Chapter Text
“How about we leave it up to chance?” Keiko's voice echoed through young Yumeko's ears. “Mirror side and we'll bring you with us… and if not then…” She flipped the coin. The light reflected off the small mirror on the coin, blinding Yumeko. Her vision flashed to an explosion, sudden and quick. Her head banging against the pavement and her vision slowly blurring while all she could hear was a high pitched ringing. The last thing she could remember was being flung out of the car, and Ms. Kawamoto running to the fire.
The buzz on the phone woke Yumeko up, it was a nightmare she swore she'd forgotten about to her therapist. Yumeko pulled out a necklace from her top, holding the same chip her mother gave her before they left. It's been years since she's had a nightmare, maybe a warning from her consciousness. Yumeko payed no mind to it. It was about 7am, her plane had just landed. A notification on her phone sounded as she turned off airplane mode.
1 new message [Rō fujin]
6:00 am
Call me when you arrive, stay safe.
Yumeko grinned with a quiet laugh, she could still remember how annoyed Ms Kawamoto was when she changed her nickname. “Rō fujin” meaning old lady, Yumeko was going for a grumpy old lady title but she figured limiting it to old lady would save her the extra training punishment.
She pressed call, the flight attendants were just announcing that they could leave the plane.
“Hello? Yumeko, how was the flight?” Ms. Kawamoto asked over the phone.
“I'm just now getting off the plane. It was a smooth ride, I was asleep for most of it. Managed to play poker with the man next to me.” Yumeko giggled at the mention of her gambling. Despite having the privacy of first class seats, the man beside her still found a way to ask for her number. Yumeko being the woman she is, brought out her cards and wagered that if she lost she'd give him her number and if he lost, he'd have to leave her alone.
“Well, did you win?” Ms. Kawamoto was amused, like a proud grandmother. “Of course. “ Yumeko laughed, she'd never lose to an amature. “That's great. Your luggage should be sent over to your dorm over at St Dominic. Your valet should also be waiting for you at the exit, eat before you go. Get some breakfast and–”
“I know, be safe.” Yumeko cut her off, also moving her palm over her chest.
“That and don't put some idiot into debt while you're waiting. Goodbye now.” Ms. Kawamoto hung-up. Yumeko rolled her eyes, it wasn't her fault that people like to bet more than they can handle. But… then again, she admired their confidence.
~♤♡◇♧~
Yumeko left the sleek black car after the valet opened the door for her. She was finally at Saint Dominic’s. The man handed her bag to her as she thanked him. She looked in awe while she stood at the center of the court yard. Saint Dominic’s wasn't just a bedtime story anymore. It was right in front of her, and its battlegrounds would be her sandbox.
Although the accident took most of her childhood memories, there was something she'd never forget, her love for gambling. She could only recount the amount of times she’s been sent to the prefect of discipline, the office, etc just for gambling.
Ms. Kawamoto didn’t mind the obsession too much, she always said that she needed a burning thrive for victory. But it was more than just the victory for Yumeko, it was the thrill of losing and the whole fun of it.
After the accident, Ms. Kawamoto took her away from almost everything. Her parents made the woman one of Yumeko’s legal guardians in case a tragedy would happen. Yumeko’s relatives weren’t as happy as she was with the news, resulting in years of legal disputes over custody.
Yumeko still carried her Jabami name, she wasn’t one to give something up just because of the enemies that threatened her life. She couldn't give up her name, not if it meant that all her parents' hard work would be given to the hands of her relatives. For her safety, Ms. Kawamoto hid her, but she was still able to make some appearances to keep up with the business. And to not let her uncle think that he has the Jabami fortune all to himself. Although she was rarely at public events like those networking galas. She avoided being in the public eye for too long.
Yumeko continued on, walking into the lion's cage they call a school. Students turned their heads, some wondered and some whispered about who she was. After all, it was hard to not notice the stunning new girl.
Yumeko scanned the crowded halls, it was filled with students that screamed money was a toy to be used however they liked. Students with endless amounts of wealth, fame, and luxury all within the same halls. Her gaze stopped at the quiet boy standing outside the girl's comfort room, staring at her.
