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She should hate her. After looking forward to finally redeeming herself, her competitor wouldn't even look in her direction. Yumeko didn't want to gamble against her. Surely she should be at least irritated.
But she wasn't. No, Mary Saotome was blushing ear to ear. Yumeko didn't want to gamble against her. She wanted to gamble with her. Her goal was to lead Mary into victory and take Terano down instead. It was out of character. A girl who despised knowing the outcome of a game now worked so hard to share her crown with her opponent. Shouldn't Mary feel confused? Well, she did, but more than anything, she felt special. She was the exception to Yumeko's number one dealbreaker (other than hogging a loss).
Mary wasn't stupid. She'd rather tie than lose her and Ririka's votes, and that's exactly what happened. They were the winners. Together.
What a mess that game created in her heart.
"Yumeko," the girl in question turned to look at Mary with expectancy in her eyes. "I need to talk to you."
She waved her goodbyes to Ryota and skipped forward to meet with Mary. Already memorizing this routine, the blonde stuck her finger out to stop the bear attack, but this time Yumeko grabbed the hand instead and pulled her out of the building. As she giggled, Mary chastised her all the way to the classroom.
"Geez Yumeko, give me a moment to breathe. You're exhausting today," Mary lifted herself onto her desk.
"Today has been so exciting! I've been waiting for a good gamble, especially with you Mary," she placed a cheery hand on her knee causing the blonde to have a mini-panic.
Hiding her blush, she looked to the blackboard, still stained with chalk dust: "We need to talk about that."
"Of course! Did you have fun?"
"Yumeko, you know that's not what I mean."
"I know. I just like it when you're like this!"
Challenging the idea, Mary crossed her arms playfully, "When I'm like what?"
"You're more relaxed and not all mad at the world."
"Pshh, I'm not mad at the world."
"Could've fooled the whole school."
"Ugh, you're getting me off track."
"Sorry, sorry. What about our gamble?"
Mary took in a reassuring breath. They were both in a good mood, so if she crashed and burned, she could easily joke it off. No matter how much it hurt. "I had a fun time gambling with you."
"Aww, I'm glad! I've always felt like we gamble wonderfully together. Almost like we're telling secrets that nobody else can hear. I've never had that connection with someone before."
Mary got lost in Yumeko's words and stumbled trying to recover, "I, uh, completely agree. That's what I wanted to talk about actually. I really like that connection with you."
"With me, hehe?"
She met Yumeko's gaze confidently, "Yes, with you. I think that gamble made me realize something."
"Care to share your findings?"
"Well, number one, gambling is only that fun with you," Yumeko giggled, "and number two, your crazy, but I think I like it." As the words danced on her tongue, the nerves started to get in her head causing her words to muffle and bold demeanor to retreat: "And you too, I guess."
Leaning forward with a hand cupping her ear, Yumeko grinned, "I didn't quite catch that. Could you please repeat it?"
"And you too, I guess," she said a bit louder.
"What about me?" Yumeko now wore a delighted smirk.
"Yumeko," Mary whined now fully turning her head away.
"Aww, I just want to be sure what I heard was correct. I wouldn't want the wrong idea!"
Mary rushed through her words, "I said that you're crazy and it's okay because I like it and you, I guess."
"I'll take it, I guess," she mocked the words with a deep laugh.
"Only take it?" Mary covered her fear of rejection with a sly brow.
"Maybe not just take it. I reciprocate it too. You're a major tsundere, but I like it and you. I like you," Yumeko took extra care in making her words clear, unlike the mushed words the blonde had spoken.
A lovestruck smile crept onto Mary's face without her permission. "Really?" she mumbled, head still turned to the side.
"It took you long enough to notice. I almost thought you were going to leave me for Ririka," Yumeko leaned back on the desk Mary was sitting on.
"Me and Ririka are partners only, and besides, I didn't want to assume or tell you just to find out you liked Ryota or something."
"Ryota and I are only friends, but I shouldn't have to say that now. Unless... You get jealous don't you?"
"Of course I don't get-"
"Why am I asking? I just know you get jealous."
"Yumeko, I don't!-"
"Whatever you say!" Yumeko teased Mary with a stubborn smile.
"Ugh, you are exhausting today."
"Not enough to want to gamble with me a second time apparently."
"Soon, but not when Ririka is also involved. If I'm taking you on again, it'll be just you and me."
"I like the sound of that."
"Good," Mary jumped off the table and walked to the door. "Be ready, because I'm going to kick your ass next time, but for now, I have to plan how to beat you in this election."
"I look forward to it, Mary."