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| |stageType=Story | | |stageType=Story |
| |name={{PAGENAME}} | | |name={{PAGENAME}} |
| |previousStage=Artem's Sweet Chapter 02-06 | | |previousStage=Artem's Sweet Chapter 02-12 |
| |nextStage= | | |nextStage=Artem's Sweet Chapter 02-14 |
| |stageCost=None | | |stageCost=None |
| |firstClearReward={{Currency|S-Chip}} x100 | | |firstClearReward=None |
| |unlock= | | |unlock= |
| |guide= | | |guide= |
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| {{SL|Artem|Yes.}} | | {{SL|Artem|Yes.}} |
| }} | | }} |
| {{Script
| |
| |scriptHeader=Stop for a Rest: West Hemingway Heights Street
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| |script=
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| {{Float|{{Background location|name=Outside the Police Station|location=Stellis City Police Department|image=Stellis - City Street (Day).png}}}}
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| ''Now that things are wrapped up, get a ride home.''
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|
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| You and Artem walk side by side toward the parking lot.
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|
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| {{SL|You|(What did Artem want to say to me just now?)}}
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| {{SL|You|Ouch!}}
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| Too distracted, you didn't notice the uneven path, and your high heel gets caught in a gap between the tiles.
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|
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| {{SL|Artem|Are you hurt!?}}
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| Artem reacts swiftly, immediately stopping your fall.
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|
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| You shake your head to signal that you're fine.
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|
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| {{SL|Artem|Is anything sprained? Can you still walk?}}
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| You try walking two steps, a faint pain in your ankles.
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| {{SL|You|I'm fine, I didn't sprain anything. I'm great at walking in high heels!}}
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| To prove that you're fine, you ignore the slight pain in your ankles and walk forward without Artem's support.
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|
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| {{SL|You|Look, I'm completely fine.}}
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| {{SL|Artem|In case there's another accident, let me help you to the car.}}
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| Artem looks anxiously at your high heels. Then, he grabs you by the waist and walks alongside you while controlling his pace.
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|
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| {{SL|You|(Artem is taking the weight off my ankle so it doesn't hurt to walk on it.)}}
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| Without much effort, you and Artem reach the car.
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|
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| Artem opens the door to the back seat and motions for you to get in.
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|
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| {{SL|Artem|It's spacious in the back. Let me inspect your ankle.}}
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| {{SL|You|I'm fine, really... You don't need to inspect it...}}
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| {{Float|{{Background location|name=Artem's Car|location=Misc|image=Misc Location - Car Backseat (Day).png}}}}
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| Artem looks at you in disagreement, not wavering. With no other choice, you listen to him and get in the back seat.
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|
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| Artem follows you inside.
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|
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| Artem lifts your leg gently and takes off your high heels.
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| He rests your leg on his own and massages your ankle delicately with his fingers.
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|
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| You can distinctly feel his warm fingers against the cool skin of your ankle.
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|
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| {{SL|You|How is it?}}
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| {{SL|Artem|It's not swollen or dislocated... but there might be a minor sprain.}}
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| {{SL|You|It doesn't hurt when I walk, so I don't think I sprained it.}}
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| {{SL|Artem|...Are you sure it doesn't hurt?}}
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| {{SL|You|Yes, I'm sure.}}
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| Artem's expression softens.
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|
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| {{SL|Artem|Sorry, I wasn't paying attention.}}
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| {{SL|You|Artem! Didn't you say... we shouldn't have to say sorry to each other?}}
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| {{SL|Artem|...}}
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| {{SL|Artem|I'll keep that in mind.}}
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| Artem puts your leg down and puts on your heel again.
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|
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| You twirl your ankle around and find that the pain has subsided.
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|
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| {{SL|You|(It doesn't hurt at all...)}}
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| You try to get out of the car and move to the front seat, but Artem stops you.
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|
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| {{SL|Artem|Thank you... for today.}}
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| {{SL|You|Hmm?}}
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| {{SL|Artem|For so many days, you have kept me company and even had to take care of my emotions during the investigation...}}
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| {{SL|Artem|I remember everything you did for me.}}
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| {{SL|You|No way, you've done way more for me... Also, now that we agreed not to say sorry to each other, you're going to start thanking me instead?}}
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| You frown, pretending to be displeased.
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|
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| {{SL|You|That won't do!}}
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| {{SL|Artem|...}}
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| {{SL|Artem|You're right, as always.}}
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| Artem makes way for you as he is about to get out of the car, but you stop him this time.
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|
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| {{SL|You|Wait...}}
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| {{SL|You|I've been meaning to say, about what Lamont Russo said... don't take it to heart.}}
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| Artem stops, looking at you with a warm smile.
