ᵗʰᵉ ᵐᵃˢᵏ ᵗʰᵃᵗ ˢᵉᵖᵉʳᵃᵗᵉᵈ ᵘˢ | ᶜʰⁱˢʰⁱʸᵃ ᶠᵃⁿᶠⁱᶜᵗⁱᵒⁿ

Chapter 2 - Power Struggle at the Beach

I couldn't concentrate on the conversation between the Hatters and Lyria. I don't know if they're screaming, arguing, or even making peace.

Their voices sound like I'm underwater. I try not to look at him all the time, at Chishiya. I've noticed more than enough that someone is staring at me, I always didn't care. I can't describe it. He has such a - disgusting attitude, if you can call it that. Like he was looking down at everyone else.

The exclusive members at the Beach hate me. rightfully so because I'm one of their enemies. I'm sure Chishiya has a similar opinion of me. Although, I have no idea. His grin annoys me. It drives me crazy. And in a bad way... I guess.

I was brought back to reality when Lyria suddenly pulled me by the arm in front of her, and I immediately felt the piercing stares everywhere.

"Oh yeah?"

Lyria says somewhat arrogantly. I have absolutely no idea what they two are talking about.

"Number 16 here, has already won a thousand times against at least 5 of your exclusive members in a fight. Personally, I would be embarrassed if I were you."

I look back and forth between the Hatter and Lyria. The Hatter just looks at her annoyed. But she's right

"What the- What's that supposed to mean?"

I say, looking at Lyria with a mix of annoyance and confusion.

"Damn, Lyria, you sound like a little kid -"

"But I'm right."

Lyria says in the same arrogant voice. I look at the other exclusive members of The Night. They all have the same confused look. Then my eyes wander to the exclusive members of The Beach. They look at me annoyed, as if they wanted to torture me all at once. And even if I didn't want to, my eyes go back to Chishiya.
He has that look on his face again. I can't tell how he's feeling or what he's thinking. It's almost as if he's unreadable, he only grins slightly.

"Fuck you Hatter, I want my cards back."

Lyria says with a harsh tone. I realize that my real mission was to find out which of Hatter's exclusive members stole our cards. And I could swear that Chishiya's grin widens a bit when Lyria brings up this subject. I sigh in annoyance and look back at Lyria and Hatter.

"the way I know you..."

And then, Hatter grins a little, but his tone is serious and calm.

"You're too stupid to figure it out anyway."

„Stupid enough to break in with white close.."

I mumble under my breath. All of them, the exclusive members from The Beach and The Night, shifts their gazes to Chishiya. But he? He doesn't care at all.
I hate him.
The Hatter wants to say something, but he didn't for a few moments.

"Even if.."

the Hatter continues.

"What do you plan to do to get the cards back?"

Fuck. I bite my inner cheeks to keep my mouth shut, but I can't. I want to punch him in the face until his ugly sunglasses break and they carve the little shards into his skin.

„I will-"

Suddenly, Lyria pulls me back.

„Okay, enough."

My eyes widened, I look at her annoyed and confused.

„What the hell?! You're the one who starting arguing with him like a little kid-"

"It looks like you're trying to get along with your members first before starting The Beach Stress, Lyria. I wouldn't be surprised if Number 16 took your place with so little assertiveness."

Hatter interrupted me. Now everyone is looking at me and Lyria.
Now I really wanted to punch him.
Lyria pushes me aside and walks towards Hatter.

"First, you were the ones who stole our cards. Second, I have assertiveness and if I want this damn building to burn down, it will happen. Third, at least I don't look like a parrot with an outrageous face ugly sunglasses. And fourthly... this meeting is now over. Lyria storms out of the room, most of the exclusive members of The Night follow her.

"I'd watch the cards if I were you."

I threaten him with a sharp look and then follow the others.

When everyone has left the room, Hatter turns to his exclusive members.

"Chishiya... the cards?"

Chishiya nods and slowly walks towards the Hatter with his hands in his pockets. He slowly takes the cards out of his pocket and hands the cards over to him. Hatter takes the cards and grins slightly.

"Thank you very much, excellent work."

The Hatter puts the cards in his pockets and turns back to Chishyia while the other Exclusive members watch them.

"I like the little one. The number 16..."

Niragi pipes up from somewhere in the corner and licks his lips.

"Me too."

Hatter says. He nods and looks at the cards in his pocket.

"She's the strongest player in The Night, I'm impressed too."

The Hatter looks up at Chishyia, who is once again grinning slightly.

"And if we hold her hostage, we can demand a lot from The Night..."

After a few seconds he looks at the other exclusive members.

„I mean, I think they don't want to loose their strongest player."

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