image [https://i.imgur.com/3BYZMJv.jpg]
----------------------------------------
Deshya stares into Tessa's eyes, mouth agape. The joker card has disappeared from her hands, but that's not what's freezing her in place.
It's her proposal that keeps her from moving.
- A game... of Poker...?" asks Deshya, not sure if she heard correctly.
Tessa nods and looks down a little with a smile.
- At home, a game between the two of us. You against me. Ya'll also have to remember to wear pants.
- I-I'm at home, I do what I want!
- Yes, but if you come to my place…
- A-Ah, not wrong...
Tessa tilts her head gently and notices Deshya's tail wagging behind her back, which makes her smile. As always, when Deshya is happy, she swings from left to right automatically…
- But why offer to play such a game?
Tessa turns her attention to her friend's face and stops staring at her fox tail before smiling.
- I don't want to play for real money, but a simple Poker game without rewards would be boring. Hmmm, I suggest this.
Tessa snaps her fingers and closes her eyes, but when she opens them, her smile looks... different.
- If you win, you ask me whatever you want.
- W-Whatever I want?!
Tessa nods.
- As long as it's not illegal, I'll do it. Even if I have to come to school in bunny pajamas and say 'pyun' at the end of every sentence for an entire day, I'll accept it.
Deshya blinks several times, her head about to explode. However, she is quickly brought back to reality when Tessa shows her teeth.
- But if I win.
And then she points to Deshya's hood.
- Then you must show me what you're hiding on yar head, Deshya~!
CHAPTER 18
⎾The Red And Black Clash ; Rules⏌
Tessa remained in the same position for a few moments, her index finger aiming at the top of Deshya's head. Deshya looks up, her mouth open. Seconds pass without the slightest sound. Tessa sighs.
- You don't have to accept, I won't force you," she says.
Tessa tucks her hands into her trouser pockets and Deshya scratches her cheek.
- I... But…
- I just don't wanna bet real money with ya, but if we play poker without any real 'risk', then we won't give it our all.
Tessa gently shakes her head to pull her bangs back into place.
- Ya never want anyone to see what's behind yar hood and I don't see myself forcin’ it, but I'm too intrigued to simply stand by and patiently wait for you to reveal it one day.
Tessa smiled.
- If you win against me, not only can you make me a pledge, ask me anything you want as long as it's not illegal or over the line, but I'll never bother you again with this hood thingie.
Deshya rubs her index finger against her thumb: even though Tessa is the person she secretly loves and sees her as a role model, Deshya can't deny that she's often been insistent with her fox tail and hood. As Tessa herself says, she's not going to force Deshya to confess the truth or remove the hood alone, but she's so intrigued that she asks the question several times a month — or even a week.
- If I win, you'll really stop asking me…
Deshya asks her, still unsure. Tessa nods with a friendly smile.
- I know I'm a very bad friend, because I should just shut up and accept that this is your identity, that you like to have a hood on your head and if it turns out, there's nothing more to it than that, but it's a question that comes up so often in my head that I can't just shut up and stop thinkin’ about it.
Tessa throws her a card which Deshya catches in mid air: it's the joker she showed when she arrived, the one she made disappear into her hand.
- I thought it would be perfect for us. A game between ya and me, with no cheating allowed, where if I win, I can find out the truth without having to force it. If I lose, I'll accept my defeat and keep my word not to bother ya with it again, as well as letting you give me the slightest token. I know I get on your nerves sometimes, when I ask what ya've got under your hood and why ya always keep a tail behind your back, so if I lose to ya, I'll even agree to eat mud. Not shit, though.
- I wasn't going to ask that!!! Nor mud!!!
Tessa starts to laugh and Deshya sighs heavily, but smiles back. However, when she thinks of Tessa's proposal, her heart begins to beat rapidly. Deshya hesitates greatly, because on the one hand, playing poker against Tessa could be great fun and interesting, but if she loses, then... she'll have to show her fox ears. She won't be able to lie and say they're fake, at which point Tessa will learn her secret.
- I want her to know… but at the same time, I don’t want to..." thinks Deshya.
The problem she faces is that Tessa is the person she loves most outside her family. The girl she's in love with and hopes one day to date. The one she wants to be happy and healthy for the rest of her life, the one she loves to see smile and know she's safe.
If Tessa learns the truth about her fox ears, about this mystery still without a lead, then how can we be sure she's safe?
Deshya can't be convinced that someone is watching her and would kill anyone who learns the truth, especially as her parents have never been threatened, but she knows she can't base her doubts on this alone. Deshya still knows nothing about what happened to her, but she and her parents are almost certain of one thing: when Deshya was found, it was deliberately done so that her father and mother would find her. Although she can't explain why or how the person(s) knew where her parents were that night, or what route they were going to take, Deshya is willing to bet her fingers that she was found by her mother and father on purpose. In short, it's fitting that they weren't attacked or threatened, given that they must have been the only ones who knew about her fox attributes. Of course, Deshya and her parents know full well that these are just suspicions: perhaps there's no danger at all… Deshya can maybe confess everything to the world. Maybe no one kidnapped her, and in the end it's just an inexplicable phenomenon that has nothing to do with anyone but nature or life itself.
Nevertheless, Deshya isn't one to believe in the paranormal so easily, even with fox ears and a fox tail on her body.
She wants to confess everything to Tessa. She wants Tessa to fall under her spell when she sees her extreme cuteness, to be even more beautiful in her eyes... but she doesn't want to put her in danger. It's precisely because Tessa's safety is at risk if she learns the truth that she'd rather she didn't know. She's under no obligation to confess the truth, and Tessa isn't the type to come up from behind and pull back her hood to see what's on her head. Deshya has had it done to her several times by other students, but she's always very careful and watches her surroundings at school, even on the street.
- If I agree to play against Tessa and I lose, I'll have a reason to tell her everything, but I'm too scared for her safety... However, if I win, she'll stop bothering me with it and I'll be able to ask her... whatever I want…
She blushes just thinking about it. Although she had no intention of asking him anything indecent, she had several ideas in mind that interested her enormously. Tessa waits patiently for her answer, her hands still in her pockets. Deshya closes her eyes and thinks, not wanting to give an answer too quickly.
- Korone knows the truth and has nothing yet, but it's only been a few hours... I want to play Tessa, but I have to win... If I play her, I MUST win. My relationship with Tessa will get even better, since I'll never be upset with her when she insists a little too much on my fox sweaters and the tail on my back... I'll be able to ask her for something I want, but if I lose, I'll live in constant fear... If Tessa gets killed or kidnapped because of me, I don't think I'll be able to forgive myself... Do I play it safe and refuse? But if I do that, she'll suspect even more that something's going on under my hood. She's very smart, so I wouldn't be surprised if she already suspects I'm a fox-girl, but it seems so unlikely that she must think there's something else going on. What do I do, what do I do?!
