The velvet hum of cards shuffling had become a familiar sound, almost rhythmic against the polished table in Decelis En-Academy's exclusive gambling lounge - a place where prestige met recklessness, and students bet more than just money. you were still catching your breath from your third loss.

Across from you, Jake leaned back in his chair, sleeves rolled up just enough to show the expensive watch on his wrist and the confidence that came with always winning. he tapped his fingers lazily on the table, eyes locked on yours like a cat watching a cornered mouse.

“Looks like I win again,” he drawled, that insufferably smug grin stretching slow and wide across his face. his voice was smooth, but laced with a gleam of wicked satisfaction.

“Three in a row,” you muttered under your breath. “This is getting ridiculous.”

The room felt too quiet now. other students had long since backed off, watching the two of you from a distance, knowing better than to interrupt a match with Jake. he didn’t just play to win. he played to dominate.

You reached for your wallet, jaw clenched. but Jake was faster.

He lifted a hand, palm up, stopping you. “Relax,” he said, his voice too casual, too calm. “I’m not here to empty your pockets.”

“Then what?”

He tilted his head, as if pondering something serious. though the glint in his eye said otherwise. “Let’s make this more interesting,” he said, then leaned forward, elbows on the table. “You’ll work for me. My assistant. You run my errands, carry my books, take my notes. A few weeks, and we’ll call it even.”

You blinked. “You’re joking.”

His grin only widened. “Do I look like I’m joking?”

You stared at him, pulse ticking under your skin. he looked like he had planned this. like he always did.

Jake leaned back again, arms folded. “Think of it as a job. You get to keep your money… and I get a front-row seat watching you try to survive my schedule.”

And somehow, the most infuriating part? you couldn’t tell if this was a punishment… or a game he was really looking forward to playing.