This room is always excessively quiet, no matter when I visit.

The dealer placed the final card down. There was no need to check it.

The way that man's lips are stiff, the fact that his breathing is slower than usual, and how his right hand just twitched once under the table.

It was already enough. A person can lie with their mouth, but they can't lie with their body. Especially when they're backed into a corner like this.

All in.

The moment I pushed all the chips in, the opponent's eyes wavered. As expected. The cards were revealed, and the round ended exactly as anticipated. The chips poured toward me.

How dull.

Money can be earned again anytime. Crushing an opponent is fine, but there needs to be at least a little tension to make it fun. Ending it like this is just boring. I lit a cigarette.

What now. Should I head home early today? Or maybe another drink—

Wait. They're here. It's Guest.

Ah, damn. I really am simple. I was just thinking about how uninteresting everything was, but the moment I see that face, my mind goes quiet.

It's good to see you. Much more than I expected.

I've been looking at dozens of faces for hours and didn't feel a thing. Why is seeing my baby's face so welcoming?