“Turns out this school does have everything, even bathroom valets…” She looked at the obviously flustered guy infront of her. “Uh- I– I'm a student!” He blurted out. “Oh then what's with the obediently standing in the middle of the hallway–”
“Oh- uhm– I was just standing… that's all. I'm Ryan by the way.” He awkwardly put his hand out, then put it back down. Yumeko looked at him confused but she moved over to the very visible ID on his neck. “ House pet” Yumeko uttered while she pulled the chain. Subsequently pulling Ryan close, which flustered the guy even more. If Yumeko can bet on one thing, the guy was closer to melting than forming complete sentences.
“That's uh- my status…” He embarrassingly replied. “You're new here right? I'm Ryan…”
“You already said that.” Yumeko grinned.
“I'm Yumeko, and I am new. I just arrived, pleased to meet you Ryan.” she followed with a small laugh. “Now can you please explain to me what a house pet is?” She questioned as she turned to look more at the hallway.
“Well uhh, if you want I can also show you to your dorm!... “ Ryan replied as he took the chance. “Oh that would be great, maybe you are a valet…” Yumeko joked which Ryan could only respond to with an awkward laugh.
~♤♡◇♧~
“So I'm a legacy, my dad used to be in Hearts house so that’s where I was assigned.” Ryan continued on as they turned to a hallway filled with old class photos. “Most of the students here are legacy, St Dom doesn't usually accept non legacy students in the middle of the semester, seems like you're an exception.” Ryan said as they stopped at an old photo of his father's class. Yumeko let out a small laugh, just enough to make Ryan worry. “What makes you think I'm not?” She gave a playful smile, Ryan didn't know how to react.
“Oh! I'm sorry it's just that you're talking to– “ Ryan stopped himself from sounding even stupider.
“Newcomers don't really know how St Dom works– even new legacy students wouldn't even be caught talking to house pets.” Ryan followed as he fixed his tone. “Their parents usually brief them with how the system works–” He stopped, maybe he finally realized a mistake in what he said. “My parents are dead, unfortunately… And Most information on St Dominic's is annoyingly private.” Yumeko responded quick, as if the mention of death didn't bother her. She left his side to look at an old frame, Ryan followed.
Ryan practically wanted to explode right then and there. How could he not have realized any sooner? Why couldn't he just ask like a normal person?
“Those two are my parents.” Yumeko quietly pointed to the people in the picture. She took out a necklace from the inside of her top, it was a golden chip, the same one her mother gave her. “Jo Jabami, and Keiko Hashimoto. You're…” Ryan hid his expression, he didn't notice the chip. “Yumeko Jabami,” Yumeko smiled. Ryan knew all about the Jabamis, his family used to be close with them. He remembered them having a little girl, but he was too busy to go with his parents and meet them.
“You're that heiress to the company that created bitcoin right?!” Yumeko covered Ryan's mouth, she wasn't planning on screaming that at the top of her lungs just yet. “And I take it you're Ryan Adebayo?” Yumeko playfully returned the expression. “I don't understand, why move to St Dom's now?” He spoke in a lower, hushed voice. “I heard you went to some other top school in Japan…”
“I wanted a little more excitement…” Yumeko joked, but she was very honest. Ryan just looked at her confused on the reaction. “W-wait, St Dom’s isn’t what you think it is-” Ryan tried to run after Yumeko but she already spotted her dorm room while he got a text. Ryan had to go, but he was hoping to see more of Yumeko.
Yumeko entered the dorm room cautiously as she could hear… the sounds of a dying cow inside? Turns out it was her roommate practicing. She was stunned by the sounds she was hearing. Their eyes met and she could only smile, while her roommate put the clarinet down. “Oh, you must be the new girl.” The blonde stood up to shake her hand.
“I'm Yumeko, nice to meet you…?” She pulled her hand out. “Blake Samuels… Nice to meet you too Yumeko.” Blake replied, she took a step back to analyze Yumeko.
“It's a bit weird that they let you in right at the middle of the semester.” Blake continued to look at her up and down. Yumeko just awkwardly stood there with an agreeing smile.
