Chapter 2: Game

Shiho looked at Yuichiro with a raised brow as if his assistant leader was an alien. "Come on, don't tell me you weren't the least bit curious as to what these buildings have in store for us."

"Curious, my ass!" Yuichiro spat with an embarrassing blush on his cheeks. "We shouldn't even be doing this! It's against protocol!"

"Not exactly, Yuu." Shiho laughed at how defensive Yuichiro was. This guy was so innocent. "It isn't against protocol if we go to places such as a red light district. In fact, soldiers were well-known to be frequent customers of such places for the purpose of relaxation and socializing. It's one of the perfect places for people like us to relieve stress, don't you think?"

Yuichiro tensed up at the strong implication and his face reddened more both in anger and in mortification. "No… No, no, no, no, no! A million times no; I refuse! Can't we just go back to base?!"

"Ah, ah, Yuu..." The alpha tutted as he instinctually grabbed Yuichiro's arm when the other was turning on his back to walk away. "This is your punishment, remember? And knowing you, you're not one to withdraw from a punishment, and depending on your actions, I could either end it early or extend it until midnight. It's your choice."

Yuichiro ground his teeth in annoyance when Shiho threw him a knowing smirk. This sly bastard just never fails to miss an opportunity to mess with Yuichiro, didn't he?

Taking a deep breath, Yuichiro sighed and yanked his arm back with a frown. He was too irritated to make a comeback, much less even look at Shiho's face. "Fine, I'll go. Let's get this over with so that you won't be an annoying asswipe tomorrow."

Shiho hummed as he walked ahead of Yuichiro, his conceited expression never leaving his face whilst he chalked up yet another victory.

"Good evening, and welcome to Sanguinem Court." A brunette omega wearing traditional Japanese robes greeted them by the entrance, and both soldiers immediately smelt the sweet, fragrant scents of omegas all around, enticing them for a bit until Yuichiro coughed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

So many omegan scents… Just how many are in here?

It wasn't that Yuichiro find them unpleasant. In actuality, the scents were nice and alluring with some seductive notes in it, but with so many at once, it made Yuichiro dizzy. He squeezed his skin just a bit more to help him stay focused.

"Oh, my… Is it safe for me to presume that you two are first timers here?" The omega asked upon seeing Yuichiro's reaction and Yuichiro immediately lowered the hand pinching his nose, flushing in embarrassment.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean…"

"No, no, it's alright. It's normal for first timers to react such with how many omegas living in here." The omega chuckled with a shrug before bowing. "Anyway, it's nice to meet you. My name is Yoichi Saotome and I'll be your tour guide around the court."

"Good evening, Yoichi." Shiho replied with a generous smile. "I'm Shiho Kimizuki and this is Yuichiro Amane. We're from the Imperial Moon Company."

"Oh! The battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Ichinose, right? If I'm informed correctly, you just arrived here to provide support for the Shinjuku defense squad." Yoichi giggled cutely before he placed a hand on his chest as a sign of gratitude. "It's an honor to have you two tonight. I'll do my utmost best to be of service to you. Please follow me."

The two soldiers blinked in awe at Yoichi's introduction, charmed by the omega's appeal and scent despite only being in his presence for a minute. Despite not wanting to believe, Yuichiro was astonished to find Yoichi impressive. He was refined and kind, almost like a woman but not quite and Yuichiro wouldn't lie that his heart skipped a beat for a while there.

"Wow... Yoichi's so graceful, right?"

"Y-Yeah…"

Yuichiro blinked, pausing for bit because… Holy shit, did Shiho just stutter?

Oh, the beta simply couldn't let this go.

"What was that, Kimizuki? Can you care to repeat that since you stammered right there?" He quickly asked in a teasing tone as he turned to look at Shiho's face that took a bright red color when the other was caught red-handed.

"I-It's none of your business, stupid Yuu…!" Shiho denied as he crossed his arms on his chest and turned his head to avoid Yuichiro's silly expectant smile at him. "Anyway, we should follow him since we don't really know much of the place. And with how enormous the interior is, there's bound to be a lot of rules."

