Bullseyes (Mitzu)

174 2 0
                                        

The early morning mist hung lightly over the archery range, casting a serene aura around Tzuyu and Mina as they stepped onto the grassy field. Tzuyu had always found solace in the precision and focus required for archery, and today, she was eager to share this passion with Mina.


Mina looked around with curious eyes, adjusting the strap of her quiver nervously. "I've never tried archery before," she admitted a hint of excitement in her voice. Tzuyu smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Don't worry, Mina. I'll teach you."

They stood side by side, Tzuyu handing Mina a sleek recurve bow and showing her how to nock an arrow. The feel of the bow in her hands was strangely comforting to Mina, the smooth wood and taut string grounding her in the present moment."First, you want to adjust your stance," Tzuyu instructed gently, stepping behind Mina to guide her posture. 

"Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your body facing the target."Mina nodded, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. 

Tzuyu's closeness was comforting, her touch gentle as she adjusted Mina's grip on the bow."Now, draw the string back slowly," Tzuyu continued softly, her voice a soothing presence in Mina's ear.

With a focused expression, Mina pulled the string back, feeling the tension build in her muscles. She aimed at the target, a series of concentric circles painted on a large board a fair distance away."Focus on your breathing," Tzuyu encouraged, her hands resting lightly on Mina's shoulders.

Mina exhaled slowly, her eyes narrowing as she aligned the sight of the arrow with the center of the target.

 At that moment, everything else faded away—the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves—leaving only her and the target.

She released the arrow.

The sound of the bowstring singing through the air was followed by a satisfying thud as the arrow struck the target, embedding itself neatly in the outer ring."You did it!" Tzuyu exclaimed, her eyes bright with pride as she hugged Mina from behind.

Mina grinned, her heart racing with exhilaration. "That was amazing," she admitted, turning to face Tzuyu. "Thank you for teaching me."Tzuyu smiled, a rare softness in her eyes. 

"Anytime, Mina."They spent the morning practicing together, Mina gradually improving her accuracy with each shot under Tzuyu's patient guidance. As they retrieved arrows and reset targets, their laughter mingled with the rustling leaves, creating a symphony of companionship and shared joy.

By midday, they took a break, sitting on a bench overlooking the range. 

Tzuyu handed Mina a bottle of water, their shoulders brushing lightly as they watched other archers continue their practice."I never thought archery could be so therapeutic," Mina confessed, taking a sip of water.

Tzuyu nodded in agreement, her gaze softening as she looked at Mina. "It's about focus, precision, and finding peace in the rhythm of your breath," she explained. "It's a way to connect with yourself and the world around you."Mina smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest at Tzuyu's words. "I can see why you love it," she murmured, reaching out to take Tzuyu's hand in hers.

Tzuyu squeezed her hand gently, their fingers intertwining comfortably. "I'm glad I could share this with you," she admitted quietly, her voice carrying a rare vulnerability.

Mina leaned closer, her head resting on Tzuyu's shoulder. "Me too, Tzuyu."They sat together in peaceful silence, the sun casting long shadows as it began its descent. 

At that moment, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the archery range and each other's company, Tzuyu, and Mina found a connection that went beyond words—a bond strengthened by shared passion and the promise of many more bullseyes to come.

Twice one-shotsWhere stories live. Discover now