease, and we started discussing the essay.

“Love can mean so many things,” she said, picking up a piece of paper. “It doesn’t have to be romantic. Think about what it means to you personally.”

I stayed quiet, letting her words sink in. After a moment, I started writing, hesitantly at first.

“See?” Cadence said, leaning over to read. “You’ve already got a great start.”

“It’s nothing special,” I muttered.

She smiled. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re talented, Luna. You just need to believe it.”

We talked about books, movies, and music, and for the first time in a long while, I felt completely at ease. By the time we finished, I realized how quickly the afternoon had flown by.

Later that week, the script for the year-end play arrived: The Wicked.

Jasmine explained that the lead roles—Elphaba and Glinda—would require both acting and singing. The thought of auditioning for such a major part overwhelmed me, but Cadence was brimming with enthusiasm.

“We have to try!” she said, her excitement contagious. “It would be amazing to play Elphaba and Glinda together.”

One afternoon, as I passed by the music club room, I heard a familiar voice.

Cadence was standing in the center of the room, her eyes closed as she sang a melody that was both powerful and sweet. Her voice was so clear and confident that, for a moment, I forgot where I was.

When she finished, the other club members clapped enthusiastically. I stayed hidden behind the door, in awe of her talent.

February was shaping up to be a month full of challenges and surprises. Between the anonymous notes game, rehearsals for the theater club, and my growing friendship with Cadence, I started to wonder if maybe love wasn’t as far away from me as I’d always believed.

Chapter 13

The conference room at Canterlot High was softly lit, with a long central table around which the student representatives and a few teachers were seated. Celestia sat in her seat, her posture perfect and a pen in her hand. Beside her, Discord leaned casually against the table, playing with a paperclip as if nothing could truly hold his attention.

“Let’s move on to the next agenda item,” the principal announced. “Initiatives to improve the school environment.”

Celestia raised her hand slightly. “I believe it’s important to continue working against bullying. While we’ve made progress, there are still students who feel marginalized. We could organize workshops to promote inclusion.”

Discord nodded, though with a slightly ironic smile. “Sure, workshops. Or maybe we could just put up giant signs in the hallways saying Don’t Be a Bully. That would work just as well.”

Celestia gave him a sharp look. “We need to do something meaningful, Discord.”

“And I’m offering meaningful ideas,” he replied, raising his hands in mock surrender.

The principal stepped in, trying to refocus the conversation. “Both are valid points. Perhaps we can combine practical approaches with impactful visual messaging.”

Another representative suggested creating a school app where students could anonymously report bullying incidents, and Celestia eagerly jotted down notes.

The conversation then turned to the idea of introducing a school counselor.

“I think having a counselor available could help many students,” Celestia said. “Especially those who find it hard to talk to parents or teachers.”

Discord seemed less invested but eventually gave a nod of approval. “If it helps, why not.”

The final topic was the upcoming school trip. The representatives debated potential locations, suggesting destinations such as a historic city, an adventure park, and an interactive science museum. Celestia emphasized the importance of balancing education with fun, and Discord, surprisingly, agreed.

“A little history and a little adrenaline,” he said with a grin. “That way, no one gets bored.”

By the end of the meeting, Celestia walked out with a stack of notes in hand and a satisfied smile.

As she walked down the hallway, Celestia heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Discord catching up, his hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket.

“You know,” he began in his usual relaxed tone, “you’re always so serious in these meetings. Sometimes I wonder if you ever relax.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow at him. “Being a representative means taking things seriously. We’re not there to fool around.”

Discord shrugged. “But a little lightness never hurt anyone.”

Celestia stared at him for a moment, then shook her head with a faint smile. “I suppose you’re the lightness that balances my seriousness.”

“Exactly,” he said, tilting his head slightly. “We’re a perfect team.”

For a brief moment, as they walked side by side, Discord gave her a look that was different from usual—not ironic or playful, but deeper, almost curious.

Celestia, however, didn’t notice, her focus on the notes she held tightly to her chest.

“Anyway,” Discord continued, his tone shifting back to normal, “don’t overdo it trying to make this trip perfect. After all, it’s just a trip.”

