𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐄 || 𝗌𝗂𝗀𝗆𝖺

𝗦𝗜𝗫.

"JUST ONE MINUTE..." A DEEP-MONOTONE VOICE RUNG THROUGH THE THICK AIR.

Half-lidded eyes teared away from the card that was slid over, and onto the hand that was placed on his stack of money. Eyes soaked in mysterious intent yet also one of judgement. The atmosphere once again returned to a dead silence as you noticed everyone's facial features grew pale and neutral. A cold shiver ran like lightening down your spine.

"You think I'm stupid enough to not see through your obvious little game?" The clearly annoyed man grumbled in displeasure, the colored card resting between his index and middle finger idly. The man across looked on in disbelief as a rough gulp sounded out from him.

'He saw...? No way...I was sure the guy could have won.' Your eyebrows furrowed at the potential victory that was now crushed thanks to him. It seems other guests who gathered around at the little competition expressed their displeasure as well, never through words, but in hand gestures and the twists of their faces.

The air lingering around grew thick and congested to the point where it proved impossible to breathe in such a state and even standing there had you a nervous wreck. What was going to happen now? Will a fight break out? Will the other guy defend himself convincingly? Little to no answers provided you with the intel for what will occur in the next few seconds.

"T...That's bullshit! That card cancels out your whole deck! So, there's no turning back now. You lose. I win." Rough hands suddenly slammed on the table causing cards, poker chips, and all else to shake underneath, paired with an assertive tone as he stood up. Soft strands of his hair loosely covered over his forehead before his breathing went airy. It was no surprise that all guests gasped in shock and astonishment from the sudden aggression. Even others who were minding their own business playing games the casino has to offer paused and took a glance.

You were on the same boat.

The man across chuckled darkly, still seated at the table to appear more controlled than the other. Or perhaps to make him look like a fool in front of others.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah!"

"Another round?"

"I'm sick of playing your rigged games over and over. You scam these people out of their money, when in fact, you've been losing all this time!"

A vein had slowly appeared from the man's forehead. Was a man lower than him really going to accuse him of scamming?

Guests appeared more and more concerned as the argument went on. You, in fact, had no idea what even happened. After all, you woke up in a lively casino assuming it was from not taking the medication. ...Oh right.

The two men's voice became louder and more accusatory. Quiet mumbles of worry and nervousness sparked through the air. This was starting to get out of hand.

Should you get involved? Maybe call out for help? They appeared two seconds away from going at each other's throats.

In an adrenaline rush, almost opening your mouth to let a sentence roll off your tongue freely...

Quick, hasty footsteps of what sounds to be like heeled-shoes soon swept through the large room.

Weird...another harsh chill not only ran down your spine, but your entire body.