Editing Artem's Sweet Chapter 02-07

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|gameMode=Character Stories
|stageType=Story
|name={{PAGENAME}}
|previousStage=Artem's Sweet Chapter 02-03
|nextStage=Artem's Sweet Chapter 02-05
|stageCost=None
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===Script===
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Start the Investigation I: Southeast Stellis Street
|characterLinks=You!Main Character,Artem!Artem Wing,Darius Morgan!Darius Morgan
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Lamont Russo's Residence|location=Lamont Russo's Residence|image=Misc Location - Bedroom 1.png}}}}
''Go to Lamont Russo's Residence to investigate.''

On the way there, Artem informs Lamont Russo of your visit, and he responds kindly.

You feel somewhat strange about seeing a former professor.

{{SL|Lamont Russo|It's been years, but... I still remember you, Artem.}}
Professor Russo turns his head, looking at you.

{{SL|Lamont Russo|And this is...?}}
{{SL|Artem|She's my fiancée, [Player], and one of your former students.}}
{{SL|You|Hello, Professor Russo. You taught us both criminal law.}}
Lamont Russo reveals a look of surprise, but that quickly fades.

{{SL|Lamont Russo|Fiancée? It was fate that I taught you both.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|Captain Morgan has briefed me on your visit. I hear you're defending the person who spread the rumors?}}
There is a smile on Professor Russo's face, but his words are far from kind.

{{SL|Artem|We accepted Fiona's case, but attorneys always defend the truth.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|Heh, don't be nervous. There's nothing bad about defending a criminal. After all, I'm a criminal lawyer myself.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|Our job as attorneys is to help people, no matter who they are. I believe I taught you that.}}
{{SL|You|(Professor Russo describes the case as a defamation case against him...)}}
Hearing Professor Russo's meaningful words, Artem's expression remains unchanged.

{{SL|Artem|We're here to investigate the authenticity of the article and would like to ask for your cooperation.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|As it should be. Ask away. I'll tell you everything I know.}}
{{SC
|choice1=Oppressed Student
|script1=
{{SL|Artem|Professor Russo, I believe you have already read the article, so I'll get straight to the point.}}
{{SL|Artem|Is it true that you exploited your students and stole their research?}}
Professor Lamont looks calm, as if he expected the question.

{{SL|Lamont Russo|I didn't think a normal classroom activity would be twisted like this.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|I read the article and the so-called chat logs between me and a student named Ronan.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|I thought he had a talent for becoming a criminal lawyer, and he also showed interest, so I brought him into my research project.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|As for the research Ronan was in charge of, it was all of his own volition, and I didn't force him or hold his grades hostage.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|I have the complete chat logs to prove it, and you're free to take them. My conscience is clear.}}
|choice2=Mental Problems
|script2=
{{SL|Artem|As I'm sure you're aware, Ronan hasn't been in a good state of mind.}}
{{SL|Artem|How much do you know about that situation?}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|Yes... I know about that. Ronan got good grades. He is smart, honest, and kind. I like him very much.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|But criminal lawyers are under more pressure than most people can imagine... What a pity.}}
{{SL|You|(It almost sounds like Professor Russo said something, but nothing substantial...)}}
{{SL|Artem|Are you saying that Ronan developed mental illness from the stress of participating in your research project?}}
Artem follows up with another question to clarify the ambiguity in Lamont Russo's words.

{{SL|Lamont Russo|I don't know exactly, but Ronan does have a kind and gentle personality.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|Presumably... Dealing with criminals... must have been stressful for him.}}
This conversation with Lamont Russo feels like hitting against a spongy wall—soft yet showing no impact at all.

You immediately glance at Artem, not expecting him to signal to you at the same time. You close your eyes slightly to acknowledge his signal.

You decide to work with Artem. You will ask the questions and keep his focus on you.

That way, Artem can create opportunities to find the loopholes in Lamont Russo's words.

