Artem "Hook of Love"/Rewards

Story Summary

This story takes place in Year 2. Artem has confessed to the MC, and the two are a romantic couple.

Artem and the MC is spending time on a vacation trip in Eversea. In the Deer Forest, they discuss on how to approach and feed deer. However, the MC has been starting to feel unwell. Hiding her discomfort while feeling a wave of nausea, she excuses herself to take medicine in secret. Artem senses that there’s something wrong with her. As he waits for her, he starts to try feeding a deer. However, one particular deer seems displeased with him. Artem tries other methods to feed the deer, but to no avail. Meanwhile, the MC takes medicine. She debates whether to tell Artem or not. If she tells him, he will worry and probably cancel their plans tomorrow to join the “Water-Splashing Festival”, which is one of the events they both have been looking forward to. So she decides not to tell him. She meets up with Artem, and encounters an amusing sight of a flustered Artem having a “stand-off” with a deer. It seems that the deer is starting to make threatening motions. A little worried, she instructs Artem to stay put.

The deer seems to calm down. Artem and the MC discuss what just happened. After a while, she tries again, and this time, the deer quickly finishes off the feed in her hand. She prods Artem to try, too. It seems that a more simple and straightforward approach works better. Artem and the deer reconciles.

Later, Sitka, the B&B’s boss, meets up with Artem and the MC. She became worried because a tourist reported that Artem is being attacked by a deer. Apparently, the deer is known to be troublesome. Also, the MC messaged Sitka earlier about her situation. Sitka is about to tell her of available medicines, but is quickly hushed by the MC before Artem could hear. Sitka takes the hint, but reminds her to be careful and to be always prepared. Shortly after, Artem and the MC discuss about their deer-feeding activity. He reveals that he likes animals and he always researches beforehand on how to interact with them. But often, the animals “reject” him, much like the deer earlier. She thinks that it’s not like the animal dislikes him; maybe instead of being overly serious, a simple and direct method will make the animal understand his true intentions and thoughts. Then, Artem is about to ask her of what just happened during their meeting with Sitka, but decides not to pursue the topic.

In the restaurant, the MC is starting to feel worse. She persists to hide her discomfort from Artem and proceeds to order local specialties. On Artem’s turn, he scans the menu and picks a couple of dishes, which is just like the food in Stellis. He tells her that he just misses the taste of home. She senses that he probably already knows something is up with her. It is said that "One of the few remedies to ease one's discomfort is to eat the food that one is most familiar with." Thus after eating the dishes picked by Artem, the MC's stomach feels a bit better. Artem then suggests that they head back now since he’s already a little tired.

In the B&B, Artem brings medicine and honey water to the MC, telling her that there’s now no need to put up a tough front. He did not ask her directly earlier despite his suspicion because he decided not to disrespect the her thoughts and decisions. She reiterates that she wants to enjoy the rest of the trip and still participate in the Water-Splashing Festival. Artem tells her that he would like that too, but he asks her to not keep things to herself and suffer alone.

Artem and the MC decide to go to bed early. The MC has slept poorly for the last few nights and she still finds it hard to sleep. Artem takes out his tablet and started playing a recording of wind chime sounds. It’s from the wind chime they made together last time. It managed to cure his insomnia that time, so hopefully, it helps her, too. The MC finally falls asleep. The next day, the MC recovers and feels much better. Artem repeatedly checks with her and insists on taking extra precautions. Together, they set out to join the Water-Splashing Festival and enjoy the celebration. As the event is starting to get crowded, the MC teasingly suggests if they can get away from the crowd by asking the elephants nearby to open an escape path for them. Artem rides the suggestion that perhaps he could try dealing with them.

Illustrations

Sleeping Music"Then... do you want to listen to my recording of wind chimes?"

Video Call

Video Call		Artem: Hook of Love (After Story 6)

Video Call script

Artem: Sorry, I was in the drugstore and missed your call.

Artem: I was worried that you might have something urgent to say, so I video called you. What's wrong? Did something happen?

Artem: ...Huh? You called me... just because you missed me?

Artem: I... I miss you too. Anyway, I'm relieved that you're fine.

Artem: No, I'm not sick. Don't worry. I went to the drugstore to buy some medicine for you.

Artem: I noticed that the medicine you brought when traveling was expiring soon, and I happened to be going to the drugstore, so I bought you some everyday stuff.

Artem: If you feel sick someday and I'm not around, at least I'll know that you have medicine and feel more at ease.

Artem: What's there to thank me for? I'm your boyfriend. It's my duty to take care of you.

Artem: Me? Don't worry about that. I have plenty of meds at home.

Artem: Every time I buy medicine, I check all the medicine at home first to see what types I have and their expiration dates. That way, I can replace them in time.

Artem: If you like, I can check the medicine at your place for you when we get the chance.

Artem: It's no trouble at all. Don't forget, I'm your boyfriend. Sometimes, I even hope that you'll "trouble" me more.

Artem: Besides, we can do it together if you're okay with it. I enjoy doing these things with you.

Artem: All right, it's a deal. By the way, I'll take this medicine to my place first. When you have time, I can help you...

Artem: You have time now? All right, it'll take me about 20 minutes to drive to your place. See you later.

Story Locations

Eversea, Zhaonan
Eversea - Deer Forest

Eversea, Zhaonan
Eversea - Specialty Restaurant

Eversea, Zhaonan
Eversea - Cloudwave Street

Eversea, Zhaonan
B&B Suite

Eversea, Zhaonan
B&B Suite

Eversea, Zhaonan
Eversea - Grace Plaza

Story Characters

Artem Wing

Sitka

Waiter

Story References

The Artem "Hook of Love" story contains brief mentions or references of events that took place in the following:

• Artem "Dreamful Melodies"
• Cozy Couple's Getaway II event story