Chapter 1

Now, remember what I taught you before, and go again from the top.

Got it!

Oh, Ushio-kun.

Is something the matter, Uu-chan?

Just needed to speak with you for a sec, Muneuji, but… Are you practicing?

Indeed. Chief requested to try his hand at drawing the bow again—

…Ah.

?

Apologies, your arrival made me recall that I promised to accompany Princess to her piano lessons today…

…Uu-chan. Could you teach Chief in my stead for the time being?

Wh… NOW!?

I'll return within the hour. My apologies to you as well, Chief. I'll be sure to make it up to you.

Ah, sure thing…!

…

…

Um… you came here to practice kyudo anyway, right, Ushio-kun? I'll be relying on your guidance.

(…He's going along with it? No need to lower his head and all.)

I'm not going to teach you or anything… just behave and do what Muneuji told you. You're only on the basics of the basics right now anyway.

…Well, I guess I can watch you until Muneuji gets back. But that's all you're getting from me.

…! Thank you!

(Alright, time to carefully put what Muneuji-kun taught me into practice under Ushio-kun's supervision.)

…

(Open my chest as I draw the bow… Make sure my shoulders are relaxed. Ready my aim—)

(Nope, figures I wouldn't make it…)

…Your posture.

What?

Your core is shaking. Shift your centre of gravity back a bit.

! Will do…!

Lift your gaze more, too. Make sure you're looking directly at where you want to shoot.

Right!

(Okay, draw it slowly…)

…

(Make sure my centre of gravity isn't too far forward, and be careful not to lower my gaze. Steady my heart, and find the right moment to shoot…)

(Find the right moment, to…)

(…My hands are trembling too much to draw…!)

…Hold on. Are you even breathing?

—*gasp*!

Lower your bow a moment.

*pant, pant*…! I had, stopped breathing… thanks for that…

…Pff. It's not good to be that focused, you know. Maybe you ought to take a quick break?