You didn't know how long you were staring at the shimmering cocktail glass that had been handed to you by a charismatic, dashing looking barkeeper. You had insisted on something non-alcoholic, and the sweetness of the blue-ish colored syrup tasted like candy on your tongue. The barkeeper had advertised his creation as “Carribean night”, and although the name was fairly fitting, his bright smile had intrigued you in an odd way.

It simply had been way too bright considering the cruel world outside of this hotel named the Beach.

The recent days had been - to put it simple - a time of chaos and terror. Ever since these so-called games had been introduced, your only thought had been the one of survival, as running on adrenaline became the standard. To fight on your own without knowing any other soul in this city had been tough, even though you had been lucky enough to have found shelter in an abandoned building in between games.

But never, never, did the believe cross your mind that even in this world you would find a place that dripped of party and entertainment just like the Beach did. But here you were, holding a sugary drink in your hand while hearing a crowd of party-people cheering to some loud ass bass music from across the main floor.

Seems like I still get a sense of that vacation I was visiting Shibuya for in the first place, huh, you reminisced, a hint of sarcasm included.

Well, you wouldn't know about the Beach still, not if you hadn't met Chishiya in your most recent intelligence game, the seven of diamonds. You and him had been the only two survivors the game had spat out, and when the seemingly quick-witted guy in his white hoodie had promised you a safer place to stay, there hadn't been much left to consider. This world wasn't one to allow second guesses and to stay here, with the promise of having enough supplies as well as food definitely proved to be more useful than fighting on your own. Furthermore, the comfort of a warm hotel bed even allowed a few days of actual relaxation before participating in another game.

To be completely honest, there still were some thoughts lingering on your mind about the Beach, its dubious facade of being the perfect little party resort or the way Hatter presented himself - all of which you were smart enough not to voice out loud. Places like these were always easier to be dealt with if you kept the really important things to yourself. But if wearing a white bikini with a pretty flower design under your purple blouse and jeans shorts was the only thing you needed to do in order to guarantee yourself a mostly pleasant stay here, then so be it, you considered it a fair trade.

Your thoughts traced back to the man who got you here, the person who clothed himself in a white hoodie just as casual as a coat of charisma and slight superiority. Truthfully you were glad to have met Chishiya. Not only because he had taken you along, but he was also a very smart, witty and easy-going person. The diamonds game had held true to be a bonding experience for the two of you and as soon as he had realized that you were able to meet his intellect and proved yourself a trustworthy companion, Chishiya seemed to acknowledge you as some kind of partner, perhaps even a friend.

You admired him, especially his capability to maintain calm even in the most life-threatening situations. Being in his atmosphere granted such a strong contrast to the frightened and panicked faces you had met in the games before. His mind was working non-stop and he seemed to analyze his surroundings at any given moment. More so he was exactly the type of person who didn't feel the need to prove anything to anyone and it was somehow delightful to surf in that kind of laid-back and cool vibe. As if his confident presence spilled over and empowered your own natural skills even further.

You brushed over your necklace, mindlessly playing with the two fine silver pendants that dangled there in the shape of dandelion flowers. Small, but indestructable - just like everything in this irrational twisted place had to be in order to survive.

However, there was something else Chishiya had added after his short introduction about the Beach. And that pale warning was still dancing on your mind like a dandelion pappus in the wind:

“Oh, and if I might give you a genuine advice. Keep your distance from the Militants. Especially a guy called Niragi. Slim, dark half-bun, carries around his sniper rifle like a purse. If you happen to cross his path, be careful. He's the real unpredictable variable in this whole group.”

It was only your second day at the resort, therefore you hadn't met many people yet. But the few conversations you had shared with other guests so far had all brought up similar whispers of warnings whenever the topic had fallen on the Militants:

“Don't argue with them!” “Try to stay away from them if you want to live peacefully.” “They're only here for trouble!”

But for some reason - you secretely credited it to the adrenaline as a result of this hazardous lifestyle of games and survival - you were curious to get to know more. If even Chishiya cared to warn you about them...

You shook your head and stopped yourself from dwelling on any more thoughts. You were not actually looking for any kind of trouble. The easiest calculation, and therefore the smartest option for someone living at the Beach was to stay under any kind of radar, whether it was Hatters or the Militant's. And you did just fine with staying by yourself, and maybe Chishiya now.