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| {{SL|Artem|Don't worry, I won't let him affect me.}}
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| You feel reassured to hear Artem's promise.
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| {{SL|You|Let's go home!}}
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| }}
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| {{Script
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| |scriptHeader=Proper Balance: Artem's Living Room
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| |script=
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| {{Float|{{Background location|name=Artem's Residence 1F|location=Artem's Residence|image=Artem's Residence - Downstairs (Night).png}}}}
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| ''End the investigation and enjoy your rest.''
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|
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| Back at home, Artem responds to some messages on his phone, then prepares dinner.
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|
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| As you put the case file on the desk, your phone lights up.
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|
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| A notification appears across the screen: "Mockingbird has a new post."
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|
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| {{SL|You|(Artem posted a new review?)}}
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| Swiping right to open the news, you realize Mockingbird's latest post isn't a film review.
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|
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| Mockingbird has forwarded the latest message from Ronan's Legal Aid, commenting:
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|
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| "One may not reach the dawn, save by the path of the night."
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|
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| {{SL|You|(Ronan's Legal Aid account? Does Artem mean...)}}
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| From this sentence, you see Artem's willingness to guide Ronan in a positive direction.
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|
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| {{SL|You|(But... Ronan has turned himself in as a suspect, and the case is getting a lot of online attention...)}}
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| {{SL|You|(Netizens aren't tolerant of people who knowingly break the law. I wonder if Artem's action will be thankless...)}}
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| In the comment section, despite a few extreme comments, most people are expressing regret without exonerating Ronan.
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|
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| "It's good that he was able to recognize his own mistakes and correct them. Judging from Ronan's Legal Aid, he's a good person."
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|
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| "It's a shame to see his previous posts, knowing what happened to him. I hope Ronan gets his act together."
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|
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| "There is no doubt that Ronan paid the price for his illegal activities, but hopefully he will be given a fresh start."
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|
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| {{SL|You|(That's true. Law, reason, and emotions are not antagonistic. Artem's actions have allowed netizens to view this matter from different perspectives.)}}
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| {{SL|You|(Artem will be happy to see these comments!)}}
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| You lean over the kitchen counter and share the comments you just read with Artem.
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|
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| {{SL|You|Look, Mockingbird's latest post is filled with several sensible and kind comments.}}
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| Artem looks at your phone and skims through the comments, showing a slightly surprised expression.
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|
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| {{SL|Artem|This is... unexpected.}}
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| You nod, understanding.
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|
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| {{SL|You|(It's the first time Mockingbird has posted something unrelated to films, and it's a sensitive topic at that...)}}
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| {{SL|You|(Artem was prepared to receive backlash.)}}
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| {{SL|You|But it's unexpectedly good, right?}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Yes.}}
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| {{SL|You|Ronan must be able to feel the encouragement from all these people.}}
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| {{SL|Artem|Although Ronan never received proper guidance from Lamont Russo, it's not too late for him to re-examine himself.}}
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| Artem's voice is warm and firm, and you can feel he cares about Ronan.
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|
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| {{SL|You|(As Artem mentioned before, he saw his former self in Ronan.)}}
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| {{SL|You|It's the first time you've posted something like this under Mockingbird. What special meaning does this case with Ronan hold for you?}}
| |
| Hearing that, Artem looks at you.
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|
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| {{SL|Artem|During this time, a question has been on my mind: How much can a person stay the same when their external circumstances change immensely?}}
| |
| {{SL|You|You mean...?}}
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| {{SL|Artem|"The Ship of Theseus" paradox.}}
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| {{SL|Artem|"If all the original wood on the Ship of Theseus is replaced, would it still be considered the same ship?"}}
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| {{SL|Artem|If we apply this problem to a person, it isn't as simple as the parts and the sums.}}
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| {{SL|Artem|This time, when I saw Ronan again, it was unfortunate that he had changed so much... I've seen this happen too many times.}}
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| {{SL|You|You were worried that... Ronan's not the man he used to be?}}
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| {{SL|Artem|Yes. But in the end, I saw the old Ronan through his approach.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|So I got the answer to that question from him.}}
| |
| Hearing this, you finally understand Artem's emotions.
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|
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| {{SL|You|I guess, it's not as simple as getting the answer?}}
| |
| {{SL|You|(Artem just said he had seen this happen too many times... It seems those other people were unable to find themselves...)}}
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| {{SL|You|The bad influence caused Ronan to lose his sense of self, but he finally found himself...}}
| |
| {{SL|You|Rather than say his actions gave you the answer, it's more accurate to say it was the answer you were expecting.}}
| |
| Artem is stunned, staring at you for a long time. He then sighs while smiling.
