Artem "Atmospherics"/Rewards

Story 1

Scene 1: Office Pantry

Beep! The alarm you set for 4:30 in the afternoon goes off.

You turn off the alarm and save the documents on your computer. Makeup kit in hand, you head over to the pantry.

Tonight, there is a business reception hosted by one of Stellis' famous luxury brands: Resonantia.

Artem handled one of their contract disputes. So, he was invited.

Artem invited you to be his partner for this event.

You: (I should learn better makeup techniques...)

You: (Oh well, I'll just put on a base for today, least I make myself look like a fool...)

As you prepare to apply your makeup, the doors to the pantry open...

After scanning the pantry, Kiki heads straight over to you.

Kiki Bennet: (Name), are you going to Resonantia's reception tonight with Artem?

You: Yeah?

Kiki grasps your hand firmly. You can see a tingle in her eyes.

Kiki Bennet: Please! I have only one wish in my life!

Kiki Bennet: Please help me if you can!

You: What is it?

Kiki Bennet: At the business reception, my idol will be there as the spokesperson for the luxury brand.

Kiki Bennet: If you meet him, can you help me get his autograph...

Without waiting for your reply, Kiki tries to explain.

Kiki Bennet: I'm not forcing you or anything. Just try if you get the opportunity...

You: Okay, I'll try. But no promises.

Kiki throws you a bear hug before you finish.

Kiki Bennet: I know, I know! Thank you very much! (Name), you're an angel sent by God!

Scene 2: Artem's Office

At the same time.

Celestine Taylor: Hey, are you really going to bring (Name) to the business reception?

Artem: Yes. What about it?

Celestine Taylor: The reception invited not only associates, but also movie stars.

Celestine Taylor: I remember the spokesperson, someone by the name of Kanon, will also be attending.

Artem: You follow entertainment news?

Celestine Taylor: Of course not.

Celestine Taylor: He's in a TV show that's been popular lately. Something to do with office romance?

Celestine Taylor: Every girl in the office has been following it. They talk about it every day. That's why I remember.

Celestine Taylor: I heard that Kanon has been deemed "the best senior to have in the office."

With no intention of stopping, Celestine looks at Artem.

Celestine Taylor: Aren't you afraid she'll...?

Artem: I don't think she will be attracted to a TV show character like that.

Artem: Besides, TV shows are just acting. Real life is different.

Artem: The basis for a relationship is built on mutual trust and understanding.

Celestine Taylor: What you're referring is "love will come in time," but don't forget that there's also "love at first sight."

Celestine Taylor: Wait... what did you say before? A TV show character like that?

Celestine Taylor: How would you know which character? Did you watch the TV show?

Artem coughs lightly and adjusts his suit.

Artem: It's time. Let's go.

Scene 3: Parking Lot

As the reception draws near, Artem picks you up and drives over to the reception venue.

This is the first time being out in public as Artem's partner. You're understandably nervous.

You close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. At that moment, you can hear Artem's voice beside you.

Artem: There's something I need to tell you.

You: Hmm?

Artem: There are many unique characters at the reception.

Artem: If someone keeps pushing you to drink, ignore them and come find me.

You: The guests at the reception are all big shots in their industry. It would be rude of me to directly reject them...

You are hesitant. Even though you lack the experience for these types of events, you don't think that's a very good idea.

You: I'm not representing just myself at the reception, but also Themis.

As his partner, I'm also kind of representing Artem...

If someone denounces your behavior, it might have adverse effects on Artem.

You: Besides, there might be potential new clients here...

Artem: I don't need to rely on these social events to get new clients. Same goes for Themis.

Sensing your uneasiness, he smiles gently.

Artem: Just be yourself.

Artem: I chose you as my partner. Your professionalism will be able to persuade anyone.

Artem: Trust in yourself. Trust in me.

His tone is calm yet cool, gentle yet firm.

You: ... I understand.

Story 2

Scene 1: Business Reception

Although Artem has reassured you, you still feel nervous once you walk into the reception.

While looking around at the luxury and elegance, you spot an eye-catching person among the perfumed clothes and gorgeous hair.

You: (Isn't that... Kanon?)

You remember Kiki's bidding and take out the photo she gave you of him to confirm.

You: It really is Kanon!

You can't help but exclaim and Artem turns to look at you.

Artem: Hmm? Someone you know?

You: Ah... no. I was just surprised because there are movie stars here.

