Socially Anxious Witch in the Apocalypse

"Do you believe in apocalypse prophecies?"

Su Miao opened the first page of an ancient book, and fear instantly seized her.

It was rare for her to muster the courage to arrive at this restaurant half an hour before the usual meal time, just to enjoy a plate of dry-fried chicken rice. But unexpectedly, the book she casually pulled from the shelf contained content about the end of the world.

This was far more terrifying than being suddenly approached by a classmate.

Her meal would take a little longer to prepare.

With trembling hands, Su Miao turned to the second page.

"I knew you wouldn't believe it, so please follow this gesture and read these words aloud: [Starlight Bloom]."

Beneath the text was a hand gesture made with the right thumb and index finger forming a heart.

Was that really a heart gesture, not a sign for money?

Su Miao tilted her head in confusion.

Her long hair slipped off her shoulders.

She hesitated, glanced around to ensure no one was watching, and decided to try.

"Starlight Bloom," she whispered, forming the heart gesture with her right hand.

In an instant, a dreamy, ethereal starlight floated upwards from before her eyes, silently bursting and scattering a myriad of dazzling stars across the air, leaving her utterly astonished.

What?

The sparkling lights faded after about eight seconds, and Su Miao snapped back to reality.

This must be magic, right? Not some prank by the restaurant?

She looked around; the place had no