{{SL|You|Professor Russo, I suppose you must have been concerned after learning about Ronan's unstable mental state?}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|After learning about the situation, I felt that he was under too much pressure from his studies, so I took the initiative to help him apply for a leave of absence from school.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|But he seems to have misunderstood my actions, and his mental condition hasn't improved.}}
{{SL|You|You are even aware of how he's doing at the treatment center. It seems you have a good relationship with him.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|After all, he is my most trusted student.}}
{{SL|You|(Lamont Russo avoids answering the question directly...)}}
{{SL|Artem|It seems you've taken great care of Ronan. Does he still misunderstand your reasons for helping him apply for a leave of absence?}}
Artem quietly looks at Lamont Russo, a deep look in his eyes.

Faced with this tricky question, Lamont Russo responds very quickly.

{{SL|Lamont Russo|I don't know exactly. Ronan's mental state is still fragile at the moment, so I shouldn't bring up those painful memories...}}
}}
{{SC
|choice1=Meeting over drinks
|script1=
{{SL|Artem|You say you don't know, but I've heard from some people... You even took him to a dinner meeting with alcohol present after he became mentally ill.}}
Artem quickly grasped the contradiction in Lamont Russo's words.

{{SL|Artem|You helped him apply for a leave of absence on the grounds of mental illness, so you must have known that he couldn't drink alcohol due to medication.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|Yes, I was aware of his mental condition. When I invited Ronan that day, I didn't let him drink any alcohol.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|That day, I only asked him to report the details of the research over dinner. It was a normal conversation.}}
{{SL|You|Do you have proof?}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|It was just a normal dinner. Who would keep proof of that?}}
Lamont Russo shakes his head, sighing as if he's sorry.

{{SL|Artem|You asked him to report the details of the research at the dinner meeting. Did this happen after his leave of absence?}}
{{SL|You|(Oh right, Lamont Russo helped Ronan apply for a leave of absence to help him relieve stress, but asked him to report in secret...)}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|I was careless in that regard... I had my doubts as well, but Ronan insisted, so I relented.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|You guys can go ask Ronan. I never forced him to do anything.}}
Artem stares suspiciously at Lamont Russo, who looks back at Artem calmly, as if he didn't perceive anything.
|choice2=Criminal Accusation
|script2=
{{SL|Artem|What about the allegations in the article that you falsified evidence and took bribes?}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|That is nonsense! How terrible it is to manipulate the judiciary and fool the law.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|As a legal practitioner, how can I not be aware of the legal consequence?}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|Stellis Courthouse has detailed records of those cases. I believe that will prove my innocence.}}
Professor Russo's response is just and watertight. It is difficult to find any loopholes in his words.

{{SL|You|(As expected of a veteran attorney...)}}
{{SL|Artem|We believe in your professional integrity, but this has gone too far. Those case files must be reviewed by a third party.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|...}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|Very well.}}
{{SL|Artem|...}}
Lamont Russo looked strange, but only for a moment. He regains his composure swiftly.

{{SL|You|What's wrong? Is a third-party investigation inconvenient for you?}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|Hahaha, it's easy to lose concentration when you get old. I'm just distracted from talking with you guys for so long.}}
}}
It is obvious from Lamont Russo's words that he wants to get rid of you and Artem as soon as possible.

Knowing this, Artem does not push it.

{{SL|Artem|Thank you for your cooperation.}}
Professor Russo shakes hands with Artem. At this moment, he suddenly speaks.

{{SL|Lamont Russo|I trust in the relationship between Ronan and me. He would never do that. Maybe there's been some misunderstanding.}}
{{SL|Lamont Russo|Artem, please investigate the truth! You must clear Ronan's and my name.}}
{{SL|Artem|We will not let you down.}}
}}
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Start the Investigation II: Southeast Stellis Street
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Outside Lamont Russo's Neighborhood|location=South Stellis|image=Stellis - Walkway (Day).png}}}}
''Artem seems to have found something.''

After departing from Professor Russo's home, you let out a long sigh and look at Artem.

{{SL|You|Who do you think is closer to the truth—Professor Russo or Ronan?}}
{{SL|Artem|Professor Russo is experienced.}}
You know that by saying that, Artem must have noticed something was off about Professor Russo.