Artem follows your line of vision. Seeing Kanon, he frowns slightly.

Artem: ...

You: Looking at him now, he's...

Meeting Artem's deep gaze, you bite your tongue.

He was staring at you with an expression so odd... that you struggle to find the right words to describe it.

Artem: You... follow him?

You: Not really, but his TV show is popular lately.

Artem doesn't say anything, but looks down at the photo in your hands.

You: (Oh crap, will he think that I agreed to come only because of the movie stars?)

You panic and stuff Kanon's picture back inside your bag.

You: Um... I won't let it affect my work!

You: This... this photo...um...

Artem: ...

Before you can finish, a Resonantia executive comes over and asks Artem about the aftermath of a prior contract dispute.

Artem had handled this case alone before he asked you to be his partner on the case.

Thinking your presence could interfere with their conversation, you take this opportunity to slip away.

On the other side of the reception, Kanon is exchanging words with a few people.

You immediately think back to Kiki's "only wish in her life." But...

You: He's talking with big shots...

You: As a small-time attorney, what can I even hope to talk about...

As you're contemplating how to approach Kanon, he actually walks over to you.

Kanon Clark: Hello, are you Ms. (Name)?

You: Yes. Hello. Do you... know me?

Kanon Clark: Of course, didn't you represent Marius von Hagen from the Pax group?

Kanon Clark: I saw the news headline. I also saw the courtroom footage. It was exciting!

You: You flatter me.

You: I didn't think that you would pay attention to legal issues.

Kanon Clark: Haha, well... only just recently.

You: Oh?

Smiling, Kanon uses this opportunity to explore the topic with you.

His next role is an attorney. To prepare for the role, Kanon has been observing the daily life of an attorney.

Though he's seen a lot courtroom footage, he still wants to talk with a real attorney to clarify some things.

Kanon Clark: The success of this TV show can be attributed to the director and the character setting. Not me...

Kanon Clark: I didn't receive professional training, so I'm still lacking. I have to prepare harder for my role...

As he talks, he exudes the aura of youthful determination and manliness.

It is hard for anyone not to like him with the way he pursues his dreams.

You: (No wonder Kiki is a fan of his...)

Kanon Clark: Ms. (Name), can I trouble you to explain debate techniques in the courtroom?

You were just about to ask him for a signature. Hearing his request, you agree.

You: Of course!

You: There is a common saying, "facts speak louder than words." In the eyes of the law, "facts benefit from words."

You: You will often achieve better results with sound litigation strategy and argumentative skills.

Kanon Clark: Is that so? What about cases where there is ironclad evidence or absolutely none?

You: That's when the cross-examination comes into play!

You: The relevance, authenticity, legality, and degree of proof for every evidence needs to be debated.

Flashback - Trial

Artem had once encountered a case with "ironclad evidence."

The defendant was sentenced to twenty years in prison for murder.

Ten years ago, he escaped from prison and was captured when he went to visit his sickly mother.

Prosecutor: The prosecutor affirms that there is sufficient evidence to prove that the defendant's action is a crime of escape.

Artem: One cannot deny that the defendant did indeed escape from prison, which constitutes a crime of escape.

Artem: But, I have a question for the prosecutor. What legal interests were violated by the crime of escape?

Prosecutor: The crime of escape infringes on the normal order of justice.

Artem: That is correct.

Artem: The defendant's crime of escape did not infringe on that normal order of justice because it was wrong.

Artem: The manslaughter conviction from twenty years ago was a wrongful conviction!

Prosecutor: Counsel, I must remind you that the chain of evidence was complete. The witness and testimony...

Artem: The problem is the witness!

Artem: At 10PM on Feb. 18th, the witness claimed he saw the defendant push the victim over the bridge.

Artem: He insisted that the moonlight was bright enough for him to witness the murder clearly.

Artem: However, the moonlight couldn't be bright enough on the night of Feb. 18th.

Artem: On that night, the moon was positioned west in the night sky, meaning that it was shining east.

Artem: If the defendant had pushed the victim from the east bridge, it would have been too dark to even see his face.

Artem: So, what source of light was present for the witness to see the defendant's face from twenty meters away?

With that as the opening, Artem began a step-by-step cross-examination of each piece of evidence.

Present

Kanon Clark: A-Amazing! He was able to overturn the witness' testimony!

Kanon Clark: But... even though it was a wrongful conviction, reversing it would be difficult, right?

