𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 - 𝐀. 𝐆𝐀𝐊𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐔

𝟭𝟳 : 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦

Trigger warnings: mentions of guns/
death, manipulation, gaslighting. (I am NOT romanticizing nor glorifying this, it's for gambling scenes because this is a crossover with kakegurui after all).

THE AFTERMATH OF THE DINNER WITH THE HUNDRED DEVOURING FAMILIES WAS A TOTAL HELL. Although the dishes served were exquisite, they still didn't ease their deep hatred for each other. That's why after dinner was finished and when the two father figures were out of the room, guns and gambling tables replaced the dinner tables. But, again, your gaze was strict, not once floundering even after the meaningless threat Rin gave, being the weapon pointed accurately at your forehead.

"Down, boy," Terano reprimanded her fellow clan member once again. Her hands grazed Rin's slender fingers, ushering his hand down so that the gun will be safe on the table.

"Is there really the need for a gambling table?" The petite girl asked. Her bi-colored eyes were mixed with mischief and excitement, and her hands supported the weight of her head.

"It's an unwritten rule that we gamble during events, don't we?" You reminded the girl with a scowl.

"What are we gonna play, anyway?" Rin asked.

"And with president charming over there, might I add," he continued.

The sound of cards shuffling filled the sinful air of risk-taking you all were breathing in. Your fingers grazed on each one of the cards, memorizing them while you're at it. The deck finally hit the center of the gambling table, signaling everyone that you were finished.

"Would you still let him join us if I told you that we're gonna play Russian roulette?"

The sound of a gun being loaded then sharply alarmed your fight or flight instinct. You banged both your hands on the table before glaring at the bi-colored girl.

Gakushuu went closer to your trembling figure, frustration continuously seeping out of your energy. Then, smoothly, The redhead snaked a reassuring arm on your waist, pulling you closer to him so he could whisper.

"You don't even have to worry about me. To say the least, I don't care whether or not you'll let me. I'll join no matter what you say. I want to see if I can beat you at the thing you do best."

Your scowl deepened after that statement. Though you know that Gakushuu isn't as vulnerable as you think he is. He has his quirks, and some you even find infuriating. Most especially his greed to consistently succeed in even the most trivial things. But at most, a side of you thought of letting Gakushuu join. Especially after that remark where he wanted to see whether he could beat you or not. You wanted to see him regret his decision—all fair in the game of love and war.

"Try me," you taunted the boy.

Gakushuu smirked as a reply before unfolding his arms that were once resting on your hip. He then increased the distance between you two a little bit to ensure that the others are not uncomfortable with the public display of affection.

"Talk about a pushover," Rin teased your possessive demeanor.

"Whatever," you muttered under your breath.

"Ready to shoot your shot, [last name]-san?" A clan member asked while pointing a gun at you for the nth time tonight. Your lover obviously quivered, his initial reaction being him pulling you closer.

This was a traumatic experience, indeed, but sadly this was merely another day in your life—a life filled with traumatizing bets that cost millions up to several organs or lifelines. You've been living in a world where the stakes are always high. The whole world was simply beneath the palm of your hand. Most times, you think of yourself as the creature on top of the food chain. Feared by all, hunted by all. But somehow, the thought of the world resting on your palm seems to furnish a deep pressure clawing on your neck like an itchy collar.