♡~Just Be Yourself~♡ English VERSION

Chapter 1

"Hey! Hey! Have you heard the rumor about the Wish Witch?"

"They say there’s a witch in Kuwadorian who can grant any wish, but only if you give her something in return. And actually, she-"

The television turned off suddenly, leaving a young girl with long, light chestnut hair completely stunned. She turned around to see her older brother holding the remote control.

"Hey, what’s your problem? I was watching my favorite show!"

Her brother sighed; he didn’t like her wasting time on such nonsense. The young girl’s name was Luna, and today was her first day of middle school. Her brother Jean, on the other hand, was starting his junior year in high school.

Luna was petite, with long, silky, light chestnut hair and a side-swept bang on her left. She was gentle by nature, but she could be quite sadistic at times—it was just part of her usual personality. But when your own parents dislike you for who you are, and you have no choice but to live under their rules, things at home become very complicated. Today, however, Luna could finally breathe a little easier, as she and her brother had enrolled in the same boarding school.

"Alright, it’s time to go, Luna. Are you ready?"

"Yeah, I’m comingggg!"

Even though she knew her parents were relieved to see her leave, Luna still hugged them goodbye. The siblings headed to the bus stop together. A boy with long, crimson hair spotted Jean and ran toward him. Luna could immediately tell that this must be her brother’s friend.

"Finally, Jean! Took you long enough. Did you miss me?" The boy flirted with Jean as if it were completely natural. His name was Yuto, a Japanese student admired for his striking beauty. Despite his popularity, his only close friend was Jean—much to the amusement of Luna, who often teased, "Are you sure you two aren’t dating?"

Annoyed by her comment, Jean tugged at Luna’s ear.

"Say that again, I dare you!"

It looked like Luna was doomed this time, but thankfully Yuto intervened, telling Jean to ignore her. Jean relented and grabbed Yuto’s hand, leading him onto the bus.

Luna followed the boys but, as if fate disliked her, there were no seats left near them. She walked back up the aisle and ended up sitting next to a girl who seemed her age.

"Are you starting sixth grade too?" Luna tried to strike up a conversation—after all, she needed to make a friend. The girl with long, sleek black hair turned to her with a bored expression.

"Yeah... I guess you are too? Just a word of advice: stay away from those two idiots at the back you were following earlier. Apparently, they bullied my older sister last year."

Luna was shocked by the revelation. Her brother? A bully? She was overwhelmed. What could she say to this girl? "Sorry about my brother’s behavior?" That definitely wouldn’t help her make friends.

"Anyway, you seem to know him, right? I’m guessing you’re his little sister?"

"Uh, yeah... I am..." Luna replied awkwardly, but the girl suddenly burst into laughter, surprising her.

"Hahaha, no need to be embarrassed, darling."

"D-Darling?"

"I’m English! By the way, my name’s Hilda. And you are?"

"I’m Luna."

The two girls shook hands, and Luna had found herself a friend. During the bus ride, they chatted animatedly, discovering a shared fascination with witchcraft.

Soon, the bus arrived at Croyen Middle School. The students disembarked, followed closely by Jean and Yuto. Near the entrance, staff members, including the principal, were waiting to greet them. Luna was nervous but felt slightly comforted by Hilda’s presence.

"Welcome, students! First rule before entering the school: wear the uniform assigned to you by the boarding staff!"

Everyone groaned upon seeing the dull uniforms. The girls had to wear a long gray dress with long sleeves, white knee-high socks, and gray flats. The boys were given gray sweaters, matching trousers, and brown loafers. Accessories were strictly prohibited, much to the dismay of many. But for Luna, Hilda, and a few others, it wasn’t a big deal.

The staff handed out class schedules and room keys.

"My room’s B15, and I’m in Class 6F. What about you?"

"I’m in 6F too, darling! But my room is B11..."

Although they weren’t in the same room, Luna and Hilda were glad to be in the same class. Together, they headed to their classroom to meet their new peers.

Upon entering, they were approached by three girls who seemed like the stereotypical "pick-me" types.

"Are you the new girls?" asked one with long blonde pigtails and green eyes, her shrill voice grating. Hilda gave her an unimpressed look.

"Yes? And you are?"

"I’m Stephanie, and those are Catherine and Miranda."

"O-Oh, nice to meet you, Stephanie!" Luna extended her hand, but Stephanie slapped it away harshly.

"OWWW!!!"

"Luna, are you okay?" Hilda rushed to help her. Luna had fallen onto broken glass, cutting her knee badly. Blood streamed down her leg. It was clear Stephanie and her friends had set this up.

"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!"

The teacher stormed in, horrified by the sight. She immediately took Luna to the infirmary for treatment. Thankfully, Luna’s wounds were cleaned, but she was sent to her dorm to rest.

---

Luna’s POV

Leaving the school, I wandered around aimlessly. What a day! I already hate that Stephanie!

But wait... is it just me, or is it already nighttime?

"Nighttime already? That’s strange..."

When I looked up, I froze. The moon... why is it red? It looked like something out of a dream—or a nightmare.

"Watch out, meow! GET OUT OF THE WAY, MEOWWW!!!"

"Huh?"

I looked up just in time to see—OH NO! A CHILD FALLING FROM THE SKY?! Without thinking, I caught him.

"Are you okay, little one?"

The boy, who looked about four or five, had short, jet-black hair and cat-like midnight blue eyes. He wore a wizard’s outfit: a long navy coat with fur trim, leather pants, and matching moccasins, complete with a small wizard’s hat. He even had cat ears and a tail!

"He’s... SO CUTE!!!" I hugged him tightly—too tightly, apparently, because he squirmed.

"I’m not cute, meow!"

"Alright, who are you? And why did you fall from the sky?"

His face darkened as if remembering something terrible.

"You have to leave! They’ll kill you!"

"What?!"

Suddenly, the ground cracked open. A young man with spiky red hair and crazed eyes appeared. Dressed in white and red armor, he looked like a knight, but his menacing glare terrified me.

"Hey, do you want to die? Just kidding... not really!" He lunged at me, but the little boy shielded me, conjuring magic.

"I won’t let you, meow!"

"Fine! Come here, you filthy stray cat!"

The boy’s magic clashed violently with the knight’s.

♡~End of Chapter 1~♡