Kanon Clark: Even though I don't understand the law, people tend to not admit to their own faults...

You: Well...

Artem's statement of defense was something that you, as an attorney and as his partner, was proud of.

Flashback - Trial

Artem: The evidence chain proposed by the prosecution cannot form a complete proof system.

Artem: The defendant's murder of the victim cannot be proved. Therefore, his murder conviction was wrongful.

Artem: Because it was a wrongful conviction, how could he commit a crime of escape?

Artem: Thus, the defendant's escape from prison does not constitute a crime of escape.

Heated discussions broke out from the public gallery.

Artem looked to the tribunal. His voice boomed over the discussions in the background.

Artem: Criminal law exists not only to punish crimes, but also to protect human rights.

Artem: Criminal law must protect the state and criminals from each other. The same goes for prosecutors and citizens.

Artem: Without such procedural justice, the resulting justice would be like water without a source.

Artem: In the end, the law would have no dignity left.

Artem: The defense requests the court to uphold the spirit of seeking truth from facts and judge based on evidence.

Artem: With facts as evidence and the law as the criterion, the verdict is that he is not guilty.

Composed and methodical are two words that you would use to describe Artem's art of debating.

Present

Kanon Clark: So that's how it is! No wonder I felt like your courtroom footage was a little familiar when I watched it...

Kanon Clark: When you were describing Mr. Wing just now, I realized your debating styles are very similar!

You: Eh?

It's true that you secretly copy Artem's debate techniques and styles in the courtroom. But...

You: I... still have much to learn.

Kanon Clark: No. It's similar. Your styles are much more similar than you think.

Kanon Clark: Especially when you just now mentioned the emotion control and pseudo-implicit language techniques...

Kanon, using the courtroom footage, points out the similarities between you and Artem.

You: ...

You: (Is this what it seems like from a bystander's point of view?)

You can't help but search for Artem in the crowd.

He's still talking with the Resonantia executive, his face calm and composed the entire time.

Suddenly, he appears to have sensed something and looks your way.

You: !!!

You panic and turn around. Kanon doesn't notice your attention is elsewhere and continues to speak frankly.

Kanon Clark: Speaking of which, you are Mr. Wing's partner, right? You two are quite the match...

Elsewhere at the reception, Artem is still answering the Resonantia executive's questions. However, his gaze constantly wanders behind the executive.

Over there, a girl is talking happily with Kanon, as if they were old friends.

The girl occasionally turns to look at him, but quickly returns to her conversation.

In that instant, a vivid smile appears on her face.

Her cheeks are flush and her eyes are glowing, as if she had heard something that made her happy.

Artem: ...

Artem looks away and subconsciously clenches his fist.

Story 3

Scene 1: Business Reception

After explaining the debating techniques to Kanon, he thanks you.

You: Of course, it was my pleasure.

You: Mr. Kanon, if I could trouble you with a favor? You see, my friend is a fan of yours...

You explain the situation to Kanon and he happily agrees.

You: Thank you very much!

Kanon Clark: I should be the one thanking you. I learned a lot from our conversation just now.

Kanon Clark: I didn't think that your colleague would be a fan of mine since my rookie days in this industry.

Kanon Clark: Right! How about I record a video for her too? Can you help me?

You: Sure!

(Hehe, Kiki will be thrilled!)

As you take out your phone, you can imagine Kiki's face as she watches this personalized video.

Kanon waves his hand joyfully at the camera and thanks Kiki for her continued support.

After recording the video, he seemingly remembers something.

Kanon Clark: Ms. (Name), I've been thinking of building a personal studio.

Kanon Clark: If possible, would you like to be my legal consultant?

Great! He might be a possible client!

You: Thank you for your trust. I will consult with Mr. Wing about this.

Kanon Clark: Thank you. Well then, in celebration of our future cooperation, and as thanks for your help earlier, I propose a toast.

Kanon waves his hand and a waiter brings over two champagne glasses.

You: Well...

Flashback

Artem: There's something I need to tell you.

Artem: There are many unique characters at the reception.

Artem: If someone keeps pushing you to drink, ignore them and come find me.

Present

You watch as Kanon hands you the champagne glass. Thinking back to what Artem said, you hesitate.

You: (I promised Artem... I should reject him...)

Kanon Clark: Ms. (Name)?

You: Um... Mr. Kanon, l...

Before you can finish, a hand comes up from behind you and forcefully grasps your wrist.

You look back, only to see Artem.

