CHAPTER 19

SLIDE.

"All right, let's start the meeting. If you're not an executive member, leave the room." Hatter's asserting voice announced.

You looked around the room and noticed that on one side, there was a meeting table with 8 seats. On the other side of the room was crowded with people surrounding a pool table. As they began to leave the room, you noticed between the people that on the table were all the game cards that everyone has gathered today in their games.

The door closed as soon as the non-executive members left the room. Almost immediately, the tension in the room doubled.

Other than the executive members, you noticed the man who grabbed you by the collar earlier. Aside from Niragi, you were faced by two other new people that you haven't yet met in your few days in The Beach.

One of them was a male that seemed incredibly intense. He wore a tank top and had a buzz cut.

The other male appeared taller. He had blue tattoos all over his face and wore a hooded cape. The tattooed male was using a sheathed katana as a cane.

Glancing around the rooms again, you were able to receive many looks. Then, you made eye contact with Arisu. He gave you a wave which you returned. This made the blonde that sat in front of you give Arisu a wave, giving him a threatening look at the same time.

"We took the Two of Spades." Mira's voice started. "Six of Spades, Four of Diamonds, and Two of Clubs."

She paused and made eye contact with you, a sinister smile appearing on her face for a split second before she recovered. "So far, the existence of any face cards has not been confirmed."

"If there are no face cards, then only the Ten of Hearts remains." You heard someone speak up. "It hasn't appeared in any game yet."

Arisu and you exchanged looks of confusion before tutoring to face the wall of cards. Other than the ones that were just announced, the only remaining game was truly the Ten of Hearts.

The short haired female executive spoke up. "If the Ten of Hearts hasn't appeared yet, then maybe there's a reason for it. Perhaps it's not in Tokyo."

"No game arena has been found outside the 23 districts." The male with glasses said.

You watched as the two people in front of each other tried to stand their ground.

However, Hatter interrupted them. "We're not changing the plan. The search for other game arenas in Tokyo will continue. Keep an eye on visa expirations. Let's wait for the Ten of Hearts to show up. My visa needs to be reissued soon."

There was the slightest moment of silence. You noticed that everyone was still, except for Aguni and his group members who seemed to turn their heads a bit.

"Respectfully, there is a way to earn a visa." Mira started.

You listened closely as the long haired female began to speak.

"A Hearts game is a game that plays with people's minds and emotions. We use a decoy we all know will die and fix the game so that you survive. Arisu cleared the Seven of Hearts game. I guess that means if he can do it, then anyone can!"

Mira was definitely pulling strings, and all you can do is watch as everyone soon shifted their interest to Arisu. "Arisu, you cleared the Seven of Hearts? Can you give us any advice?"

A sick laugh left the Hatter's mouth, making you cringe. In this instance, you couldn't help but feel bad for the male who stood across the room.

"There's no way to predict when a Hearts game may appear." Ann started. "Don't forget, we only find out what the game is after registration closes."

"True, but the theory of probability should help us determine the arena."

The words seemed to reach the boss in the wrong way.

He pounds his fist down onto the table. "I don't need pretentious theories. I will participate in the next game. I don't care if it's a Heart or a Spade. I can clear them all! And I'll be there when the Ten of Hearts appears. The cards are on the table. Our day of departure is near!"

His words were full of confidence. Way too much confidence actually. His ego needs to be bumped down a few notches.

"Executives, you're in charge while I'm away." Hatter clapped his hands to signal the end of the meeting. "Meeting adjourned."

You followed Chishiya's steps as he walked out the door. However on your way, you noticed Aguni once again, deep in thought. It was like he was planning something. And before you were fully out of the room, you turned back and found Mira giving you an intense stare. You then promptly closed the door.

"Why did I have to go to the meetings again?" You asked Chishiya.

He stopped walking, but didn't face you. "Mira asked for you to join the meeting, I'm not sure why. It's what I've been trying to figure out."

That was enough for you to know why. She was definitely trying to hint the next game to you and how she would enjoy watching you partake in it. The game has to be the Ten of Hearts.

"What are you thinking about?

'Was that obvious?"

Your friend chuckled. "If I hadn't pulled you away, you would've crashed into the pillar. What's having you thinking so hard Y/n?'

"Nothing really, just how suspicious Aguni looked."

"I noticed that too. It's like he's planning something."

You nodded. "I'm sure that he is trying to plan something that'll lead to the downfall of Hatter."

Chishiya raised a brow, interested in your reasoning. "I'd love to hear you explain."

"Gut feeling, and the tension in the room."

"The tension was pretty noticeable."

"Yeah."

"Well, how's your arm and neck though?"

You lifted your arm and looked at the gauze pad that covered it. "My arm doesn't really hurt anymore, and my neck hasn't been hurting for quite a while."

"That's good then."

You laid in bed, tossing and turning. For some reason, you weren't able to fall asleep. You could only guess that it was sometime around 11.

Finally, you couldn't take it anymore. You rolled out of bed and walked over to your tennis bag by your bed post. It's been a while since you've touched the bag, you nearly forgot which pocket had your jacket.

While searching for the jacket, you were surprised to find your guns still in one of the pockets. Somehow the executives didn't take it out. You could safely guess that it was Mira. With a sigh, you started searching in the next pocket.

"Here it is." You pulled out your f/c windbreaker jacket and slipped it on your body.

It's been a while since you've worn the jacket. You definitely should bring it with you more often.

After zipping up your windbreaker, you decided to go outside for a late night stroll.

Once you stepped foot outside, a small breeze blew by. Since your jacket wasn't really able to cover your legs, you felt goosebumps arise.

Looking around you, you found Kuina leaning back onto the bench and staring up at the night sky.

"Hey." You walked over to her.

She gave you a friendly smile. "Hi Y/n."

"Are you stargazing?"

"Yeah. The stars are calming, and the sky looks beautiful tonight."

You sat down on the wooden bench beside her. Your back fell onto the back of the bench as you looked up. There weren't many stars, but the sky was pretty nonetheless.

"Hey Y/n." Kuina caught your attention. "I think Chishiya's been a bit off lately."

"What do you mean?"

She let out a sigh. "I'm not sure. He's been even more quiet than usual. Not only that, but it's not like him to care about what others do."

"Yeah, I noticed that I can't really do anything without him being around me."

"I worry about you Y/n." She fidgeted with the fake cigarette in her hand. "Be careful with him, I have a feeling that he's up to something that he hasn't told me about."

"What has he told you about?"

Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed that someone's shadow appeared. There's a new person that's about to join the conversation.

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Bro the next few chapters are gunna be a bit goofy, but please stay strong through it 💀

Very cringe worthy must say

BUT IVE BEEN WRITING SO MUCH THAT IM ABLE TO PUBLISH A CHAPTER A DAY (do you guys want me to?)