Chapter five~

- Hunters side of the manor -

(Joseph's POV)

As I was about to take a break after playing a match with that puny little Emily, (who has been hurting my poor baby) Jack called everyone for a meeting.

Jack, who was gravefaced while looking at a piece of paper, was now sitting on the couch and had everyone gather up.

"Here are the Survivors pick." Jack sighed while he was about to announce who was picked.

"I will be matched with Naib."

"Leo will be matched with Emma."

"Michiko will be matched with Helena."

"Wu Chang will be matched with Vera."

"And lastly, Joseph will be matched with Aesop."

I was taken aback by the pleasant surprise.

As I looked around I was also amused by their facial expressions.

Leo was smiling widely at the ceiling while he looked like he was deep in thought.

Jack looked annoyed while sharpening his nails.

Michiko had no facial expressions whatsoever. She didn't react one bit.

Wu Chang however, looked sullen.

"Wu Chang... You have a problem?"

Wu Chang shook his head then just left the lobby.

I knew something was up with Wu Chang. But that's a story for another day.

I went away while happily humming a tune as I was glad that Aesop chose me.

At first I wasn't even sure if Aesop would join Blackjack or not but it seems I was wrong.

When I lost my brother, I felt like my world shattered into pieces. I never felt this way for a long time now.

I was scared that I would lose my brother, but alas, fate seems to want to play with me. my brother died and I didn't know what to do. I yearned for my brother everyday, even tho I knew he was gone, until I learned that by winning this game, I could bring back my brother.

That was the reason why I was in Oletus Manor. The main reason why I was here.

But now, because of Aesop, my minds a mess. I can't think straight.

My heart would burn once I see him getting held or touched by anyone. It was such a weird feeling that I didn't even feel about my brother, Clause.

When I get near him, my heart throbs loudly, it was like my heart wanted to jump out my body.

What is this feeling? Is this what they call... Love...?

I am absolutely confused. I didn't know anymore. But one thing I knew, is that I, Joseph Desaulniers, wouldn't let anyone harm Aesop.

He was like a fragile little glass. He was like the light that would always brighten my day, even when I can't see through the endless darkness.

I finally took a bath and quickly went to sleep so I can prepare for the match next game.

- Time skip to morning -

(Aesop's POV)

It was 7AM and here I am not getting ready for the upcoming match.

You can't blame me tho, I was too preoccupied by my 'thoughts'.

I was startled when a sudden knock on the door jolted me awake from my thoughts.

"Aesop! Get ready! You're up next!"

It was Emily shouting again. I took a big breath as to clear my mind.

"Coming!" I shouted at the door as I wore my mask to cover my mouth. I tied my hair in a short ponytail and checked my makeup box to make sure I don't forget anything. Soon, I was ready.

I went down the stairs and was soon in the lobby for Blackjack

There were 5 chairs arranged in a dome.

I was the last survivor to arrive.

I expected the lobby to be the same, but boy was I wrong.

I went to the last seat which was beside Vera and as I sat down, Vera scoffs at me.

"Oh my, look who's late. It's you again." Vera said while twisting her hair.

I didn't say anything and just went quiet. Suddenly Vera shrieked and jumped out of her chair.

"Aesop what the heck?! Why did you hit me?!" Vera screamed at me.

Great. Now Vera was accusing me.

I frowned at the thought of being wrongly accused. What did I do wrong now?

"What do you mean?" I said while frowning my face.

(Jack's POV)

As the two survivors were fighting, I frowned at the now gravefaced Joseph.

"Why did you hit Vera? You know we can't kill them." I asked questioningly.

Joseph smiled then said. "I'm not gonna kill her anyway, I'm just pinching her." Joseph said in a joking manner.

I rolled my eyes upon hearing his response.

"Do you perhaps..." I asked but suddenly stopped midway.

Joseph was from an aristocratic family, he most probably wouldn't be 'that' right?

Joseph looked at me with a questioning look on his face but I smiled then said. "Nevermind. Let's go."

Now everyone showed themselves to the Survivors.

(Aesop's POV)

As Vera was still nagging me about me 'pinching' her, I suddenly shivered when I felt a sudden warm feeling on my arm.

I looked behind my back to see Joseph, smiling tenderly at me with his sword on his other hand.

"J-joseph y-you're here." I said while stuttering. I was pretty flustered which usually doesn't happen often, but everytime I was around Joseph it would seem like I was always nervous around him.

"Hmmm, how are you?" Joseph asked me with an extremely soothing voice. Joseph's voice made my heart race.

"I-i'm fine. How abou-" I was about to ask how Joseph was but I was suddenly cut off by the female announcer. "Please get ready. Match will now start in 30 seconds."

As I stared at Joseph I nod at him and he nods back. In a few seconds, we were ready.

"You ready to win, little one?" Asked Joseph with a grin on his face.

"Y-yea... I'm bad at this game tho..." I told Joseph with a slight guilt I was feeling.

"Don't worry about that, I'll win for uS." Joseph grinned while saying that.

"Match will now begin."

- End of Chapter -

I completely forgot about webnovel (I'm sorry) If you guys can't wait for the update which takes like 1 month you can read it at wattpad