He walks to your side, calmly separating you and Kanon.

Artem: Kanon?

You: Artem?

Kanon Clark: So you're Mr. Wing! I've heard so much about you! It's great to finally meet you in person!

Kanon reaches out his hand, offering a handshake to Artem.

Artem calmly looks at Kanon before accepting his handshake ceremoniously.

Artem: It's very kind of you, Kanon. However, my partner doesn't know how to drink, so I will drink in her place.

Startled, you watch as Artem takes the champagne glass from your hand. He toasts Kanon, then drinks it.

The conversation with Kanon ends shortly after Artem's arrival.

For the remainder of the reception, Artem never leaves your side.

Perhaps because of his demeanor, nobody else came over to toast us. It was all polite business conversations.

Scene 2: Taxi

Soon, the reception ends. Because Artem drank quite a bit, you call a taxi for him.

After getting into the car, Artem mutters something about sending you home first.

He leans back against the car seat, his blue eyes reflecting the darkness of the night.

The constant neon lights passing by shines on his face, but his expression is cold.

Somehow, you feel as though he's in a bad mood.

You: (Maybe he's just tired? Did the executive ask him too many questions?)

You: (If I tell him about Kanon, will he be happy?)

Of course he will, it is a big client after all!

You: Artem, l was talking to Kanon earlier, and...

You: He's building a personal studio. He wants to hire me as the legal consultant for his studio.

Artem: ...

Artem: You want to work for him?

You: Yes. Civil and commercial law is my expertise, and...

You were about to say that Kiki could come help you, but Artem interrupts you.

Artem: ... Sorry, I need to rest. We can talk about this tomorrow.

Artem closes his eyes, resting tiredly against the seat. Seeing him like this, you bite back your words.

You: Oh, okay.

You: (He must be really tired...)

To avoid disturbing him, you take out your phone to turn it on silent mode.

At that moment, you see Kiki's message on your phone. She sent you one of emoticons with wistful eyes.

You smile and send her the video Kanon recorded.

Kiki becomes thrilled and starts spamming your conversation. Countless Kanon emoticons fill your screen.

You: (Haha, she's so happy. She's definitely not getting any sleep tonight!)

You: (But I didn't know that Kanon made so many emoticons.)

You scroll through the emoticons on your screen. Infected by Kiki's happiness, you can't help but smile.

Artem: Ugh...!

Covering your phone with his hand, Artem growls at you with a terrible frown.

You: Artem...?

Artem tries to say something but collapses onto you. You barely hold him up by the shoulders.

Artem passes out on your shoulder. You can smell the alcohol in his rapid breaths.

You: Artem, are you drunk?

You quickly tell the taxi driver to turn around and head straight to Artem's home.

Story 4

Artem is still passed out when the taxi arrives at his home.

Good thing you remember the floor and number of his apartment.

Scene 1: Artem's Living Room

You: Whew... Artem, you're home...

You lie Artem down on the sofa.

You: Artem, how are you feeling?

You: You rest on the sofa for a bit. After you feel better, you can wash up and then go sleep in the bedroom, okay?

Although you're worried about Artem, it's getting late and it wouldn't be appropriate for you to stay.

Artem: Yea...

You had a hard time carrying Artem upstairs. The tight suit on Artem's body became wrinkled in the process.

He remains in the same position that you left him in on the sofa. He probably doesn't have energy to move.

Still flushed from the alcohol, his hair clings messily to his forehead, covering his handsome eyebrows.

You: Artem...

Artem: Water...

Artem reaches clumsily for something on the table in front of the sofa, knocking over some decorations.

You: I'll get it!

You: Rest here. I'll make some honey water for you!

For now, you temporarily give up on the idea of leaving and make some honey water for Artem.

You gently lift Artem's head so he can take sips of the water.

The water reflects off his pale lips, making them appear softer.

You: ...

As you stare at his lips, your heart skips a beat for some reason, causing you to look away.

At that same moment, Artem wakes up. He seems agitated as he tries to remove his tie.

But he can't get the tie loose, which makes him even more agitated.

You: Artem? Is the tie uncomfortable?

He mutters "yeah" under his breath, then begins taking off his jacket.

Artem: Off...

You help Artem take off the suit jacket, then start removing his tie.

After a minute...

You: (How do I remove this tie...?)

You look helplessly at the tie. For fear of hurting Artem, you don't want to exert too much force.

Under his tie, you can feel his skin burning up, which upsets you even more.

