Alice in Borderland ~ Chishiya

24 - ♣7

'So it's true?' Raiden asks when the lobby is filling up with Beachers in the evening. I can't figure out what emotion is in his voice. I look at him to find out and see nothing but concern on his face. 'Why, Kimora? You didn't have to..'

'I'd like to learn more about the Beachers and what tactics they use in games,' I say. I wonder if he realizes I'm just saying something. By the look on his face, I can see that he does. 'I had nothing to do,' I mumble truthfully, 'and Yuri challenged me.'

'So you're going to play a game where you can die, just because you had nothing to do?' he asks incredulously. 'Yes,' I answer softly, 'and because Yuri challenged me.' What kind of person does that make me? Does it matter? What else am I supposed to do? I'm not someone who's partying and drinking in a bar every night, that doesn't suit me at all. Do I have to do nothing here for another twelve days?

'I'm sorry,' Raiden mumbles. He averts my gaze. 'Sorry that I act like this.. it's just.. I don't know what else to do. I don't know.' I look at him and realize we have the same problem. We had hoped to find answers here and find out how to proceed, but that still remains a big question mark. We don't know if the theory is correct or if someone can go home when all the cards have been collected. We don't know what to do. We have been thrown into a large grey area. He fills up his time with parties he doesn't even seem to enjoy, and I? I play games.

'Shall we talk about this tomorrow?' I suggest. He nods. Neither of us are talking about the possibility that I won't return, but it seems like he's having a hard time with that. I thought he no longer valued this and wondered if maybe I shouldn't either, but now I know he does value me. Tonight, I'll clear the game so we can talk about it.

'Beachers!' I look over at the second floor, where Hatter appears with some of his entourage to deliver some sort of speech. 'Some of you will work for the Beach tonight, collecting cards! Know that each of you is appreciated and that we are fighting together to get back home!' A lot of people in the lobby are starting to cheer, but I'm not participating. Whatever. It's hard to believe Hatter cares about each of us. Rather, he cares about the cards we bring. 'There's nothing left for me but to wish you the best of luck! Hopefully, we'll see you all again tonight!' Hatter continues. 'You can go to the car of your number now!'

I take a look at the piece of paper with "2" written on it, that I have in my hands. My eyes fall on Chishiya, who's in the same place as where I first saw him here. Kuina, who's standing behind him, looks encouraging. He waves at me. As usual, I just wave back.

'Kimora,' Raiden says. I look at him. 'Will you come back to our room after the game? If you don't come, I know..' I almost want to sarcastically tell him that he won't even notice, since he's probably going to a party again, but I don't feel like spending these perhaps final moments arguing. 'Okay,' I agree. Then, I join the group I am assigned to.

I'm not exactly excited about having to sit in the same car with both Niragi and Yuri, but at least there are a few other Beachers. Greensuit and Beersuit talk a big talk, but two unnoticeable Suits keep their distance and look a bit insecure. There's also an important executive member. At least, I think so, because I see the number "9" written on his wristband. I hope that the game can handle at least eight people. If not, I'll have to wait in the car, because I'm not obliged to play in terms of days of visa.

Luckily I'm not approached by anyone and I can keep staring out of the window. I have to say that there are advantages to staying at the Beach, but I also love to get away from it for a while.

Not only I feel enthusiasm when we come close to a cinema. Niragi comes to life and exclaims how cool it is. I look at him for a moment to examine him. He doesn't seem to shy away from anything and sees the games only as a pastime. He doesn't care what he's going to have to do: he will do it. I realize too late that I'm still looking at him. We get eye contact and he gives me a wink. Luckily, I have to get out and use that as a reason to look away.