Shockingly good

Eothai had to admit, Youko could easily give Elven archers a run for their money with her skill. Her posture, her arm strength, her focus and accuracy, and above all, the dignity she radiated in her stance each time she nocked an arrow and drew the bowstring.

Each arrow hit the bullseye dead centre, and not once did Youko brag or smile at such an achievement. Instead her eyes narrowed, her inexpressive face belying her professionalism.

Misao, blissfully ignorant as always, smiled with stars shining in his eyes.

"Awesome, Youko-san! You're as good as Eothai-kun here!" He exclaimed.

Youko's eyelid twitched at that, and she glared at Eothai with no small amount of jealousy.

"So, Misao here says you're as good as me?" She inquired, her words edged with suspicion.

"What he said," Eothai shrugged with indifference.

"I challenge you, Eothai-kun," Youko declared, lips curling into a smile of anticipation, "An archery duel. Each one of us scores as many bullseyes as possible. The loser has to sacrifice the title of president."

"Eh? Uh, Youko-san...?" Misao stuttered in confusion.

"Misao-kun, please kindly keep quiet and stay out of this matter," Youko smiled at Misao, her eyes radiating hostility.

Misao hiccupped and scrambled to one corner of the room, scared witless by Youko's intimidation.

"What about the winner, Youko-san?" Asked Eothai, "You never mentioned those conditions."

"That..." Youko acted evasive, averting her eyes and narrowing them whilst deep in thought.

Eothai sighed heavily.

Not that I'm one to talk, but she's exceedingly impulsive and doesn't think her actions through...

In spite of such thoughts, Eothai patted his thigh and stood up.

"Very well, then how about this? If I win the competition, you shall join my club and I retain the title of president. Is that fair?" Eothai proposed.

Not that there was really any other condition to present.

"Very well. Let us begin!" Youko declared.

Youko's inwardly smiled, fully confident in her ability which saw her through countless archery competitions all the way to high school.

Youko felt a vein popping in her forehead at the conclusion of the archery duel.

Three rounds, three sets of ten arrows each, three targets for each competitor.

And both archers' aim was true. All thirty arrows landed a bullseye.

Dissatisfied with this outcome, Youko promptly declared, "I refuse to accept this draw! I'll join the archery club and hone my talent, and one day I will defeat you and claim the seat of president for myself. Mark my words!"

Youko was surprisingly passionate about her sport, despite her professional demeanour earlier. Eothai smiled at her enthusiasm, and rather than be annoyed or contemplate ways to avoid or shut down future duels, Eothai said to Youko smilingly, "I'll gladly take up your challenge any day."

Youko looked completely taken off-guard by Eothai's words and confident demeanour, and perhaps because of how handsome Eothai was, Youko awkwardly averted her eyes and offered her hand to him.

"Then... please take care of me, President Eothai," She said.

Eothai shook her hand, and Youko was accepted into the Archery Club.

Misao, meanwhile, scratched his head at this turn of events.

"Uh... what the heck is going on?"

Neither Eothai nor Youko were obliged to explain to him.