Cue the Champion: Prologue
Overview
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- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
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Script
Pool Club
"Clack" - with a neat shot, the colorful pool balls scatter instantly.
The person hitting the ball does not pause, and every shot is accompanied by the sound of a ball entering the pocket. His smooth movements make you unable to take your eyes off of him.
You: (Watching Artem play pool is a feast for the eyes.)
On the night of one of your off days, you and Artem once again head to the pool club, which he joined because of work.
The members of this billard club are all involved in Stellis's legal circle. Thus, Artem also joined this club to do some networking.
After the pool game he previously won, you both gradually became regulars.
Audience A: Nice shot!
The audience's exclamations manage to drag your wandering thoughts back to the pool table in front of you.
There is only one ball left before the player "runs the table," or pockets every ball in a single turn. The person at the center of everyone's attention doesn't continue, standing up instead.
Some impatient onlookers are dissatisfied with the pause and call for him to hurry up. However, he turns a deaf ear to their words and only frowns slightly, as if he has encountered a problem.
You: (Is the last ball difficult to hit...?)
You only know a little bit about pool, but judging by Artem's expression, you're sure the situation is still under his control.
Artem: What's the matter?
He notices your gaze and turns his head slightly, glancing at you with a slightly inquiring look.
You: I-It's nothing...
Artem: You seem a little... nervous?
What started as a casual game for fun ended up drawing all the attention in the room due to Artem's superb skills.
He seems used to this kind of attention. But that just makes you, the "outsider," even more anxious.
You: Yes, a little...
Artem: Remember what I said before?
Artem: "The protection that comes with your gaze is the best luck I could ask for."
The memory of that night resurfaces. All the enthusiasm and determination rise up again in his eyes, transferring straight to your heart.
Artem: So, just look at me and trust me.
Artem puts the cue chalk down, lifts the cue, and leans down in one smooth motion. He focuses his eyes on his target. Then...
As though tracing a precisely drawn blueprint, the 9 ball sails along a perfectly smooth trajectory and enters the pocket.
The game wraps up with a perfect conclusion. When all the onlookers have finally left, Artem puts down the cue, washes his hands, and sits down next to you.
Celestine Taylor: Wow, looks like I came at just the right time!
You hear a familiar teasing voice - it's coming from a rather surprising, but not totally unexpected, visitor.
You: Celestine! You're here too?
Celestine Taylor: I didn't think I'd get to see someone run the table after popping in just this once.
Celestine Taylor: [Player], if it weren't for you, Artem would definitely be keeping a lower profile.
Artem: Ahem...
Artem clears his throat quietly, and his ears turn slightly red. Even so, he doesn't refute Celestine's words.
Artem: Well, sometimes the audience is part of the performance.
Celestine seems to be very satisfied with Artem's reaction and doesn't continue to tease him. Instead, she glances at the two of you with a knowing smile.
Celestine Taylor: So, are you here practicing for the tournament?
You: Huh? What tournament? Practicing?
Celestine Taylor: The club is holding a doubles exhibition tournament soon...
Celestine Taylor: I thought you two had already decided to sign up, and that's why you were practicing here.
You: ...
Celestine Taylor: Huh, looks like you didn't know about it...
You: Yeah...
Artem: I originally wanted to tell you about it today.
Artem: But it looks like that won't be necessary now...
Artem glances at Celestine. The sudden realization of her "faux pas" is written all over her face. She hurriedly waves her hand.
Celestine Taylor: Geez, I'm so forgetful. I just came over to say hello. Jeremy is still waiting for me, so I'd better get going.
Celestine Taylor: See you tomorrow at the firm.
You: Sure, Celestine. See you tomorrow.
After bidding farewell to Celestine, Artem shakes his head and looks at you. He seems resigned about having his plans disrupted.
He takes your hand and wraps his other arm around your back as if he's hugging you.
Artem: Well, you heard the gist of it from Celestine...
Artem: So, will you play in the tournament with me?
You: Hmm... I know it's just an exhibition tournament, but I only just started playing pool... Will it be really...
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.
