Artem "Focus Fire"/Rewards

Story Summary

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

Seeking to help the Main Character learn a self-defense technique, Artem arranges a visit to a local shooting range. The MC arrives far earlier than intended and goes to watch an ongoing skeet shooting competition while waiting for Artem to arrive. She finds her partner participating in the competition, with most of the range employees rooting for Artem. After noticing the MC in the stands, Artem misses a shot.

Artem ends the round down by one, and the MC is concerned it's her fault. Artem reassures her and invites her down to the competitors' area. Artem shoots the second round perfectly, and the pressure causes his arrogant opponent to miss, tying the score. As the third round begins, the opponent has associates of his cause a disturbance in hopes of making Artem lose.

Amid the commotion, Artem hits every shot while his opponent misses many. After winning the competition, Artem reveals his plans to sue his opponent and his associates for several offenses before the employees eject them from the premises. The two discuss Artem's reasoning for his actions and the lessons the MC can take from the encounter into the courtroom.

Beginning her shooting lesson with Artem, the MC chooses a shotgun as her weapon. Her safety equipment is faulty, causing a temporary loss of hearing when she fires, so she asks Artem to cover her ears and continue the lesson. After many failures and much frustration, she learns to hit her target.

Artem recounts his reason for being so adept with firearms: years prior, his mentor dismantled a mafia operation, but in retaliation, he and Artem were attacked. Artem developed a fear of guns, which he overcame by learning to shoot. Artem then asks the MC whether she feels better now, and the MC realizes Artem had misinterpreted an overheard conversation about a TV show as fear of similar retaliation.

Kiki calls the MC; Artem overhears another conversation about the TV show and realizes his misinterpretation. The conversation grows awkward as the MC imagines she's made trouble for Artem over the misunderstanding, but Artem reassures her that he'd planned to teach her to shoot anyway. He then passes on an apology from the owner of the range for the faulty safety equipment: a platinum membership.

Illustrations

None

Text Messages

Text Message		Artem: TV Show Discussion (After Story 3)

Text Message script

Artem: All of you have been discussing the plot of "Super Attorney" recently.

Artem: Is that show... any good?

The plot is interesting

You: Yeah, the conflicts are cleverly designed and the plot's really interesting.

Artem: The online reviews I read were positive.

Artem: Looks like the creators put in a lot of effort.

The male protagonist is great

You: It is! The male protagonist is great!

You: An attorney who perseveres through any adversity, strong and resolute. I admire people like this!

Artem: So... that's your type.

Artem: Maybe I should take a look.

I recommend it

You: Do you want to talk about the show with us?

Artem: Me? It's all right.

Artem: Kiki and the others may get nervous, and I don't routinely watch TV shows.

Do you watch TV shows?

You: Do you normally watch TV shows? Want to watch "Super Attorney" together?

Artem: Me? No...

Artem: I don't routinely watch TV shows.

No time to watch them?

You: You must not have much time after work since you're so busy.

Artem: Yes. I generally prefer movies.

Artem: They're shorter, and they also utilize more camera techniques to facilitate storytelling.

Artem: I find myself drawn to researching such things.

Do you prefer movies?

You: I'm guessing that you prefer to watch movies?

Artem: Yes, I like to research camera techniques and how they convey the meaning and mood in movies.

Artem: I don't really follow TV shows.

Artem: Sometimes, I'm not sure I really understand what all of you are talking about...

Artem: Sorry. I may not fit in...

Try it out

You: Actually, I think it's good to try new things now and then.

Artem: Yes, you're not wrong.

Artem: I'll try watching it during my next vacation.

Everyone likes different things

You: No, not at all. Everyone's into different things!

You: It has nothing to do with fitting in or not.

Artem: Thanks for understanding, but I think this show you've recommended seems interesting.

Artem: I'll consider watching it during my next vacation.

Text Message		Artem: The Desire to Protect (After Story 6)

Text Message script

Artem: I heard you talking with Kiki about self-defense training. What was that all about?

I plan on working out

You: I'm planning on working out! I want to get in shape and be able to defend myself!

Artem: It's good that you have safety awareness, but...

It was just a thought...

You: Sometimes, I get the urge to work out...

Artem: Working out in moderation is good for the body, but...

Artem: Are you feeling insecure because of what happened to me and my mentor? Is that why you want to work out?

Of course not!

You: Don't worry. I just want to be more capable!

Artem: Good. You are preparing for challenges ahead. I expect no less from you.

I'm a little scared...

You: It scared me a little. Maybe I'm just overthinking it...

Artem: It's my fault for scaring you.

Artem: However, whether it be a NXX case, or at work, I would never let you get in harm's way.

I don't want to be a burden

You: I know I can always count on you, but I also want to be more capable myself.

You: I want to be able to protect you too, so that you won't have to shoulder everything yourself.

Artem: Don't... shoulder everything myself?

Artem: I...

You're very reliable

You: I know can always count on you... to the extent that it makes me want to slack off at times...

You: But, I don't want you to shoulder everything. I need to be more capable so that I can help you.

Artem: It makes me feel better knowing that you rely on me as well.

Artem: You said that you don't want me to shoulder everything myself... I...

Artem: ...That's the first time anyone has said that to me.

I'm not underestimating you!

You: Don't get me wrong! I don't mean to question your abilities. I just...

Artem: No worries. I know what you meant to say.

Artem: I know what you mean. It... means a lot to me.

Am I in over my head?

You: Do you... think that I'm too full of myself...?

Artem: Of course not. What you've said...

Artem: Means a lot to me.

Artem: If you're interested, I can continue teaching you how to shoot over the weekend.

Artem: We can also go to that restaurant by Stellis River. I know you've been wanting to go there for some time now.

Story Locations

Shooting Range

Themis Law Firm
Artem's Office

Shooting Range
Skeet Shooting Range

Misc

Themis Law Firm
Law Firm Pantry

Main Character's Residence
Apartment Building 1F

Story Characters

Artem Wing

Artem Wing

Kiki Bennet

Mr. Wilson

Staff A

Staff B

Staff C

Opponent in Red

Opponent in Blue

Staff

Troublemaker