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|
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| {{SL|Artem|You... know me better than I know myself.}}
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| {{SL|You|Well, we do share everything!}}
| |
| The kitchen is filled with the delicious aroma of fish soup. With Artem still busy in the kitchen, you read a few more of the comments on Mockingbird.
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|
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| {{SL|You|Eh?}}
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| Although Mockingbird tends to be serious, the top comments are usually filled with earnest comments or suggestions...
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|
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| However, there are some comments that "deviate" quite a lot from this norm.
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|
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| You can't help but read through these comments.
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|
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| ...While there are many comments who call him "hubby," there are even some comments that call him "wifey."
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|
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| {{SL|You|...Pfft.}}
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| {{SL|Artem|Hmm? What is it?}}
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| You look up at Artem, who looks confused, not knowing that his "nicknames" have been uncovered.
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|
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| {{SL|You|N-Nothing. I was just reading the latest comments for Mockingbird... and saw something interesting.}}
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| {{SL|Artem|...}}
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| Artem doesn't respond immediately and seems to have sensed something from your description.
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|
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| Just when you thought this subject was over...
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|
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| {{SL|Artem|Is there... something you want to ask me?}}
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| {{SL|You|Can I?}}
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| {{SL|Artem|Ask away.}}
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| {{SC
| |
| |choice1=Ask about "hubby" nickname
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| |script1=
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| {{SL|You|Why do they call you "hubby" when your account name is Mockingbird?}}
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| {{SL|Artem|...That's just them talking nonsense. Ignore them.}}
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| {{SL|You|Don't you like it? Well, it attests to your great personality as a film critic.}}
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| {{SL|Artem|Bigamy is against the law.}}
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| {{SL|You|They're just joking around. Don't take it too seriously...}}
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| Artem chuckles.
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|
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| {{SL|Artem|So you know that they're just joking around?}}
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| {{SL|Artem|I'm not concerned about those comments because I don't take them seriously, which means I can't say whether I like them or not.}}
| |
| |choice2=Ask about "wifey" nickname
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| |script2=
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| {{SL|You|I saw some netizens calling you "wifey."}}
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| {{SL|Artem|...I didn't see those.}}
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| {{SL|You|Really? I'll take a screenshot for you. The netizens really love that nickname.}}
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| {{SL|Artem|No, don't. I don't want to see them.}}
| |
| Different from his usual calm, Artem's tone seems stiff and rushed, revealing a rare moment of embarrassment.
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|
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| {{SL|You|If you don't like it, you can suggest another nickname for them.}}
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| {{SL|Artem|That will only make them more excited, and they'll call me that even more.}}
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| }}
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| {{SL|You|(That makes sense!)}}
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| Seeing that you are convinced, Artem doesn't continue the subject and focuses on the ingredients.
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|
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| {{SL|You|Artem, let me help. Where do you need me?}}
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| {{SL|Artem|It's almost done. Now... I need your help setting the table.}}
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| {{SL|You|Sure! Time to eat!}}
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| {{Float|{{Background location|name=Artem's Study|location=Artem's Residence|image=Artem's Residence - Study.png}}}}
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| After eating, Artem takes the case file to the study, comparing it with files from a previous investigation.
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|
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| {{SL|You|Are you comparing Lamont Russo's testimonies?}}
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| {{SL|Artem|Yes, we have a recording of him admitting to falsifying evidence. But with what we have so far, we don't have the complete chain of evidence.}}
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| {{SL|You|You're worried Lamont Russo might use this to clear himself of the charges?}}
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| {{SL|Artem|No, the investigation is still ongoing. With the police's new breakthrough and Ronan's information, it will be hard for Lamont Russo to clear his name.}}
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| {{SL|Artem|Rather than say I'm worried, I want the case to be airtight.}}
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| Artem looks at the files in his hands, his eyes deep, as you recall his last conversation with Lamont Russo.
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|
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| {{SL|Artem|Without faith, the law will die and be only a tool.}}
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| {{SL|Lamont Russo|You had a good mentor. Too bad he's gone now.}}
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| {{SL|You|(As expected, Artem was affected by what Lamont Russo said.)}}
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| Perhaps seeing that you are silent, Artem changes his solemn expression and comforts you with a smile.
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|
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| {{SL|Artem|Lamont Russo was clever in his method, but he's bound to leave some evidence behind. I'm confident I can put him away for ten years.}}
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| {{SL|You|(Artem says that so casually, as if telling me to put on a coat because it's cold.)}}
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| But... seeing the usual warmth from Artem, your heart relaxes.
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|
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| {{SL|You|Yeah! I'll help!}}
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| Before you know it, it's already late at night.