{{SL|You|What did you notice?}}
{{SL|Artem|Professor Russo has impeccable logic and answers tough questions without mistakes.}}
{{SL|Artem|But he never answers questions of factual contradictions. It'll be hard to get anything out of him without proof.}}
{{SL|Artem|And...}}
{{SL|Artem|Professor Russo was calm and collected the whole time, which is the most unnatural thing.}}
{{SL|Artem|If the teacher-student relationship with Ronan was as close as he claimed...}}
There is a slight pause in Artem's voice, but you already know what he wants to say.

{{SL|You|Professor Russo didn't display emotions like anger or disappointment, not even worry.}}
You look at Artem and notice he's looking back in the direction of Lamont Russo's compound. His eyes are inexplicably calm, which is quite unnerving.

{{SL|You|(That's quite the expression...)}}
{{SL|You|Are you... okay?}}
Artem comes back to his senses and smiles at you, running his hand through your hair.

{{SL|Artem|Yes, I was just overwhelmed with emotions.}}
{{SL|You|Are you really okay? I thought you would be... upset to see Professor Russo like this...}}
{{SL|You|Because for a moment, even I felt upset.}}
{{SL|You|But don't keep it bottled up. I can comfort you if you need to, so you have to tell me!}}
You jerk Artem's hand from your head and clasp it in your hands, worried.

Seeing this, Artem moves closer and gives you a warm hug.

Your tangled mind is instantly soothed by this simple action.

{{SL|You|Artem?}}
{{SL|Artem|Professor Russo's change gives me a bad feeling... but that doesn't matter for now.}}
{{SL|Artem|As you said, fate is uncertain. Neither of us should feel discouraged until all the facts are known.}}
{{SL|Artem|Right?}}
{{SL|You|(I was trying to comfort Artem, but he ended up comforting me.)}}
{{SL|You|Yeah! Let's pull ourselves together and go find Ronan!}}
{{SL|You|Fiona gave me the address of the treatment center where he's receiving treatment.}}
}}
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Start the Investigation III: Central Business District
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Sanatorium|location=Sanatorium|image=Hospital - Hallway.png}}}}
''Go to the nursing home to find Ronan.''

With the information provided by Fiona, you and Artem quickly find the treatment center where Ronan is staying.

After knocking on the door, you hear a gentle voice.

{{SL|???|Come in, the door isn't locked.}}{{Clear}}
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Hospital Ward|location=Sanatorium|image=Hospital - Patient Room (Day).png}}}}
Pushing open the door, a thin young man appears.

{{SL|Ronan|You guys...}}
The young man's eyes freeze when he sees Artem, unable to comprehend what he's seeing.

{{SL|Ronan|Artem?}}
Artem walks forward and shakes hands with Ronan in a friendly manner.

{{SL|Artem|Hello, Ronan. Sorry to disturb you.}}
{{SL|Artem|This is Miss [Player], my fiancée and also an attorney. We're here on behalf of Fiona to learn more about the situation.}}
{{SL|Ronan|Welcome, but... what's going on?}}
Ronan is friendly as if he's unaware of today's chaos.

He has no idea that he's in the eye of the storm and genuinely doesn't know anything.

{{SL|You|This situation has to do with you, Fiona, and Professor Russo.}}
Seeing that Ronan is still confused, you get straight to the point.

{{SL|You|Ronan, have you been following anything on the internet today?}}
Ronan doesn't react, so you continue.

{{SL|You|Today, an article was published online, exposing Professor Russo's misconduct.}}
{{SL|You|There are allegations that Professor Russo exploited a student and coerced him to commit a crime. That student has been proven to be you, Ronan.}}
{{SL|You|How much do you know about this situation?}}
Ronan freezes up, a look of disbelief on his face.

{{SL|Ronan|I've never done anything like that, and I don't know if Professor Russo engaged in any illegal activities.}}
You pull out the article for Ronan to read. His expression grows more and more uneasy, until, finally, he is shaking slightly.

{{SL|Ronan|I don't know... I really don't know...}}
Seeing Ronan shaking, you look at Artem in slight surprise.

