Raise Your Bow in a Snow-White World - 6: As Much As I Want To Help

Miyamasuzaka Girls Academy - Archery Range

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1

Shizuku

Fifty-five, fifty-six, fifty-seven...

2

Mafuyu

Fifty-eight, fifty-nine, sixty.
Okay, that's enough planking...

3

Shizuku

Now that we've warmed up, shall we practice shooting using the hay bales?

4

Mafuyu

Okay, that sounds good.

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5

Mafuyu

Hehe...
This feels somewhat nostalgic.

6

Mafuyu

Remember how the two of us used to line up like this when we were first years?

7

Shizuku

Yes, I do.
And you were kind enough to help me when you saw that I was having trouble drawing the bowstring.

8

Mafuyu

You were very busy back then, so it must've been hard to learn how to shoot properly.

9

Shizuku

Yes, it was. I had so much going on at the time...

10

Shizuku

But I really need to thank you. I was able to stay in the archery club because of all the support you gave me.

11

Mafuyu

Hehe. That's very kind of you, but I really didn't do anything all that special.

12

Shizuku

No, I disagree...

13

Mafuyu

What?

14

Shizuku

Remember how you practiced with me before the newcomer tournament when we were first years?

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15

Mafuyu

The newcomer tournament when we were first years...?

16

Mafuyu

Oh...
That's right. We did practice together here just before it.

17

Shizuku

Yes.
That time, you taught me how to calm myself...

18

Shizuku

And how focusing on just shooting your arrow allows you to clear your mind of unnecessary thoughts...

19

Shizuku

After putting what you said into practice, Asahina, I was able to hit the target for the first time...

20

Shizuku

In essence, you saved me.

21

Mafuyu

I saved you...?

22

Shizuku

Yes.
Back then, I had so much going on and didn't know what to do.

23

Shizuku

I was disappointing everybody at work and couldn't help Airi when she was thinking about changing agencies...

24

Shizuku

I kept beating myself up about not being able to do anything right.

25

Shizuku

But then, you taught me that calming technique, and I was able to move forward from all that...

26

Shizuku

I learned how to focus on each arrow... I figured out how to put everything into my shot.

27

Mafuyu

I see...

28

Mafuyu

Still, all I did was say what I felt...

29

Mafuyu

What saved you that time may have been your work ethic. I was simply there to give you a gentle push.

30

Shizuku

Yes, I'm standing here today partially because I worked very hard and didn't give up...

31

Shizuku

However, I still believe that you played an important role in helping me when I needed it most...

32

Shizuku

So, Asahina, thank you for what you did.

33

Mafuyu

*Nod*
You're welcome...

34

Shizuku

Um, also, Asahina...

35

Shizuku

Just as you helped me that time, Asahina, I'd like to return the favor somehow.

36

Mafuyu

Huh?

37

Shizuku

So, the thing is...

38

Shizuku

When we spoke the other day, you seemed very preoccupied with something...

39

Shizuku

That reminded me of how you were just after the newcomer tournament concluded.

40

Shizuku

You were practicing all by yourself while it was snowing... Which was somewhat concerning...

41

Shizuku

So, I came to believe that something must be bothering you.

42

Shizuku

Something that not even your calming technique could help you overcome...

43

Mafuyu

...

44

Shizuku

I'm sorry for bringing this up so suddenly, but that's how I feel...

45

Shizuku

I'm a little worried...

46

Shizuku

So, if there is something bothering you, I'd like for you to talk to me about it.

47

Shizuku

You saved me once before, Asahina.
Now it's my turn to help you.

48

Mafuyu

Hinomori...

49

Mafuyu

(She wants to help me...?)

50

Mafuyu

I appreciate your concern, Hinomori...

51

Mafuyu

But I'm fine.

52

Shizuku

What...?

53

Mafuyu

When we spoke the other day... I was just beginning to feel the stress of exams since it's nearly that time of year...

54

Mafuyu

And when we were first years... I felt a bit frustrated over finishing in fourth place at the newcomer tournament, so I must've been somewhat on edge.

55

Shizuku

But...

56

Shizuku

Are you sure...?

57

Mafuyu

Yes...
So there's nothing for you to worry about.

58

Shizuku

I see...
In that case, I apologize for jumping to conclusions. I didn't mean to be overbearing...

59

Mafuyu

No, that's okay.
I really appreciate how you're trying to look out for me.

60

Mafuyu

So, Hinomori, thank you.

61

Shizuku

No, I just...

62

Mafuyu

I know...
Since we have the hay bales out, why don't we have ourselves a little contest?

63

Shizuku

Huh?

64

Mafuyu

We've never had many opportunities to shoot together like this. So, what do you think?

65

Shizuku

Yes, you're right...
Then, let's.

66

Mafuyu

Good.
Oh, before we do, I'd like to use the restroom...

67

Shizuku

Okay...

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68

Shizuku

(Was I just imagining things...?)

69

Shizuku

(Still...)

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70

Shizuku

(That look on her face...)

Next Chapter: For Now, Focus On This Shot