Gambling In Love

Chapter 15: Settling Old Scores

 When Yumeko woke up, a nurse checked her out and, surprisingly, she was fine. The fall had only given her a minor concussion. Other than that, she'd only be sore for a while. "You're lucky you didn't die," Mary said, obviously upset with Yumeko for making such a rash decision although she did understand why Yumeko did it.

"I suppose," Yumeko shrugged as she smiled happily, back to her usual giddy personality.

"So, what's it like seeing the whole Momobami clan here?" Mary asked, knowing Yumeko and the rest of them didn't get along.

"They all hate me still, as expected," Yumeko said carelessly.

"That doesn't bother you?" Mary asked.

"I'm used to it," Yumeko smiled as she shrugged.

That's when it hit Mary full on. The only person who had ever shown Yumeko unconditional love was her sister. Everyone else in her life always wanted something from her, and when they didn't get it, they often ended up hating her. The only exceptions being Kirari and Ririka, much to their parent's dismay.

"While you were out, one of them requested to gamble with you," Mary told her.

"Oh?" Yumeko asked, surprised, "Who?"

"Mushibami Erimi," Mary told her.

"Oh," Yumeko smiled a little, "this should be fun."

"Do you two have history?" Mary asked.

"Her family made all the things in my basement," Yumeko told Mary, "They specialize in torture. Whatever gamble she has planned, it should be fun."

"You're not worried?" Mary asked.

"About what? Getting hurt? I've gotten hurt my whole life. Why would I fear what's normal?" Yumeko asked. The way she asked it sounded genuine, but Mary knew it was rhetorical, "Surely you understand that?"

Mary thought about it for a moment. No matter how many times her father hurt her, she always feared it. After a while, she could guess when it would happen and somewhat prepare herself, but she still feared the inevitable pain.

Rather than answer, Mary merely shrugged. "So, what are you going to do with your vote?" Yumeko asked, changing the subject.

"I'll probably just hang around until someone challenges me," Mary smiled as they reached the place Yumeko was meant to meet Erimi when she woke up. "I'm off. Try not to get killed," Mary joked, although it was obvious she meant it.

Yumeko just smiled as she waved to Mary before entering the room. She was surprised to see that there was a third person, and she was even more surprised by who the third person was, Inbami Miyo.

"It's just like old times," Miyo smiled happily as she stood up from her seat next to Erimi.

"Hopefully I won't lose this time," Yumeko smiled cheerfully.

Miyo and Erimi looked at each other for a moment, seemingly amused by Yumeko's words. "Looks like everyone's here," a chipper voice spoke from beside a device in the middle of the room, "I'm Inaho Yamato, election monitor."

"Nice to meet you," Yumeko smiled, friendly as ever.

"I'll quickly explain the rules before you begin," the election monitor smiled as she directed everyone's eyes to the device. Yumeko immediately recognized it as one her father had in his basement. She also knew, from experience, that the real device didn't function as it seemed.

"The idea is simple. You'll all place a finger in this slot," she pointed to a small hole in the device, "and each take turns cutting a string until this blade falls. You're all free to withdraw your finger whenever, but when you do, you lose and your vote is given to the winner in the end."