The House Always Wins | Kakegurui x Male Reader

Chapter VI

Y/N's POV

A few days later, as Y/N walked the Tokyo streets toward his 'work,' his phone began to ring incessantly, the screen flashing with his mom's number. Despite the time difference and the complexities of international mobile services, his family had found a way to keep the lines of communication frustratingly open.

With a resigned sigh, Y/N answered the call.

"Hello?" Y/N greeted, his tone betraying his annoyance.

"Y/N! How are you, honey? We miss you so much!" his mom's voice came through, chipper and oblivious to her son's growing irritation.

"I'm fine, Mom," Y/N replied curtly, dodging a guy who wasn't paying attention to where he was going.

"We're just so worried about you, all alone in Japan. Your sister got an A on her math test, and your brother has been working on his game!" she prattled on, the maternal pride in her voice contrasting with Y/N's disinterest.

"That's great," Y/N responded mechanically, his attention split between the conversation and the people around him.

"And how's your job? Are you eating well? Is sushi better there?" she continued.

"It's fine, Mom. Sushi's good," he muttered, trying to end the topic as he sidestepped a group of tourists taking pictures.

"Oh, and make sure you're saving money. We know how you can be with your spending," she added.

Y/N rolled his eyes, a response lost on his mother due to the distance and the phone line. "Yeah, I got it, Mom. I'm being careful with money," he lied, his recent financial blunders flashing through his mind.

"We just want you to be safe and happy. And remember, if things get tough, you can always come back home." she said.

Y/N's pace slowed as her words sank in.

"I know, Mom. Thanks," he replied, his voice softer now.

"And remember, Y/N, if you ever need anything, especially money, just let us know. We're here to support you."

Y/N hesitated,  "I'm fine, Mom," he replied. Money was tight, tighter than ever.

His mom made a substantial offer. "Y/N, we know things ended on a rocky note when you left. We want to help. How about we send you some extra money, just to get you settled? Think of it as a... a peace offering, a way for us to be there with you, even from afar."

Y/N stopped in his tracks, just outside the train station entrance, the weight of her words anchoring him to the spot.

After a brief silence, filled only by the distant sounds of trains and talking, Y/N found his voice, but softer. "I... I appreciate that, Mom. Really, I do. But I want to try to make it on my own. I'll... I'll let you know if things get too tough, okay?"

His mom's response was gentle. "Okay, honey. Just remember, the offer stands-, no matter what. And we love you, always."

Y/N managed a quiet, "Talk to you later, Mom." He ended the call, standing still for a moment.

With a deep breath, Y/N pocketed his phone and stepped into the train station.

.

❛ ━━━ 🎲♠️♦️♣️♥️🃏🎲♠️♦️♣️♥️🃏 ━━━━ ❜

.

The station radio crackled to life, announcing the train's imminent arrival to Saitama. "Hell, my Japanese is shitty, even though I think I have a gift for learning quickly," he thought, doubting his linguistic prowess in deciphering the announcement.