The low hum of conversation surrounded you as the lights of the gambling hall flickered above, casting an almost hypnotic glow across the room. The clinking of chips, the shuffling of cards, and the quiet murmurs of high-stakes wagers filled the air. For a place that thrived on tension, the atmosphere strangely felt inviting, almost exhilarating.

You, however, weren't exactly here for the thrill. No, you were here because of one particular person: Yuriko Nishinotoin. You had never seen her outside the classroom, let alone in a setting like this. But here she was, poised and unbothered, standing at a poker table surrounded by a crowd of eager players.

Her presence was magnetic. Even in a room full of high rollers, there was no doubt who commanded attention. Her sharp gaze never left the cards in front of her as she made her next move with precise confidence. But despite the pressure of the game, she seemed utterly unfazed, her face as unreadable as ever.

You approached cautiously, your footsteps quiet against the carpeted floor. Her gaze flickered up from the table when she sensed your presence, a slight, amused smirk tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Didn't expect to see you here," she said in her usual calm tone. "Are you planning to join the game, or just watch me work?"