The neon lights of Tokyo blurred past as you ran, your breath ragged, heart pounding. Arisu was right behind you, his fingers barely brushing against yours as you weaved through the narrow streets. The Borderlands had taught you to be careful, to never let your guard down. But with him—it was different.
“In here,” Arisu whispered, yanking you into the shadows of an abandoned alley. He pressed his back against the cold brick wall, pulling you close as footsteps echoed nearby. You held your breath, your pulse thundering in your ears.
When the sounds faded, he exhaled sharply. “That was too close.”
You turned to him, your body still humming with adrenaline “How much longer can we keep running?”
Arisu met your gaze, something dark flickering behind his eyes “We’re not just running. We’re playing a game we can’t afford to lose.” His hand tightened around yours “And I won’t lose you.”
The weight of his words settled between you, heavy, unspoken—but real. You wanted to believe him.
Then, suddenly—
A voice cut through the silence.
“Found you.”
Your blood ran cold.
From the shadows, a figure stepped forward, the glow of a card flickering in their grasp. The Joker symbol gleamed under the city lights
Game Start.