“You had your uniform tailored? Surprised you were allowed too… “ Blake followed as she circled Yumeko. “Are we not allowed to?” Yumeko asked, like she hasn't read the student handbook a couple hundred times.
“We are, but the council doesn't like it when people alter the uniform… something about them being the only ones that are allowed.” Blake sat back down to her side of the room, wanting to continue practicing. Yumeko was trying her best not to give off the rudest face imaginable to her roommate's… playing.
“Is the council that bad?” Yumeko asked, aiming for Blake to stop playing those horrible sounds. “Never mess with the council, new kid. Especially the president, she's crazy.” Blake warned her, of course Yumeko wasn't paying attention to that, she was just happy that the sound had stopped. “Oh what did she do? Is she like those serieses with the mean girls?” She laughed at her own joke while she sat down at the edge of her bed.
“Oh Kira is much crazier than whatever Regina George you can think of…” Blake responded with a jittery smile on her face. The name giving Yumeko a sense of familiarity.q
“Really?” Yumeko questioned with that same excited look on her face. Blake looked at her a bit fazed by the reaction. “My step-dad told me about you… You're Yumeko Jabami right? A legacy.” Blake added. “Well, it depends on who’s asking.” Yumeko teased, it seemed like legacy kids were a big part of the system here.
“So you are, that's good. But I am warning you, legacy or not, the council doesn’t choose who they mess with.” Blake reminded her, but Yumeko could only care less. “There's no mountain I can’t climb Blake.” Yumeko responded with a smirk riddled with excitement. Blake rolled her eyes followed by an annoyed sigh. “I’m telling you this because my dad wants me to be friends with you– not because I’m trying to protect you or anything but” Blake stood in front of Yumeko, trying to get her to understand the danger better. “ My roommate, the old one, before you. She went to a face-to-face gamble with Kira.” Blake lowered her voice, but it seemed like Yumeko’s smile kept getting wider.
“And? What happened!?” Yumeko replied like a child receiving their first piece of candy.
“She died.”
Blake responded in all seriousness. Yumeko bit her lip to hide the large grin. “That sounds… exciting!” She laughed out loud. Blake gave her a weird expression, she wasn’t even fazed by the idea that a student killed another one.
“You're weird.” Blake replied while Yumeko placed some things on her table. “I'll take that as a complement.” Yumeko giggled again. “So, do you gamble?” Yumeko asked. The question from the new girl felt odd, but it was a staple in St Dom.
“I play, how about you? Considering your reaction I'd say…”
“I dabble,” Yumeko raised her brow, followed by a grin. “Well then you're in the right place.” Blake smiled.
“Say, is it possible to switch beds? I like being close to the window…” Yumeko walked over with a grin on her face. “Okay… Just because my dad said to be friends with you – doesn't mean I’m gonna let you do everything. ” Blake responded before going back to her instrument.
“Then let's play… ten-thousand!” Yumeko shouted with a glimmer in her eyes. This caught Blake's attention, she stood up to face Yumeko.
“What's the bet?” She smiled.
~♤♡◇♧~
At the council room, Kira was doing circles by her desk. It wasn’t normal for her to look this nervous, but she just got a call from her father. An old friend of hers would be attending, one she hasn’t seen in about 7 years.
Yumeko Jabami.
The faceless heiress of the Jabami clan, or whatever the media calls her now. The school board, which were their parents, hosted occasional reunions. She met most of the other council kids there but Kira met Yumeko before she met the others. They were practically inseparable, spending their summers and winters together. Although after the accident Yumeko didn’t even bother answering any of their calls.
Yumeko was basically gone until 3 months later when she saw her on the news making a public statement with one of her uncles. Even then, Kira still hasn't received a call back. Arkadi was also acting like nothing ever happened. Frowning and getting furious at the slight mention of the Jabamis’. It wasn’t like her father stopped doing business with them, most of their tech came from them.
Kira was lost in her thoughts until Riri’s entrance snapped her out of it.