Deshya keeps her eyes closed, deep in thought. Tessa is silent, having no desire to sway Deshya's answer to a 'yes' or 'no'. With her hands in her pockets, she stares at her friend with a neutral expression. Deshya finally opens her eyes and looks back at Tessa.
- Aren't we going back on our word? Whether it's you or me?" she asks.
- Never.
Tessa smiles and Deshya returns it directly.
- Then I'm in.
Deshya crosses her arms and glares at Tessa, which makes her laugh out loud. Korone jumps out of her chair and goes to see what Deshya is doing, running with small steps. She notices that she's closing the door and Korone stops in front of her.
- Who was it?" asks Korone.
Deshya crouches down in front of the little girl and strokes her hair.
- She's a dear friend of mine. I'm going to her place to play a game of poker," admits Deshya.
- OOOOH!!!
Korone jumps up and down, startling Deshya.
- Can I come?! Can I come?!
- A-Ah?
Korone insists again and again, clenching her fists in front of her little body. Deshya's mother comes into the corridor and carries Korone, laughing softly.
- First, I have to take your measurements so I can get you some clothes!" she told him.
- I want to go and see Deshyshy play Poker against his
freeeeen!
- Oh, poker? I hope it's not with real money...?
Deshya shakes her head and puts her hands in the pockets of her sweater.
- No. If I lose, I have a pledge and if she loses, she has a pledge, that's all.
She doesn't want to tell her mother about the real consequences of losing, because Deshya is sure she wouldn't want her to go. Korone struggles in Pera's arms.
- I want to see Deshyshy play poker!!!" she shouts.
- I'm leaving in 15 minutes. Can I take you there if you want?" offers Deshya.
- YEEEEEAY!!! We have to take my measurements!!! Hurry, hurry!!!
Korone's smile is as bright as Amora's, which makes Deshya smile... and worries her too. Having a 'little sister' with so much energy... Deshya doesn't know yet whether this will be a good thing or a real ordeal. She watches her mother carry Korone upstairs as she climbs the stairs, and before she goes to put on a pair of pants, she turns back to the front door.
- I agreed because I thought it would be beneficial, but I'm afraid of doing something stupid here... If I lose... If I lose…
She sighed and climbed the stairs in turn, going up to her room to dress properly.
- Thanks, Mom.
- Enjoy yourselves.
Deshya closes the car's rear door and greets her mother, accompanied by an energetic Korone. Pera starts up and drives off directly, while Deshya looks at Tessa's house in front of her. Korone grabs her hand and smiles.
- I can't wait to see Deshya's friend!!!" she said.
- Ahah, Tessa is very cool.
- Is she smart like you?
- I'd say she's even smarter.
- Waaa!
Korone opens her mouth wide, stars in her eyes. Deshya smiles and arrives on the porch with her, but before she can knock, Korone does it for her. Banging her little fists against the door a few times, she lets out a joyful 'Hihihi'. Deshya gently pushes her back, telling her to stop, but the door swings open. Korone raises her arms.
- Hewwooooooo!
Deshya looks at Tessa and apologizes for Korone's behavior, but she blinks when she notices that it wasn't Tessa who opened the door for her, but—
- M-Maruno?!
A boy with black hair tied back came up to them and smiled. Standing at the door with an elbow on the handle and his foot behind his right leg, he greets Deshya with a beautiful smile.
- Yo, yo!
- W-What are you doing here?" she asks.
- You know a thing or two about poker, don't you? There has to be a dealer, right? So Tessa asked me if I'd accept and I couldn't refuse. The fox-eared genie versus the purple-haired genie, I couldn't pass that up!
‘Maruno Uffite’, the third member of the 'Fox Incorporated’' of the Tetazo school. A popular boy with black hair and green eyes. A good friend of Deshya's and one of Tessa's best friends, he loves to cook many different dishes. Deshya gives him a tired smile.
- I should have known..." she said.
- He is a gentleman, he is not the friend you were talking about, is it?" asks Korone.
Maruno notices the little girl at Deshya's side and crouches down to observe her.
- She's so cute, who is she?
Korone stretches out her hand and places it in front of her forehead, like a military salute.
- My name is Korone Daiski!!! I'm living with Deshya and her family until I find another family!
Deshya asked her in advance not to admit that she was in probable danger, even though she was sure that there would be people around her who would understand that she was the girl in yesterday's affair. Even if Korone has to go out as little as possible, Deshya would rather she came with her than leave her at home on her own or with her mother, who doesn't like to be disturbed when she's out shopping. What's more, knowing that she's with her and safe reassures her.
- Eeeh, you didn't tell me that, Deshya…
Maruno slowly turns her face towards Deshya, an unhappy expression on her face. She waves her hands in front of her.
- Aaah, I only found out about it this morning when I woke up!" she says.
- Exactly !!! Nice to meet you, mister handsome !!!
- M-Mr. Handsome...?" repeats Maruno.
- Nyes! You are beautiful, veeeeeeery beautiful!!!
Korone blushes as she swings her head around and Maruno stands up. He coughs to clear his throat and snaps his fingers with a smile that shows his teeth, a forced expression on his face.
- You have good taste, you," he says. I accept your presence among us, little one.
- Oi, what are you saying right now...?" wondered Deshya, looking at him with a tired smile.
Korone applauds.
- Thanks for letting me pass, Mr. Handsome!
- You're welcome, little one.
- Hihi!
Korone lets go of Deshya's hand and enters the house first. The teenager walks past Maruno, shaking her head, unsure whether to laugh or cry. Maruno closes the door behind her and Tessa hurries into the hallway.
- Oh, there you are!" she said.
- Hi, Tessa.
- A very beautiful other one!!! Heewwoooooo, my name is Korone Daiski !!!
Korone raises her arms and Tessa watches her for a few moments, but eventually lifts her and analyzes her face, her hair and even her clothes. Deshya kicks off her shoes and approaches Tessa with Maruno.
- So you have a daughter at your age? You're enjoying yourself, I see..." says Tessa.
- She's not my daughter!" cries Deshya.
- But, but, but, I'm not her daughter !!!
Korone struggles into Tessa's arms and Tessa laughs before dropping her to the ground. Korone runs into Deshya's arms and smiles.
- So this is the friend you were talking about?" asks Korone.
Deshya nods and takes her in her arms in turn. She's rather light and about 30 centimeters shorter than her, so she has no problem keeping her in her arms. Tessa rubs her head.
- On a more serious note, who is...? Your cousin?
- She doesn't have any parents, so we act like a foster family for her," replies Deshya. She only arrived this morning, but she really wanted to come and see the poker game between the two of us.
