Eventually, I've turned 14.
The world's become even more peaceful now — youma attacks only happen once or twice a month. Compared to when I was 10, when they happened almost every week, that's a huge improvement!
"Shizuka, hurry up! You're gonna be late!"
Ack! That's mom!
I hurriedly combed my hair, straightened my uniform, and gave mom a quick kiss on the cheek.
I still remember what Mom and Stella told me — pursue kindness, and become the best version of yourself!
After grabbing my bag, I made my way out of the house and started walking toward school.
On the way, I nodded and waved at my neighbors, greeting them with a warm smile.
Seeing them smile back filled my heart with that familiar tingly sensation. As expected, giving without expecting anything in return really is the best feeling!
As I walked, I admired the warm sunlight and the gentle wind brushing against my face.
My house is pretty close to my school, so these few minutes of walking have kind of become a little tradition of mine.
Admiring the everyday scenery — something I often take for granted — always feels special somehow.
『Tun tunn tunnn〜』
My line of thought was cut off by the sound of the school bell.
"Eep! Guess I've reached my school… haha…"
I scratched my cheek, laughing at my own clumsiness.
In front of me stood Hanamizuki University — a really big academy.
The main building is for the college students, while the side buildings are where us middle schoolers belong!
I smiled as I took my first step onto the university grounds.
"Good morning, Shizuka!"
A fellow student greeted me.
"Good morning to you too!"
I replied with a warm smile.
As I walked, more people greeted me along the way. Some girls even followed me as I headed toward the middle school building.
Once I entered, I naturally switched into my indoor shoes, placing the others neatly into my locker.
Then, I made my way up to Room A-2 — second floor, as always.
Once I opened the door to the room, the noisy chatter stopped, and the students turned to look at me. Some kept talking, some smiled, and a few even waved.
I already feel tired, and class hasn't even started!
But this is nothing. Stella fought Youmas from the age of twelve until now. Compared to her hardships… socializing is nothing.
As I slid into a seat near the front, someone tapped me on the shoulder.
"As popular as ever, huh?"
I glanced to my side and pouted.
"Geez… I'm not popular at all."
The one who tapped me is my childhood friend, Miu. She lives in my neighborhood.
Most importantly… she loves teasing me!
"Tsk tsk tsk, and yet you can make anyone fall head over heels for you."
Miu shrugged as she plopped into the seat next to mine, her orange hair swaying.
"Shut up! It's not like that. I just want to be kind to everyone," I huffed, my black eyes piercing hers.
"Pfft… still aiming to be a magical girl?"
Miu's blue eyes sparkled mischievously. This girl! She's plotting something troublesome again.
"Of course! I'll be Stella Comett's successor!"
I pushed my chest forward, smiling confidently.
"You tell me that every time."
Miu sighed, clearly worried that her childhood friend still had a wild ambition.
"Yet you never caught me lackin', right? Trust me~ when I become a magical girl, I'll give you a shout-out!"
I giggled and booped Miu's nose.
"Brwjjssj— stop that!"
Miu swatted my hand playfully, and we both burst into laughter.
But our banter came to a halt when I heard the door to my right open.
"Good morning, class."
The whole class stood and bowed.
"Good morning, Miss Yuina."
We all sat down as Miss Yuina gestured for us to.
Miss Yuina teaches math — the subject most students despise. And, unfortunately, it just so happens to be our first class of the day.
I hate math too, honestly.
But I made a promise to myself — to always try to be the best version of me.
So I study late into the night, just to stay ahead.
Thanks to that, I breezed through the first subject. I made sure to stay proactive, and I'm pretty sure Miss Yuina loves me for it.
No, not just her.
Actually, I think every teacher would appreciate a student like me.
Anyway— it's 3 p.m.
Classes are just about done, so I switched to my outdoor shoes at the lockers and started heading home.
The sky, once a clear blue when I left for university, had turned into a warm shade of orange.
My lips curled into a smile.
"There's probably news about Stella Comett today~"
I skipped along the way home.