“It’s more than just a trip,” Celestia countered. “It’s an opportunity for students to bond and have a unique experience. We should make it perfect.”

Discord chuckled softly. “Perfect like you, I guess.”

Celestia stopped and looked at him with a mix of exasperation and amusement. “I can’t tell if you’re mocking me or giving me a compliment.”

“Both,” he replied with a grin.

Celestia shook her head and resumed walking. “Good day, Discord.”

“Good day, Queen of Perfection,” he called after her, watching her walk away with a softer expression than usual.

That evening at home, Luna watched the snow melt on the windowpane, lost in thought. The word trip echoed in her mind.

She wasn’t sure if she wanted to go. The idea of spending days surrounded by noisy students and feeling left out filled her with anxiety. She could already imagine herself alone, on the sidelines, while everyone else laughed and had fun.

She sighed and sat on her bed. A part of her wanted to experience it, but the fear of being out of place held her back.

As Luna reflected, there was a knock on her door, and Celestia peeked in. “Can I come in?”

Luna nodded. Celestia entered with a smile and sat beside her on the bed.

“I was thinking about the trip,” Celestia said, watching her. “I bet you’re not sure if you want to go.”

Luna looked up, surprised. “How did you know?”

Celestia laughed softly. “I know you better than you think. You don’t like crowds, and you’re probably worried about feeling left out.”

Luna lowered her gaze, biting her lip. “That’s true.”

Celestia placed a hand on Luna’s shoulder. “You know, I was nervous when I went on my first trip in freshman year too. But let me tell you something—it turned out to be some of the best days of my life.”

“Really?” Luna asked, skeptical.

“Yes. I wasn’t always this confident, you know? But those trips helped me meet new people and step out of my comfort zone. Even if it seems scary at first, I promise it’ll be worth it.”

Luna wasn’t entirely convinced, but Celestia’s words gave her a small glimmer of hope.

That night, as Luna lay on her bed staring at the ceiling, she kept thinking about her sister’s words. She couldn’t decide.

On one hand, part of her wanted to try, to believe that the trip could be a positive experience. But on the other hand, there was her usual fear: the fear of being judged and feeling out of place.

Clutching the note with the crescent moon she had found in her bag a few days earlier, Luna closed her eyes.

Maybe, she thought, if she went, she might discover something new about herself.

Chapter 14

Luna was in her room, holding the script for the end-of-year play in her hands. The dim light from the lamp illuminated the pages as she read and reread Elphaba’s lines.

She stood up and began rehearsing in front of the mirror. At first, her voice was timid, almost trembling, but as she repeated the lines, she found a bit more confidence.

She was practicing a particularly intense scene when the door suddenly swung open.

“Hey, Shakespeare,” Celestia said, leaning against the doorframe with an amused smile.

Luna turned abruptly, blushing. “What do you want?”

Celestia walked into the room nonchalantly, grabbing the script from the bed. “I was passing by and heard you. I have to say, you’re better than I expected.”

Luna eyed her suspiciously. “Are you making fun of me?”

Celestia shook her head, then handed the script back. “No, really. But you need to put more emphasis on certain words, especially when you’re angry. You want them to believe you, don’t you?”

Celestia demonstrated, exaggerating a theatrical tone. Luna couldn’t help but laugh.

“You sound ridiculous,” Luna said, still laughing.

Celestia pulled a mock grimace. “Maybe, but at least I don’t sound like a robot. Try having some fun while you act. It’ll help.”

Luna nodded, holding back a smile. Even though her sister could be a little provocative, she appreciated her advice.

A few days later, Luna went to Cadence’s house to rehearse together. The home was cozy, with a large fireplace crackling and the smell of freshly baked cookies filling the air.

“My mom made way too many cookies,” Cadence said with a laugh, offering a plate to Luna. “Please, eat some, or I’ll end up eating them all myself.”

After tasting a cookie, they sat in Cadence’s room, which was decorated with soft lights and colorful pillows.

“Okay, let’s try this scene,” Cadence said, opening her script. “The part where Glinda tries to convince Elphaba to trust her.”

