Cue the Champion: Day 5 Wrap-up
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
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Script
Pool Club
Everything that follows feels like the result of pressing a fast-forward button. It is all hazy and foggy, but it barely matters to you.
By the time you are alone again, it's already after the party has ended.
You return to the pool table where Artem taught you how to play for the first time.
Artem: Tired?
Perhaps due to the excessive socializing tonight, Artem's voice has a trace of fatigued hoarseness. It sounds surprisingly nice.
You: I'm okay... it seems like you're more tired than I am. Sit down and rest for a bit.
While he is getting seated, you place all the pool balls and start playing again.
One ball after another... You imitate what Artem was doing the first time you saw him play, hitting balls into the pockets one after another.
Soon, there is only one ball left on the table.
You: Artem, I'm just one ball away from running the table. This is my first time getting this far!
You happily show off your achievement to Artem, feeling even more excited about this than the fact that you won the tournament today.
You were just playing for fun, but you didn't expect to actually get so close to that goal. It is perhaps a combination of luck and the result of your recent intense training.
You: But that last ball is in a pretty tough position...
Artem: You did well with the last few balls.
Artem: Don't let other things hold you back. You don't need to worry about anything else — your goal is simply to get this ball into the pocket.
Different from his usual calmness and composure, Artem looks more relaxed at this moment as he leans lazily against the sofa. Each one of his words lands in your heart.
You calm down and take another shot. The ball draws an arc across the table, heading towards the target pocket... but without much speed.
You don't even dare to look at the table anymore. Suddenly, you hear the crisp sound of the ball falling into the pocket and hitting the other balls already in there.
You: I did it! I really did it!
Artem: Like I said, you're very talented.
You: Even if I have talent, it's also thanks to your great teaching.
You take the copy of "History of International Law" that you put aside and hand it to Artem.
You: I know this isn't exactly a gift I earned all by myself. Still, as my teacher, I hope you can appreciate my small thank-you gift, Coach Wing!
You look at Artem and tell him everything you were thinking.
You: I know you've always had the habit of collecting original edition law books in German...
You: So I want to give you my portion of this book as well, so you can expand your collection.
Artem looks at the book in your hands, then back at you, as if he is holding back some emotion.
Artem: So, this is why you worked so hard, but never told me why?
You: Yes... What's wrong?
Artem: ...
Artem: I'm just a bit surprised... I considered many possibilities, but this one is completely unexpected.
You: Ah, I was acting pretty secretive before...
Artem: It's not your fault. I made so many guesses because...
Having said this, Artem looks a little shy himself, which is a rare occurrence.
You: Because of what?
He doesn't answer you directly, but looks at the book again.
Artem: Because... what you just said is actually exactly what I wanted to say.
You look at Artem's resigned expression, and suddenly realize that you and him were thinking the same thing.
"History of International Law" is a compulsory read for every law student. Since you know of its value, Artem would naturally know it too.
You knew that Artem would definitely like it, but failed to consider that he would be thinking the exact same thing.
Artem: Occasionally reading the original versions of legal books can deepen your understanding of many legal provisions.
Artem: It will be extremely helpful for your job and future exams.
Artem: Even without these utilitarian benefits, it's just like you said — this book is very valuable to us legal professionals, even as a collector's item.
Artem: So when I learned that this book was the prize offered by the tournament, I made plans to sign up.
He explains his thoughts with a warm smile lingering on the corners of his lips.
You: Then why didn't you just tell me?
As soon as you voice this question, you realize the answer.
You: (When I first found out about this book, I also wanted to hide it from Artem because I didn't want to put too much pressure on him.)
Artem: "While this is a prize we won together, I want you to have this book in its entirety."
Artem: I thought up this idea myself. But had I told you, it would definitely become a burden for you.
Artem: Rather than craving victory, I'd hoped you would enjoy every game wholeheartedly.
Artem: I just didn't expect...
Although Artem sounds a little resigned, his indulgence towards you becomes even more apparent.
You: Pfft...
You: Looks like being too in tune with each other ruins the surprise sometimes!
A little mixup, two people who care about each other, and an original German edition book with high value as a collector's item.
You look at each other and smile. He takes your hand, picks up your things, and leads you away.
Unlike the bustle from before, the pool club is now playing soft music.
Even if you lower your voices, you can still hear each other's words clearly.
You: We don't need to gift it back and forth like this, right...?
You: After all, we're taking it home...
Artem: True. Let’s clean up the study together next weekend and find a perfect place for this "thank-you gift."
You: Artem...
Artem: Then, next weekend, or some other time...
Artem: We'll come back and play pool together.
You: Okay. Deal!
Artem: Deal.
There is a low female voice mixed with the melody of the saxophone, echoing the beauty of the evening and echoing in the sprawling night.
Both this night and this season feel like a long, happy moment... all because you are spending it with him.
Summary
