It was a dim atmosphere in the Diamont restaurant, a low end fast food place trying to compete with high end restaurants.
Multiple tightly dressed servers passed by tables in a hurried pace, three servers for around fifty or so tables for two floors. Out of their breath working to the bones, one among them was me.
Thin short black hair neatly pulled into a man bun, casual clothing as my last suit was damaged by a customer who had spilled-.. Puked pasta all over me, and blackness under my brown eyes, tired the kind you'd get after many sleepless nights.
Thankfully I wasn't on the second floor, but working on the ground floor.
"Server, server!" Someone yelled out from the middle of the restaurant, her hand raised I turned my head- I was the closest one.
I hurried over noticing a slightly bigger clientele sitting alone at a table for well, four- Nonetheless I managed to put on a big o'l fake smile "Yes, ma'am! You have called?"
She smiled seeing me approach, her massive arm resting on the table slightly sweating "YES!! I have called so many times, God don't you have ears?" she smugly said, leaning back into her chair making it crack leading to a few eyes turning.
Holding the plate over my pants as it was empty, I slightly bowed my neck hoping to appear more professional- It was due to back pain.
"I see ma'am!" I tried being respectful, "I apologize for the delay, though I've come as soon as I heard you. So, what appears to be the problem here?"
She leaned in and waved her arm, showing me to come closer.
I swear to..
leaning in closer, and closer I couldn't help but notice a slight stench. I still masked it with a smile, "Yes, ma'am?"
"The problem you see, is that I found a fucking strand of hair in my La - petit dejaneur." I cringed internally at her implying our fast food shit could be considered French. "A strand of hair you say.." Noticing her empty plates, two bowls and one plate which was left with tomatoes and greenery aside I couldn't help but smirk "You've eaten it all the same though."
Her face immediately soured as realized my slip up, "Can you show me the strand of hair?"
She indeed pointed her finger at a slightly long, thin and yellow hair strain- Matching her very own blonde hair.
Trying to switch her attention I continued "A strand of hair, understood Ma'am. Would you not say it looks awfully a lot like yours?"
She stood up, knocking back the chair and slightly shaking off the table- "You.. YOU!! First you irritatingly insult me, now you even suggest it is mine!? I demand a refund. IMMEDIATELLY!!"
Now the restaurant's, if it can even be called that- it's full attention was on us.
I nodded but closed my eyes tiringly, half expectantly for something to soon happen.
"Sadly as the food was already consumed, there is nothing we can do." I said in a hushed voice, expecting her to yell a certain name in
three
two
one.
"BRING ME YOUR MANAGER!!"
Voila.
Not a second later from behind the kitchen counter a tall slightly dull looking man in a suit stepped out. "What in the world's happening!?" He approached acting all worryingly and sympathetically "What appears to be the problem, Madam?"
His eyes widened in mock surprise as he looked at me, "Ryu!?" He glanced at me and asked, "Where's your suit?" He asked almost curiously as if he didn't already know.
So many questions, I see what's happening boss…
Suddenly the woman started "Firstly he insulted me, secondly he dared to call me a liar and third- he refused to give me a refund." The boss nodded at her, each sentence making his jaw tighter. "My employee.. I'm terribly sorry Ma'am a refund is all but guaranteed!"
I rolled my eyes at their obviously bad acting, "I see what's happening." Throwing the metal plate down it rattled before settling with a ting
"You.." The boss raised his hand pointing at me, red with anger "You!"
He was looking for a reason to fire me, for days now. Not being able to find any, he created one.
"You're fired!"
"No need, I quit."
I should be begging.. I need this job. I really do..
But is pride less important?
"I'll be expecting my salary in the bank account tomorrow, boss, unless you'd want court processing." I passed past him, towards the exit doors leaving him half shook.
He had probably expected me to beg for the job, like any other person would.
But.
No matter what, pride was and is my first priority. Even if it leads me to disaster.
I left the restaurant, cold air brushed against my cheek as it was a cold morning.
"They could have at least done it earlier, instead of making me survive the night shift.." I muttered to myself, trying to raise my own mood as I approached the bus station.
I knew it all too well, unpaid bills, mortgage, debts, I needed a job which I've just quit so easily.
Ding!
My eyes slightly glistened at the sound, perhaps of reading too many system novels, perhaps hope, or the more probable- the sleepless night I just endured.
"Buy milk on your way home." It was a message notification, from a person's name noted with a blank heart.
I blankly stared at the phone screen, "Of course not," I muttered "You're too tired Fuuki Ryu.. This isn't high fantasy, nor do I have any coke.."
As the bus came I got in, sat near a window and closed my eyes thinking of what next.
Should I become a crypto bro? That's always a smart idea.
I wandered in thought a bit, when the bus stopped, red light.
Opening my eyes I glanced at the bright outside, more specifically.
Mustani Grand Casino
It was a bright building, the pride of the city I live in, the place which made my family close to bankruptcy. The place which made my life shit, the place which destroyed my family's business.
My chest tightened as I felt slight pain and anger building up,
but for a slight minute, I couldn't help but think 'What if?'
What if I had entered, hit the jackpot?
Won all in on red?
Became superstar-like wealthy overnight?
If only.. One chance, just one chance. I'd never waste it…
And just then my hearing sharpened, my vision blurred as if my soul had lifted above my body.
TING!
A blue screen rose in front of me
Congratulations!
A life changing opportunity presents to yourself - Accept the ultimate gambling system? Y/N