{{SL|You|(According to Artem's description, Ronan should be a man with brains and drive. What happened...?)}}
Artem looks at Ronan, not saying anything.

When Ronan finally calms down, Artem speaks again.

{{SL|Artem|Judging by your reaction, I see you've guessed the author of this article.}}
{{SL|Ronan|Isn't that obvious...? Mr. Wing just said... on behalf of Fiona...}}
{{SL|Ronan|And only Fiona and my mentor know this place.}}
{{SL|You|You're right. Fiona is accusing Lamont Russo of coercing you into committing a crime, and she thinks you have the evidence to prove it.}}
{{SL|Ronan|But that's a really big misunderstanding!}}
There is a pain in Ronan's face, his voice trembling.

{{SL|Artem|How is it a misunderstanding? Can you explain it to us?}}
{{SL|Ronan|Fiona... what did she say to you guys?}}
{{SL|Artem|Fiona said you were the one who told her the truth after drinking.}}
{{SL|Ronan|I did drink too much that day, and I said some things I shouldn't have... But those were just the ramblings of a drunk...}}
{{SL|Ronan|I explained it to Fiona the next day... that everything I said the night before was a lie, but I didn't expect her to take it seriously...}}
{{SL|Ronan|It's all my fault. I couldn't control myself...}}
Ronan seems to be sensitive, as if it pains him to remember details of the incident.

{{SL|You|(It doesn't seem like... he's upset over a misunderstanding...)}}
{{SL|You|(Artem was really concerned about him... now that he's like this...)}}
You gently tug at Artem's sleeve and look at him.

Artem takes your hand and shakes his head, signaling for you not to worry.

{{SL|Artem|Ronan, I know it must be hard for you to see the two people closest to you fighting over a misunderstanding.}}
{{SL|Artem|We're here to find out the truth and clear everyone's name.}}
{{SL|Artem|Don't worry, we can wait. When you've calmed down, can you tell me what happened?}}
Artem's gentle voice calms Ronan down as he gradually stops shaking.

After thinking for a moment, he starts describing what happened that day in bits and pieces.

{{SL|Ronan|I had very little to do that day... I just remember attending Professor Russo's dinner party...}}
{{SL|Ronan|On my way home... I bought some alcohol... and the rest is all a blur... I only remember rambling to Fiona.}}
{{SL|Ronan|...That's it.}}
{{SL|Artem|So you didn't drink at Lamont Russo's dinner party?}}
{{SL|Ronan|Right, I drank by myself after I left Professor Russo's place, so it had nothing to do with him.}}
{{SL|Artem|Do you have evidence to back up your story?}}
{{SL|Ronan|...No.}}
{{SL|Artem|So Lamont Russo invited you to this dinner party...?}}
{{SL|Ronan|No, I was the one who asked if I could attend!}}
{{SL|Ronan|I know my part in the research project was very important to Professor Russo... I didn't want my special circumstances to affect him.}}
Ronan responded very quickly this time, almost without thinking.

{{SL|You|...}}
{{SL|Artem|Do you remember why you were drinking that night?}}
Ronan holds his head up, reverting to his previous state. He thinks for a long time before answering.

{{SL|Ronan|Not really...}}
{{SL|You|...}}
{{SL|Artem|...}}
{{SL|Artem|Do you mind telling us about your mental state?}}
Ronan nods with a bitter smile.

{{SL|Ronan|I don't mind at all...}}
{{SL|Ronan|Does Fiona believe my poor mental state was caused by Professor Russo?}}
{{SL|Artem|Yes.}}
{{SL|Ronan|I figured she would... but it really has nothing to do with Professor Russo.}}
{{SL|Ronan|My situation... was caused by drugs.}}
{{SL|Ronan|I have chronic hepatitis and treatment has been slow... Three months ago, I started experimenting with adrenocortical hormones.}}
{{SL|Ronan|It's a drug that can cause mental problems. The doctors gave me perfectly normal doses, but I was still affected.}}
{{SL|You|Why were you affected when the dosage was normal?}}
{{SL|Ronan|I was very busy at that time, which resulted in an irregular schedule... Combined with my poor health and other factors...}}
{{SL|Ronan|*sigh*... Anyway, Fiona and I have to apologize to Professor Russo and work to restore his reputation.}}
{{SL|Ronan|Professor Russo has always been really good to me. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had the chance... to meet you in that collaborative law enforcement project.}}
No matter how much you and Artem question him, Ronan is adamant that this is all a misunderstanding. But he can't provide any evidence to prove that.

