Artem's Sweet Chapter 02-11
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
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Script
Restaurant
You can't work on an empty stomach.
Artem takes you to the restaurant you ate at last time, and the both of you order your meals.
While waiting for your meal, you are distracted thinking about Ronan.
Suddenly, you feel something warm in your hands. It's Artem passing you a wet towel.
Artem: Still thinking about Ronan?
You: ...For some reason, I get inexplicably nervous thinking about the meeting between Ronan and Lamont Russo...
You: ...Will Ronan be okay?
Hearing that, Artem understands what you meant.
Artem: Are you worried that Ronan, who has finally pulled himself together, will fall into despair again after meeting Lamont Russo?
You: ...Yes.
You: When I saw Ronan's notes, I knew how difficult it was for him to make the decision he did... That's why...
You: Artem, am I not supposed to think this way?
You look at Artem, somewhat dejected. Perhaps your thoughts are disrespectful to Ronan.
Artem's hand fixes the scattered hair on your forehead, but they slip through his fingers and land beside your ear.
...You can feel his warmth through this simple interaction.
Artem: No, it is the greatest recognition of all.
Artem: You believe so firmly in his kindness that you care about how he feels.
Artem: ...Why though?
You: Hmm? Why what?
Artem: Why do you care so much about him? Do you sympathize with his experiences?
Looking at Artem's curious eyes, you sort your thoughts and explain.
You: Well... to be honest, that's part of it, but it's mainly because of you, Artem.
Artem: Because of me?
You: You said that he used to be like you, that you want to help him... So I can't help but expect the same things from Ronan.
You look at Artem in embarrassment.
You: Is that arrogant of me to say...?
Artem shakes his head, smiling.
Artem: The fact that you can say that proves you aren't arrogant. On the contrary, you respect Ronan.
You: Still, even though I respect Ronan's choice... I don't understand why he made this decision...
You: With this notebook, we just need to wait for the police to investigate the clues, and there will be a breakthrough.
You: Under these circumstances, what is Ronan clinging to?
Artem muses for a moment before giving his answer.
Artem: Maybe... to atone for his sins, as he said.
You: Atone?
Artem: Yes, not just for what he did, but maybe for who he was.
Artem: However, I believe his atonement started a while ago if you consider his legal aid account and his notebook...
Artem: Those prove that Ronan tried to preserve the good part of him so he could get a brief respite.
You think about Ronan's confession in his notebook.
You: The amount of remorse he felt...
You sigh, finally understanding the reason behind Ronan's decision.
You: Ronan wants to bid farewell to his former self by standing up to Lamont Russo.
You: He must have been very determined.
You: Let's hope the afternoon operation goes well so Ronan can forgive himself a little...
Artem: Yes. I hope so.
During the conversation, your meals arrive.
You take a sip of the black tea to quench your thirst.
You: Eh?
You: Why does this black tea taste different from usual?
Light and fragrant—the way you like it.
You subconsciously look at Artem, who is staring at you with a smile.
You: (Could it be...)
Artem: I added a remark when I placed the order. What do you think of the taste today?
You: It's delicious.
You: (We only came here once, and Artem has nailed the restaurant's flavor...)
You can't help but sigh, looking at Artem.
You: I think I still have room for improvement in terms of loving you...
You: ...I'll work on loving you even more.
Artem: ...
Artem is taken aback, then he smiles brighter than the sun in spring.
Artem: I will work on that as well.
After the meal, you have regained your strength.
Artem: Are you tired? Want to take a nap in the car?
You: I'm okay. I'm getting psyched up about Ronan...
Just then, a message from Captain Morgan comes through.
Artem: They're already on the move. Let's meet them near Lamont Russo's compound.
You: Let's go.
