Mahito's screams continued somewhere in the distance.
CRASH
BOOM
"WHY ARE THERE SO MANY OF THEEEEEM?!"
Nobody looked up.
Not even once.
The card game had begun.
This was serious now.
Takeru tapped the table once.
"…I'm starting."
Yuji pointed immediately.
"YOU'RE STARTING JUST BECAUSE YOU WANT TO!"
Takeru nodded.
"…Yeah."
Hakari leaned back.
"…Respectable."
Takeru looked at the flipped-up pile.
An Ace.
He grabbed it.
"…One."
He placed it down.
Flipped the corresponding face-down card.
A five.
"…Nice."
Five replaced its spot.
Flip.
Jack.
Yuji leaned forward.
"Ohhh!"
Takeru thought for a second.
Then pointed at the last card.
"…Ten."
The Jack took the ten's place.
He flipped the ten card.
Seven.
"…Hmm."
Takeru moved the Jack.
"…Go over there."
The Jack replaced the seven.
Flip again.
Ace.
Silence.
Takeru stared at it.
The Ace stared back.
Long pause.
"…Seriously?"
He grumbled quietly and tossed it into the middle pile.
"…Go away."
Turn over.
Finished.
Yuji looked absolutely invested now.
"…WAIT THIS IS ACTUALLY INTENSE."
Megumi stared at him.
"…You're getting hyped over Garbage."
Yuji pointed dramatically.
"…YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THE STRATEGY."
Nanami took a sip of coffee.
"…I unexpectedly understand."
Meanwhile—
far away—
Mahito got thrown through three walls by Mahoraga Hana.
"WHY ARE YOU PLAYING CARDS?!"
Takeru casually sipped coffee.
"…Your turn."