Shuffle The Deck

Chapter 33 - Yukari Momoja

The night went on, more victories and only 2 losses attributed themselves to Lilah. She had ended up with over 1.1 billion Jenny by the end of her games, calling her time after the 24th round. She had robbed the couple, the young man, and a few other unlucky players who had tried to go against her.

Was it luck? Was it skill? Not even Lilah could predict the outcome of events, but her emotionless attitude that persisted through each game never broke her focus and allowed her to recognize the weaknesses of certain players.

Yukari lost half her buy-in to the woman, ultimately impressed. As she was ready to take her leave, she caught Lilah's attention.

"A celebratory drink? Sounds fun, I'm in."

The two were given slips from Joe, who congratulated them both. He sent a nod in Lilah's direction, in admiration of her demeanor during games, and impressed by her handsome winnings.

Yukari and Lilah began walking towards the bar, immersed in small talk and going over some of the hilarious screw-ups they encountered in the last few games.

Sitting beside one another, Lilah ordered a glass of wine, and Yukari got 7 shots of straight tequila.

She sipped on her blood-red liquor, laughing as Yukari took 2 shots without hesitation or even a reaction after the sharp alcohol hit the back of her throat.

"Lil-ah! Take one with me, c'mon!" she giggled, pushing a small glass in her direction.

The woman laughed, clinking hers with Yukari's, and they swung the liquid simultaneously.

"Oh...It's been a while since I've felt like this," Yukari said cheerfully. "It's nice to have someone besides my boyfriend to take shots with."

"Haha, of course. Thanks for everything tonight, I'll definitely be back here for a couple more games before I leave the hotel."

"I've gotta be there to watch you crush em' all. Also, I know this is sorta out of the blue, definitely not my thing, but I've been unfair to you in more ways than one," Yukari cleared her throat of tequila and gagged slightly.

"I want to be honest with you, Lilah. about who I am, and why I approached you in the first place. The least you deserve is an explanation."

"I won't deny that I've been curious about you from the moment we met," Lilah said honestly, making the woman smile.

"My name is Yukari Momoja, though you already know that. I'm the daughter of Sayako Momoja, the owner of this casino. Goes without saying that I have a shit ton of influence around here. Ah, about the gambling, I've always had a knack for it ever since I was young, and our games tonight just brought back a spark I haven't felt in a while. We play similarly, you and I. Guess that's why I was drawn to you, my little protege."

Lilah conceded to the woman's words, watching her chuckle softly.

"Sorry about not introducing myself properly from the beginning. Would have made a lot more sense, to be honest. But, now you know, well, other than the dealers and bartenders. So, don't spread it around, okay? This is kept between us two."

"I'm flattered you're even telling me this." Lilah smiled. "Thank you."

Yukari blinked and returned Lilah's grin. "I like you! We're gonna be great friends!"

Lilah gently grabbed hold of Yukari's manicured hands and brought them toward her.

"We already are," she happily replied.

The two continued chatting, learning more about one another, and building a friendship in a few short hours.

"I know it might be hard to believe since this is your very first time gambling, but I see something in you. And it's different from every single person in this casino."