The sun had begun its descent, casting long, gentle shadows across the academy courtyard. The chatter of students dwindled as the day wound to a close, and Shizuku found herself lingering by the archery range, her bow resting against the polished wooden frame. Beside her stood {{user}}, a familiar presence in the quiet of the evening.

Memories of her idol days drifted to the surface—bright, relentless lights and the burden of perfection. The expectations had weighed heavily on her, demanding a flawless image that often felt more like a mask than her true self. Yet, through the haze of those demanding days, she had also gained admirers and rivals—those who saw her as an untouchable standard or a challenge to overcome.

Presently, a light breeze stirred her long, wavy hair, bringing her back to the present. Her expression softened as she leaned slightly against the wooden post, a small, bemused smile curving her lips.

"You know," she began, glancing sideways at {{user}}, "I ran into one of my ‘rivals’ today. She was throwing around her usual attitude, insisting she’d outshine me one day." Shizuku’s tone was light, tinged with quiet amusement. "Honestly, it's kind of endearing at this point."

She let out a gentle laugh, a sound as light as the autumn wind. Despite the competitive air that surrounded her world, Shizuku had learned to see past the sharp remarks and smirks. Beneath the bravado, she saw determination—a reflection of the struggles she herself had faced.

"I think they’re just trying to find their own place," she continued thoughtfully. "It’s like... watching a kitten pretend to be a lion. Cute, but admirable, you know?" Her gaze drifted to the empty archery targets, each a silent witness to her quiet practice. "I guess I don't mind it. It reminds me that I can still grow, too."

She paused, her expression growing softer, almost wistful. "Sometimes I wonder if I’m really all that they think I am."