Craving Scarecrow

The Manager's Turn

"I'll start," the manager announced, breaking the quiet. Her tone was steady, but the faint strain in her voice didn't go unnoticed.

Her gaze flicked to Eero. "Give me the 6 of Diamonds from the top."

Eero hesitated, his hand hovering over the deck. How can she be so sure? The odds are low. This game is insane. He handed over the top card, avoiding her gaze.

The manager looked at her card, her expression remaining neutral. But the slight stiffening of her shoulders, the way her lips pressed together—Eero noticed it all.

"Next," she said, her voice softer. "The 5 of Spades from the middle."

Eero counted carefully, pulling a card from the middle of the deck. His hands trembled as he handed it over.

The manager took the card and held it tightly, her eyes briefly flickering to Xenon and Radon. They're watching me. Analyzing. I can't let them see anything. But inside, her chest tightened. This isn't going the way I hoped.

"And the 7 of Clubs from the bottom," she finished.

Eero obeyed, pulling the bottom card. When she saw it, her pale complexion seemed to grow even lighter. She quickly placed the card face-down with the others, clasping her hands to steady herself.

Radon's grin widened as he caught her trembling fingers. "Looks like someone's getting cold feet already," he sneered.

Xenon's Turn

"My turn," Xenon said, his voice sharp and dripping with confidence. He leaned back, casually running a hand through his hair.

"8 of Clubs from the top."

Eero handed him the top card, trying not to look at Xenon's mocking smirk.

He's confident, too confident, the manager thought, her brows furrowing slightly. Did he plan something with Radon?

"7 of Diamonds from the bottom."

Eero pulled the card, his movements growing quicker as he tried to avoid Xenon's piercing gaze.

Xenon's lips curled into a wider smile. So far, so good. Either my luck's holding, or this idiot's shuffling was predictable.

"2 of Spades from the middle," Xenon finished.

As Eero handed over the card, Xenon drummed his fingers on the table. His smirk faltered for a brief second before returning in full force. He leaned forward, placing his cards in a neat stack.

"You're up, Radon," Xenon said, his tone almost mocking.

Radon's Turn

"Finally," Radon growled, his impatience boiling over. He slammed his hands on the table, making Elena flinch.

"9 of Clubs from the bottom."

Eero handed the card over without hesitation. Radon glanced at it briefly, his expression unreadable.

"8 of Diamonds from the middle," he continued.

Eero's hands fumbled as he pulled the card. Radon snatched it from him, his grip tightening. Two down. The odds are slim, but this feels too...… easy. That bitch manager's hiding something.

"3 of Spades from the top," Radon barked.

Eero handed the card over, his movements robotic now.

Radon's lips curled into a faint smirk, but his eyes flickered with doubt. It doesn't make sense. No way my calls are lining up this well. Is the manager fucking with the deck somehow? He glanced at Xenon, whose own smirk hadn't wavered. Or is that bastard in on something I'm not?

Elena's Turn

Elena sat frozen, her hands gripping the edge of the table. Every muscle in her body felt like it was locked in place.

"Elena," the manager said softly, her voice almost pleading.

Elena didn't respond. Her mind was a whirl of fear and doubt. They're all watching me. Waiting for me to fail. They've already won, I can see it in their faces. And the manager… she's scared too. I can't do this.

"Elena, focus," Eero said, his voice trembling.

She nodded shakily. "Fine," she whispered. Her voice cracked as she made her first call.

"10 of Clubs from the top."

Eero handed her the card, his eyes filled with silent encouragement.

"10 of Spades from the middle," she continued, her hands trembling.

Eero carefully counted down the cards and passed it to her. She glanced at the card briefly before placing it down, her face pale.

"10 of Diamonds from the bottom," she finished, her voice barely audible.

Eero pulled the card and handed it over, his hand brushing against hers for a moment. She froze, clutching the card tightly.

The Atmosphere

The room fell into heavy silence as Elena placed her final card down. No one spoke; the only sound was the faint shuffle of chairs and murmurs from the spectators.

"She's shaking," someone whispered from the crowd.

"This is insane," another muttered. "What kind of game is this?"

Eero looked at Elena, his heart breaking at the sight of her tears. Without thinking, he stood and wrapped his arms around her. "It's okay," he whispered. "We'll figure this out."

Radon's expression twisted with frustration, his hand slamming onto the table. "What the fuck is this shit?! Why aren't we seeing results yet?"

Xenon remained calm, though his eyes burned with suspicion. He glanced at the manager, who sat perfectly still, her hands folded on the table.

The manager's pale complexion hadn't changed. Her breathing was shallow, her jaw tight. She refused to meet anyone's gaze.

What are you planning? Xenon thought. You're hiding something, aren't you?

As the translucent screen above the table flickered, everyone stared at it, waiting for the results. The tension in the room was suffocating, and for a moment, it felt like the entire world had come to a halt.

Both Xenon and Radon reveal their cards, each with one match, giving them a combined score of two.

Xenon stands behind the manager and pats her shoulder.

"Now, get on your knees and bark like the bitch you are."

Radon moves toward Elena, but Eero pulls her close.

"If you touch her, I'll cut your arms off!"

Radon laughs.

"Rules are rules."

As Xenon begins tearing the manager's dress, she smirks.

"Are you sure you've won?"

Xenon pauses.

"What?"

"Did you check my cards?"

The screen suddenly changed color, revealing a board that declared the manager and Elena as the winners.

The bakery falls silent. Xenon and Radon stare in disbelief. Elena and Eero, their tears forgotten, sit in stunned silence.