On my way, I greeted my neighbors, waved at classmates walking the same route, and helped an old lady cross the street — as usual.
Eventually, I reached my house.
I opened the front gate, closed it behind me, and stepped inside.
"I'm home!"
I called out brightly, kicking off my shoes.
"Welcome back, Shizuka,"
my mom said, peeking from the living room.
"How was school?"
"Oh, it was fun! I learned a lotta new things today!"
"I see, that's great! But don't push yourself too hard, okay?"
"I won't!"
I was sure of it — everything I'd been doing was within my limits.
I might be striving to be the best, but I'm not self-destructive!
And that's something I'm proud of!
After changing into a simple tank top and black shorts, I made my way to the living room.
I glanced at the clock.
〔3:38 p.m.〕
Ohh! Two minutes before the news!
Two minutes might not sound like much— and yeah, it really isn't—
but I could still use that time to help Mom.
So, while waiting, I grabbed a broom and started sweeping the living room.
Then, as soon as I heard the news jingle, I froze and plopped down on the couch.
"I wonder what's new~"
I couldn't help but feel excited.
"Good afternoon, people of Shin-Tokyo. This is Ruka Tamayama, your usual news anchor for today."
Mhm, it's Ruka-san!
She's been a news anchor for ages!
"Today, the magical girls seem to have an announcement."
An announcement? That's rare... Is the world in big trouble again?
The broadcast split into another screen.
It looked like the aftermath of a battle — but surprisingly, there wasn't much destruction.
A few broken windows, some small fires... nothing major.
Still, I instantly recognized that pink hair and those twintails.
"It's Stellaaa~! Kyaaa!"
I hugged myself and kicked at the air, while Mom, watching from the kitchen, rolled her eyes.
After noticing the camera, Stella turned toward it and walked up to the reporter.
"Is this live?" she asked.
The reporter nodded.
"Yes, it's being aired live as we speak."
Stella looked older now — and she was! Around twenty-five, I think.
But somehow, she'd gotten even prettier.
Ugh, she's dangerous…
"Good."
She smiled warmly.
"So, what was the announcement you wanted to share, Stella?" the anchor asked.
"Ah, right. As you all know, I, Stella Comett — along with the rest of the magical girls — have been fighting the Youmas since we were around twelve.
Considering how far we've come, that Shin-Tokyo is safe and we've started rebuilding other cities...
I've decided that, in three weeks, my team and I will retire.
And disband completely."
"Eh?"
The reporter froze.
Eh?
I froze.
The sound of the TV no longer registered to my brain
my world stopped
What did Stella just… say?
W-Why?
N-No, I get it — the world has become more peaceful, but… does she really have to disband?
T-Then what about me!? Surely this can wait until Lya recruits me, right?
Surely…!
My eyes darted around the living room, searching for something — anything — to ground me.
But nothing seemed to ease the confusion twisting in my chest.
I really can't believe it… she's retiring.
"That is shocking information, Stella Commet. Is this really certain?"
Stella Commet looked determined — she truly wasn't kidding this time. I couldn't help but keep watching, even though it hurt to do so…
"Indeed. I've fought for humanity since I was twelve. A huge part of my youth was taken away. But now that the world has, for the most part, gone peaceful—"
She paused for a breath.
"I realized that it's time for me to step down… together with my friends and comrades."
Stella made a bitter smile.
"What will you be doing once you retire?"
The reporter asked.
I, too, was curious. Would she take on a civilian job?
"I plan to return to studying. Before I became a magical girl, I dreamed of being a vet, you see."
Ah…
So she, too, once dreamed of something ordinary… but was forced to shoulder the responsibility of saving humanity instead.
Somehow, I couldn't help but understand her words.
I know — it feels like I've accepted reality way too fast… but honestly, I'm still pretty shaken. It feels like this is all some sick dream.
Because deep down, I know I'm just being selfish… that I'm probably among the thousands she's saved.
So even though I wanted to cry, even though this kind of news hit me so hard—
I decided to suck it all up, for now.
After all… I might still have a chance of becoming a magical girl.
I'm...
Not sure of it...