Top. (Reader x Various Kakegurui)

11: Don't Keep Her Out Too Late

"Don't keep her out too late, Manyuda-kun! You both have school in the morning." You father chided him lightly.

"Of course, your majesty, I would never impede on Princess YN's education." Kaede bowed deeply.

"Oh come now, we don't expect you to call her that. You have always called our precious YN such cute names. It warms our heart to know she has such a dear friend."

"I would not want to dishonor her in public by addressing her so informally."

"Ah, if you insist. But you should know that she still calls you by that adorable pet name. Ka-da, was it?" You father laughed as he concluded his teasing.

But Kaede's heart was pounding. He always took the high road, as his father had instructed him to, but he so very much wanted to simply declare his feelings for you. It took his entire willpower to not let the words 'I'm in love with your daughter' to fall out of his mouth. But he did pull you closer and he turned to face you with a big smile and adjusted your crown.

"Did you like my dad using your special name?" You asked as you blushed.

"Incredibly awkward. But he's a wonderful man regardless, bug. And of course, I will continue to call you such cute names." He offered his arm to you as you both continued on to the dance floor. It was a great place to chat freely and privately. "So," he asked as he assumed the waltz position, "I heard that you didn't spend after school with Yuriko... Where were you?"

"I watched the new student gamble." You smiled at him. He was probably happy that you didn't spend that time with her. He assumed, correctly, that things got a little... heated... after school. And he didn't want to hear about that.

"The viper in our garden of Eden, I hear. So?"

"She's wonderful. I can't wait to see her gamble again." Your eyes shined and ignited a spark of jealousy in Kaede. And then he looked sad. "You don't... you don't have to kiss the other girls, you know. You could just be friends with them..."

You pursed your lips. It made your heart hurt to hear Kaede be so honest with you. So you owed him honesty as well.

"I'm... not ready to settle down yet. I'm having fun and people understand the rules. Minimizes the hurt feelings."

Kaede's eyes burned with that cursed salty water known as tears.

"Kaede."

"Sorry, bug. I don't mean to embarrass you."

"No, no. I love you, Ka-da. You know you're special."

He pulled you even closer, but kept an eye out for anyone who looked at you suspiciously.

"Who are you going to choose tomorrow?"

"What fun would that be, if you knew?"

"I need more attention, YN. I need your support. I'm... I've got a plan. A plan to ensure that I can take care of you. Just... tell me that you'll support me."

You stayed quiet for a moment. This sounded fishy.

"You will always be my number one, Kaede. But I will do what is best for the country. Perhaps that will be supporting you. Perhaps it will be remaining neutral. Come over to my house tomorrow. My parents are going to Hokkaido. Spend the evening with me."

"What about tonight?" He smiled at you as he blinked away his tears.

"I think we're going to have to just dance on the floor tonight, Kae. My father made such a specific request." You squeezed his hand and looked into his eyes. "But I love you, Ka-da. Don't forget."

As he held you as close as he respectfully could, he whispered back, "I love you too, bug."