Cheers break out not far from you. It seems that another amazing shot was delivered.
As you listen to the crisp sound of the ball rolling into the pocket, your determination gradually solidifies.
You: If you say so, then of course I have to participate!
You: But I'm going to need a lot of guidance from you as my teacher, Coach Wing. I'm a complete newbie.
Artem: ...
Artem: Okay, let's do our best, Miss [Player].
These simple words reveal how much he is willing to indulge you.
The overhead light flickers for a few seconds at just the right time. Perhaps the voltage is unstable? Either way, it conceals your suddenly accelerated heartbeat and your irrepressible smile.
You: So... should we start practicing now?
Artem: There's no hurry...
He changes the subject and points to the pool equipment store nearby.
Artem: I've been watching you play for a while, and it doesn't seem like any of the cues are a perfect fit for you...
Artem: Now that you're going to compete, it's better to have your own cue.
Artem: Fortunately, the club has a professional equipment store. Why don't we go pick one out for you together?
You: Sure. I still remember our previous agreement to go pick out a cue together.
Artem had brought it up when he taught you how to play pool for the first time, and it just so happens that you both have time today.
The equipment store isn't far from the pool room, so you arrive there quickly.
The employee enthusiastically explains how the products are organized within the store, then considerately leaves you to it.
You: (Don't they usually help customers pick stuff out? Is it because she knows that Artem is a really good player, so she won't have to worry?)
Artem: Do you have any preferences for your cue?
You: Well... I haven't even played enough to know...
You: Why don't you help me pick one?
Artem: All right, I'll try it out for you first, then we can find the right size. How does that sound?
You: Sure.
Artem nods slightly. His gaze roves over the displays for a while. He then picks up a cue, grabbing a chunk of cue chalk as well.
With the sleeves of his shirt casually rolled up, he leans lightly against the edge of the table, holding the cue in one hand.
The dim light blurs the edges of the shadows of both him and the cue, as though nothing else around you matters right now.
Artem: You're a beginner, so it would be better for you to use this kind of cue with lots of power and a bigger head.
Artem: The contact area between the tip and the ball is larger, making it easier to control the direction and force when you take a shot.
You nod without thinking too much about it. Rather than listening to Artem's advice, you are more inclined to appreciate the scene in front of you.
Artem: However, just talking about it in theory may sound a bit abstract.
Artem: Once you actually use it for yourself, you'll understand what I mean.
Artem lowers his head slightly. His bangs fall down naturally, swaying slightly as he rubs cue chalk on the tip of the cue.
Artem: Before that, let me try using it first to see how it feels.
You: Okay.
The sound of the cue chalk rubbing against the tip reaches your ears. It feels like there's an unbroken thread connecting the two of you.
He leans down on the table in a smooth motion and decisively takes a shot. The ball he was aiming at falls into the pocket with a satisfying sound.
Artem: Yeah, this cue feels pretty good. Give it a try, [Player].
You: If you recommend it, Artem, then it must be really high-quality.
Artem: ...
Artem: Everyone has different opinions. I'm just speaking from experience.
You take the cue and lean over the table, but Artem doesn't let go. Instead, he holds you in his arms in a partial embrace.
Artem: The way you're currently exerting force isn't quite correct. Let me help you.
You don't know if Artem simply has good taste, or if his skills really are outstanding. He guides you to hit two balls in a row, and they both sail right into the pocket.
You: This cue is really nice. I feel like it has a lot of good luck stored in it too.
You weigh the cue in your hands, feeling increasingly sure that this one's the perfect one for you.
You: I think I'll pick this one. It feels really good in my hands.
Artem: Good. So, it seems like there wasn't anything wrong with "Artem's recommendation" this time, right?
You: Yep! Thank you, Coach Wing, for your enthusiastic recommendation.
Artem says nothing. Instead, he smiles and pulls you closer with a gentle force.
Palms grazing each other, barely touching - that's the etiquette Artem sticks to with you in public places. It's also the type of intimacy that hopelessly draws you in.
In the noisy club, no one will notice the interlude taking place in this corner, nor the "thoughts" shared without words.
Summary