Luna nodded, clutching the script in her hands. They stood up and began acting. At first, Luna felt stiff, but Cadence encouraged her with a smile.

“You’re doing great,” Cadence said, pausing for a moment. “Try to really imagine what your character is feeling. Don’t just focus on the words—think about the emotions.”

Luna nodded again, taking a deep breath. They repeated the scene, and this time Luna’s voice was stronger, more intense.

When they finished, Cadence clapped. “Perfect! If you don’t get the role, it’ll only be because they’re blind to your talent.”

Luna blushed slightly. “Thanks.”

Meanwhile, Celestia and Discord had finalized the destination for the school trip. During the second student council meeting, they shared their choice with the other representatives and teachers: a trip to a historic city with a visit to a medieval castle and an adventure park.

The news quickly spread through the school, and the students were thrilled.

“I can’t wait!” Cadence said as she walked with Luna toward class. “Imagine exploring a castle! And the adventure park will be amazing.”

Luna didn’t respond immediately; the thought of the trip still made her uneasy.

“You’ll have fun,” Cadence said, grabbing her arm with an encouraging smile. “And if you feel out of place, I’ll be there. You won’t be alone.”

Cadence’s words reassured Luna, though not completely.

The day of the auditions for the end-of-year play arrived in a flash. The theater club room buzzed with energy and tension. Every student gave their best to impress Jasmine, who sat attentively with a pen in hand.

Luna and Cadence had worked hard. Luna poured all the passion she could muster into her performance, and when she finished, Jasmine gave her a small smile.

A few days later, Jasmine gathered the club to announce the cast. Luna was nervous, her heart pounding. Cadence, standing beside her, squeezed her hand for support.

“For the role of Elphaba… Luna!” Jasmine announced.

Luna froze, unable to believe her ears.

“And for the role of Glinda… Cadence!”

Cadence let out a small squeal of joy and turned to Luna, hugging her tightly.

“Luna, we did it!” Cadence exclaimed.

Luna, still in disbelief, smiled back at her. “Yeah… we did it.”

For the first time, she felt truly seen, truly appreciated.

Chapter 15

Luna stared at the half-open suitcase on her bed as a gentle spring breeze drifted in through the window. The branches of freshly blossoming trees swayed outside her room, casting playful shadows on the floor.

“You can’t pack a suitcase like that,” said Celestia, entering the room with the confidence of someone who always had everything under control. She carried a neatly folded pile of clothes and placed it on the chair next to the bed.

Luna sighed. “I’m not good at organizing.”

Celestia shook her head with an amused smile. “Okay, little messy one, let me handle this.”

Taking charge, Celestia divided Luna’s clothes into piles: one for outdoor activities, one for leisure, and one for essentials. “Don’t forget comfortable shoes,” she added.

“It’s just a school trip, not a marathon,” mumbled Luna, though she secretly appreciated her sister’s help.

From the doorway, their mother smiled as she watched them. “Are you girls ready for the trip?” she asked cheerfully.

“Almost,” replied Celestia, folding a pair of jeans.

Their father joined in. “Have fun and take lots of pictures. It’ll be an experience you’ll never forget.”

Luna nodded, trying to hide her nervousness.

That evening, as Luna stared at the packed suitcase at the foot of her bed, her phone buzzed. It was a video call from Cadence.

Luna hesitated for a moment, then answered. Cadence’s smiling face appeared on the screen, illuminated by the glow of a lamp in her room.

“Hi, Luna!” Cadence exclaimed. “I can’t wait for tomorrow! It’s going to be amazing.”

Luna gave a faint smile. “Yeah… it’ll be fun.”

Cadence tilted her head, studying her. “Are you okay? You look a little down.”

Luna ran a hand through her hair, avoiding her gaze. “I’m just a bit nervous. I don’t like crowds, and I’m afraid I’ll feel out of place.”

Cadence leaned closer to the screen, her expression full of reassurance. “That’s not going to happen. I’ll be there. I won’t leave you alone for a second, promise.”

Luna felt a small wave of relief in her chest. “Thanks.”