“Kira, that new girl–” Riri was going to do a report until Kira stopped her. “I know, I’ve been watching.” Kira signals to the monitors on the table behind her. “Father also called, now he suddenly cares about her.” Kira added, she was clearly disturbed. She glanced over to her fish tank, she felt a bit jealous of how the fishes could live their lives care free.
All Kira got was silence from Riri.
“I bet he was the one that approved her transfer…” Kira continued to ramble. “Yumeko Jabami… Riri, do you remember her?” Kira asked. Riri was her half-sister, just a year younger than her. Although Riri wasn't around much when they would attend retreats or reunions, Kira's mother didn't like to parade around Arkadi's new bastard child to the world. But, during their visits to each other's places, Riri would always be there. How could she forget the child that would gamble instead of playing hide-and-seek.
“Yes… “ Riri uttered, just enough for Kira to hear. She vividly remembers her childhood, with Kira and with Yumeko. Kira wasn't the only one distraught when Yumeko suddenly disappeared.
“It's been so long, and she shows up now?” Kira turned away from Riri to look at the monitor. It was filled with camera angles, the whole campus was being watched.
Kira stops to look at Yumeko, she was talking with some house pet. There was also another guy, Michael, one of her father's friend's son, some guy in spade house.
“Doesn't she know it's social suicide to talk to a house pet? “ Kira mumbled as the bell rang. Riri stayed silent, she preferred to listen.
“Put aside the dead parents, did she really go here without knowing anything about the system?” Kira was irritated, Yumeko should be talking to everyone else but a house pet…
“You look concerned” Riri spoke, Kira stared back at her with an offended expression. “Why would I be concerned, she cut us off, remember?” Kira snapped back.
“I'm just saying, she lost her parents… you never know.” Riri argued, trying to get Kira to understand. “You always say that, but it's been years and she hasn't returned a single call.” Kira calmed down, she's been through this before, and Yumeko isn't worth the feelings.
“Let's just go, I want lunch.” Kira adjusted her voice, back to that calm and composed tone.
~♤♡◇♧~
Yumeko was now at the dining hall, Ryan and Michael were with her. Until she was called over to the council table.
“What's the name new girl?” The guy with a selfie stick asked. He had these vibrant blonde highlights, hard to not notice. “I'm Yumeko.” She smiled. The girl with the pigtails mocked her voice. “Hold on… Yumeko Jabami?!” He stood from his seat, this caught the whole dining hall. “No need to scream it.” Yumeko playfully responded while covering the side of her mouth as she tilted her body forward.
“The name is Suki, I don't know if you remember me but...oh do I remember you…” Suki leaned on the table by his back as he pointed his selfie-stick up high to get a picture of the both of them. The students looked at them as if this was one of those rare weird occurrences on some reality show.
The whispers grew louder.
“I have to be honest, I don't remember much. But, I'm flattered you'd remember a face like mine.” Yumeko teased, Suki was enjoying the energy. She was at least aware that she's already met some of the students here, but only a handful of times where she can just make time an excuse as to why she forgot them. “ Oh~ Suki doesn't just remember anyone honey… You gotta say hi to my followers… they'd love to see the hot new bombshell that entered St Dom's wonderful villa.” Suki quickly moved his phone right to Yumeko, and Suki started a live stream. Yumeko gave a sweet little wave at the camera. The views on Suki's stream grew higher by the second, everyone wondering about the new girl. “Hey everyone! I'm here with some hot tea at St Dom’s dining hall–” He was quick to get on Yumeko's good side, and the woman next to him noticed right away, along with the other council members. Suki looked like he knew Yumeko knew something about him, he just didn't know that most of that was already gone from Yumeko's memory.
“Okay, enough of that Suki. I want to talk to the new girl too.” The girl with the pigtails pushed him aside. Suki made a dramatic gasp at the woman then to the camera. Yumeko turned to her, she seemed interested in what she had to say.
“Rude” Suki complained as he continued his live stream, now pointing it at the two women. While that happened, a guy with a poodle hat dressed like a dog ran over to Suki. He bended over and let Suki pet his head. Yumeko could assume that that was his house pet after seeing the similar tag on his neck. Like the eye catching collar with a bell wasn't enough.