{{SL|You|(It's too suspicious.)}}
Just as you're about to ask something else, Artem stops you.

{{SL|Artem|Thank you. We're done for now.}}
Ronan nods. Artem pulls you toward the door, getting ready to leave. He stops as if something comes to mind.

{{SL|Artem|Get some rest. I hope you recover soon.}}
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Corridor|location=Sanatorium|image=Hospital - Hallway.png}}}}
Outside, Artem points at the name of the attending doctor.

{{SL|Artem|Since Ronan won't talk, we'll have to ask his doctor.}}
Pretending to be Ronan's family, you and Artem ask the nurses to see the attending doctor.

{{SL|Ronan's Primary Physician|You two are?}}
{{SL|You|We're attorneys representing Ronan. Recently, Ronan has been involved in a defamation case, so as his attorneys, we want to ask you some questions.}}
{{SL|Ronan's Primary Physician|Okay, go ahead.}}
{{SL|Artem|Do you know the cause of Ronan's recent mental problems?}}
{{SL|Ronan's Primary Physician|Yes, his mental problems stem from physiological causes, precipitated by the side effects of drugs.}}
{{SL|You|So are his mental problems unrelated to his emotional state?}}
{{SL|Ronan's Primary Physician|Not necessarily. Any mental problems are closely related to emotions.}}
{{SL|Ronan's Primary Physician|However, Ronan's case is more complex and can be attributed to a combination of causes.}}
{{SL|Ronan's Primary Physician|One thing is for certain—Ronan's quick descent into a psychotic breakdown was definitely related to drugs.}}
{{SL|You|Okay, thank you.}}
Watching the doctor leave, you sigh.

{{SL|You|Ronan... is a little different from how I imagined.}}
{{SL|You|You said he reminded you of your former self... I thought he would...}}
{{SL|You|(I thought he would be as gentle and determined as Artem... but that's not the case at all...)}}
With a complicated expression, Artem looks back in the direction of Ronan's room.

{{SL|Artem|Before coming here, I knew he had gone through a lot, but I didn't think...}}
{{SL|Artem|He would turn into the frightened bird he is now.}}
{{SL|You|What... do you think changed Ronan? Drugs?}}
{{SL|Artem|Drugs may alter a person's state of mind, but they can't erase his past.}}
{{SL|Artem|There must be more complex reasons for Ronan's changes that we're unaware of.}}
{{SL|Artem|We need more evidence of Ronan's condition.}}
You look up at Artem, his figure still firm and reliable, as if he will never get hurt.

...But it only seems that way.

{{SL|You|(Artem is very concerned about Ronan... Ever since we left Lamont Russo's place, he already had a bad feeling...)}}
{{SL|You|(Now... it seems that bad feeling has been confirmed...)}}
With how the situation is developing, it's like a boulder rolling down a hill, getting faster and harder to stop.

You can't help but move over to Artem, checking to see if he's okay.

...As expected, his eyes are ice cold. He is deeply immersed in his own thoughts that he doesn't notice your presence there.

{{SL|Artem|You...?}}
You push Artem against a wall, pulling him from his thoughts.

{{SL|You|Artem, don't worry too much. There is still a lot we need to figure out about Ronan.}}
{{SL|You|Maybe we haven't even seen his true self... Everything still has to be investigated!}}
{{SL|You|So... don't be too upset...}}
Hearing that, Artem lets out a comforting smile.

He fixes the strands of hair at the side of your face behind your ear and pinches your earlobe.

