The Jack of Hearts | Chishiya Shuntaro

9

I couldn't recall facing such formidable challenges in any game since I found myself in this world.

Sure, every game had its difficulties. There were even games where my lack of physical prowess nearly led to my defeat. However, these games, due to their brevity, often felt like a foregone conclusion, buoyed by the surge of adrenaline.

However, this game was destroying me. I felt incredibly vulnerable, both physically and mentally, and my emotions were in turmoil.

With my head throbbing from sleep deprivation, I buried it in my hands, tightly shut my eyes, and fought the urge to vent my frustration at the player across from me. "What? What are you talking about? Why should I trust you like that?" My voice betrayed my deep temper.

"You don't have to trust me ." His tone carried an unexpected touch of sympathy. I opened my eyes and regarded him once more. "I know it's hard to gain trust in this game, especially at this level. But think about what I said, follow him. We can win this game only because of you, and you should know that. Because jack trusts you.''

He was right. In a situation like this, I had to take control.

Fuck! Why did everything become centered around me? Why did I suddenly become the main character in this game?

"Like I said, you don't have to believe me right away. But let me tell you your symbol. The moment you doubt him, you can end this. There aren't many options left. And the remaining groups won't just betray each other. He has to make a move if he is the jack.''

I locked eyes with him, as though I could discern the truth from his gaze. Silence hung between us for a few moments. Yet, I didn't interpret his expression negatively. He continued to regard me with understanding.

Could it be a deception? 

It didn't make any sense. Why should I suspect someone I had trusted throughout the entire game, solely on the word of a stranger? Maybe he was lying. Maybe he was misinterpreting. But there was still the possibility that he was telling the truth. And that possibility was enough to overwhelm me. 

For a brief instant, I considered Chishiya as the jack, and his actions throughout the game raced through my mind.

He had the most innocent of the players on his side... The jack could have made it to the last rounds by hiding like this. In the process, he found another partner he could trust. He waited for the other players to devour each other. He took advantage of Ippei's emotional breakdowns and told his symbol incorrectly at the first chance they got alone. This allowed him to claim that Ippei had taken his own life. All the while, he executed his scheme calmly, prudently, with unflinching resolve.

Shit!

There were so many questions to ask, so many possibilities that confused me. But my head couldn't take much more of this conversation. It was best to think on my own. So I wanted to get rid of him.

''Okay, fine, tell me my symbol. We can form a small alliance.''

⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁

Chishiya was sitting alone in the cellar. His face was devoid of any emotion. Typical.

I couldn't expect everyone to react the same way to a situation that was unfavorable, but I wanted to see some shred of emotion behind the death of someone he'd been forced to spend time with for the entire game. Because if I saw it, I would immediately believe he wasn't the jack.