"Riiiiight… Use evasive maneuvers on me, why don't you? You're just embarrassed that you're caught gawking at an omega." Yuichiro rolled his eyes as his goofy smile widened at Shiho's dodging his question. It only proved to how true his statement was and the alpha's actions only excited Yuichiro more to use his newfound blackmail material against him some other time.

"Hmph," Shiho sneered, his arrogant demeanor coming back while he began to walk and follow Yoichi's trail. "At least I'm interested on someone… unlike you, cherry boy."

Yuichiro sputtered at the uncalled nickname and his face grew red instantly as his smile turned to a glare that threw daggers at the alpha while he followed suit. "Oh… You are so dead when this is over, telephone pole."

"I would like to see that, assistant leader of mine." Shiho challenged with a laugh before it soothed down to a slightly serious tone, glancing at Yuichiro by the side. "And I was being quite frank with you on being interested on someone, Yuu."

Yuichiro raised a brow. "Huh? Why?"

"With how driven you are in the military, I'm kind of worried that you might not find a suitable mate that you'll get to spend the rest of your life with." The alpha explained with a sigh. "Sure, it's great to live singly… but, eventually, we all have to find our significant others. That's just how humanity works."

Yuichiro fell silent for a while as he listened, and he agreed that Shiho did have a point. For years, there was never a single adult that Yuichiro came across to who was never bound to someone. All of them have mates, significant others, partners in life. It was something Yuichiro knew and grew accustomed of. But, with how he was too concentrated in his work and revenge, he just… didn't have the time for it.

"I… understand what you mean." Yuichiro concurred with a nod. "But, I don't think you should worry much about such a thing since finding a mate― to be precise, the right mate―takes time. Since I'm not really in a hurry to find one, I don't mind if I have to wait a bit longer…"

Though I highly doubt there'll be someone who'd be willing to spend their lives with me. I'm an orphan, after all. I don't think I have enough to please them…

Yuichiro sighed before meeting Shiho's glance with his own in curiosity. "Why the subject, Kimizuki? You're not really the kind of person to be into these things."

"No… It's nothing." Shiho simply dismissed it before he clinked on his eyeglasses. "It's just sometimes… you have to take the initiative if you are to find a mate. Waiting can be cruel, you know… especially when your life is in constant danger."

Yuichiro averted his eyes away as he purposely lagged behind for a bit to take what Shiho said in thought before a small, bitter smile curved on his lips.

Maybe I'm probably dead by the time I found someone, Kimizuki… That's why I never intend to look for one in the first place… Because I want to spare them from the agony of losing a mate.

―

"The Sanguinem Court is considered a red light district by many, but that's only because the court houses omegas looking for a place to live and to work." Yoichi explained to Shiho and Yuichiro as they walked on a lavishly decorated hall of gold and rich crimson linens. "Our headmistress, Krul Tepes, took it upon herself to take care of abandoned omegas when she saw so many of them after the missile bombing four years ago with no homes and families."

"That sounds so much like an orphanage instead of a red light district…" Yuichiro commented offhandedly which earned him a glare and a not-so-soft nudge on his arm from Shiho because of his rudeness.

"Perhaps… But because of that event, there were very limited resources. As much as Krul-sama wanted to raise this place as an orphanage, the cruelty of poverty couldn't be ignored." Yoichi said with a faraway look. "And from there, Sanguinem Court is now as it stands today. While the basis of giving a place for omegas to call home was still there, in turn, we have to work for it in the inside."

"So it's like an 'earn your keep' kind of thing, huh?" Shiho concluded, hand on his chin.

"Ah, but what about those omegas that aren't of age yet?" Yuichiro asked which caught Yoichi's attention. "Do they, erm… You know…"

"Oh… We take care of those omegas until they are ready; free of charge. We have to look after each other in times of crisis, after all."

"… True, but still…"

Yoichi stared at Yuichiro in wonder before a genuine smile crossed his face. "You're a kind person, Amane-san. I bet my fellow omegas would fall head over heels with you immediately when they get to know you."

Yuichiro blush a beet red at the compliment and he nervously scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment. "T-That's…"

"Oh, Yoichi, there you are."

