Wings of Exhilaration: Story 2
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards:
S-Chip x80
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Script
Race Track Preparation Area
The new round of supply preparation is finally nearing its end.
Artem still needs to check the list of items with the logistics team, so you sip some water and have a brief rest on a simple cot.
Perhaps you have already become accustomed to the pace of this work. The utter exhaustion you previously experienced hasn't reared its head again.
The only thing that is making you uncomfortable is the stuffy heat you are working in.
By the fourth time you lower your head to wipe the sweat off your brow, a towel has gently landed on your head.
You: Huh...?
Artem: Don't move. I'll wipe it off for you.
The dry towel softly and thoroughly cleans the back of your ears, the nape of your neck, and your forehead. The stuffy heat that has surrounded you is finally replaced with a cool freshness.
You: It feels so good.
Artem: You need to drink more water. We managed to apply and get a cot this time, so you can have a good rest.
You: Yes. I drank plenty of water already. You should have some too.
Artem takes the half-full water bottle from you as you suggested and takes a few gulps.
However, he shakes his head when you try to get him to sit on the cot with you.
Artem: You rest up first. There are two pieces of special positioning equipment that I have to go pick up from the shelves. I'm waiting for the other teams to send the folding ladder over.
You: Folding ladder? But... I thought the prep area only had low shelves, isn't it?
Artem: Yes, but the equipment I'm picking up isn't in the prep area. It's in the warehouse.
Artem: The warehouse's shelves are pretty tall. I won't be able to get to it without a ladder.
You: Then, have the other teams said when they're going to send the ladder over?
You: If we wait any longer, the first transport truck is going to leave.
Artem: Mmm... yes, the time is a bit tight. And there are no available staff members here who can help with a forklift.
Artem: It would be good for us to be as fast as possible. However, going by the outcome of this rally stage, we'll still be on time if we aim for the second transport truck.
You look around in worry and suddenly notice the towel on Artem's neck.
You: ...I have an idea!
Artem: Oh? What idea?
You: Let's go to the warehouse. I'll explain once we're there!
Warehouse
You explain to Artem your plans as you stand before the shelves in the warehouse, and he looks quite resigned after he hears it.
Artem: It sounds rather... childish. And is it going to be safe?
You: It'll be fun. We all played like that when we were little, right? It'll work out as long as we successfully get what we need.
Artem: ...
Artem raises his head to look at the shelf again with some concern as if confirming the height and location. He finally nods.
Artem: ...All right. Then you need to hold on tight.
Despite saying this, Artem still crouches down in front of the shelf as per your instructions and pats his shoulder.
Artem: Climb up. Be careful.
You carefully sit on Artem's shoulder. Once you've found your balance, you grab onto his hands and sit up steadily.
You: Okay. Time to stand up.
Artem grabs your ankles with his hands and slowly stands up. As your center of gravity shifts, you hurriedly grab onto the shelves next to you.
Artem: Steady now... Can you reach the box?
You: A bit more to the left. The left... yeah, and a bit closer...
Like two children picking fruit from a tree, one of you gives commands while the other moves as you two slowly nudge toward your goal. You then reach out with your hand.
Artem: Did you get it?
You: ...I got it! Hurry! Let's take it over—
You hug the box excitedly and prepare to get off. However, Artem does not move. He is laughing softly instead.
You: What's so funny...?
Artem: I know I said before that this is kind of childish... but now that I think about it, it's pretty interesting.
You: Hahaha, that's true... Hey, wait, don't let me down yet.
Artem: Hmm? What is it?
A sudden idea comes over you. You direct Artem to take a few steps back and only stop when you are leaning steadily against the shelf on the other side.
Artem opens his mouth again to ask about your plans, but you stop his words by bending down and softly kissing his forehead.
Artem: ...
You: Isn't it even more interesting now?
Artem: You...
After Artem tells you to sit up again, he doesn't pay any more attention to your spontaneous ideas. As soon as you land and stand on your own two feet, he smiles and moves close to you.
Artem: You seem particularly invested in teasing me recently.
You: I wouldn't say it's teasing... It's rare for us to be like this. Away from work or competition, and just spend time relaxing with you...
Artem: ...That's true. It's hard for us to get an opportunity like this...
As his presence grows closer and the warmth of his body is about to surround yours, a sudden thud can be heard from the warehouse's doors.
You and Artem both immediately look in that direction and see a man in a transport officer's uniform placing a folding ladder by the door.
He looks around the warehouse and doesn't spot you two. The officer then turns and leaves after muttering, "Where is he?"
You and Artem look at each other, and you feel like your face is so flushed it must have burnt a layer of your skin off.
Artem: Ahem... Let's hurry and send the supplies over. As for the other stuff... we'll deal with it later.
You: G—good idea...
Summary
