"Here we go. Revealing the board." The referee announced. "Seventeen life. Thirty, death. Since both players won nothing, no chips will change hands."

"Aw man, why does Yuriko's game even allow that? So boring!" Yumeme whined as she stared at you. You both got along quite well, but she hadn't had any time to spend with you lately. She had so many performances and appearances that even when you did spend the day with her, she could rarely be herself around you. It was yet another reason that she really hated her fans; they took up all of her time.

"Yuriko's game isn't boring, it's just more chance. I think that's more fun. Too bad everyone here is such a big cheater." You pouted as your eyes were closed and you laid on Kaede's jacket.

Scolded, Yumeme quieted back down.

"How close." Yuriko remarked. "Let's move on to the next round."

You heard Ryota whisper to Yumeko.

"Yumeko, I can't watch this. You can't gamble with this stupid amount of money."

"This isn't even much money... What is that stupid boy even saying?" Kaede mumbled. You cracked one eye open and gave him a look, shutting him up.

"Ryota, you don't need to worry. This tiny amount of money is meaningless to me. And the speed at which chip change hands is what makes this game interesting. It would be a waste to stop now." Yumeko's words warmed your heart. You were so interested in her it wasn't funny.

If only he was part of the council... Or maybe I can just see her during classes.

"Ryota, was it? The feeling of unimaginable amounts of money moving around with a single shake of a pot... If you tasted it once, you'd understand. Right Yumeko?" Yuriko commented.

"Yes. I can see myself getting addicted. But Nishinotoin, they way you're playing it terrible."

Hmm? You thought to yourself as you tilted your head to look down on the holes drilled in the floor. Yuriko is a good player.

"I'm sorry, what was that?"

"Did you not hear me? I said you're terrible."

You had to hold back a chuckle, drawing the council's attention. Were you laughing at this disrespect.

"The official match with Meari... You're the one who suggested this game, right? I think Meari challenged you to restore her honor, but if that's all she wanted, she didn't need to play a game with such huge potential losses." Yumeko was scolding Yuriko now. How pretentious. "Giving someone in a bad spot hope, then sending them into deeper despair... It's like being a sleazy loan broker. I don't know how good a gambler you are," She's actually not very good. Hence why her game is luck. You responded in your head. "But you're the worst kind of human being."

You sat up. This wasn't something you wanted to hear. Yuriko was a precious friend to you, and you didn't appreciate some stranger, regardless of how much you liked them, telling her how horrible she is.

"You're a piece of shit, aren't you?" Yumeko continued, causing your hand to fly to your chest and the decision to stand up.