Chapter 321: Bad at Games, Still Addicted

"Didn't expect cheer squad practice to be so exhausting."

"I thought it was manageable."

"You've really got good stamina. We used to be the same, just shut-in gamers at home, but you really got a good physique."

Cheer squad training wasn't just singing or chanting slogans lazily.

Their cheer dances were intense. A full round of practice left most people unable to stand.

"I've been through high-intensity training before. This is nothing to me."

"You're that good, huh. Planning to participate in any sports festival events?"

"Yeah, I signed up for the relay race."

The two chatted as they returned to the student council office.

There, Fujiwara was waiting for Rinji.

She suddenly held out a deck of cards toward him.

"Rinji-kun, let's have a duel!"

"..."

Faced with her enthusiasm, Rinji didn't know how to respond.

Fujiwara always seemed to have endless energy. Many of the student council's absurd activities came from her.

"Fujiwara-san, are you super free today or something?"

"Not at all~ I've finished all my work."

"You actually have work? I thought your entire student council role was just stirring up chaos."

"How rude! I do my job properly!" she pouted, then pointed the cards at him again. "So, let's duel!"

"What's the connection between your duties and a card game?"

Though he wasn't sure what scheme she was planning, Rinji still asked,

"What game?"

"Concentration!"

Concentration was a classic card game.

Lay the cards face-down. Each turn, flip two over. If they match, set them aside. If not, flip them back. Matching pairs let you keep going until you miss. It's a serious test of memory.

"...Fine. I've got time. I'll play a round."

"Yes~!"

Fujiwara cheered—then her expression shifted.

"But just playing isn't fun enough. Let's add a little wager."

"You never change, do you?" Ishigami said bluntly. "Remember why you lost to the president last time? Every time you gamble, you crash and burn. You never learn..."

"If Rinji-kun loses, he has to let me do his makeup and wear the outfit I prepared~"

"That's amazing. Rinji, Fujiwara-senpai just threw down the gauntlet—you have to accept."

"Hey, why are you suddenly on Fujiwara's side?"

Ishigami had already slipped away from Rinji and taken a position next to Fujiwara, watching solemnly.

Maybe this was the mark of a true politician's daughter—she really knew how to win people over.

"I'm fine with that. But what will you do if you lose?"

"You'll be allowed to let me do your makeup."

"I'll kill you."

"Just kidding. How about I take you to the amusement park this weekend?"

"You think I'm a kid?"

"Eh? Do you want it to be a date instead?"

"I already have Karura. Why would I need you for a date?"

Rinji smirked and pulled a comb from his pocket.

"If you lose, how about I give you a new hairstyle?"

"Hmm… sure."

Fujiwara smiled faintly. In her mind, she had already seen the scene of her victory.

With Ishigami as the witness, the match began.

---

Ten minutes later—

Fujiwara: QwQ

Rinji: "Seven losses in a row, Fujiwara. I have to say, you're really bad at this. Why won't you admit defeat already?"

"Why... why haven't I won even once!?"

"Because I caught your cheating, of course."

Gasp!

Fujiwara's body trembled, cold sweat pouring down her face.

Ishigami checked the cards on the table, flipping them over and inspecting them but found nothing strange.

"What trick did she use?"

"Check the back of the cards."

"The back?"

Ishigami looked at the grilled meat pattern on the back. Every card looked identical.

"There's nothing special here."

"She didn't tamper with the back. She used the natural asymmetry in the card designs themselves."

Rinji picked up a card and adjusted its angle on the table.

Aside from the Jokers, the cards ran from A to K, totaling 52 cards. By placing them according to a clock-like method during setup, it was possible to judge the number by angle even when facedown.

Since K was the 13th card, it could only be set at the same angle as 1, making it easy to confuse with A. That's where Fujiwara struggled.

"Huh!?"

Ishigami stared in shock at the red-faced Fujiwara.

"Fujiwara-senpai, that's suuuper shady! Didn't you already get caught cheating once before against Rinji and the president!? And now you're doing it again!?"

With each word, Fujiwara's face turned redder, until she hung her head in shame.

"Oh please, you're no better, you traitor."

Rinji stood up, comb in hand.

"Alright, Fujiwara-san," he smiled. "Punishment time."

"...Rinji-kun, you knew I was cheating from the start?"

"Nope. I figured it out on the third round."

"Eh? Then how did you win the first two?"

"Just pure memory."

"Ugh..."

She had no choice—she lost the bet, and she'd accept the consequence.

"Please don't shave my head..."

"Relax."

Rinji stood behind her. As Fujiwara sat there nervously, his comb flew through her hair.

In under two minutes, her long, elegant locks were twisted into a vertical tornado resembling... well, poop.

"It's super ugly, but kinda creative," Fujiwara said, looking at her reflection.

"As long as you like it. You're wearing that to class this afternoon."

"Hahaha, you're kidding—wait, huh?"

She touched her hair. It was solid.

Turning with lifeless eyes toward Rinji, she saw him holding a bottle of hairspray.

"AAAAAHHHHH!!!"