Korone nods as she cuddles Deshya, her smile reaching his ears. Maruno enters Tessa's living room, where the game will take place, and the teenager with the long purple hair shrugs her shoulders.
- Well, if she wants to see you lose, that's fine with me!
- Deshyshy will win!!! I believe in her!!!" shouts Korone.
- Deshyshy...? Do you imitate Amora?
- I came up with the nickname myself, nah.
Tessa giggles and invites Deshya into the living room. She follows, but as soon as she steps into the room, she is startled and takes two steps back.
- Deshya is here!!!
- Yeeees, it's about to start!!!
- My money's on Tessa!
- Me on our foxie!!!
- I've been waiting for this !!!
More than twenty people are in the back of the lounge, the three sofas packed.
Deshya remains wide-eyed, surprised, while Korone laughs softly.
- Lots of fans!" she says.
- W-Who are these people?" shouts Deshya.
Tessa sits down on one of the three chairs at the table and looks at Deshya.
- Them? They wanted to see us play poker together, that's all..." replies Tessa.
- B-But…
- Don't worry.
Tessa winks at Deshya.
- If I win, your pledge will be seen only by me. The opposite too. They're only there for the game itself.
- But if Deshya wins and asks Tessa to get naked, I want to see!" shouts one of the group.
- I don't know who said it, but eat shit.
- Not nice!
Everyone starts laughing, even Maruno. Deshya prefers not to think about it so as not to be mentally tired even before the game, so she drops Korone on the floor who runs to the table, followed by Deshya herself. She notices that the only empty chair is opposite Tessa, while a new, unopened pack of cards lies in the middle of the table: nothing else is on it except an empty glass of water opposite each seat and a bottle of water for everyone. Deshya sits, analyzing the table in front of her, while the small crowd chats amongst themselves about who will win and what's going to happen. Korone asks Maruno if she could sit next to him and he accepts. Tessa looks at the little girl with a smile.
- Don't cheat for your 'big sister', eh?
Korone jumps on Maruno's now-free chair and sticks out her tongue.
- Never cheat! If Deshya loses, she loses! No cheating, no good!
She crosses her arms and glances away, as if sulking, which cheers Tessa up.
- Don't sulk everyone either.." thinks Deshya with an amused, tired look.
Maruno returns with a chair and puts it next to him. Korone jumps on it and thanks him, but she slams the table.
- I don't have a glass of water. Nor a bottle. Me ask for it!" she says.
- Hey, I'm not your butler!
- Pweaaaase, sir the most handsome handsome!
Korone stares at her with wide eyes, a beaten-dog expression on his face. Maruno observes him with a neutral, almost annoyed expression, and turns to Deshya.
- Where did you catch this little one?" he asks.
- On a bus.
- On... Huh?!
Deshya smiles at him and nods.
- Fetch a bottle for Korone, sir the handsome," she said.
- Faster, slave," Tessa tells him.
- Oi, oi…
Maruno sighs, but finally complies. Korone waves her hands in the air, laughing at Maruno.
- I have my own slave, hihi! And he's beautiful!
Deshya tells her to calm down, but the crowd behind her starts repeating her words in song. Tessa looks on, giggling, while Deshya pinches her cheek, wondering if she's dreaming. Unfortunately for her, she's wide awake... Maruno returns with a bottle of water and a glass and sets them down right next to hers, sighing.
- This is your house, not mine, Tessa..." he blurts out as he sits down.
- But you're our little love slave!" she taunts.
- Gneu gneu gneu.
He sticks out his tongue and Tessa starts laughing. Deshya smiles, happy to be with the other two members of the school's ‘Fox Incorporated'. Even though she's going to have to play hard and win against Tessa, a clever girl full of surprises, she's going to give it her all to protect her secret and not be bothered about her hood again. Amora, Maruno or most of her friends just accept that she dresses this way because she needs to express herself in a way that's different from the others: however, Tessa seems to suspect that there's something else behind her clothes. She can understand, given that she keeps her sweater on when she works out, but she doesn't want to have to lie to Tessa again... If Deshya wins, then she can breathe. She prepares herself mentally, staring at Tessa. Tessa calms down and claps her hands.
- I assume you know the rules of poker, right?" she asks.
- Can I know the rules? I don't know what they are!" says Korone.
Tessa smiles at him. Deshya puts both elbows on the table.
- I know the rules and the different hands, but I suppose you've added a few instructions to make the game more intriguing?
Tessa shows her teeth, pleased by this remark.
- You know me well, I must say.
- I guess poker for two can be really short and it can be uninteresting... Besides, I can't see you playing without putting your own spin on it," Deshya told her. I guess we will have a different version of Poker, and not the real one?
Tessa takes the unopened pack of cards and holds it up, making sure everyone can see it.
- So I'm going to keep this as short and simple as possible," she begins. I hate cheating, but I know neither of us would dare use illegal techniques, so I'm not too scared. However, I still took a deck of cards that had never been opened for this game, so that we could start without doubting each other.
Tessa slides the package towards Deshya, who catches it before it falls off the table and checks that it is not tampered with. The plastic wrapping has never been opened and she doesn't see how Tessa could have tampered with it, especially as she's not the type to cheat: in short, she trusts her. She passes it on to Maruno, who checks it too, but he's been convinced all along that they'd never dare to cheat in this match. So he opens the package and Tessa stoops to pick something up. The crowd on the sofas let out surprised noises as Tessa places a white plastic box on the table.
- What...?" asks one of them.
- I wonder..." replies another.
Deshya suspects what it is... and she sees she's right when Tessa pulls a bag out of the box.
- It's... !!
- Ooooh!
Deshya grabs the bag and opens it before looking at the black tokens inside. She's surprised to see so many…
- Two hundred.
- Two hundred... You mean it's two hundred chips? Deshya asks.
Tessa nods and Maruno hands her two cards. Tessa puts them in her pocket and Korone points to them with her finger.
- Waaa! Deshyshy, they're cheating!
Deshya smiles.
- Maruno just passed her the jokers, nothing more," she explains.
- Why...?" asks the little girl.
- In poker, you play with all the cards except the jokers. Four cards from '2' to '10', followed by 'jack', 'queen', 'king' and 'ace'.
- 'Ace' can be considered a '1' too," explains Maruno, showing him an ace card.
- Aaah, I knew that!
Korone grabs the card, avoiding bending or damaging it, and analyzes it curiously. Tessa takes out her own chips and places them in front of her.
- As I was saying, there are 200 chips for you, 200 for me. A chip represents '5€'," Tessa explains.
- So we have '1000€'...
- Yes, that's right. Of course, it's fake money, like I told you. Now, about the rules.