{{SL|You|...!}}
{{SL|Artem|Perhaps I overreacted because this reunion with an acquaintance wasn't what I had in mind.}}
{{SL|Artem|But you can rest assured that I won't take on everything alone. It's something that you taught me a long time ago.}}
{{SL|Artem|With you by my side, I won't be defeated by negative emotions.}}
{{Float|{{Background location|name=|location=Stellis Central Business District|image=Stellis - Central Business District (Day).png}}}}
Leaving the nursing home, the two of you decide to go back to the police station.

{{SL|Artem|We need to go to the police station and brief Captain Morgan on everything we learned today.}}
{{SL|Artem|Ronan's story is highly consistent with Lamont Russo's testimony. Maybe they got their story straight before we came...}}
{{SL|Artem|To prove it, we need to know if Ronan was drinking that night.}}
{{SL|Artem|We need help from the police.}}
Understanding Artem's perfect analysis, you follow his train of thought to figure out what to do next.

{{SL|You|We also need to investigate when Ronan drank that night, as well as the exact causes of his mental problems.}}
{{SL|You|Let's go!}}
Back at the police station, Captain Morgan is looking at something with the help of a projector.

}}
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Start the Investigation IV: West Hemingway Heights Street
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=West Hemingway Heights Street|location=Stellis Hemingway Heights|image=Stellis - Hemingway RPG Map.png}}}}
''Share information with the police at the police station.''

{{SL|You|Excuse me, Captain Morgan.}}
{{SL|Darius Morgan|Perfect timing. The police station just obtained access to the corresponding case files on loan from the courthouse.}}
{{SL|Darius Morgan|Preparations are being made to invite an expert to do a comprehensive review.}}
{{SL|Darius Morgan|How's it going on your end?}}
{{SL|Artem|Both Lamont Russo and Ronan claim the allegations in the article are false...}}
You and Artem brief Captain Morgan on everything that happened today with the investigation.

Captain Morgan listens intently, then nods.

{{SL|Darius Morgan|I see. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.}}
{{SL|Artem|We need your help to investigate these two testimonies, Captain Morgan.}}
Artem passes the recorded testimonies of Lamont Russo and Ronan to Captain Morgan.

{{SL|Darius Morgan|I'll get right on it.}}
}}
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Recollections of the Past: Artem's Living Room
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Artem's Residence|location=Artem's Residence|image=Artem's Residence - Downstairs (Night).png}}}}
''End the investigation and go home to rest.''

After a full day of investigation, the two of you finally return to Artem's home.

As you put Ronan's file on the desk, you notice a detail you hadn't noticed during the day.

{{SL|You|This is the collaborative law enforcement project Artem was talking about?}}
According to the file, Ronan was able to find the smoking gun in a criminal case by accurately analyzing blood stains.

His action expedited the case and helped the police complete the evidence chain.

You feel a sense of loss after remembering what Ronan was like today.

{{SL|Artem|What are you looking at?}}
{{SL|You|Information on Ronan.}}
{{SL|You|He gave excellent advice in the collaborative law enforcement project and has been providing legal aid online.}}
{{SL|You|I don't know much about him, but from Fiona's account and all the signs, I'm willing to believe he's a good man.}}
You think back to Artem's expression when Fiona mentioned Ronan.

{{SL|You|Artem, what was Ronan like when you met him?}}
{{SL|Artem|He was bright. Despite not being an attorney, he wasn't scared sitting in a room full of senior attorneys.}}
{{SL|Artem|When the discussion got off-topic, he would point it out quickly and ruthlessly, putting the other senior attorneys on the spot.}}
{{SL|You|It's rare to see you admire someone...}}
{{SL|You|(By the way, Fiona said Ronan admired Artem.)}}
{{SL|You|Is it because he's a "fan"?}}
Artem glances at Ronan's file, his eyes stopping on a picture of Ronan in the past.

{{SL|Artem|No, I just saw my former self in him.}}
{{SL|You|Your former self... You mean...?}}
{{SL|Artem|Many rookie attorneys are not good at high-pressure debates when they start out in court.}}
{{SL|Artem|Or should I say "ignorant people are fearless"? Things were very different for me then...}}
{{SL|Artem|When I first started out, I was very comfortable in those high-pressure environments.}}
{{SL|Artem|I never thought of backing down in a difficult situation.}}
At this point, Artem mocks himself with a smile.