Who knew, maybe you wouldn't even meet the Militants up close, that would be perfectly fine as well. After all, the Beach was full of people, and what circumstances could possibly occur that led to a real interaction between you and one of —

“He, get out of the way, bastard!” Abruptly an annoyed shout reached your senses from somewhere around the corner.

Then you watched a blonde, lean man tremble backwards until he fell into the vending machine to your right. He looked startled, frightened even. Without a second thought you followed your instincts, crossed the distance between you and the vending machine and tried to help him up. Though the blonde merely even took a notice of you and as soon as he stood on his own two feet again he scurried away and ran off into another room. In a matter of seconds he was gone, without even a single word of thanks.

Well, that was... you're welcome, I guess, you thought to yourself.

You lifted yourself up on your own feet, intending to go back to your spot with the cocktail glass that you had hastily placed upon the vending machine, when suddenly a broad and exceptionally sturdy man appeared in front of your face. You gulped unintentionally, more out of surprise than because of actual fear, although the second one would have probably counted as an equally valid excuse.

A black tank top sat tight around his trained chest, and - taking a quick glance at his upper body - it didn't need much imagination to estimate how powerful a punch of him would be. His hair was cut short and black, and although his expression was grim and his eyes revealed no explicit emotion, his aura dripped of intensity. Suddenly the name of the Militant's leader jumped into your mind, having it picked up in some conversations before, and even this first impression left no room for you to doubt that the man in front of you indeed was their leader.

Aguni.

You sighed inaudibly. Perfect execution of staying under the radar, y/n.

To Aguni's left stood another guy, equally tall, but slimmer, his face and his shaved head covered in multiple tattoos that were clearly visible even under the dark hood that was pulled over his head. More tattoos dipped his upper arms in black ink. The guy shot a cold-blooded look in your direction, and taking in the tension of his body he seemed ready to strike forward with his samurai sword at any moment. You remembered hearing rumours about him, people calling him Last Boss. But this couldn't possibly be his real name, right?

Eventually your gaze fell to Aguni's right side, and if there had ever been any real chance to follow through Chishiya's warning before, it finally snatched away this very second. For a moment it felt as though Chishiya's words had manifested in the hotel floor syllable by syllable, creating the third man you had encountered in the process. In less than a heartbeat all of your attention was drawn to him, effortlessly to an extent that it almost felt foolish.

He was tall and his dark long hair was put into a neat half-bun at the back of his head. It instantly reminded you of a shiny ravens wing. A black-and-white animal print painted his long-sleeve shirt and you caught yourself noticing how the upper buttons were undone, giving away another welcoming trail of skin. He lazily rested an impressive sniper rifle on his right shoulder, as his relaxed body posture overflowed with arrogance and transferred dominance with every fiber.

Yes, this guy could definitely be no other than the person you were supposed to distance yourself from as far as possible. One of the most dangerous men the Beach - or perhaps even this whole crazy world - could offer, based on literally every information that had been given to you since your arrival at the Beach.

Niragi Suguru.

“Tsk, coward. Just running off like a frightened weasal!” Niragi mocked with an utterly amused tone towards the now empty space beside you. You instantly recognised his voice as the shouting one from before. So it must have been him, you suddenly realized, the one pushing the blonde into the vending machine. Its sound made you slightly shiver, although you couldn't quite distinguish if it was caused by his blatant humor for brutality or the fact that his husky voice sent goosebumps all over your skin. Either way, you craved for him to talk more.

Only now you spotted something shimmering in the dim floor lights: two silver piercings fancied his face - one at his left eyebrow, another one at his left nostril.

Like diamonds, you adored.

Inherently your attention also wandered over his entire face, the smoothness of his tender skin, the soft glow that made it look like a sun-kissed canvas. And his lips, even though they were curved into a malicious smile, shined rosy as if they were begging to be kissed. You'd volunteer if he asked.

And shit, you couldn't stop yourself. He was gorgeous. And you were starstruck. How on earth could Chishiya miss to mention what fucking eye-candy Niragi was?

