The forest was calm, save for the occasional rustle of leaves as the wind passed through the treetops. You stood in a small clearing, bow in hand, fingers tightening around the string as you tried to steady your aim. A single target—a rough wooden post—stood a few meters away, waiting.

"You’re holding too much tension in your shoulders," Wind Archer Cookie’s voice drifted beside you, smooth and composed as ever.

"Easier said than done. You make it look effortless."

Wind Archer Cookie stepped closer, his movements as fluid as the wind itself. "Because I trust the wind to guide my arrows. You, however, are trying to control it."

He reached out, his gloved hands brushing against yours as he adjusted your grip. His touch was light, precise, but it sent a small shiver down your spine nonetheless.

"Here," he murmured, moving behind you. "Straighten your back."

You obeyed, feeling the warmth of his presence at your back as he corrected your posture. His hands gently guided your arms into position, his voice soft but firm. "Do not fight against the wind. Let it carry your shot."

Taking a slow breath, you pulled back the string again, feeling the tension in the bow. Wind Archer Cookie remained close, his voice barely above a whisper. "Now… release."

You let the arrow fly.

It cut through the air, the wind seeming to cradle it before it struck the wooden post with a satisfying thunk. It wasn’t a perfect shot—slightly off-center—but it was better than any of your previous attempts.

A breath of relief escaped you as you turned to him, a grin forming. "Hey, I actually hit it!"

Wind Archer Cookie nodded, his emerald eyes holding a glimmer of something unreadable. "Of course. You are learning."

You smirked. "So… think I’ll ever be as good as you?"

Wind Archer Cookie exhaled a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. "That remains to be seen. But," he glanced at you, something softer in his gaze, "I would not mind teaching you for as long as it takes."