After a few more attempts, the tie loosens a bit. However, Artem's shirt is wrinkled and the buttons are loose...

You: (What should I do...)

Your mind is a complete mess. Your eyes flicker every this way and that as you look at Artem's collarbone and muscles.

You: !!!

You: (I'll go look for a tutorial instead...!)

You frantically search your bag for your phone to search for a tutorial.

You finally loosen the tie after another attempt.

Leaving you with no time to rest, you hear a drunken voice sound beside you.

Artem: You...

You turn right into the gaze of Artem's deep blue eyes.

His eyes are misty and dense with water vapor, like the trees in the wilderness after heavy rainfall.

Feeling his breath on your face, you only just realize how close you are to Artem.

Artem: ...

You jump up from the sofa, knocking over some stuff on the tea table.

You: A-A-Artem!

You: I-I was... your tie couldn't loosen, you... no, no... you couldn't loosen your tie...

You: Now that you're awake, I'll...

You stutter as you retreat, hoping to escape through the door.

Artem: You can't go...

File:Artem "Atmospherics" CG1.jpg

Artem pins you up against the wall before you can retreat any further.

He stares straight into your eyes, breathing hard and fast.

The light scent of cedar mixes with the alcohol in his breath, producing a much more aggressive scent.

You: Artem...?

As Artem's throat moves, his voice comes out deep and coarse.

Artem: Why...

Artem: I said to come find me if anything happened.

Artem: Why did you... With him...

You: Him?

You are confused at Artem's question.

Artem: K... a... non...

You: Oh, him...

Thinking back to what Artem said to you before the reception, you feel guilty.

You: Sorry, Artem... I would have felt bad if I'd rejected him...

You: Mr. Kanon was friendly. He helped me and said we could work together...

Artem: ...

Artem: ... Friendly?

You: Yes. I know how to take care of myself. I won't drink alcohol with just anyone.

You: But Mr. Kanon is a good guy, so...

Artem: How can you say that? It's your first time meeting him!

In an instant, Artem becomes as forceful as he is in the courtroom.

Normally, you'd be worked up over his passion, but not this time. This time, you're on the receiving end...

Standing in front of him, you feel trapped and want to do nothing but escape.

You: I...

Artem: How can you trust someone so easily!?

Artem's question leaves you at a loss for words. You've only just met Kanon today, so you can't say you know him well.

But, after seeing Kanon's passion and his recognition of your work and Artem's, you can't help but stand up for him.

You: Even if it's our first meeting, sometimes you can just tell if the person is good or bad.

You: Mr. Kanon is humble and hardworking. He's extremely approachable even as a big star.

Artem: Approachable? That's not reason enough!

Artem: He's an actor. Aren't you afraid he's lying to you?

Artem: You would trust him rather than me...

Lying to you...???

In a fit of rage, you forcefully push Artem away.

You might not be as skilled of an attorney as Artem. But you're not THAT naive!

You: Artem! Just who exactly are you criticizing with that condescending attitude!?

As soon as you say those words, the room becomes quiet. Awkwardness and silence fills the room.

Artem: ...

Taken back by your reaction, there is only helpless look on Artem's face.

You: Artem... you're way too drunk...

You: lt's late. I'm going home...

Story 5

Scene 1: Artem's Residence 1F

After leaving Artem's home, you take a taxi back home.

However, you return after thirty minutes.

You: I accidentally took his keys with me...

When Artem was drunk, you had to support him and open the door, so you naturally put his keys in your pocket.

In the end, you completely forgot that they were in your pocket after everything that happened.

I should go return it before it causes him any trouble...

You: ...

"He's lying to you..."

Recalling his previous words... a stab of pain pierces your heart...

Does he really have something against Kanon? Or does he think you were disrespecting him by trying to get clients?

Scene 2: Artem's Living Room

With the key in hand, you slowly open the door. You don't see Artem in the living room.

You: (He's probably resting...)

You: (I'll just put the keys on the table and leave to avoid waking him up...)

You quietly walk into the living room, preparing to leave the keys on the table.

Suddenly, you discover a body lying on the ground next to the sofa!

You: Artem!

You quickly help him up off the ground.

You: Artem! Are you okay!? What happened?

Amidst your shaking, Artem barely opens one of his eyes.

His eyes slowly focus on your face. He grabs your wrist the instant he recognizes it's you...

Artem: (Name), you...

Artem: It's you...