Tessa grabs a token and Korone returns the card to Maruno looking at the girl with the long purple hair, interested in the game. She'd heard the name poker before, but she didn't really know anything about the rules. All she knows is that some people lose or win a lot of money when they play it. It's a good thing Deshya and Tessa won't be betting real money…
- You start with '1000€', I start with '1000€'. When one of us falls below '75€', we lose the game. I've decided that '75€' isn't included in that, so that's the minimum you can get without losing the game," explains Tessa.
- Just one game, then?" asks Deshya.
- I prefer it, since it's going to take a while and I'm sure that, given our abilities, it's going to take a few games for one of us to win.
Deshya nods: although she knows that Tessa is good at strategy and money games, Deshya is confident in her own abilities too. She can't say to herself that she's not as strong as her opponent, otherwise it's a psychological defeat for her. This would greatly reduce her chances of victory, so she prefers to have confidence in herself that she can win hand-in-hand. That's the mentality she's decided to employ for this match, one that often works very well for her. Even if she's not as strong as her opponent, she likes to tell herself that she's at the same level, if not stronger: a strategy that many professionals use in all sports, even online.
- Before I talk about anything else, I'd like to talk about the different 'hands' you can have in poker, so that everyone can understand.
Tessa said this as she reached for a deck of cards she had kept behind her. Unlike the one Maruno had, it was older and clearly different: in short, it would be impossible for Tessa to cheat by keeping a card from this deck up her sleeve. She places five cards in front of them, all of different values.
- Before explaining the hands, the poker is very simple: two cards will be put face-up in the middle of the table by Maruno, and will therefore be seen by everyone, including Deshya and me. Then Maruno will give us three cards each, which will be face-down, but we can look at them. It's forbidden to say what cards we have, even to bluff. We then have the right to exchange one, two or all three cards with Maruno, who will give us one, two or three in return, but only one exchange is possible. Of course, this exchange is strategic, as we need the best possible hand to win.
Tessa taps the five cards in front of her. Korone stares at them, increasingly interested.
- This hand is the 'high card', poker's weakest hand. This is when it doesn't follow any combination, so it's not a 'straight' or a 'straight' or anything like that. It's the card with the highest value that's counted, so if Deshya and I have a high card, then whoever has the card with the highest value wins. If I have a queen in highest value and Deshya a 10, then I win. Oh, I say value so everyone understands, but we call it 'rank'," explains Tessa.
She swaps one card for another and Korone notices that it's the same value as the one on her right.
- This hand is called a 'pair'. It's when two cards are of the same rank.
A ♥10 and a ♠10 are placed next to each other.
- If Deshya and I have a pair, the better pair wins. Anyway, here I have a pair of 10s, but if Deshya has a pair of kings, then I lose. If she has a pair of 10s too, the highest card outside the pair wins.
Deshya places four aces in front of her in a particular order and taps on them.
- In poker, it's all about color and sign. Hearts are stronger than diamonds, which are stronger than clubs, which are stronger than spades. The color red is stronger than black, but in our case, I decided to ignore that," explains Tessa.
- So if I have a red pair and you have a black pair, but they're of the same rank, it's an equal pair?" asks Deshya.
Tessa nods.
- If we don't play by the exact rules, that's okay, because we're not in a casino, we're with each other. If you don't like it, we can play with colors.
- If we both have a 'color', I suppose we still take into account that the heart is stronger than the others, et cetera...?
- It's not possible, since there are already two cards we can't move..." Tessa tells him.
Korone looks confused, but Maruno whispers that she'll soon understand. The little girl replies that she trusts him. Tessa again changes one card for another. Alongside the two 10s are now two ladies.
- This time, it's what we call a 'two pair'. It's obviously a bit stronger than the simple 'pair' and as you can see, it has two pairs. It's simple, honestly…
Everyone understands, so Tessa continues without pause. She takes the five cards and puts in three new ones. Korone notices that this time, three cards have the same rank: three 5s.
- When three cards have the same rank and the other two don't form a pair, it's called a 'three of a kind'. In case there's an idiot in the room, I show the hands in order from weakest to strongest, so it's above 'two pair'.
- What a free insult..." thinks Deshya.
Tessa changes all the cards again and takes a few moments to make the hand she wants. Korone notices that this time it's a sequence: a 5, a 6, a 7, an 8 and a 9 one after the other.
- Some people call it a 'straight', but I'll keep the official name and say it's called a 'straight'. It's very simple: it's when all five cards follow each other, in any order, except if it's from 10 to ace, but I'll talk about that later.
- Even if the colors aren't the same?" asks Korone.
Tessa nods.
- The colors don't matter. If the colors are the same, in reality, it's not even a 'straight' anymore, but I'll talk about that afterwards too.
Tessa changed the cards again and Korone felt her heart beating faster and faster in her chest: she was excited just thinking about Deshya and Tessa playing together. She could see Deshya when she solved her adoptive parents' crime case, but she says Tessa is even smarter. Is she right, or is she just being humble with her friend? Korone can't wait to find out...!
- Above the 'straight' is the 'suit'. Simply put, it's when all five cards are the same suit.
Tessa snaps her fingers to get everyone's attention, although everyone in the room is already focused on her.
- But when it comes to color, it's not just red or black. As you know, red is hearts and diamonds, while black is clubs and spades. If I have five red cards, but they're not all hearts or diamonds, that's not a suit. I want to be clear on this.
Everyone understands and nods to Tessa's words, although Korone is surprised: nevertheless, she doesn't retort, as she's just learning poker, so what would she have to say? Tessa knows the terms better than she does. After a small change of cards, Tessa continues her explanation.
- This is called a 'full house'. This is when the hand consists of a pair and a three of a kind.
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Tessa's 'full house' is currently a ♠4, a ♦4, a ♥4, a ♠10 and a ♥10. Korone understands that the chances of having such a hand are minimal, but When she thinks about it, she says to herself that having more than one 'two pair' is already complex... Tessa touches the cards and presents them to people.
- Above the full house are four of a kind. This is when a person has all four cards of a certain rank, here being the ace. The four of a kind is obviously the strongest and nothing can beat it, except the two most powerful hands I'm about to tell you about.
After a quick change, Tessa shows the cards to the others. Korone wonders if she's made a mistake, since it's only a straight... However, she soon realizes that it's different: the cards are all the same color.
- This is the second highest hand, the 'straight flush'. It's a straight, but of the same suit.
Tessa picks up the cards after this short explanation and lays down five new ones. Korone is genuinely surprised this time and points to the cards.
- It's another straight flush, nooo?" she asks.
Deshya shakes her head and explains for Tessa.
- This hand is the strongest of all, the 'royal flush'.
- What's the difference?" asks the white-haired girl.
