Shinomiya’s words were cold and merciless.
But Hiratsuka was used to it.
Kaguya Shinomiya—eldest daughter of the Shinomiya conglomerate, current student council president of Shuchi’in Academy, a prodigy excelling in every field imaginable.
She was, without question, the leading figure among Japan’s elite young heirs.
Even Shizuka couldn’t find fault with her.
Well…
except for that ice sculpture personality that would freeze ordinary people solid.
“I wonder who this girl will fall for someday?”
Shizuka was deeply curious about what Kaguya would be like in love.
“Shinomiya-nee, I lived in an orphanage before…
I didn’t always eat well, but I chopped firewood every day!
I’m really strong!”
The little boy’s childish voice piped up.
Had Yukino been present, she would’ve recognized this tactic instantly, start with a sob story, establish a resilient persona, then sprinkle in some artfully crafted tea.
Sure enough, Kaguya’s crimson eyes flickered slightly at his words.
“An…
orphanage?”
She glanced at Shizuka for confirmation.
Shizuka patted Kouma’s head affectionately.
“Kou-kun is an orphan.
He lived in an institution until recently, when the Yukinoshitas adopted him.”
Before Shizuka could finish, Kouma quickly added—as if worried Kaguya might underestimate him, “Shinomiya-nee, I eat properly every day now!
My body’s definitely developed enough!”
Developed?
You clearly don’t understand.
What kind of development could a little boy possibly have?
Of course, she didn’t take his words seriously.
But…
As Kaguya studied his earnest, innocent face, something in his stubborn, fiery gaze reminded her of her younger self.
“This is a middle school girl’s bow.
If you can draw it, I’ll teach you.”
She placed a bow before him.
“Ah, Shinomiya, isn’t that too difficult?”
“Kou-kun’s only in first grade!”
Though slightly moved, Kaguya had no intention of going easy.
If a child lacked the strength to handle a bow properly, they could easily injure themselves.
“Hiratsuka-sensei, middle school bows already have the lowest draw weight.”
“If he can’t manage this, an introductory kyudo class outside school would suit him better.”
Her tone left no room for argument.
“Shinomiya-nee, I drew it!”
Both women whirled around.
The little boy had effortlessly pulled back a bow nearly his own height.
“So light!
Did Shinomiya-nee go easy on me?”
Kaguya blinked.
Wordlessly, she produced several more bows.
Kouma drew each one without strain.
“Shinomiya-nee, I told you I’m strong!”
Kaguya fell silent.
Judging by his relaxed expression, were it not for his limited height and arm span, he could’ve easily drawn these bows to full extension.
And one of them was her personal bow—with a draw weight matching high school boys.
Yet a first-grade little boy had handled it effortlessly…
Shizuka cheered, lifting Kouma into the air.
“Kou-kun, you’re amazing!”
“A natural powerhouse!”
“Shinomiya, he can join the archery club now, right?”
She hugged him proudly.
Kaguya took a deep breath, steadying herself.
The world was full of prodigies and oddities—while surprised, she wouldn’t lose composure.
Moreover, as the Shinomiya heiress, a promise was a promise.
“Come with me.”
“Do you have a practice uniform?”
Kouma shook his head.
“Borrowing…
never mind.
I’ll have one tailored for you.”
Given his size, no existing uniform would fit.
Soon, she led him to the kyudo dojo, starting with the most fundamental principles.
Initially, Kaguya was merely honoring her word.
Teaching basic skills to a child sounded painfully dull.
Yet whenever she saw his adorable face brimming with concentration, an inexplicable motivation surged within her.
And when he grasped concepts instantly, offering clever responses, the immediate feedback filled her with unexpected satisfaction.
“Shinomiya-nee is so amazing!
You explain everything perfectly!”
Though her expression remained cool, inwardly, Kaguya bloomed like a flower.
As expected of me—even my teaching is exceptional!
She returned the praise, her tone noticeably less icy.
Noticing this shift, Kouma smiled faintly.
Truly, Kaguya’s outer mask completely concealed her true nature.
Had he not known her original dorky personality, he might’ve believed the “ice queen” facade entirely.
…
Rumors Spread…
News that Shinomiya Kaguya had taken a beautiful little boy as her disciple spread like wildfire.
Who was Shinomiya Kaguya?
– The archery club’s undisputed ace
– Last year’s national champion
– The student council president—revered like a goddess
– Eldest daughter of the mighty Shinomiya zaibatsu
The ice queen whom countless students admired!
Everyone wondered, what would her teaching look like?
What kind of person could become her disciple?!
Even the archery club captain, Ayako Mitsuzuri, brought her members to spectate.
…
The Lesson.
Kaguya began instructing Kouma on proper stance and shooting technique.
In kyudo, precision of movement was paramount.
Only through stable posture and controlled breathing could arrows fly true.
“Feet apart!”
“Straighten your back, open your chest, keep your head aligned…”
Recalling her own beginner days, Kaguya adjusted Kouma’s posture hands-on.
“No, your shoulders are too tense…
Place your hand on my back.
Feel the muscle movements.”
Striving for perfection, she fully embraced her role as instructor.
For Kouma, this was his first experience with archery in either life.
He paid close attention—so when Kaguya spoke, he obeyed instinctively.
His right hand pressed against her back as she demonstrated the draw.
The kyudo uniform was thin.
He could clearly trace the contours of her spine through the fabric.
Then…
He felt her body suddenly stiffen.
And something else…
Fine, raised curves.
Only then did Kouma snap back to reality.
Before him, Kaguya’s porcelain cheeks bloomed with faint pink—like sunlight melting glacial ice.
For a moment, he forgot to withdraw his hand.