Inequalities [Lookism X Reader]

TWENTY-THREE : Online Gambling (4)

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The rain poured heavily, the cold air adding to the dreariness of the night, making it the perfect moment for rest. A/l, however, found himself thinking about you. He imagined you sleeping soundly despite the storm, and for a brief moment, he wished he could just enjoy the peacefulness of a rainy day—if only there weren't so many things to deal with. He glanced at Jake, who stood there, still processing the sudden interruption of their little scuffle.

As A/l's thoughts wandered, his attention was drawn to a familiar figure approaching. It wasn't just any stranger; someone he hadn't expected to see was standing there now. What is he doing here? A/l wondered, but didn't voice his thoughts.

"Haha, what a funny scene," Gun said, breaking the silence. He stepped toward them, holding an umbrella to shield himself from the downpour. As his gaze landed on Jake, it was clear that Jake had not expected this meeting.

"It's been a long time. How've you been?" Gun asked casually, sounding almost like a distant relative, someone Jake hadn't seen in years.

"...Gun" Jake muttered in surprise. The shock was evident on his face; he didn't seem to know how to respond to Gun's sudden appearance.

A/l looked at his crew, signaling one of them—disguised as you—to move away. He didn't want Gun to get any funny ideas about who they were. Meanwhile, Gun's gaze flicked to Vasco, who was still visibly beaten from the earlier altercation. Gun's eyes narrowed as he took in Vasco's state. It reminded him of their past encounter at the School Festival, where Vasco had shown off some serious strength. Gun had been impressed by his potential.

"Do you know that guy?" Gun asked, his voice full of curiosity. "He's got some strange name, wasn't it...?"

"Tabasco?" Gun guessed, pausing as if trying to remember the name, but Vasco was too stunned to respond. A/l didn't know how to react either, but Gun's words hung in the air.

"Great physique, but lacking in skill. You've got talent, but you're not ready for a real fight," Gun said to Vasco, before turning his attention back to Jake, who was still soaking wet like everyone else.

"I had my eyes on him, Jake was my the top candidate," Gun continued, his voice serious. Jake looked confused, raising an eyebrow. The way Gun phrased it made Jake uneasy.

"I was? Why the past tense?" Jake asked, his voice tinged with anxiety.

Gun smirked, enjoying the discomfort Jake felt. "Well, that's why I'm here," he said, his grin fading into something more serious. "As of today, you've failed. Such a pity."

Jake flinched, the weight of Gun's words sinking in. His heart dropped, his body freezing as those words played over and over in his head. Is this some kind of nightmare? he thought, trying to make sense of it all. A/l, ever silent, watched the scene unfold, a twisted smile forming on his face. He found Jake's devastated expression oddly fascinating, but part of him also didn't want you to witness this and feel sorry for Jake. I'd hate that, he thought.

Jake's disbelief was palpable. "What? What the hell?" he muttered repeatedly, hoping this was all just some sick joke.

"Hey, Glasses, the guy's asking. You might want to explain things to him," A/l said, his voice calm, but with an edge.

Gun turned his attention back to Jake, his gaze steady. "You're with the Wolf Bite, right?" Gun asked, waiting for confirmation. A/l didn't respond, choosing instead to watch the exchange unfold with amusement.

Jake glared at Gun, while the guy was a little suspicious that he was eyeing the girl in the Queen's disguise—he could tell something was off. She didn't quite have the same intimidating aura that the real Queen, you, had. Gun's suspicion grew as he realized the disguise wasn't fooling him. He was looking for the real deal.