You: Mr. Wing, are you hurt anywhere? Why are you on the floor? Are you feeling unwell?

You: I'll go get a towel for you to wipe your face. You'll feel better.

As you stand up, Artem pulls you back abruptly.

File:Artem "Atmospherics" CG2.jpg

Defenseless, you fall into Artem's arms.

The hot and firm touch of his skin under your palm made you withdraw your hand, as if it were burning.

You: Sorry, Artem! l...

His arms wrap around your back, effectively cutting you off.

Artem: Stay...

Artem: Don't leave...

As Artem's head rests on your shoulders, his hair intertwines with your hair and brushes against your ear.

As if not wanting to let you go, his arms are tight around you, but you can escape if you really wanted.

You: I am just going to grab a towel...

He continues to hold you as if he didn't hear a word you said.

Artem: Don't leave... okay?

His voice floats past your ears, soft yet coarse. It isn't a voice you're used to hearing.

The words are like a batch of jumbled silk, entangling your very essence and immobilizing your movements.

Artem: Sorry... I must have scared you...

Artem: It's all my fault... Sorry...

Artem: Don't leave...

You: I...

Is it because you left earlier that...

Artem: Don't go...

You: Go... where?

Artem: To him...

You: He...?

You: Do you mean... me becoming the legal consult for Mr. Kanon's personal studio?

The grip on your wrist tightens.

Oh, so that's what it was. Artem misunderstood you and thought you wanted to go work for Kanon, which is why he was upset...

He wasn't really mad at you...

You think it's funny, but you're moved by his words. You gently pat his back.

You: How could I leave Themis because of a movie star...

Artem: I'm not the only one who sees how wonderful you are. Anyone can see that.

Artem: I don't have a good temper and I may cause you stress at work, but I...

Artem: Can you stay as my partner? Don't leave...

You: Artem, you're worrying too much. I really won't leave.

Artem breathes a sigh of relief. He buries his face into your shoulder and runs his hand through your hair.

Even the calm and collected Artem can be gentle and childish at times...

Or is he so drunk at this point that he thinks he's dreaming...

Examination: head

Artem's hair tickles your ear.

You instinctively reach out to brush it away, but your hand touches the side of his face.

Artem: I'm... a boring person...

Artem: Celebrities are more exciting... You'd be happier with him...

Artem: ...lsn't that right...?

You: That's not true at all...

Artem: You smiled...

You: What?

Artem: You smiled at him... a lot...

You: Th—That's because...!

How do you say it to his face that you and Kanon were actually praising him...?

Artem: ...You don't have to hide it... Don't have to console me...

His usual cool tone of voice is suffused with lonefiness.

Is that why he thought... You wanted to leave, wanted to work with Kanon...?

You subconciously blurt out your thoughts.

You: It's true! ...Because... w—we were talking about you...

Artem: Me...?

Artem: What... about me?

(It's fine, it's fine... Artem's really drunk. He won't remember any of this tomorrow...)

You: I told him that... you're incredible... That I admire you so much...

You: And he said... No wonder I'm your partner... We're so similar... That's why...

You stammer out your words while furiously blushing. It feels like your entire body is on fire.

Examination: head (second time)

Artem: Don't go...

You: I said I wouldn't leave you...

Artem: You kept looking at him...

Artem: You searched for him as soon as we arrived...

Artem: And you have... his picture...

You: I—I was doing a favor for Kiki! She wanted his autograph.

Artem: Stay with me...

You: I will. I'll stay at Themis, forever and always.

Examination: chest

The heat of his chest permeates through your thin blouse.

You: Artem... You must be cold like this...

Artem: Cold...? You're cold?

He pushes you against his chest and tightens his embrace.

Artem: Better now?

You: ...!

Examination: arm

You hold onto Artem's arm, steadying him.

You: Artem, let's sit on the couch for a bit, okay?

Artem: Not okay...

Artem: You'll be gone...

You: I told you that I won't leave...

Artem: You'll be gone...

Artem doesn't hear what you say. He mumbles the same words over and over again, as if you'll vanish at any second.

His heated breath blows onto your neck. You try to draw back in a fluster, but his arms immediately tighten around you.

Artem: You said you wouldn't go...

His voice carries a trace of hurt, which makes you feel extremely guilty.

Finish examination

Artem rests his head on your shoulder, and his breathing gradually calms.

You: Artem...?

Artem: You are my chance...

You: Huh?