“Ah, but it seems like he left us a little treat to play with!” Finally Niragi's attention fell on you as a rather lascivious grin creeped up into the corners of his lips. He menacingly leaned forward and bent down towards you, eyeing you up and down with a gaze so greedy that it literally dripped of danger and lust. Similar to the hungry eyes of a predator that enjoyed appraising its meal Niragi's gaze sneaked all over your body, not neglecting a single inch.

You watched the girl with an interest you couldn't quite comprehend yourself. Her posture spoke of exhaustion and sadness, and for some reason it made his heart ache just a little bit more than it already did. He fought back the urge to comfort her, knowing full well that such a gesture would only serve to cloud their perceptions, make them feel safe when they shouldn't. The last thing he wanted was for anyone to underestimate him because of an act of mercy.

With another lazy grin, he leaned in even closer, so close that his lips almost brushed against her earlobe as he whispered softly, "You know, you don't have to look so... broken. It isn't like there's anyone out here worth saving." His words were laced with honey and acid, and they echoed through the room before dissipating into nothingness. He let his gaze

The sound of her voice startled him out of his thoughts. He had been so engrossed in studying the girl that he'd nearly forgotten there was someone else present besides himself and Aguni. Niragi shifted his attention back to Chishiya for a moment, noting the other man's amused expression before returning his gaze to the girl. Her words were innocent enough, but there was something about her tone that made them sound like a challenge. Curious.

"A cup of tea? Surely you must be joking." He scoffed playfully, leaning back again as he crossed his arms over his chest. "But if it'll make you feel better..." The words trailed off into nothingness as he gestured lazily towards the door behind Chishiya with his head. "...be my guest." There was a moment of silence before he added, "Though I can't guarantee anything'

His lips curved into a slight smile as the girl reluctantly made her way towards the door behind Chishiya. There was something about her movements that spoke of resilience and determination, despite her obvious exhaustion. Niragi found himself intrigued by this contradiction; it made him wonder what kind of life she led before the games began, how she managed to survive until now. His curiosity only grew as he watched her disappear around the corner, leaving nothing but silence in their wake.

Niragi narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched her glance back at him over her shoulder before disappearing from sight once more. Something about the way she looked at him made his heart race faster, but he refused to show any sign of weakness or interest. Instead, he shifted his attention back to Aguni and Last Boss, waiting for their next move with bated breath. The air in the room seemed charged with anticipation; they were all on edge, ready for whatever challenge the Beach had in store for them next. Niragi smiled faintly to himself, feeling oddly alive amidst this chaos and uncertainty. He leaned against the vending machine again, crossing his arms over his chest as he waited patiently for the games to begin anew...

"Why bother?" he muttered under his breath as the girl went about her attempt to brew a cup of tea using whatever means she could find in the room. "It's not like it'll make any difference." Niragi shrugged indifferently before turning his attention back towards Aguni and Last Boss once more, their expressions unreadable beneath their blank stares. As much as he enjoyed watching her try to survive on her own terms, he knew better than to forget who they really were: pawns in a game bigger than any of them could possibly comprehend.

Niragi glanced up at the girl as she returned with a cup of tea and offered it to him. For a moment, there was a faint gleam in his eyes; curiosity perhaps? But then the indifferent expression settled back into place. He took the cup from her hand, more out of politeness than any actual desire for the drink itself, before casually sipping at the steaming liquid. As she watched him over the brim of her cup, he couldn't help but feel a slight thrill run through his veins. This girl, Chishiya's friend, seemed to fascinate him in ways that even he couldn't quite understand. It made him wonder what it would be like to see more of her...

"Ah, it's not like that." Niragi smiled back at her, his voice laced with an amused tone. "I was just curious as to why you thought I needed saving in the first place. Most people don't give me a second glance." He took another sip of his tea, the warmth spreading through him like a soothing balm. It was then that he realized how close they were; their bodies nearly touching as they leant against opposite walls of the room. The thought made him feel strangely alive, and for a fleeting moment, he considered reaching out to touch her...