The new voice caught their attention and Yoichi was greeted with another fellow omega who looked much more exotic and attractive, given the blond hair framing his face and striking blue eyes. His robes, a mix of royal blue and pristine white, drag behind him with grace.

"There was another customer who requested for you, but I see that you are attending with others."

"I-I'm sorry, Mika-san. I'll tend to him right away." Yoichi fretted but the blond shook his head.

"There's no need to. I already played a game to him and he lost. He wasn't worth your time since he was pretty rude to others… and a horrible cheater. I wonder how he keeps on coming back when all he does here was to lose his money…" This Mika sighed tiredly before he took notice of Shiho and Yuichiro. "… Who are they?"

"Ah, this is Shiho Kimizuki-san and Yuichiro Amane-san from the army." Yoichi introduced them proudly. "They are first timers here, so I'm giving them a tour around."

Mika hummed in interest. "My, two customers at the same time? You're overworking yourself, Yoichi." He shook his head with an amused smile. "Mind if I give a hand? I'm pretty bored anyway."

"Uh, s-sure."

"Great~ Then, I'll take him." Mika didn't hesitate when he took hold of Yuichiro's wrist and pulled insistently, causing Yuichiro to stagger a bit as he was dragged away, a look of confusion evident on the beta's face. "I promise I'll treat him real good."

"Ah, take good care of him, Mika-san. He's a―"

"―A first timer, I know, I know." Mika repeated again before looping his arm around Yuichiro's, making Yuichiro blush. "Now then, this way, please."

"Ah, wait…" Yuichiro hesitated as he gave Shiho a panicked look at being led away… but all he ever received were a creepy smile of approval and a gleeful thumb up, and Yuichiro scowled instantly in disdain, flipping his middle finger at him.

Fuck you, asshole!

"My… Quite a bold gesture there, Amane-san."

Yuichiro flinched when Mika saw what he did and he quickly hid his hand from view like he just did something wrong in the eyes of public as his heart raced and his face blushed in humiliation. "S-Sorry… You weren't meant to see that…"

Mika laughed heartily and patted Yuichiro on his arm. The action made Yuichiro's heart skipped a beat. "Don't be. It's, hmm… interesting to see you give that particular sign to your companion. You two must be really close if you were able to do so freely."

"Yeah." The beta agreed as a smile formed on his lips. "He's kind of like a family to me."

"Oh, I see…" Mika trailed off in thought, his smile turning into a solemn look. "Well, times are hard this time around after that missile bombing, so I understand that we have to stick together to make a bright future for others. We have to work as one and think positively."

Yuichiro stared at the omega in amazement when he heard that; even more so when Mika smiled softly as he tugged on Yuichiro's arm, leading him into a rather large corridor.

Mika's statement about working together was nothing new to Yuichiro, but seeing him smile like that made him pause. The expression wasn't anything that he saw in his life since most would just do it for the sake of covering their sadness and losses, never letting others know what was behind such a face.

But Mika's smile just now, however, was genuine and comforting; a look that even Yuichiro's soldiers couldn't give no matter how much they try to ease their troubles and despair of losing their lives at any moment. It was foreign and strange... but it was exceptionally beautiful. And Yuichiro was drawn to it.

"… You have a nice smile, Mika. It suits you." Yuichiro complimented without thinking, a smile forming in his own lips.

"Oh? Charming me with flattery already, Amane-san?" Mika asked teasingly as he reached out and poked Yuichiro's cheek. "I get that a lot whenever a customer sees me for the first time… but sadly, they don't say the same thing when I beat them in a game."

Yuichiro raised a brow, curious. "A game? What kind?"

"… A lot." Mika said bluntly as he lowered his hand down. "Sanguinem Court isn't the usual red light district that you would find in dark, suspicious alleyways. Yes, it has omegas where the customers could do whatever they want with them, provided that they win in a game of the selected omega's choosing."

"Huh, so basically… This place is a mixture of a red light district and a gambling house?"

Mika smiled at that. "That's correct."

Yuichiro immediately froze in place in shock before he scowled in annoyance and cursed his squad leader in his mind.

Damn it! I'm so killing Kimizuki after this! That motherfucker!

"Oh, my… Are you all right, Amane-san?"