- It's a 'straight flush', but a very specific one: when it's 10, jack, queen, king and ace. This is the only possible combination for a royal flush. You have one chance in 2,598,960 of having such a hand in normal poker.
- That's a lot…
- You can play for a year and never have a hand like this, even after thousands of games," Maruno tells him.
- Eeeeh…
Korone can understand: it's a very specific combination that requires the same five cards in a unique order. For this to be possible, the two cards placed in advance have to be of the same suit and rank between 10 and ace... Tessa puts the deck of cards back in its box and throws it against the wall, where it bumps into it and falls on the piece of furniture where the medium-sized TV with the screen turned off rests.
- I hope that was clear to the hands.
- Nyeeees!" said Korone.
- I already knew about it, but it's always nice to have a refreshed memory…
- So for the rules, I'll keep it simple.
Tessa cracks the back of her neck and places both hands on the table.
- Maruno knows how to shuffle very well and has no reason to cheat to help you or me, so he's the perfect dealer. When we finish a match, he shuffles all the cards together for a few seconds before putting two new ones on the table. Above all…
Tessa rolls a €1 coin across the table and Korone catches it before Deshya does. Tessa blinks, but just smiles.
- Deshya, heads or tails?
- Tails," she replies directly.
- I'll go heads, then.
Korone launches her into the air with just her thumb, having already understood what she has to do. She spins and spins, all eyes on the room. She reaches the room's light bulb, but doesn't touch the ceiling, and returns to Korone due to gravity. Heads or tails? Deshya or Tessa? The coin falls as quickly as it does slowly, and finally Korone blocks it on the back of his hand with his other hand. Silence reigns in the room: everyone waits to hear the result. Korone slowly moves his hand, revealing to the three friends which way the coin has fallen. A boy in the crowd swallows noisily, his heart racing.
- It's heeeaaaaads!" says Korone.
She doesn't give a big smile, because that means Deshya has lost this bet, but she knows very well that it's just a matter of luck. Besides, Korone wonders if it really matters... Tessa looks victorious, but she doesn't tease Deshya about it. She picks up the coin Korone tosses her and thanks her before continuing her explanation.
- So I'll start first for the bet.
- The bet...?" asks Korone.
Tessa nods and raises her index finger.
- When we both have our hand, one of us will place a bet. Let's say it's me, since I'm starting. Let's say I have three of a kind, and I obviously don't know what Deshya has. Logically, with three of a kind, I'm convinced that everything will go well for me, so I'll bet a certain amount. Then Deshya has the choice of 'calling', dropping out or betting another amount, as long as it doesn't exceed the minimum. She can also bet and ask to see my cards, which stops the bet here. Otherwise, it's my turn. I have only three choices: either I call, bet a little more or a little less, or give up. If I give up, my money and her money go to her. If she bets €500 and I only bet €50, even if she wins, she's still on the hook.
only earns €50, since the €500 comes from his own stake. I think that's easy to understand.
- Yay!
- However, if I have a high card with the highest card being a 6, for example, and I'm the one who starts the bet, I can give up straight away: I'm then said to be 'folding'," explains Tessa.
- When it's the second person betting, I can stop the bet whenever I want by betting myself and saying I want to see the other person's cards. If I give up, however, Tessa doesn't have to show me her cards and I don't have to show them either," adds Deshya.
- Well, I want to see the games," says Maruno.
Tessa and Deshya giggle and Korone squints.
- So there's an advantage and a disadvantage in both cases..." she thinks.
She discreetly turns her gaze to Tessa.
- When one of them starts first, they have the option of simply folding if their hand is too bad. They also start the betting, so they can lead from the outset... However, if the person opposite makes a certain bet, they can't stop the game by asking to see the cards of the other, creating a conflict: to continue or to accept defeat? Dare to put more on the line or simply lose the money already staked?
Korone then turns his gaze to Deshya.
- On the other hand, the second person can't lead the game from the start, but he can try to steal control with a certain bet or simply give up if his hand looks too bad. Unlike the one who starts, she can stop the match by asking to see, or put pressure on her opponent, since she's the only one who can stop the match without giving up. And then…
Korone touches her chin, lowering her gaze.
- Even if being second seems to be more advantageous, there's another problem. If Deshya has a very good hand and Tessa a bad one, and it's Tessa who goes first, if she feels she can't do anything with that hand, she may just fold. In short, Deshya's hand won't matter at that point. This can hurt the ego, given that it's a game of 52 different cards and poker is only played with one deck, so having two cards the same is literally impossible. In short, a royal flush can only be obtained by one person, just like a certain three of a kind or four of a kind, a full house... Aaaah, it's simple yet complicated.
Korone looks up again and notices that Tessa is still talking.
- A little rule I decided to put in myself, but it's forbidden to go to bed three times in a row or to give up three times in a row. So folding once, giving up directly the second time and then folding still counts as three quits in a row. However, you can fold, bet once and then give up, then fold, and it won't count as three. When a bet is made, it restarts the count at 0, but I prefer to make this rule so that we don't play like wimps.
- I like it.
- Given the other rule I've added, which I'll explain, there's no need to make sure that at the end of the umpteenth round, we get that count down to two.
- What rule?" asks Deshya, intrigued.
Tessa lets out a soft "Hehe" before showing Deshya her teeth.
- Minimum stake.
- Minimum stake...?
- What's that?
- I don't know.
- Well, a minimum stake, I suppose…
- You keep quiet.
The crowd creates a background noise, but the four around the table don't think about it. Tessa explains without creating suspense.
- It's very simple. Given the chips, you've already understood that you can only bet in multiples of 5. You can't bet €18 or anything like that, it would be too much trouble otherwise.
- No worries about that," admits Deshya.
- As for the minimum stake, it's easy to understand: the first game has a minimum stake of €10. I'm the one who starts this one, so I can only bet €10 or more. The second match is yours to start, so the minimum stake is still the same. However, when it comes back to me, for the third match, the minimum bet increases by 10€. That's €20. The fourth match is you, with the minimum bet still at €20, and then the fifth match, when it's my turn to start, the bet increases to €30.
- In short, every time we come back to you, the minimum bet increases by €10. We're not idiots," Maruno tells him.
- Oh, but there's a little girl here and I'd rather be clear, even if I talk more.
Korone smiles at her, but she herself would have understood with Maruno's abbreviated explanation. Tessa asks Deshya if it's all right, and the teenager in the blue fox sweater nods without hesitation.
- That way, the game doesn't last for hours, and we have to think about how much money we have. The more the matches progress, the more we'll be forced to bet a higher payout... So you don't want to lose too much right from the start, but playing it too safe can be dangerous," thinks Deshya.