Her words hit him like a punch to the gut. He tried not to show any reaction, but couldn't help but feel a surge of something hot and unpleasant rise within him at her accusation. Was she implying...? Niragi licked his lips and forced himself to maintain eye contact with her despite the discomfort he felt. "And what makes you think I am not just as exhausted as anyone else here?" His voice was cold, almost mocking, but there was a subtle edge of defensiveness in it that didn't quite fit his usual demeanor.

Niragi regarded her with narrowed eyes, his expression unreadable as he mulled over her words. On the one hand, he was insulted by the implication that he would be any less exhausted than anyone else here; on the other, there was something about the way she said it... perhaps a hint of empathy or understanding? He leaned back against the vending machine, taking another sip of his tea as he pondered how to respond. "And what exactly would you suggest I do about that?" His tone was still cool and distant, but there was an undeniable curiosity beneath it now.

"Perhaps I'm just curious as to why you think you have anything worth offering," he replied smoothly, keeping his expression carefully neutral. "Or perhaps it's simply the thrill of playing games with me that interests you." His tone was deliberately mocking and acidic, daring her to rise to the bait.

Niragi arched an eyebrow as he studied her face, trying to determine if there was any truth in what she said. Her words were calm and soothing, almost hypnotic in their delivery; it was a testament to how adept she was at manipulating people. But even as he considered the possibility that she might be telling the truth, something inside him rebelled against the idea of allowing her or anyone else to have such an influence over his thoughts and emotions.

"Is that all?" He asked eventually, sounding bored and unimpressed. "Just close my eyes, drink some tea and forget about everything else for a few minutes? Sounds like quite the waste of time if you ask me." His smile was mocking, as he turned away from her to focus on Aguni and Last Boss once more.

With an amused chuckle, he watched as she closed her eyes and took a sip of tea before leaning back against the wall once more. Her posture seemed to relax slightly, as if some of the tension had left her body. He found himself momentarily fascinated by this act of hers; it was almost as though she'd managed to find a way to transcend the games they were all playing and exist in a separate reality for just a few precious seconds. But then, with a sigh, his attention drifted back towards Aguni and Last Boss once more. The Beach called, and he would answer.

"Foolish girl," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head slightly. "How long do you really think that respite will last?" There was a flicker of something in his eyes; perhaps pity or even regret. But it vanished almost as quickly as it had come,

"Ah, the eternal optimist." He raised an eyebrow, unable to hide the amusement in his voice as he studied her face once more. "Five minutes, you say? I suppose it's worth a shot, just for curiosity's sake." Even as he said this, however, he knew that any reprieve they might gain from this small act of hers would be short-lived at best. The games would continue, and eventually the tide would turn against them all once more. But for now, there was something almost soothing about the silence that had fallen over the room...

"I suppose we'll just have to wait and see."

Niragi chuckled as the girl passed him back his cup of tea and once again leaned against the wall. There was something about her resilience, her ability to keep going even in the face of such adversity, that he found oddly admirable. He took a sip from the cup, letting its warmth spread through him as he contemplated their situation. For all his bravado and carefree attitude, deep down he knew that they were all just pawns in some grand scheme; playing games that had been laid out for them by forces far greater than any of them could possibly comprehend. It was a sobering thought, one that he'd rather not dwell on too much if he could help it.

Instead, he focused on the other two players in the room: Aguni and Last Boss. Both of them seemed to be lost in their own thoughts, their expressions unreadable as they st

"Hmph." Niragi arched an eyebrow as he glanced over at the girl who had offered him tea earlier, her hand outstretched towards him with a cup in it. For a moment, he considered refusing; rejecting any hint of camaraderie or friendship. But something in her expression, the way she looked at him with such weary curiosity... It made him hesitate.

Sighing softly, he took the cup from her and raised it to his lips, taking a long drink before setting it back down on the floor beside him. "I guess there's no harm in that," he muttered gruffly, looking away as soon as he'd finished speaking. He didn't want to encourage any false sense of trust or companionship; such things were dangerous, both for himself and for anyone foolish enough to get close to him.

Besides, the games would

Ah, so she's offering him sweets now? Well, that's... unexpected. But then again, Chishiya did say she was his friend, didn't she? Niragi brushes the thought aside as he glances at the girl and the treats she holds out to him. Her expression is almost pleading, but he doesn't want to give in too easily. He clenches his fists at his sides and grinds his teeth together, debating with himself for a moment before finally reaching out to take one of the candies from her outstretched hand.