Artem's voice fades into a bare whisper that you can barely hear...

Artem: Encounter...

You: Artem?

You call out to him lightly, but he doesn't reply because he's sound asleep.

You carry Artem over to the sofa and grab a nearby blanket to tuck him in.

He's sound asleep, as if everything that happened just now was just your imagination.

Your pounding heartbeat says otherwise.

You leave Artem's home in a hurry.

Story 6

Scene 1: Law Firm

The next day, you give Kanon's autograph to Kiki, who rejoices at the sight of the autographed picture.

Kiki Bennet: (Name), you're the best! I love you!

You: Save that for your idol.

Kiki Bennet: Of course, I'll say it to him! But, I'll say it to you too!

Kiki happily teases you, but she suddenly pushes her glasses up, inching closer to your face.

Kiki Bennet: Hey wait, why are there such dark circles under your eyes!

Kiki Bennet: Didn't the reception end really early yesterday? I remember you sent me the video around 9PM?

Kiki Bennet: What happened afterwards? You couldn't fall asleep because you drank too much?

You: N-No! I just couldn't sleep, that's all!

Thinking about what happened last night, your heart begins pounding again.

You sneak a peek at Artem's empty office. You breathe a sigh of relief.

You: (With how drunk Artem was yesterday, he probably won't be coming in today, right...?)

You: (Thankfully so... otherwise l wouldn't know what to say to him...)

You are lost in your thoughts when Kiki suddenly elbows you hard.

Kiki Bennet: Good morning, Mr. Wing!

Artem: Morning.

After seeing the autographed picture of Kanon in Kiki's hand, Artem clears his throat and looks over to you.

Artem: Ahem. Come to my office later.

You: O-Okay.

Your gaze follows Artem's back and your heart pounds like crazy.

You: (What does he want with me?)

You: (Could it be that he remembers what happened last night!?)

Flashback

Artem: You smiled at him... on quite a few occasions.

You: T-That's because... we were talking about you...

Artem: Me...?

Artem: What... about me?

(It's okay, it's okay... He's so drunk now... he definitely won't remember a thing tomorrow...)

You: I said... that you're amazing... and that I admired you...

You: And he said... we're alike... and that it's no wonder that I'm your partner...

Scene 2: Artem's Office

You: (How embarrassing...)

You nervously enter Artem's office, not daring to look up at him. You end up staring at his desk.

Artem: Yesterday, you said Kanon wants to hire us as their legal counsel for his personal studio.

Artem: Once the details of the consulting agreement are confirmed, we can begin drafting the contract.

Artem: Everything in a startup company starts from zero.

Artem: The legal services for labor will be very systematic.

Artem: You must pay close attention to legal risks, business contract templates, labor structures, and much more.

Back to his usual cold demeanor, Artem's voice is smooth and cool.

You: ...

Artem: Is something the matter?

You: No.

Your mind keeps going back to yesterday, but you're too scared to ask.

Artem: Providing legal counsel for a startup company will be a good challenge for you.

Artem: If you have any questions, please come find me.

Artem: Also...

He pauses.

Artem: The entertainment circle... is full of gossip.

Artem: If you meet with the client alone, it might result in scandalous headlines.

Artem: If you're going to meet with the client... I will go along with you.

You: Yes. I understand.

You breathe a sigh of relief. Artem really doesn't remember what happened. The uneasiness in your heart fades.

With it gone, you suddenly realize that in the bottom of your heart... there's a hint of... regret?

You: Artem, if there isn't anything else, I'll go back to work now!

You leave Artem's office in a hurry.

Artem looks slightly relieved to see you leave the room.

His ears turn bright red, probably the result of him suppressing his emotions.

Artem: ...

Artem: Sorry...

Artem: I...

Artem blushes and remains silent for a while before taking out a hair band from the inner pocket of his suit.

The hair band is evidence that what happened last night with that girl was not just a dream.

Artem: For now... I don't know how I should return this to you...

The silk hair band is soft and smooth, twining around his fingertips like hair.

Artem: In the future...

Artem clears his throat. His eyes were soft and calm as he looks at the hair band.

Artem: I'll definitely return this to you in the future...

With its growing wings, the beautiful eagle fledgling wants to fight for the sky she yearns for...

If it wishes to fly to somewhere further, then let the sky be its limit.

Video Call

It's me. Did you see my e-mail?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you have a high alcohol tolerance?

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

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

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

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

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

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