Artem "Atmospherics"/Rewards

Story Summary

This story takes place in Year 1. Artem is not yet in a relationship with the MC.

At Themis Law Firm, the Main Character prepares to attend a business reception as Artem's partner. Kiki corners her and begs her to get an autograph from Kanon Clark, her idol, if she gets a chance. Meanwhile, Celestine teases Artem, implying the MC could easily fall for Kanon at the party. Before the reception, Artem warns the MC not to let herself be pressured to drink with anyone.

At the reception, Artem is pulled aside by an old client, giving the MC a chance to talk to Kanon, who recognizes her from recent news coverage and approaches her for advice to portray an upcoming attorney character he's playing. The MC recounts a story in which Artem successfully defended a client against "ironclad evidence," and Kanon compliments the MC's courtroom footage, saying she's much closer to Artem's skill than she thinks. Artem, watching from across the room, misinterprets the MC's happy responses to Kanon.

Kanon agrees to sign an autograph and record a video for Kiki, then suggests future legal cooperation. The MC agrees to bring the subject up with Artem; Kanon thanks her and suggests a toast. Artem intervenes, accepting the drink in her place, becoming too inebriated to get home under his own power by the end of the reception. Sensing his poor mood, the MC tries to cheer Artem up, but everything is misinterpreted, from her enthusiasm at possibly landing Kanon as a client for Themis to her happiness at Kiki's enthusiasm for Kanon's video.

The MC helps Artem up to his apartment and guides him to his sofa to rest, but he grows agitated when she tries to leave, cornering her and chastising her naivety in trusting Kanon, an actor, so easily. She shoves him away, reprimands his condescension, and leaves to let him sober up.

Realizing she still has Artem's keys in her pocket, the MC returns to his apartment. When she finds him asleep on the floor, she wakes him up to check on him; he responds by pulling her down to him, apologizing for his outburst, and begging her not to leave him. She realizes the misunderstanding that's happened and reassures him that she has no plans to quit being his partner, admitting the happy conversations had all been about him in hopes he'll forget in the morning.

Kiki rejoices upon receiving Kanon's autograph, then questions the dark circles under the MC's eyes. Artem asks the MC to come to his office and calmly offers to help the MC draft the contract for legal services for Kanon as if nothing unusual had happened. When she leaves, he reflects on his memory of the previous night, unsure how to admit he remembered it.

Illustrations

None

Video Call

Video Call		Artem: Atmospherics (After Story 6)

Video Call script

Artem: It's me. Did you see my email?

Artem: We need to attend the Stellis Wine Association's business reception this Saturday at 20:00.

Artem: What's wrong? Is... there a problem?

Artem: Correct. The reception has a wine-tasting event, but visitors are not required to participate.

Artem: You want to attend to learn how to evaluate wines? Then...

Artem: There won't be any issues with time, and it won't affect our work.

Artem: I'm just a little worried. Wine has low alcohol content, but...

Artem: Do you have a high alcohol tolerance?

Artem: Even if you do, you still need to maintain awareness.

Artem: I'm not saying you shouldn't go. I'm saying that I'll go with you.

Artem: Hm? My alcohol tolerance? Ahem... I don't often drink, so it is fairly low.

Artem: One, I rarely attend social functions that mandate drinking. And two, I don't generally drink unless it is a special occasion.

Artem: I don't plan on drinking at the wine tasting. I'll... accompany you and listen to the discussion.

Artem: It is never boring with you. I'll pick you up. See you this weekend.

Story Locations

Themis Law Firm
Pantry

Themis Law Firm
Artem's Office

Resonantia Reception Venue
Parking Lot

Resonantia Reception Venue
Business Reception

Misc
Taxi

Artem's Residence
Artem's Living Room

Artem's Residence
Artem's Residence 1F

Themis Law Firm
Law Firm

Story Characters

Artem Wing

Artem Wing

Kiki Bennet

Celestine Taylor

Kanon Clark

Prosecutor