Cadence grinned. “Oh, and tomorrow I’ll bring one of my lucky cookies. You’ll need it to start the day right.”

Luna chuckled softly. “Okay. Thanks, Cadence.”

Spring embraced the landscape with an explosion of color. Wildflowers dotted the meadows along the bus route, while lush green trees framed the bright blue sky. The students chattered and laughed, filling the bus with energy.

Luna sat next to Cadence, who carried a backpack full of snacks and, as promised, a cookie decorated with a little star made of frosting.

“Here’s your good luck charm,” said Cadence, handing it to her.

Luna accepted it with a shy smile. “Thanks.”

After a few hours of travel, they arrived at their destination: an ancient historic town surrounded by blooming hills. The sun shone brightly, and a light breeze made the daisies and poppies along the paths sway gently.

The students erupted into applause as the bus came to a stop.

The visit to the medieval castle was the first activity on the agenda. Luna walked alongside Cadence, listening to the guide’s stories about the castle’s past, including legends of knights and ghosts.

“Do you think the castle is really haunted?” Luna whispered.

Cadence laughed. “If it is, I’d love to meet a ghost. Maybe we could become friends.”

Later, they headed to the adventure park. One of the main attractions was a zip line that stretched across a valley filled with flowers.

“Okay, who’s going first?” asked the instructor.

Celestia raised her hand with a confident smile. “I will.”

Luna and Cadence watched as Celestia got strapped into the harness. With a quick wave, she launched herself into the air, screaming with joy as she zipped over the valley. When she reached the other side, the other students burst into applause and laughter.

“Always the center of attention,” Luna said with a small smile.

Cadence patted her shoulder. “And you’re the calm one. That’s your superpower.”

Celestia spent much of the day with her friends, taking photos and laughing at every opportunity. Discord, of course, didn’t miss the chance to join in, adding his usual mischievous flair.

“You know, this castle would be perfect for a medieval tournament,” he said, twirling a stick as if it were a sword.

Celestia raised an eyebrow at him. “Discord, isn’t being ridiculous in class enough? Do you have to do it here too?”

Discord grinned, picking a flower and offering it to her with an exaggerated bow. “My queen, I humbly present this token of my loyalty.”

Celestia playfully pushed him away but couldn’t help laughing. “You’re impossible.”

Luna, watching the scene from a distance, noticed the unusual chemistry between them. Discord looked at Celestia with an expression that was almost affectionate, a sharp contrast to his usual teasing demeanor.

When it was time to settle in for the night, Luna and Cadence decided to share a room. The space was small but cozy, with a window overlooking a moonlit meadow.

They lay on their beds, wrapped in blankets.

“Today was amazing,” Luna said, staring at the ceiling.

“It really was,” Cadence replied. “And tomorrow will be even better.”

Luna closed her eyes, a small smile on her lips. For the first time, she thought that maybe letting go and living in the moment wasn’t so hard after all.

Chapter 16

The sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. The students had gathered on a grassy field near the hotel, where someone had brought a guitar. Cadence sat on a fallen log, her eyes bright as she watched the group.

A senior began strumming a familiar melody, and without hesitation, Cadence joined in with her clear, crystalline voice. Her singing drew everyone’s attention, the sound so natural and captivating that it felt like the whole scene was wrapped in warmth.

Luna, sitting beside her, watched with admiration, as always a bit intimidated by Cadence’s energy. When Cadence finished, she turned to Luna with a playful smile.

“Your turn,” she said, giving her a gentle nudge on the arm.

“Me? No, I can’t,” Luna replied, shaking her head.

“Of course you can. You have a beautiful voice, and I want to hear it,” Cadence insisted, taking Luna’s hand gently.

Hesitant but encouraged by Cadence’s reassuring gaze, Luna took a deep breath and started to sing a simple melody. Her voice was soft and soothing, with a tone that seemed to touch something deep in everyone listening.

When she finished, there was a brief silence before spontaneous applause erupted.

“Luna, you’re amazing,” Cadence said, squeezing her hand. “You should sing more often.”

Luna blushed but couldn’t hold back a small smile. “Thank you.”

