You Were Always A Losing Game Novels & Stories

over his shoulder as he walked away with his friends. ​I thought I was earning my way into his heart. I thought if I made myself indispensable, he would eventually realize he couldn't live without me. Ten years later, standing in the empty, silent lobby of The Willmore Hall, I realized I had succeeded—but not in the way I wanted. I was indispensable like a piece of furniture. You only notice it when it's missing, but you never think to say thank you to a chair. I didn't bother asking the receptionists any questions, I knew I had been tricked but not by Jamie.

" Well, since you refused to sacrifice your queen I ended up winning. " " Whatever. " He said solemnly, " Why don't we play the card game then? " He suggested. " Umm... " Jemmy contemplated since she wasn't very good at playing cards. " Don't tell me you are scared now? Scared of losing to me? " He taunted. " Of course not! Why would I be afraid of losing to you? The truth is, real winners aren't afraid of failing. Even when they fail they get back up! "

“A simple game of rock, paper, scissors.” I blinked at him. “Are you serious?” “Dead serious.” “That’s ridiculous.” “But if I remember correctly,” he said, tilting his head, “you didn’t think it was ridiculous a few years ago. In fact, you loved games like this.” My chest tightened. Those years. Back when we were us. But that was a long time ago. We weren’t those people anymore. “And why would you pick a game you know you’ll lose?” I asked, forcing my voice to stay steady.

I didn't take it back. I didn't even think of taking it back because I already knew. No matter what she did, this would never end the way she expects. She could only try but she would fail woefully. All she's playing was a loser's game but of course, she won't listen or admit to it. “You're playing a loser's game.” I didn't tell her.

“Very soon, you’ll understand that you never really left us at all. You were always ours. You’ll always be ours.” The wind picked up, carrying with it the scent of rain and change and possibilities I was only beginning to imagine. The game had begun. And this time, I was playing to win.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

"Do I look like I need it?" He hesitated. "You look tired." "Then yes," I said, standing. We stepped outside. The night air was cold, sharp. For a while, neither spoke. Then Ryan said quietly, "You didn't have to play back there." "I know." "Then why did you?" I met his eyes. "Because sometimes losing is worse than playing." He nodded slowly. "You're stronger than you think." I let out a soft laugh. "That's generous." "No," he said. "It's true."

He sounded a tad excited. Timothy calmly commented, "Don't play with fire." "Don't worry, I've never lost once in this game." Caleb began to compete with her. When he was going to give up, she gave up first! At the end of the day, he spent one million dollars on something he didn't like. Timothy smirked, "Congratulations on your first loss in this game."

She is more stubborn than I ever imagined. "Fine, if you win the match, I'll give you your freedom. And if you lose." I raised an eyebrow at her. "I accept all the punishment you impose!" I stood up and turned my back on her. "It's decided then. I'll see you." I said and he left. Whether she wins or loses, I lose on two things. If she wins, I will lose to her. If she loses, I will lose the Rapture Hotel. Damn! Why did I enter this game when I knew I had lost from the beginning! ...

“At a point he had the lead, but you covered it in one shot.” Emeril watched him, smiling. “I doubt you are simply stating an observation.” “No,” he admitted. “You let him think he had a chance, did you not?” Emeril smirked. “I did.” “Why?” “Because nobody likes losing. Even if they lose, they’ll come back, as long as they think they almost won. They’ll always think they had a chance; always think they were so close. Always fail to realize the lie.” Recently that was how Sethlzaar’s games with Soartin had being going. He was always finding himself close to victory, only to lose it. He’s playing you.

I smiled at her, suddenly feeling happy. At least, I still have my friend with me here. Hopefully, she will never change. Her eyes went to my arm, and I watched her swallow, then sigh. “You had a pretty bad fall that day. And you disappeared right after. You must have gotten hurt.” I forced a smile and shrugged. “Who's to say I simply wasn't escaping because I'm ashamed and angry after losing in such a humiliating bet.” “Tch.” She rolled her eyes. “You should at least give me some credits. I know you better than that. Losing one game wouldn't break your spirit and have you fleeing like a coward.”