The moment Yukino asked her question, Haru and the other two instantly understood—she had accepted the challenge.
Utaha was secretly delighted. Not only had she avoided the embarrassment of being pinned to the floor any longer, but now… there was a chance to turn the tables.
Most importantly, she finally had a shot at revenge.
Haru and Megumi, however, were both a little puzzled.
From their perspective, Yukino already had the overwhelming advantage. There was no real reason for her to agree to this game.
Unless…
Megumi tugged lightly at Haru's sleeve, her eyes asking: What happened to Yukino while she was out?
Haru shook his head. All he knew was that Yukino had gone to dinner with Hiratsuka-sensei. As for what happened during that time—he had no clue.
But both of them were now thinking the same thing: whatever changed Yukino's mood must have happened while she was out.
"The rules of the King's Game are simple," Utaha said.
She'd obviously come prepared. It was clear she'd already researched everything thoroughly beforehand.
Just as she claimed, the rules were simple enough to grasp in a second.
Each player draws a number card. Then, through a mini-game or by drawing lots, one player is chosen as the "King." The King can issue any command, and the others must obey without question.
Because of how limitless the commands could be—both in terms of suggestiveness and absurdity—the game often showed up in paid adult films. And those films… sold surprisingly well.
Utaha explained the rules calmly and clearly, showing no hint of nervousness. This suggested her knowledge of the game didn't come from those movies but more likely from the internet or idle chatter among classmates.
Yukino quickly grasped the rules. Without hesitation, she raised her chin and said coolly,
"You were right—I do like this game."
As long as she became King, she could order Utaha to do anything she pleased.
Just imagining that was already delightful.
As for the possibility of losing?
Yukino had always been confident.
Whether it was intellect, physical strength, or anything else—she believed she had the edge over Utaha.
"You agreed so readily. Do you really think you're going to win?" Utaha asked, her voice steady, though her eyes burned with challenge.
"Of course," Yukino replied without a hint of doubt.
Utaha crossed her arms, which conveniently emphasized her voluptuous figure. "So, how should we decide the King? By drawing lots? Or playing cards?"
Yukino met her gaze without flinching. "Either works. But if I had to guess, with your pride and ego, you wouldn't want to leave it all up to luck, right?"
Utaha chuckled knowingly. "Fair point."
Just like that, the two beautiful girls finalized the terms of their showdown.
Haru and Megumi had no room to interrupt.
From their perspective—and likely in Yukino and Utaha's as well—they were just there to make up the numbers.
Haru accepted that.
Megumi, however, did not.
The four of them moved to the living room. Since there weren't any number tokens in the house, Haru substituted them with four cards from a deck—A, 2, 3, and 4—to represent numbers 1 through 4.
He pulled out a fresh pack of cards, opened it, and began shuffling.
"Do we reveal our number cards before we start?" he asked.
Yukino frowned slightly. "Is that part of the rules?"
"Not exactly," Haru replied. "It's just that playing with revealed numbers and hidden numbers creates two very different experiences."
"I see. Keeping the numbers hidden makes it more interesting." Yukino picked up on the idea instantly.
Utaha added, "But if they're hidden, can you still compete with me properly, Yukino?"
"Please, senpai," Yukino said with a calm smile as she raised a single pale finger. "Let me remind you: you were the one who suggested this game—after I had already pinned you to the ground. That means I'm being generous enough to give you a shot at revenge."
Utaha: "…"
Beneath the table, her fingers clenched into a tight little fist.
So annoying.
Yukino might as well have shouted, "I'm the legitimate main heroine, and I'm also magnanimous" right to her face.
Ignoring Utaha's sour expression, Yukino turned leisurely toward Haru and gave him a sly smile.
"Let's keep the numbers hidden. That way, you and Megumi can enjoy the game more, too."
Haru hadn't even responded yet when Megumi suddenly spoke up:
"That also means more... unexpected things could happen."
Yukino gave her an approving nod.
"As expected of you, Kato. Always quick on the uptake."
But Megumi didn't feel flattered.
She had figured it out.
Yukino didn't agree to play this game just to humble Utaha. She also wanted to send a message to her.
There was just one thing Megumi couldn't quite understand: even if Yukino was exceptional—top-tier in every way among their peers—card games involved more than just skill. They involved luck, too.
And when luck entered the equation, unpredictability increased.
Taking on two opponents at once?
Did Yukino really have that much faith in both her skills and her luck?
Was this the aura of Yukino Yukinoshita?
Megumi took a deep breath. Yukino must've already anticipated that she'd be harboring other thoughts. That's why she accepted the challenge without hesitation.
Each of the three girls had their own thoughts, while Haru… just looked like he was carefully shuffling the deck.
Keyword: "looked."
Because in truth, he'd just received a signal from Yukino.
After knowing each other for so many years, they'd developed a deep mutual understanding. Their connection didn't require words.
The look Yukino gave him earlier was a silent message:"I need you to cooperate."
Haru's hands moved smoothly, gracefully. His technique was light and nimble.
Yukino had seen his hands at work plenty of times—and had experienced them personally…
So she had every reason to believe that with Haru's support, the outcome of this game was already decided.
All she needed to do was rely on their long-standing coordination, and victory would be hers.
As the number cards were distributed, the game officially began.
The first round went smoothly. They played a standard card game, and with Haru discreetly assisting, Yukino won effortlessly.
Utaha frowned, suspicion creeping into her expression."You two… planned this, didn't you?"
Even Megumi had doubts. Yukino had won too cleanly.
Yukino motioned for Haru to reshuffle the cards, then calmly said,"Senpai, you were a bit careless when checking your card just now. I know you're number 2."
Utaha stiffened. She was seated to Yukino's left. If she hadn't been cautious enough, it was possible her card had been seen.
Yukino casually sipped her tea and added,"I still remember how you looked last time you wore that bunny girl outfit."
Utaha's face flushed instantly.
The words sounded casual… but the timing was anything but.
But in truth, Yukino's words carried a veiled jab—she was mocking the seductive way Utaha had swayed her hips while wearing that bunny girl outfit.
The very next second, Yukino set her teacup down and, without the slightest attempt to hide her sarcasm, said,
"I thought your bunny girl look was adorable too. So, as the King, my command is… Player 2 must wear bunny ears for the rest of the game."
The room froze for half a beat.
Then, without rushing, Yukino pulled out her phone.
The implication was clear: Chop-chop. I'm getting ready to capture your most embarrassing moments.
Megumi silently turned her head away, inwardly sighing in relief.
Thank goodness I'm number 3.
~~~~~~~~~~
You can support me by subscribing on Patreon and read upto 5 chapters ahead.
patreon.com/Ranabir_20