"H-Honestly, not quite..." Yuichiro admitted, wanting to escape from where he was now but Mika's hold on him was firm. "I was only here because of a punishment and my ass of a leader just so happens to choose this place by coincidence. I never intend to actually… do something here."

"Is that so…" Mika hummed, sounding disappointed. "Well, I could accompany you if you wish to just… stroll around Sanguinem Court and learn of its rules for the rest of the evening. I don't mind; I would gladly escort you."

Yuichiro stared at the omega with wide eyes. "Huh? Is that even allowed in your shift? I mean, after what you told me, your work is rather…"

"That's fine." Mika giggled as he moved so that he was now in front of Yuichiro, smiling up at him. "We, the residents of Sanguinem Court, only care that our customers get to enjoy their stay here and to give them hope for a better tomorrow, a reason to keep on living despite the awful environment we are now living in. That is what we aim in here, in this very court… meaning that escorting you isn't much to worry about, Amane-san."

Yuichiro gazed down at Mika, not knowing how to react properly with the declaration of such a selfless act. Sure, he had heard of other people saying that they didn't mind being used for the sake of another person, but it took a great amount of pride to actually say it wholeheartedly. Not even Yuichiro would dare to do such a thing.

"That's… impressive, Mika." Yuichiro said softly, feeling his heart racing in his chest and his face heating up at how close they were. "Not a lot of people could do that… It takes a lot of the person's ego."

"Maybe so…" Mika agreed with a nod, eyes softening. "But… I don't think a person's ego is important right now if we are to rebuild our country from the incident four years ago, don't you agree? Times like these… sacrifices have to be made, after all."

"… You're right." The beta murmured, his eyes glancing away from Mika at how true those words were.

Because, no matter how many times he heard it, it never failed to give Yuichiro a heavy ache in his chest as it reminded him of his weak self in the past and how he was unable to save his parents on time. It was painful, suffocating to him to be retold of his failure each time, and he sought an outlet to vent it as a way to atone himself.

And it would take more than just a peaceful walk to put his mind at ease.

"Amane-san…" Mika said sympathetically, no doubt smelling Yuichiro's distress in his scent. "A-Ah, now that you know all that, shall we take our stroll? If you want something to eat or drink, there is―"

"Mika…"

Mika stopped talking.

"Thank you for your considerate offers, but I want something a bit more challenging to jolt me out of this pessimism..." Yuichiro suggested as his lips quirked to a grin. "With that said… Would you like to play a game with me?"

"A game, with you…" Mika repeated slowly as if he was trying to understand it before he shook his head. "I love to, Amane-san, but I can't guarantee that you would win against me. And besides, you're a soldier as well as a first timer. You don't really have much to offer, even if I want to be a bit more thoughtful to your status."

Yuichiro's grin turned into a daring smirk. "You don't know that until you see for yourself. So what do you say?"

He knew his words have quite the effect when he saw Mika staring at him in surprise. Others would easily think that the omega was shocked just looking at him, but in truth, it was the opposite because Mika was actually thrilled, delighted. Excited.

His scent wasn't even bothering to cover his overflowing exhilaration.

"… We'll settle this in the Hall of Paulownia." Mika finally said, smiling as he accepted Yuichiro's challenge. "However, despite being a first timer, you have to abide by the rules upon challenging a resident of Sanguinem Court, making you bound to wagering something that belongs to you. And as such, what are you willing to gamble in this game of ours, Amane-san?"

"Let's see… If you win…" Yuichiro hummed, contemplating on the question. True to Mika's words, he didn't have much on him except for his military income and weapons. And if Yuichiro was desperate enough, he would be willing to give up his position in the army, but that was obviously out of the question.

So that means only one thing…

Sighing, Yuichiro looked at Mika with a decision at hand. "If you win, you get to have my month's pay for a year, meaning you get to have my allowance for 12 months."

Mika, in turn, was flabbergasted at his offer. "A-A year? Amane-san, that's―"

"―But if I win," Yuichiro interrupted, pausing before he pointed right at Mika with a blush on his cheeks, heart beating wildly in his chest as he declared, "Will you… become my friend for a year?"

Mika's face upon hearing that was priceless.