Miss Witch Doesn’t Want to Become a Songstress

After Arpeggio City entered lockdown, many underground factories had to temporarily halt operations. Some companies took the opportunity to give their employees time off to save on wages, making the residential areas livelier than usual.

Under the lights of the garden square, some residents gathered to chat or play ball games for exercise, while others stayed home, savoring this rare moment of respite.

In Hestia’s bedroom, the soothing sound of ocean waves occasionally resonated. The ceiling reflected rippling blue waves, but the girl lying in bed showed no signs of waking.

Indeed, she was sleeping in late, well into the morning.

Black is a peculiar color. It is challenging to describe its nuances with just two words. It could be the glossy black of leather sofas, the lustrous black of a hovering car, the matte black of fine textures, the richly textured black of high-quality fabric, or the soft black of a girl’s hair illuminated by the morning light.

Strands of black hair cascaded over her pale collarbone exposed by her sleepwear. They contrasted with her fair skin, creating an elegant harmony. A touch of languid serenity infused the scene with gentle beauty, inviting one to revel in its subtle charm.

This moment resembled the essence of a “canon” in music: something so gentle, mundane, and soothing that you might find it difficult to recall. Yet, if life were always as harmonious as a canon, it would be truly sweet and fulfilling.

Time flowed tenderly until the girl’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, and she slowly opened her eyes.

Propping herself up on the pillow, her hair slipped down her shoulders as she shook her head and rubbed her eyes awake. Reaching under the blanket, she groped for her personal terminal. Sitting up, she slid the screen open.

[12:32 PM]

“Oh no, it’s already noon?” Startled, she jumped off the bed, her toes brushing against the starry-blue blanket before landing in her bedside slippers. Slipping them on, she dashed to the adjoining bathroom for a quick wash.

The sound of running water filled the room. After splashing her face, she returned to her bedroom to change into her outfit for the day. With quick steps, she descended the stairs.

In the living room on the first floor, Lisa was watching a projection program with Grandma He. The screen displayed a popular children’s comedy show.

“Thilan’s finally up.”

“Hestia-sis!” Lisa greeted her cheerfully.

“Are you heading out?” Grandma He asked, noticing Hestia’s hurried appearance.

“Yes, I need to go to the police station to handle some formalities. Tomorrow, I have a second round of interviews in Northern 1st District,” Hestia explained.

“Be careful on the way.”

“Thank you, Grandma!” She slipped on her shoes, stomped her feet into place, and stepped outside.

Passing through the bustling residential streets, she stopped at a small grocery store to buy a box of cookies for a quick lunch. With that, she headed toward the nearby vertical elevator to reach the upper levels of Arpeggio City.

Inside the rust-red, anti-rust-coated steel elevator, many people stood, though the space was not crowded.

“Hey, Hestia! You’re heading to the police station too, right?” A girl of similar age approached her. She wore a pink checkered blouse paired with a white skirt.

“Yes, Cindy. Are you going there too?”

Cindy had been one of Hestia’s elementary school classmates. Although they attended different middle schools and hadn’t seen each other much in recent years, they had been close friends in their childhood due to their proximity and shared walks home from school.

“I am.” Cindy nodded, giving Hestia a quick once-over.

Feeling slightly self-conscious under the gaze, Hestia tilted her head. “Is there something odd about me?”

“No, it’s just that you’ve changed a lot.” Cindy winked playfully.

“What kind of change?”

The two chatted as the elevator arrived. Walking side by side, they headed toward the police station.

“How do I explain it… It’s like a flower bud blooming. You’ve become so much more beautiful. It’s as if a hidden charm has gradually revealed itself.” Cindy mused, lightly tapping her chin.

“I don’t think so.” Hestia thought back to her usual reflection in the mirror and saw no significant difference.

“You probably don’t notice it yourself, but others do. If you don’t believe me, let’s ask Irene and the others at the next gathering.” Irene, another of their elementary school friends, had moved to the upper district but still kept in touch occasionally.

“Speaking of gatherings, you’ve missed a bunch. Everyone’s been talking about how they miss you,” Cindy added.

“Being the deputy class president was just something the teacher assigned me because of my good grades. I wasn’t particularly skilled, and it was just elementary school, more like playacting than anything important,” Hestia replied, shaking her head as her hair swayed slightly.

“Haha, you’re still as shy as ever, Hestia.” Cindy chuckled.

“Don’t worry so much. It’s not like anyone will bite you. Maybe they’ll tease you a little, but that’s it. Besides, we’re all heading to different high schools after graduation. We might not see each other much anymore.”

“Don’t leave any regrets.”

“Don’t leave any regrets…” Hestia pondered.

“Alright, if you plan the gathering, just let me know,” Hestia finally relented.

“Deal! It’s usually Irene and Nokai who organize these things. It’ll probably be mid-June during the break.”

“That’s about half a month away.”

“Then it’s settled. No escaping this time, Hestia!”

“Alright, alright, I won’t dodge anymore,” Hestia agreed with a slight nod.

The two entered the lively police station, joining the line of students there to complete their formalities.

After a long wait, it was finally their turn to fill out their school applications and verify their information.

“Where are you headed, Hestia?”

“I’m applying to Erin Academy. I also have a second interview at another school.”

“Two applications, huh?” Cindy nodded, unsurprised, as she filled out her own form.

“I’m applying to Glass Flower Academy in 7th District. They specialize in glass art. It’s a bit niche and less competitive, which suits my stubborn streak.”

“Not sure if I’ll starve as an artist, though. I’ve heard art careers can be tough.” Cindy sighed but wrote down her choice anyway.

“Well, if things get tough, I can always rely on you. You’re bound to become a famous doctor, and I trust that,” Cindy said as she submitted her form.

Despite Hestia’s usual reserved nature, none of their classmates doubted she would succeed as a doctor. Her personality and stellar grades made it an obvious path for her.

With the paperwork submitted, the two left the room, heading to the lobby to wait.

Leaning back on the gray chairs in the spacious hall, Cindy brought back ice slushies for them to share. They reminisced about old times, recalling happy moments from their past and updating each other on their classmates’ lives.

“Saul moved to 4th District with his parents. Mackey was suspended after a fight and held back a year. Irene passed her academy interview early. Nokai is preparing for military school. Everyone’s grown up.”

“Yeah, we’ve all grown up.”

Hestia stirred her fruit slushie with a spoon, watching the tiny ice shards sparkle under the simulated sunlight overhead.

Memories, like transparent glass, often go unnoticed. Yet, with a slight turn, they reflect countless radiant hues.