- Luck is one of the main factors in poker, it seems... So trying to do everything when the minimum bet is high is too risky. Hoping to get luck on your side by folding and giving up a lot without betting in matches where the minimum stakes are €200 and above is probably a completely idiotic strategy..." Korone muses.
Tessa rubs her chin: she wonders if she's said everything.
- Hmmm, really…
- Yes?
Deshya looks up at Tessa.
- To spice things up, let's do this!
She slams her fist into her hand.
- During the 21st match, it is forbidden to fold!
- But is giving up after the bet allowed?
- Once, not twice in a row.
- …
Deshya wonders if it's all right with her, but takes a few seconds to accept Tessa's proposal. The latter is delighted and smiles.
- To ask to see the other player's cards and stop betting, say 'I'm betting €30 and I want to see'. Well, obviously, 30€ or any other amount, it's up to you…
- Understood.
- I have nothing to add. Any questions?
- None," Deshya told him.
- All understood, boss," smiled Maruno.
- It's fun!!!" lets out Korone, fidgeting in her chair.
The crowd on the sofas start cheering the two teenagers and Tessa waves her hand towards Maruno.
- So I'll let you mix and begin?
- Go go!!!" shouts Korone, raising a fist to the ceiling.
Maruno nods and starts mixing. Meanwhile, Deshya stares straight into Tessa's eyes and vice versa. Both remain focused on each other, waiting patiently and impatiently for the two cards to be placed between them, as well as their three cards. Deshya has never played poker in her life, but she learned the rules from her father a year ago. She knows how to bluff and thinks of different strategies in her head, but she wonders whether she can play well against Tessa... In any case, she's aware that she has no choice but to play well: losing isn't an option. Even if she doesn't lose money and doesn't care about her 'reputation', she doesn't want Tessa to learn the truth. At least, not this soon: Deshya has to make sure she doesn't endanger anyone if she reveals for her fox attributes. This poker game may allow her to ask Tessa for anything as well as stop her from bothering her, so she has to win... Not only for the rewards, but also for her own ego: Deshya hates to lose. She's not a bad loser, but she hates to lose! Maruno stops shuffling and lays two cards in front of them. The crowd rises to observe the cards without making a sound, not wanting to disturb the two players. Korone watches too, her eyes shining with excitement and suspense. The two cards placed by Maruno are—
The ♥5 card and the ♣A card.
While Maruno offers the three cards to the two players, Deshya and Tessa ponder over the two cards.
- They are of different colors and their ranks are too far apart to form a straight…
Deshya squints.
- No, wait a minute. We can make a straight from ace to 5 with the cards 'ace', '2', '3', '4' and '5'. The ace can be considered a '1', after all..." thinks Deshya.
The three cards are placed in front of her and she takes them in her hand: she doesn't do the technique of the professionals who observe them for only a brief moment, as she can't see what good it would do her. Without showing the slightest emotion to her opponent or the spectators, she analyzes the three cards she has received.
The ♠8. The ♥Q and the ♠3.
She has two cards of the same suit, but none that would make a pair. Deshya thinks as she looks at them, not even allowing herself to squint or show frustration. She was unlucky at the start of this game, but she wasn't expecting anything in any case, so she can't be disappointed.
- The only useful card is my ♠3, but if I swap the other two cards, I'd have to have a '2' and a '4' to have a straight..." she thinks.
Deshya glances quickly at Tessa, wondering what cards she might have. All Deshya can deduce at the moment is that she doesn't have any of the three cards Deshya currently has, nor will she ever have them in this round. She places the three cards on the table and, after a moment's reflection, offers them to Maruno.
- I exchange all my cards," she says.
Tessa lets out a small smile and offers Maruno her cards too, but unlike Deshya, she keeps one in her hand. Deshya squints so weakly that Tessa can't see the change in her expression.
- If she keeps one, it's probably a pair, or maybe she's trying to make a straight..." thinks Deshya.
Maruno sets the five cards aside and offers three new ones to Deshya, as well as two to Tessa. They take them and look at their deck, while Korone tilts her head to try and see which cards they have: however, they make sure that only they can see them. The crowd is silent so as not to disturb the two players, as they analyze their hand. Deshya keeps a neutral expression on her face, but inwardly—
- ... Eheh.
The three cards she has just received are as follows:
The ♦A, the ♠4 and the ♥9.
Although she doesn't have a straight, she does have a pair of aces. Although this is the weakest hand above the high card, it's still a bit of a chance for Deshya. The pair of aces can only be beaten by a two pair or a slightly stronger hand, which isn't necessarily the easiest to get. She has a very decent hand, but her highest card is only the 9. Deshya glances sharply at Tessa, but she doesn't show the slightest expression. Deshya had suspected it, but she'd hoped she'd be able to work out which hand she had just by looking at her face, but that doesn't seem to be the case... Tessa puts down her cards and touches a chip in her hand.
- The minimum stake is currently '10€'... Hmmm…
She plays with a token while watching Deshya. She neither smiles, nor pouts, nor seems disappointed: a real neutrality is on her face. Deshya lays down her cards in turn, staring at Tessa without showing the slightest emotion. She's pretty happy with her hand, but is it enough? Tessa could have a straight or even two pair, especially as she's kept one card with her. Tessa finally stops playing with the black token and nods.
- I'll start with '65€', then.
She pushes 13 chips in front of her before crossing her arms. Deshya looks at her with surprised eyes, but shakes her head and calms down.
- Don't show emotion... Don't show emotion…
She sighs and begins to think. The minimum bet is barely '10€', but she puts a total of '65€' on the table right from the start...? Isn't that a bit too much to start with? Especially since Deshya can give up straight away and refuse to play her game, since it's obviously a bluff... Is she confident in her hand, or does she want to upset Deshya right from the start of the game? Deshya closes her eyes for a few moments, while the crowd remains on its guard, wondering what move she's going to make next. Continue or give up? Korone looks at Deshya and waits patiently.
- Betting that much must be a bluff..." thinks the little girl. She must have no better than a pair, because otherwise, what would be the point?
Korone is sure: if Tessa has a better hand, then she'd start with a fairly low bet and try to convince her opponent to bet more. With such a bet, it's as if she's asking Deshya to give up straight away. Korone folds her eyes.
- Wait, with this rule…
Now that she thinks about it, getting the other to fold is a good strategy: if Deshya refuses to bet now, she'll have to watch out for the next round. If she has a bad hand and has to fold, then next time she won't be able to give up. Despite this, Korone wonders why Tessa is betting so much from the start: is it really to discourage Deshya from betting, or is it to confuse her? Korone doesn't know which hand they have, so she can't imagine a strategy for them: in any case, she's just an observer of this game. Deshya finally moves her hand—
- Oooh!
- It's our fox!
