Gambling In Love

Chapter 1: Jabami Yumeko

Walking her first class of the day, Yumeko felt a strange feeling come over her. Yet again, she was the new student, but she hoped this school was different. Here, everyone's parents are compulsive, rich gamblers. Unfortunately, Yumeko's parents aren't gamblers. In fact, her parents aren't even alive. She's only in this school because of her only living family member, her older sister.

She entered the class, and immediately, all eyes were on her. She smiled as brightly as she could manage. She looked around the room, and she noticed that everyone was whispering about her. Of course, she should've expected this. She is new after all.

"Class, this is Yumeko Jabami. She'll be joining our class for the rest of her time here," the teacher introduced her, "Ryota, would you mind showing Yumeko around?"

The whole class made noises of disapproval while Ryota stuttered for an answer. Amused, Yumeko giggled a little before saying, "It would be nice to have a guide. This school is huge."

"Uh, ye-yeah. Of course!" Ryota stuttered as he got up and waved for Yumeko to follow him. Again, Yumeko laughed under her breath before jogging to catch up with the brown-haired boy.

"Ryota, right?" she asked as she got up, fidgeting with the handle of her bag.

"Y-yeah," he stuttered while fidgeting with something around his neck.

"What's that?" Yumeko asked as she grabbed the tag, pulling the boy closer to her by his neck.

"Uh- I, it-" he stuttered.

"House pet?" she muttered aloud, reading the words on the tag, "What does that mean?" she released the boy, shoving him back lightly.

"It's-" he paused, "complicated."

"Well, someone has to tell me how this school works," she shrugged, "why not you?"

"It's... It's like a social hierarchy. House pets are the lowest. We- we're not even human anymore," he answered with his head down, presumably ashamed.

"Oh," she breathed, "I see. How do you stop being a house pet?"

"It's almost impossible. All the house pets are house pets because they're parents or they themselves are in debt to other people at the school," he explained as he continued walking Yumeko around the school.

"So, students here gamble?" Yumeko asked after a while. She had been curious about it for a while now, but she wasn't sure who to ask. Ryota seemed like he'd know.

"Some do, but it's not mandatory," Ryota explained. "Oh, that's the science lab," he pointed to a room they were passing. Yumeko nodded, chuckling at the boy. She liked his timidness and honesty.

"So, who do I avoid?" Yumeko asked. She wasn't the type for confrontation, so she preferred to avoid people who would instigate it.

"Depends," he shrugged, "Momobami Kirari is resident asshole, so probably avoid her."

"Okay," Yumeko nodded. Yumeko gasped on the inside. She had met Momobami Kirari before, and she never wanted to see her face again.

"Oh, and Saotome Mary is one of the best gamblers here. Everyone calls her the juggernaut because she's defeated. Actually, Kirari is undefeated too," Ryota rambled as he stopped at a staircase and sat down. Yumeko sat down with him, waiting for him to give her more information. She was not at all surprised that Kirari was undefeated. From what she remembered, Kirari was one of the best gamblers she knew. She may not like the girl, but she gave respect where respect was due.

"So, they're the ones to avoid?" Yumeko asked, trying to hide her disdain for Kirari.

"Probably, most people just stay out of their way and let them do their own thing," Ryota explained as he got up, dusted himself up, and walked up the stairs again.