“The infamous faceless heiress huh.” The woman taunted, like she couldn't believe she was really right in front of her. “Is that what they call me now? I don't like keeping track of the media… seems boring.” She tilted her head in response.
“Well you aren't faceless, that's for sure. I'm Mary Davis.” Mary introduced herself, she wasn't quite sure of how to read Yumeko just yet. She knew better than to judge a pretty cover.
“Should I take that as a complement, Mary-san?” Yumeko replied with a grin, her voice almost seductive. Suki could see the tension, he continued to point his phone at the two having a stare off.
“Only if you want it to be Jabami.” Mary looked her straight in the eyes. Yumeko was unsure if it was a threat or an invitation to her bed, but she wouldn't mind having both.
“Oh I'm loving the tension girls…” Suki watched with his mouth open.
“Mary.” Kira came, the sound of her Louboutins clacking echoed through the noisy halls. As far as the students were concerned with whatever was happening, having the president here only added to the drama.
Suki pointed the phone quickly to Kira with Riri following close behind her. “It's the ice queen herself folks!” He shouted.
She called out to Mary, they all looked at Kira. Yumeko slowly turned to look behind her, it was like she could care less about the danger that grew closer to her. She wasn't bothered by Suki's phone, she found it somewhat amusing.
“Stop harassing the new girl.” Kira continued as she stood by Yumeko’s side. Yumeko just looked at her, frozen. Not because of fear, but because she felt a familiar warmth. Like a memory Yumeko couldn't quite put her finger on. A crazy statement to be said about the ice queen.
“You never let me have any fun.” Mary rolled her eyes, she sat back down to her seat as she called Ryan over to get her a drink.
Kira turned to Yumeko. She gave a warm smile to Kira, “You must be Kira Timurov…” Yumeko put her hand out. “I'm Yumeko.” Kira rejected the handshake.
“I'm aware, what's with the formalities Jabami?” Kira glared at her, a glare that would put any other student to their knees. “I was taught to treat my peers with respect. Is it not a normal greeting here? If it isn't, I must apologize for the mistake.” Yumeko just smiled, it irritated Kira even more. The council along with the whole student body was watching them closely, like a pack of wolves eyeing their prey.
Kira turned to Suki, signaling for him to stop the live.
Suki got the glare, "Yes mother cuntress-"
“Oops! Sorry folks, looks like today's stream has to end early… I'll post updates! Suki signing off to gather more tea for me to spill! Don't forget to pre-order on Free Range Cosmetics— love ya!” Suki threw in a flying kiss at the screen as he turned the live show off. He now became quiet like the rest of the council as they listened in on Kira and Yumeko.
“Cut the clueless ditzy act Jabami. Do you seriously not remember me?” Kira's tone softened up at the last statement. Like she was still hoping for the closure that she's stopped hoping for.
Kira was always stubborn, but Yumeko couldn't remember that. She just looked at Kira confused, but unbothered. "We only met a couple of times as I remember." Yumeko responded cautiously. That statement repeated in Kira's head. A couple? More like 2 to 3 months a year since they were 4!
“Fine, play that game then… It has been years.” Kira quickly fixed herself, she didn't want to lash out in a room full of people who worshipped and hated her.
“How about…”
“I already challenged her!” Mary lied, she was just hoping Yumeko would play along. After all, playing the newbie, especially a legacy, is like an honor. To give them their first loss of course.
“Did you now?” Kira replied, she couldn't believe Mary would lie right to her face.
“Have you accepted?” She turned back to Yumeko, who already had that stupid grin on her face. “I'm thinking about it…” she responded while ignoring their previous conversation.
“Oh! That reminds me…” Yumeko excitedly rambled as she pulled a box out from her pocket. “A gift, from Jabami to Timurov.” Yumeko handed her a small wooden box, Kira looked at it confused but still accepted it. There was at least one thing that Kira could say hadn't changed about Yumeko, it was the love for giving gifts and that grin she gets from the mention of a simple gamble.