— and puts '80€' on the table.
- F-Four twenty?!" shouts internally Korone.
Deshya stares into Tessa's eyes.
- I continue with '80€'.
A total of 16 chips on the table, compared to Tessa's 13. Confidence pulses through her veins and Deshya refuses to let her opponent upset her: she has a pair of aces, the best possible pair, and colors don't count in this version of poker. She tries to employ a strategy similar to Tessa's, and makes it clear that she's not here to be manipulated: Deshya proves to her right away that she's here to play... and win.
- A bet like that... is she also trying to discourage her opponent?" wonders Maruno.
Even if he's the dealer, like Korone or a spectator in the crowd, he doesn't know what cards they're holding. All he knows is the rank and suit of the two that are face up on the table in front of them. Maruno looks at Tessa: she has to decide whether to continue betting or give up. However, her choice only takes the space of five seconds. And then—
- I bet '25€' more.
A total of 18 chips on his side, '90€' bet. Deshya squints: her opponent doesn't intend to give up so quickly, even when Deshya puts so much on the table…
- This is just the beginning, I can't afford to be too crazy…
Despite having a pair of aces in her hand, Deshya loses some of her confidence when she sees that Tessa doesn't back down a bit: she does the opposite. She could have bet ‘10€' in doubt that Deshya has a good hand, but she strides heavily towards her, challenging her with a big smile. Of course, this is just an image in Deshya's head: Tessa always has a neutral look on her face, far from ready to show her opponent the slightest weakness. This is a game where both want to win at all costs. Maybe there's no real money at stake, but both have their reasons for winning: the difference is that Tessa wants to win more than anything, whereas Deshya doesn't want to lose more than anything. It's a difference that may seem small, but it's one that drives a real wedge between the way she sees this poker game. Deshya thinks no further and pushes a total of 2 chips in front of her. A €90 bet.
- I bet '10€' more and ask to see!
She refuses to go any further: despite her pair of aces, nothing says Tessa doesn't have a superb hand like a straight. Tessa grabs her cards and lays them face up in front of her. The students in the crowd raise their heads to see the cards, while Korone squints at Tessa's hand. If Deshya has less than that, then she loses a total of '90€' right from the start…
A sum that represents almost 1/10th of his entire income.
- I've got a pair of aces," says Tessa.
Deshya opens her eyes wide. Both have a similar hand. The strongest possible pair, aces. Maruno and Korone turn to Deshya, while the crowd holds its breath. The only tie-breaker now is the rank of his highest card. Everyone is waiting to see who will win this sum from the start. Deshya opens her mouth, but nothing comes out. She turns her cards over and Korone looks at them.
- Pair of aces too..." says Deshya.
Tessa squints. The white-haired girl looks directly at the other two cards and when she sees them-
- The ♠4 and the ♥9... So that means—!!
Korone turns his gaze directly to Tessa's cards. They're right in front of the sum she's bet, the 18 black chips that represent a total of €90 on her part. A similar sum to the one Deshya has placed in front of her. The two cards on the table are the ♥5 and the ♣A. Deshya's are the ♠4, the ♥9 and the ♦A, the card that forms her pair. Her highest card is therefore the '9', while for Tessa…
She has the ♣A. The card that gives her a hand we call a 'pair'. A ♥3, a low-ranking card, just one higher than the lowest, the 2. Her last card, the one highest below her ace... The card that decides whether Tessa or Deshya wins... This card is…
- Ooooh!!!
- So she's the winner?!
- A loss of '90€' !!!
- Tsk.
This card is—
— the ♦K.
Four ranks higher than Deshya's highest card, it easily crushes her opponent's and thus defines the winner between them: Tessa is the one who wins the other's '90€'.
- I'll take it~!
Tessa moves the 18 chips closer to Deshya before handing her cards back, and Deshya sighs as she hands her cards to Maruno. Korone watches him shuffle the 52 different cards with a slightly sad look on her face.
- Even though they both had pairs of aces... It's already almost 1/10th of Deshya's sum that's gone. In the very first round.
Maruno quickly finishes mixing and Korone, having satisfied herself that he hadn't cheated, turns to Deshya. She doesn't seem to be affected by the defeat, but it's certain to leave a bitter taste in her mouth. Losing first affects the mind no matter what, Korone is certain. Maruno places the two cards on the table and the crowd suddenly falls silent as they look ahead. Deshya and Tessa do the same. The two cards on the table are :
The ♦7 and the ♦8.
- !!!
- Ooh, another straight possibility!" blurts out a student from the crowd.
- They follow each other and have the same color! Wooo!
- Less noise," asks Maruno, offering the three cards to the two players.
Deshya grabs his cards and squints. Not only is it possible to have a straight, it's possible to have even better: a straight flush. That would mean having the best possible hand in this round, and the winner no matter what. If Deshya can get it, then whatever Tessa's hand is, she'll win. It's impossible to have two straight flushes, or a royal flush in this round: in short, if Deshya manages to get very lucky, she can rest assured that she won't lose. She looks at her three cards with these thoughts in mind.
The ♥7, the ♠A and the ♠Q.
- I have a pair of 7…!
She hides her emotions with a neutral expression, but her heart starts to beat a little faster. Deshya doesn't have a straight flush, or a normal straight, but she does have at least one pair with an ace in her hand. She looks at the two cards lying face up on the table and begins to think. Meanwhile, Korone rises from his chair and looks at Tessa's hand. Maruno asks her to be quiet and not to disturb her. The little girl nods and looks at the three cards without saying a word.
- I'll swap two cards," says Tessa, keeping one.
- It makes sense..." thinks Korone.
She returns to her seat without making a sound and Deshya speaks in turn.
- I'll swap two too," she says.
Maruno puts the four to one side and the two opponents stare at each other, but Deshya quickly flees the gaze. Korone settles comfortably in his chair and watches the two players, wondering how it's going to go. Given the card Tessa has held, this round could be very interesting... as well as dangerous. Deshya doesn't need to see her opponent's cards to know that: she's already lost '90€', and in just one round, which is also her first. She's the first to bet this time, so she has to be careful. She now looks to see which hand she has.
The ♥7, the ♦4 and the ♠3.
A simple pair of 7s with a 4 as the highest card... In short, nothing to write home about. Deshya wants to sigh, but to do so would give away far too much information to Tessa, so she stands still and lays the cards on the table, their rank and suit hidden for all to see. Tessa does the same and waits to see what her opponent will bet.
- I bet…
Everyone looks at her. Korone crosses his fingers secretly, while Maruno plays with a card in his hand. Deshya pushes a number of chips in front of her and looks up.
- '50€'.
A total of 10 tokens.
- 50€' as a first bet..." thinks Maruno.
