朋 looks like two 月 side by side, but it isn't 'moons' — it's a picture of two strings of cowrie shells (ancient money) hung together, of equal value. Two equal strings = a matched pair = companions, friends.
朋 almost always travels with 友 to make 朋友 (péngyou) — 'friend', one of the first words every learner wants. Confucius opens the Analects with 朋: '有朋自远方来，不亦乐乎' — 'Is it not a joy when friends come from afar?' Friendship is a cornerstone of Chinese ethics.
Two matched strings of shells side by side — equals, COMPANIONS.
Confucius' very first recorded saying is about 朋: 'Is it not a delight to have friends come from far away?' (有朋自远方来). Friendship opens the Analects.