Okay, we'll go with the rules we just discussed. We'll each have four arrows and alternate each time we shoot.

In the event of a tie...
We're supposed to keep going, but we can call it a draw to avoid staying too late.

Yes, I agree.
Let's both do our best.

(Ultimately, I wasn't able to learn what was bothering Asahina... I'm still in the dark...)

(Which likely means that I won't be able to help her...)

(But that's okay for now...)

(Someday, as long as I'm able to lend her a hand when she does need me...)

(So, for now... I need to become stronger.)

(I have to learn how to become a pillar of support for someone when they need me most.)

(And archery may actually help me achieve that goal...)

Okay, Hinomori, shall we begin?

Yes.

I'll be going first.

(As usual, she had no trouble hitting her mark...)

(It never ceases to amaze me. She's able to stay so focused but still relaxed as she fires each arrow...)

(While I'm the complete opposite.)

(I always have so much trouble drawing since my right elbow and wrist have a habit of tightening up when I do.)

(And the more I try, the worse it gets. Just like when things weren't going well for me...)

(But now...)

(Things feel different. I think I can nearly match her...)

(Hinomori's staying so calm...)

(This contest may actually end with a draw.)

...!

Huh? That sound...

I'm so sorry. I made sure to place it in my bag, but I forgot to put it on silent...

I know we're still having our contest, but I'll need to step out for a second.

Um... Yes, of course.

(It's Mom...)

<Okay. Come home soon.>

...

(It's nothing out of the ordinary...)

(But why do I feel so...?)

Asahina...?

Oh...

Did something come up?
Should we...?

Uh, no... It's okay.
Just three more shots and we'll be finished.

I'll go now...

O-Okay...

(What happened just now...?
She suddenly seems so...)

...!

*Gasp*

(She missed...!)

(What's going on...?
She's usually able to keep herself steady even when her focus lapses for a split second...)

It's your turn, Hinomori...

Oh, right...

(Calm your mind...
Otherwise, you won't be able to hit the target...)

(Breathe...
Focus only on pulling the bowstring back...)

(Thank goodness...
I hit it, but just barely...)

(It's so strange how archery has this way of revealing your true mental state...)

(And it's Asahina's turn now...)

...

(Asahina...)

(She's tensing up...)

(Her shoulders and elbows...
They seem completely frozen.)

...

(What changed just now...?
Is it because of that message...?)

(Maybe we should stop for now...
But...)

(No, I made my decision earlier...
I'm going to help her when she truly needs it.)

(And I can do that now...)

Just breathe, Asahina...

Huh...?

I don't know what's going through your head right now.

But I'm sure you'll be able to calm yourself like you usually do...

So, for now, just focus on this one shot.

Hinomori...

I know you can.

(You can do it, Asahina...!)

*Gasp*
It hit...!

*Sigh*

You're amazing, Asahina...!
That was such an incredible shot...!

Thank you, Hinomori...

But this contest still isn't over.
Please give it your best shot.

Yes, I plan to...!