{{SL|Artem|Now that I think back... I was too impulsive.}}
What emerges in your mind once more is the image of a young Artem arguing fearlessly in court.

You shake your head in disagreement and stare at Artem.

{{SL|You|It seems to me, even at that time, you still shined with adoration.}}
{{SL|You|And... everyone has to experience growth. Look at you now—there's no sign of impulsivity.}}
Hearing that, Artem stares back at you, your eyes locking, as waves ripple through your body from your heart.

{{SL|Artem|I have suffered a lot from that youthful pride.}}
{{SL|Artem|But thankfully... I met you in the end.}}
{{SL|You|Me?}}
{{SL|Artem|After I met you, I saw more possibilities as an attorney.}}
{{SL|Artem|With your inspiration and company, I gradually resolved some of my past regrets, allowing me to move on with determination.}}
{{SL|Artem|This is all thanks to you.}}
{{SL|You|You're exaggerating...}}
You blush, but Artem still looks at you tenderly.

{{SL|Artem|So the first time I met Ronan, I thought about what kind of encounters he would have to help him through this period.}}
{{SL|Artem|...Just like how you helped me.}}
Artem looks at you gently with calm eyes, as if you are in a quiet lake.

Gentle and stable.

{{SL|Artem|Everyone should have the right to grow from their past selves... the right to evolve into a butterfly from a cocoon.}}
{{SL|Artem|And at the very least... to not perish due to the injustice of reality.}}
At this moment, you suddenly realize why Artem has been so concerned with Ronan.

{{SL|You|You said... Ronan's performance in the collaborative law enforcement project reminded you of your former self.}}
{{SL|You|And you feel sorry for what's happened to Ronan.}}
{{SL|You|Do you want to be his guide in this dark time?}}
You think back to what Artem said after leaving Ronan.

{{SL|You|Tell me, do you still feel guilty about Ronan...? Do you feel you were too late?}}
Artem stares at you in silence, not responding, but his expression says it all.

Artem, who had always been strong and reliable, finally revealed a weakness to you.

It felt like an oyster on the sea floor opening its hard shell to reveal its soft interior.

{{SL|Artem|You always see right through me.}}
You move closer to Artem, looking earnestly into his eyes.

{{SL|You|I know... it must be exhausting to watch people close to you drift away.}}
{{SL|You|But this isn't your fault, Artem. It isn't your fault.}}
{{SL|You|Sometimes, there are things that we can't prevent from happening. Until we reach the end, there is always the possibility of change.}}
{{SL|You|And... you're not alone. You have someone here with you to confront everything together.}}
{{SL|You|No matter what you decide to do, I'll always be here supporting you.}}
Feeling like words are insufficient to convey your feelings, you wrap your arms around Artem's neck to prove yourself.

You close your eyes, inching closer to Artem's pale lips until you feel something soft.

Artem's hand tightens around your waist, and you snuggle closer into his embrace.

Artem's shallow breathing feels gentle.

{{SL|Artem|...}}
The kiss wasn't intense by any means, lasting for only a few breaths before separating.

But it was tender enough to soothe a broken heart.

{{SL|You|I'm sealing my promise with this kiss.}}
Artem looks at you and smiles, his eyes as deep as the ocean.

{{SL|Artem|Then I, too, shall seal my promise with this kiss—I'll always protect you.}}
{{SL|You|In that case, we'll have to work even harder on Fiona's case.}}
{{SL|You|After all, this is for you and me.}}
}}
|summary=
|characters=
{{Character|name=Artem Wing|image=Artem character icon 1.png}}
{{Character|name=Artem Wing|image=Artem character icon 5.png}}
{{Character|name=Darius Morgan|image=Darius Morgan character icon.png}}
{{Character|name=Lamont Russo|image=Frederick Yang character icon.png|nolink=true}}
{{Character|name=Ronan|image=Ronan character icon.png|nolink=true}}
{{Character|name=Ronan's Primary Physician|image=Doctor character icon.png|nolink=true}}
|locations=
}}