Cue the Champion: Day 4 Wrap-up
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
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Script
Pool Club
Staff: Today's games have ended. The two teams that will participate in the finals are...
Rapid drumbeats sound, pushing the atmosphere in the room to a tense and enthusiastic climax.
Staff: Please direct your attention to the big screen!
Although you already know that you've qualified for the final game, you still turn to view the results displayed.
Seeing your and Artem's team name appear on the big screen suddenly makes this all feel real. It's like you are only one step away from the finish line.
You: (All of our effort hasn't been in vain. We've finally reached this point...)
You: (As long as we win tomorrow's game, I can get the "History of International Law" book and give it to Artem.)
You: (I wonder how Artem will react...)
After the crowd disperses, you indulge in imagining Artem's reaction. You end up looking at him inadvertently as you pack your things.
Artem: What's the matter? Why are you looking at me like that?
You: I... I... I wasn't looking at you...
You: (Are my fantastical daydreams really that obvious?)
Artem: You were looking at me like this...
Artem suddenly bends down slightly and levels his gaze with yours. Tiny lights and shadows dance in his eyes, drawing you in.
He's rather close to you and has an inexplicable smile on his lips. The heat that starts to spread from your ears makes you understand what he meant.
You: (Was I really gazing straight at him like this? No wonder he felt confused...)
You: I just think it's a bit unbelievable that we actually made it to the finals.
Artem: You've been working hard recently. With effort comes results.
Artem: And, like I said... you're very talented.
His gaze falls on you. As if he's already seen through all of your thoughts, his long fingers brush over the skin between your thumb and forefinger soothingly.
Artem: So that's what you were worried about...
Artem: It should be fine. There's still some time before the tournament officially starts. I can teach you.
Artem: Moreover, judging from how you've been playing, I think you have a talent for pool. You'll definitely improve quickly.
He gently squeezes your hand. There is an unmistakable look of anticipation in his eyes.
The conversation back then seems to have taken place just yesterday, but you didn't have a specific goal at the time.
But now, in order to get that book and give it to Artem, you have to work harder.
You: Then let's continue practicing. The closer we get to the end, the more focused we should be.
Artem: There's no need to hurry.
You: Huh?
He pulls away the cue in your hand. He then takes your hand, weaves his fingers through yours, and clasps them tight.
Artem: Come somewhere with me first.
The further you head into the countryside, the less traffic you see on the road. You open the window and the cool mountain breeze immediately rushes in.
All your fatigue is immediately swept away. You almost can't recall that you embarked on this journey without knowing where you're going.
Artem parks the car in a suitable location, and you follow him out of the car.
You: Did we come here... to do something...?
Artem: Why do we have to do anything?
The evening breeze gently dances through his bangs, and dim street lights cast a soft outline over his cheeks.
His words seem to be magical on such a silent night, slowly soothing all the anxiety in your heart.
Artem: I simply want to take a walk here with you and enjoy the breeze. Is that okay?
You: Of course... It's really nice here...
The two of you don't go far, just leaning on the hood of the car and looking into the distance.
Dots of light adorn the sides of the winding road. Further away, they are swallowed up by the night sky, leaving only the shining stars.
Maybe it's because your surroundings are too quiet, but Artem's voice seems crisper and clearer than before.
Artem: The final game is almost here. Are you nervous?
You: Hmm... to be honest, when I was in the pool club, I was a bit nervous.
Amidst the silent night, you can't help but lower your voice.
You: But it's much better now... maybe because it's so quiet and beautiful here. I feel like those messy thoughts are unnecessary.
Artem: You...
Artem: I was the one who invited you to participate in the tournament, but you've put in much more effort than I expected.
Artem pulls you closer, leans down slightly, and stops just short of touching you.
Artem: You've worked hard...
He leans closer, and just when you think he is going to kiss you, he simply touches your foreheads together.
A scorching warmth, along with sentiments that are difficult to express in words, passes between this point of contact.
You: I-It's okay... actually, I just wanted to...
You almost blurt out that you've been working this hard to win the copy of "History of International Law." Luckily, you stop yourself right in time.
Artem seems to realize this too, but he doesn't expose you and laughs instead.
Artem: ...
Artem: You said before that, later on, you'd tell me the reason you've been working so hard.
Artem: Now that we've reached the finals, can you tell me?
You: I can't say it now precisely because we're in the finals...
You: But I can give you a little hint. You'll find out tomorrow.
Artem: Tomorrow?
Artem frowns slightly as if he's mulling over something. He then raises his gaze after a while to look at you again.
Artem: Okay. I got it.
Artem: I'll wait until tomorrow then.
Artem: But... if this has to wait, then I won't wait for the other thing.
You: Wha-
You look at him in confusion, and your voice breaks off abruptly. Warm lips are now pressed against your own, followed by heated breath.
The shadows on the ground stretch longer and longer. They look almost like birds sleeping with their heads resting on each other, or like branches swaying and entangling.
A breeze passes through the forest in the distance, stirring the leaves and bringing with it Artem's answer.
Artem: The celebration for us getting into the finals.
Summary
Character(s)