She examined it for a moment before looking back at Yumeko. “It's a puzzle in case you were wondering.” As much as Kira wanted to give Yumeko a busted nose right now, she had to keep herself composed. Maybe Yumeko was playing one of her games, just waiting for her to snap.
“What, is there a prize or something?” Kira asked, but she was no less interested with whatever Yumeko gave her. “That's for you to find out Kira-san, now if you excuse me… I have to eat my lunch.” She replied, with the same seductive voice she used on Mary. Which ultimately flustered Kira, but she couldn't show herself like that could she? It's been so long since she'd been called that.
“Is she flirting with Kira?” The guy beside Suki whispered to the girl with the cartoon hoodie. Yumeko paid them no mind, only when she glanced behind Kira was when she noticed Riri standing quietly behind her.
“Oh who is this? You look mysterious…” she tilted her head. Riri glared at her, a striking resemblance to Kira's glare. “That's my sister.” Kira responded, still wondering how Yumeko continued to act like she remembered none of them.
“Riri Timurov then… It's nice to meet you.” She put her hand out, which Riri reluctantly shook much to everyone's surprise. The room suddenly felt heavier for Yumeko, like a thousand more eyes were on her. Riri couldn't help herself, as much as her sister tried to hide how much she missed Yumeko, Riri avoided pushing her away completely. The tension became colder, with every passing second, Kira's stare stuck on their hands.
“Anyway I shouldn't let my food run cold. It was nice meeting you all!” Yumeko waved goodbye with an energetic smile as she fidgeted with her necklace. Before she could leave, Kira grabbed her arm and whispered close to her ear. “I'll be keeping an eye on you.” Yumeko took that as a challenge as she left Kira with a smile. Weird wasn't even something that Kira and all the other council members would use to describe the girl, yet it was the only word they could think of.
Yumeko went back to her table, Michael and Ryan were there waiting and watching her in awe. “You better not be thinking of accepting…” Ryan spoke with concern. “You'd be jumping blindfolded into a shark tank if you accept that.” Michael added, his concern matching with Ryan.
“I'm glad to see you out of Mary's cuffs too Ryan… and I hope the two of you don't think I can't handle a little game, do you?” Yumeko questions, her eyes sparkling just thinking of the possibilities her gamble with Mary can have.
“w-well… I mean...We haven't seen you in action that's all” Ryan stuttered.
“What he meant to say was that Mary is a ruthless enemy to play. She'd stop at nothing, she has no limits Jabami.” Michael warned her, painting a clearer picture for Yumeko to see how much of a beast Mary was.
“What, have you played her before? You seem to know a lot.” Yumeko responded with a question directed to Michael. “I don't partake in the gambling myself, but I've watched a lot to know that you can't just beat her.” Michael felt a shiver down his spine that stopped him from revealing more. He glanced behind Yumeko to see Kira staring right at them.
“That just makes everything sound so…” Yumeko’s tone lowered, Ryan and Michael thought that they had finally gotten to Yumeko… but.
“Exciting!” Yumeko squealed, her scream made heads turn to their direction. She quickly stood up and ran to the council's table. She slammed her hands right on the surface in front of Mary which startled her.
“I accept your challenge!” Yumeko screamed.
“Woah you gotta chill there…” Mary laughed nervously while the other students looked at her a bit creeped out. Yumeko's necklace dangled over the table from her neck, it's mirror side flashing a reflection to Mary's eyes.
Ryan whispered to Michael “She's looking for a death sentence isn't she?”.
“Hold your horses Jabami, no gambling at lunch time.” Kira calmly replied, like she was already used to that reaction. As much as she didn't want to recall the memories, Kira could still see the same young Yumeko playing her for cookies they both made.
“Ah, time.... All the more thrilling!” Yumeko giggled as she waved goodbye to Mary. Mary was still looking at her with a shocked expression, like she saw a whole new level of crazy.
“Are you sure that girl isn't high?” She leaned close to Suki.
“Honesty, get me whatever that girl is on.” Suki responded as his camera followed Yumeko walking back to her table.
~♤♡◇♧~