- They're really into it!
- We've got a real show, ahah!
Some people raise their voices, but quickly quieten down so as not to distract Tessa. Deshya stares straight into her eyes, having just made her first bet.
- My hand isn't incredible, but I don't think Tessa will get any better... She's held a single card, but knowing her, it's possible she's looking for a straight…
Even if Deshya's bet isn't too high, she's still doing something familiar: bluffing. The hand she has isn't one that merits such confidence. What's more, Deshya didn't even have an 8 in her cards: in short, the chances of Tessa having one aren't that low. If that's the case, then Deshya will lose again. However, she tries to discourage Tessa from betting: after all, it is possible to have a straight flush in this round. Although the probability is quite low, Deshya may have such a hand, which would mean a mandatory win.
- I follow.
Tessa pushes 10 chips in her turn. Korone turns to Deshya, wondering what she's going to do. Unlike the last round, she can't stop a match unless she gives up. However, Deshya doesn't take more than two seconds to decide what to do.
- I bet '10€' more.
- I follow.
- ?!
- Oh?
Maruno smiles: Tessa pushes 2 chips straight in, not hesitating for even the slightest millisecond in her decision. Deshya bites her lower lip, worried by what Tessa has just done. Although '€10' isn't much — including the current minimum bet — the fact that Tessa didn't hesitate for a second to call... Deshya thinks back to her own hand: she only has a pair of aces. Is it worth risking any more money on it...? She looks at her chips, then at Tessa's. Since she lost the first round, she's under Tessa's amount: she can't afford to play too risky, especially at the beginning. At least, that's what she thinks. She puts her hand on her chips and then says:
- I still bet '10€'.
- And I still follow.
At the same time as Deshya, Tessa pushes 2 black chips. The crowd starts to get excited as Korone grits his teeth and turns to Deshya.
- Tessa doesn't even hide her confidence... Will Deshya decide to give up?" wonders the little one.
Deshya clenches a fist without showing it to Tessa and looks at the chips she's bet. That's already a total of '70€'... If she gives up here, then she'll have a sum of '840€'. Just over 3/20ths of her total sum in Tessa's hands. Although she could get it back in future matches, Deshya knows full well that reality isn't that simple: losing two in a row from the start will affect her mind. What's more, giving up when she's started the bet is a defeat in itself... She pushes three chips in front of her and glares at Tessa, unable to give up now. However, if Tessa continues to bet, then Deshya will have to accept that she can't bet more…
- I bet '15€' more.
A total of €85. That's only '5€' less than the sum she wagered in the first round, the previous one! Korone turns to Tessa with a worried expression, as she sensed Deshya's lack of confidence. If she could feel it, then Korone is convinced of one thing.
Tessa felt it too.
She takes a token in her hand and spins it. She's not eager to decide what she's going to do, which worries Deshya. A drop of sweat finally appears on her forehead and slowly, gently and calmly runs down her face. Tessa plays with her mouth, as if she were blowing two kisses into thin air, and smiles. Her white teeth reveal themselves to her opponent and the chip in her hand joins the others that have already been pushed, but Tessa pushes even more. With absolute confidence, she sends her soldiers forward, unable to see defeat in sight.
- I bet '50€' more!
10 more chips join the growing pile in front of her. A total of 24 chips, a sum of '120€' in front of her! If Deshya wins them, then she'll have more than '1000€', the total amount she had at the start of this game! If she continues to bet, perhaps Tessa plans to put even more on the board and if Deshya is lucky, if her pair of 7s proves to be sufficient, then she will gain some advantage!!!! The crowd eagerly awaits a response from Deshya. How much will she bet? How many chips will she push? Maruno looks at the teenager with the blue sweater, both hands on the table. Korone keeps her eyes squinted, because she's convinced that what Deshya is about to say is—
- I…
Deshya closes her mouth, but finally sighs.
- I give up.
A ‘give up’! She bets nothing! Deshya stops here and with a disappointed look on her face, she doesn't try to take on Tessa. Head down, it's not just an '85€' win for Tessa, but a psychological one too. Korone clicks her tongue and looks at Tessa's cards. With the confidence she'd built up during this round, she suspects she had this hand, but she can't be convinced without seeing her cards. Tessa grabs the 17 black chips from Deshya's entire stack and places her three cards between her index and major fingers on her right hand.
- What kind of hand did you have, Deshya~?" asks Tessa.
Deshya raises her head and squints, but turns over her cards.
- Oh, a pair of 7s?" said Maruno.
- Besides, your highest card was only a 4... Did you bet a lot hoping I'd give up? I'd never give up.
- Never...?" asks Deshya.
Korone squinted: had she been right about Tessa's hand? However, it takes a lot of luck... so much luck that she wonders if it's possible. Tessa makes a sudden movement with her hand and her three cards arrive in her palm.
- My hand was... this one!
She violently lays down her three cards on the table and the force she uses causes a few chips to shake. Korone gritted his teeth and Deshya opened his eyes wide, his mouth gaping. Maruno whistles in surprise, while that most of the people in the crowd jump up to see. One of them opens his mouth wide and points to the cards she's laid down.
- T-This hand... It's... It's...!!!!
Korone rests her head on her fist, strangely disappointed to have been right.
- Given that her base hand consisted of ♦5 cards, ♠2 and ♣10, I figured she'd try for a hand like that, but she really did, that crazy girl....
Exactly: the card Tessa had kept when she swapped them was the first one, the ♦5! With the ♦7 and the ♦8 on the table, it was normal to look for a straight flush…
But that's not even the hand Tessa got. Indeed, what she has—
- A color?!" cries Deshya.
The ♦5. The ♦Q. The ♦K. Three cards of the same suit, all of diamonds ♦!!! Since the two on the table are also diamonds, this forms the hand we call 'suit'! Tessa returns her cards to Maruno with a smile.
- I had the ♦5, so I figured there was no way you were going for a straight flush. Besides, since I have a flush, my hand is even better than a straight, so I figured whatever happened, I'd win. Tessa licks her lips.
- I couldn't lose. My confidence was sky-high.
- Whereas Deshya's..." thinks Maruno as he collects all the cards.
Deshya grits her teeth and clenches her fists. To have a 'color' is extremely lucky, she couldn't have doubted she'd have such a hand... !!! Should she have folded when she saw she only had one pair? Should she play it safe and wait until the end of the match to dare more? Deshya isn't sure anymore! She doesn't know what to do! She's lost again: her first two sets ended in defeat! She's lost almost 2/10ths of her total sum in just two sets.
While Tessa smiles with confidence, Deshya bows her head in frustration.
Tessa has '1175€' while Deshya has only '825€'.
The third match is about to start... and Deshya has already lost the confidence she had at the very beginning.