PLAYBOY - Kihyuk

1 ~ Gambler

Gambling was never something I wanted to do. I simply needed some quick cash to pay off my debts, but it's like I got stuck in a maze with no way out. More debts I have to pay off.
But I'm good. I'm good at gambling. I've made lots of money and lost it just as fast.

How did I get here you may wonder?
Honestly, I don't remember anymore.
But it's like glue. An addiction that wont let go.

"Your turn, Kihyun"

Yoongis voice interrupts my thoughts.

"How much are you willing to bet?", he asks.

Min Yoongi. The only person I could consider a friend. Because I don't owe him anything.
I met him only about a week after starting, impressed by my talent and extreme luck he decided to teach me some basics as I was still new.

"Are you sure you wanna play again?", I ask. "You've lost a fair amount of money, I'd feel bad if I put you in debt!"

Yoongi sighs. "You're too nice, Kihyun. That's gonna be the death of you..."

"Hey, don't say that! I've survived this business for 2 years."

"With my help, yes."

I roll my eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I'm thankful for the help you gave me..."

"Kihyun?", Yoongi starts.

"Mhm?", I say as response.

"I get a feeling...", he continues. I tilt my head slightly, looking at him. "That you wanna play someone who's better than me."

"What makes you think that..?", I ask.

"C'mon, I'm your best friend", Yoongi says. "I know you're a thrillseeker, even if you may not admit it"

A thrillseeker?
Maybe not entirely untrue. Even if I'm not really a risktaker and try to bet with caution, the thought of betting with someone as good or better than me feels tempting.

"Maybe...", I respond. "But this is fine."

"We should go somewhere else", Yoongi suggests. "Somewhere bigger... Where we can really win huge amounts of money..!"

I slowly nod, taking a sip of my soju, not being sure what he's hinting at.

"I think we should go to Shownu Casino..!"

Owned by Son Hyunwoo, Shownu Casino is among the biggest casinos in the country. Gamblers from all over the world travels there just to play, some going from broke to billionaires, some from rich to bankrupt.

I almost choke on my drink. "Shownu Casino? Are you sure we're good enough?"

Yoongi smiles. "I'm not. But you are!"

"Will you atleast be there as my moral support if I say yes?", I ask, laughing a little.

"Of course!", Yoongi responds. "But I won't gamble. Please Kihyun, I am going to want to, but you can't let me!"

I nod. "I'll try to stop you, but I can't promise anything."

"We'll drive there tomorrow morning and stay for a week", Yoongi states.

"Do we afford that...?", I ask with concern. "The hotel rooms are crazy expensive around Shownu Casino!"

Yoongi nods. "We aren't staying in the actual building, we're staying in a... less fancy hotel about 30 minutes away."

"Alright", I accept. "Sounds great."

The day goes by quickly and the night falls. I'm not sure whether I'm scared or intrigued by what can happen tomorrow.

Minhyuk POV

"So?", I start. "Do you have the money yet? You owe me alot, you know..."

The guy takes a few steps back. Pathetic.

"I-I will have it soon, I just need more time!", he begs. I laugh at his stupid face for a second before turning serious.

"That's what you said last time as well, and let me remind you how very generous I have been with time...", I declare.

The guy quickly nods. "Y-yes, of course mr. Lee! But I just need one more week and I'll have it! Please!"

I sigh. "Alright. One more week."

"Thank you sir!!", the guy exclaims, on gis knees, grabbing my expensive suit. "Thank you, thank you, thank you..."

I push him down. "Don't thank me yet, if you don't have the money by next week, this won't end pretty...", I threaten, pulling out my gun.

Kihyun POV

Looking out of the car window I feel a bit anxious. What will come next?

"We have a long car ride infront of us, why don't we make a bet?", Yoongi suggests.

"What kind?", I ask.

"I bet 50 bucks the next song is gonna to be Drunk-Dazed by Enhypen", Yoongi offers.

"Yoongi, it's your playlist", I laugh and switch the song. And just like I expected Drunk-Dazed starts playing.

"Fine, I knew that...", Yoongi says, rolling his eyes. "Did you bring a set of cards?"

"No, you?"

"Fuck... Oh well, we can buy it when we get there", Yoongi answers. "We need something to do in the hotel room..."

I nod. "Should we go to the hotel first?"

"I could drop you off at the casino", Yoongi suggests. "I'll check into the hotel and unpack some stuff before coming there too."

"Sounds good", I answer.

"You look a bit anxious, Kihyun", Yoongi states.

"Yeah, I guess I am...", I admit.

Yoongi smiles at me. "You're a good gambler, Kihyun. The best I've ever played. Trust me when I say you've got nothing to worry about..!"

I smile back nervously. Yet something feels very wrong about the words he just said.