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|
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| The coffee cup beside Artem has reached its bottom. He stands up, coffee cup in one hand, files in the other, as if he plans to work until dawn.
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|
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| {{SL|You|Artem... getting a coffee refill at this hour? Are you planning an all-nighter?}}
| |
| Artem looks at you, puzzled. Then he notices the time and realizes how late it is.
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|
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| {{SL|Artem|I didn't notice the time... Go to sleep first, I'll sleep once I review the information.}}
| |
| Looking at the thick stack of files in Artem's hand, you shake your head in disagreement.
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|
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| {{SL|You|You've been out investigating all day and didn't take a break when we got home. I don't want you working for so long.}}
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| {{SL|You|If you keep this up, you're putting your health at risk.}}
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| Hearing this, Artem immediately shifts his gaze from the files to you.
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|
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| {{SL|Artem|You must be exhausted after keeping me company the whole day without rest. Don't worry about me and get some rest.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|I'll listen to you and take a break. The review of the information... can wait until tomorrow.}}
| |
| Artem, still not putting down the files in his hands, shows concern for you while forgetting about himself, just as you knew he would.
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|
| |
| {{SL|You|(He always respects my opinion, but that... doesn't mean he'll do it.)}}
| |
| {{SL|You|(Is there any way to distract him from work for a while?)}}
| |
| You look anxiously at the case files that have seized Artem's complete attention.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|(What is more important to him than his work?)}}
| |
| An idea suddenly comes to mind.
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|
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| {{SL|You|(Pfft... It's a bit unreasonable, but there's nothing more important than Artem's health!)}}
| |
| You lean over and put your arms around Artem's neck.
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|
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| {{SL|Artem|What is it?}}
| |
| Artem takes your hand, his warmth passing through his fingers.
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|
| |
| You clear your throat, pretending to be serious.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|Ahem! I just thought of a very important question!}}
| |
| {{SL|You|Almost every couple has been tested by this question, and only true love can give a perfect answer.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|As my "hubby," I'm sure you can come up with the perfect answer, right?}}
| |
| Artem is taken aback by that nickname, but he still agrees with a nod.
| |
|
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| {{SL|Artem|Yes, I'll answer earnestly.}}
| |
| Looking at Artem's sincere eyes, you feel somewhat ashamed.
| |
|
| |
| Nevertheless, you boldly ask the questions.
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|
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| {{SL|You|Here I go! If those files and I fell into a river, which would you rescue? You can only save one!}}
| |
| Hearing this nonsensical question, a flash of helplessness appears in his eyes.
| |
|
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| {{SL|Artem|If you or the files fell into a river?}}
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| {{SL|You|Yes, all into the river. Don't think too long!}}
| |
| Your unreasonable request causes Artem's expression to become solemn.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Artem|I think that question is based on a false premise.}}
| |
| Artem lifts the files in his hand, then looks at you.
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|
| |
| {{SL|Artem|First, these files will not get anywhere near a river. Second, if you really fell into a river, it's unlikely that I'll be on the bank.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|In short, the premise for that question is not valid from any perspective, so I cannot choose.}}
| |
| Hearing Artem's earnest response, you have trouble trying to remain serious.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|Pfft...}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Is that your idea of a perfect answer?}}
| |
| {{SL|You|Close to perfect... for now!}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|For now?}}
| |
| You signal to the files in Artem's hand with your chin. His scattered hair sticks to your face, making it itchy.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|I will announce the final score once you put down the information in your hands.}}
| |
| Artem looks at the files in his hand, immediately understanding what you meant.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|Artem|All right. I won't look at them anymore. Let's get some rest.}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|At this moment, you are my number one priority.}}
| |
| {{SL|You|No, that's not right. Your health should be your number one priority!}}
| |
| {{SL|Artem|Yes, I'll make sure to take good care of myself so that you won't worry.}}
| |
| At long last, Artem puts down the files, and you successfully pull him from his working state. You can't help but tighten your arms around Artem.
| |
|
| |
| {{SL|You|Congratulations! That was the perfect answer!}}
| |
| }}
| |
| |summary=
| |
| |characters= | | |characters= |
| {{Character|name=Artem Wing|image=Artem character icon 1.png}} | | {{Character|name=Artem Wing|image=Artem character icon 1.png}} |
| {{Character|name=Artem Wing|image=Artem character icon 5.png}}
| |
| {{Character|name=Fiona|image=Fiona character icon.png|nolink=true}} | | {{Character|name=Fiona|image=Fiona character icon.png|nolink=true}} |
| {{Character|name=Lamont Russo|image=Frederick Yang character icon.png|nolink=true}} | | {{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|image=Ronan character icon.png|nolink=true}} |
| |locations=
| | |
| }} | | }} |