"Thank you," he mutters, popping the sweet into his mouth almost defiantly as he looks away again, refusing to meet her eye. There's still much at stake here; their survival depends on maintaining a certain level of distance and caution. Friends or not, allies or enemies... those distin

"Ha, well..." Niragi pauses for a moment, weighing his words carefully before continuing with a hint of amusement in his voice, "I suppose I deserve that." He glances briefly at her over his shoulder before looking away again. Despite himself, he finds the lightheartedness of the moment slightly refreshing; a welcome change from the tense and dangerous environment they were normally forced to endure.

But all too soon, reality intrudes once more as Last Boss finally moves, their figure blurring into motion as they dart across the room. Niragi snaps his attention back to them immediately, focusing intently on the approaching opponent and readying himself for whatever challenge they might present.

Niragi glances briefly in her direction as she takes another sip of tea, noticing the way her fingers curl around the delicate cup. There's something almost... nostalgic about it. For a moment, he wonders what sort of life she led before this all started; if there was anything left for her to return to once these games finally ended. But then again, perhaps it was better not to dwell on such thoughts. It wouldn't do any good anyway.

His attention returns to Last Boss as they close in on his position, and he prepares himself for the impending battle with grim determination. He won't let anyone stand in his way; not even a friend. The stakes are too high for that sort of sentimentality.

It was strange, how such mundane things could take on new meaning in a place like the Beach. Watching her lean back against the wall with an exhausted sigh, taking small sips of tea as if it were her lifeline... it reminded him of another time, another life. One where people didn't have to worry about survival from day to day; where friendships and simple acts of kindness held more weight than the cold steel of a gun or the blistering fire of magic.

But that was then, and this was now. He couldn't afford such soft feelings in a place like this. Instead, he focused all his attention on Last Boss, readying himself for battle. As their eyes met across the room, Niragi knew there would be no quarter asked or given; only death awaited them both in this arena.

He lunges forward, moving faster than even his own thoughts could keep

Their movements blurred as they clashed, each blow as powerful and precise as the other. It was a battle between two masters of their craft; two beings who had been honed to perfection by countless hours spent training and fighting. Niragi felt the air around him crackle with energy, his senses on edge as he parried and counterattacked, seeking any weakness in Last Boss' form.

But there was none; they were evenly matched. For long moments, they circled each other, their breaths coming faster and shallower as exhaustion began to take its toll. Finally, with a sharp cry, Niragi lunges forward once more, his sword aimed at Last Boss' heart. The air between them crackles with lethal energy, as if reality itself was holding its breath in anticipation of the blow.

It all comes down to this, Niragi thinks

With a final surge of strength, Niragi's blade strikes true, piercing through Last Boss' armor and finding purchase within their heart. There is a flash of light as their body convulses violently; a last desperate attempt to cling to life. But it is futile; in the end, they collapse lifelessly to the floor, blood pooling around them like water on stone.

As silence once more settles over the room, Niragi turns away from the fallen body and makes his way back towards the vending machine where Chishiya's friend had been resting earlier.

"Hmph." Niragi grunted as he approached the girl, taking care not to seem too concerned by her question. "Just a scratch." It was true enough; there were no wounds that threatened his life. But still, he preferred not to dwell on such things. "You should probably find somewhere else to hide," he muttered under his breath, glancing around the room as he spoke.

"What do you think you're doing?" His voice was cold and unyielding as he glared at her suspiciously. "I don't need your help." But even as he spoke the words, something deep within him acknowledged the possibility that she might know what she was talking about.

"Fine," he muttered reluctantly, extending his arm so that she could examine it more closely. He didn't trust her any further than he had to, but at least this would save some time...

"There, all better." He grunted as she finished wrapping the bandage around his arm. It didn't really hurt that badly anyway; more of a superficial wound at most. Still, he couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable with how close she was to him during the process. Her scent filled his nostrils, and for a moment, he could almost imagine what it would be like to have someone actually care about him...

"Thank you," he muttered reluctantly as he forced himself to look away from her. It was better this way;