The next morning, the students split into groups for various activities. Luna and Cadence joined a group exploring the nearby trails on bicycles. They pedaled through fields of flowers and small groves, the spring breeze cooling their faces.

“I didn’t think biking could be this fun,” Luna admitted, trying to keep pace with Cadence.

“Everything’s more fun with me,” Cadence replied with a mischievous grin.

Later, Luna found a moment of quiet. She sat under a large tree with a book in her hands while Cadence chatted with some classmates. As Luna read, she let the story transport her to a distant world, briefly escaping the chaos around her.

That afternoon, Luna and Cadence wandered through the hotel’s flower garden when a familiar voice called out Cadence’s name.

“Cadence! Hey!”

Cadence turned quickly, her face lighting up with a smile. “Shining?”

A tall boy with dark hair and a warm smile approached. He wore a Crystal Prep sweatshirt, immediately marking him as a student from their rival school.

“I can’t believe I’m running into you here,” Shining Armor said with a laugh.

Cadence laughed as well, stepping closer to greet him. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you with your team?”

Shining shook his head. “No, I’m here on a short trip with my family. It’s great to see a familiar face.”

Luna, who had stayed quiet next to Cadence, observed the scene with curiosity. Shining turned to her with a friendly smile.

“And you must be one of Cadence’s friends,” he said.

“I’m Luna,” she replied timidly.

“Nice to meet you, Luna,” Shining said warmly. “Cadence has talked a lot about her new school and her friends.”

Cadence smiled, glancing down shyly. “Well, it hasn’t been easy adjusting, but I’m glad I’ve found special people.”

As Shining and Cadence continued talking, Luna felt a bit out of place, like she was intruding on a moment between old friends. She couldn’t help but notice how naturally Cadence spoke to Shining, as if they belonged to a different world.

In the late afternoon, a group of students gathered for a picnic on a wide hill overlooking the valley. Blankets were spread out on the grass, covered with baskets of food.

Luna sat next to Cadence, while Celestia was a little farther off with her friends. Discord arrived shortly after, carrying a basket that seemed far too large for one person.

“What’s in there, Discord?” Celestia asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Just the essentials,” he replied with a mysterious smile.

He sat down next to Luna, studying her with curious eyes. “You must be Luna,” he said.

Luna nodded, feeling slightly uneasy. “Yes…”

Discord grinned. “Well, it’s obvious you’re Celestia’s sister. You have that same aura of perfection… just a bit darker, perhaps.”

Luna wasn’t sure whether to take it as a compliment or a tease, but Cadence laughed, stepping in to ease the tension.

“Don’t worry, Discord teases everyone,” she said, patting Luna on the shoulder.

“Exactly,” Discord added. “I just enjoy seeing how people react.”

In the end, Luna couldn’t help but smile a little.

That evening, the students gathered around a large bonfire. The flames cast flickering light on their faces, and the gentle spring breeze carried the scent of smoke and earth.

“Who wants to tell a scary story?” one of the teachers asked with an encouraging smile.

“Luna’s great at telling stories,” Cadence said, nudging her toward the fire.

Luna hesitated but eventually stepped forward. She shared a tale of ghosts and cursed castles, using her voice to build suspense. By the end, some students clapped, while others pretended to be terrified.

Cadence beamed at her. “I knew you’d leave everyone speechless.”

Later, back in the hotel’s common room, Luna noticed Cadence sitting on a couch, laughing with Shining Armor. They were deep in conversation, and Luna found herself watching from a distance.

A strange pang settled in her chest, like a weight she couldn’t quite define. It wasn’t jealousy, at least not in the usual sense. It felt more like a sense of detachment, as if she were losing something she hadn’t yet fully understood.

When Cadence returned to their room, Luna asked, “Do you know Shining well?”

Cadence nodded as she removed her earrings. “Yeah, I’ve known him since elementary school. He’s always been kind to me—one of the few who made me feel accepted.”

Luna gave a faint smile. “He seems like a good person.”

Cadence paused, studying Luna carefully. “He is. But you know what? I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite like you.”

Luna looked at her, surprised by those words, but didn’t say anything.