Top. (Reader x Various Kakegurui)

7: That's Absurd

"That's absurd! I won't be a party to this!" Meari got up to storm off.

"Don't tell me you're getting cold feet." Yumeko asked in a sweetly vicious manner. She was trying to provoke Meari into playing her twisted game. And it was working. Meari was furious and her face gave her away. One of the reasons that you had never been interested in her; she had such ugly emotions.

"These large gambles really do make my heart race." Yumeko giggled cheerily.

You wondered why Meari hadn't just immediately accepted; since she was cheating anyway. Even her face gave that away at this point.

"Have you decided your move? Ready?" She quickly changed her face to a more pleasant one. But Yumeko remained silent. "What's wrong? You only have three cards. So, what good will it do to hesitate?"

"Did you think I wouldn't catch on?" Yumeko sneered.

Oh my... she's like my perfect woman. You thought as you looked at her lovingly. Even Ryota, through his shock, noticed and appreciated the look you were giving Yumeko.

"Everyone is collaborating with you, isn't that right, Meari?" The student body looked around in shame, but your eye were focused on the girl in front of you. "Judging by all of the voting till now, I wouldn't say all, but ten, perhaps? To seal your victory, maybe 20 or so, should I say?"

"On what basis are you--?" Meari began to defend herself, but Yumeko interrupted.

"Your methods are crude."

Get herrrr, you cheered in your mind. They definitely were crude, especially in comparison to the student council's methods.

"You made the same play twice in a row when there was 500,000 yen on the line. Why wouldn't I suspect something was going on?" She continued her analysis. "Whenever the stakes were low, you'd throw in some random moves, but as camouflage, that was a poor tactic. You'll never deceive anyone unless you're prepared to shed blood!"

"Would you stop making false accusations? You're trying to sweep this match under the rug--"

"Heavens, no!" Yumeko replied with a normal, endearing expression. "No, why would I let it all go to waste? After all, the real fun is just about to start." Her face melted into one of pleasure, causing your own face to grow an even bigger smile.

Oh wow. I never noticed how cute she was. Ryota thought to himself. She's so... smiley. Especially compared to Meari being so angry.

"Are you done with your tedious drivel? Hurry up and pick out a card!" Meari shouted, as Yumeko laughed.

"I did warn you..."

"Are you ready?!" Meari was ready to destroy this girl.

"Yes."

"SHOWDOWN! Rock, paper, scissors!"

And then it was over. A silence quickly came over the room as everyone took in the results. Soon enough, your own giggles broke the silence.

"What? Scissors?" Meari looked like her life just ended. Because it had. Her play had been paper. "Impossible. No way."

"Impossible or not, please don't avert your eyes from reality. Now, as for settling up... after subtracting what I lost, that will be 8.8 million yen. Your payment will be appreciated."

"You'll be kind enough to pay up, right?" Yumeko was torturing her now and you couldn't have been more excited. You already knew who tomorrow's pick would have to be.