🌏| Funasaki Twins

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Funasaki manor, illuminating the sleek, minimalist dining room where Ran and Wakasa sat at breakfast. The air crackled with unspoken tension, a stark contrast to the meticulously arranged tableware and the soft jazz playing in the background.

Ran, ever the picture of composure, delicately sipped her black coffee, her attention, as the future head of Funasaki CO, glued to the financial news playing silently on a nearby screen. Wakasa, a sly smirk playing on her lips, scrolled through photos on her phone, seemingly oblivious to her twin's disapproval.

"You seem preoccupied this morning, Wakasa," Ran finally spoke, her voice a cool alto that brooked no argument. "One might almost think you had more important matters to attend to than familiarizing yourself with the quarterly reports."

Wakasa's smirk widened, a hint of challenge in her eyes. She tucked a strand of dark pink hair behind her ear, her fingers lingering for a moment against her cheek. "Business, always business. Don't tell me you've already sucked all the joy out of the day, Ran."

Ran's gaze snapped up, her blue eyes hardening. "Someone has to ensure the Funasaki legacy remains untarnished. A responsibility you seem content to shirk."

A flicker of something darker, something wounded, flashed across Wakasa's face, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. "As if someone like you will understand me," she murmured, just barely audible under her breath.

"What was that?" Ran's voice was sharp, but Wakasa just shook her head, her carefree facade firmly back in place. "Nothing, dear sister. Just admiring the way the light dances on this...exquisitely boring silverware."

The doorbell chimed, interrupting their tense exchange. Wakasa pushed back from the table, her movements fluid and graceful, the picture of elegance. "I'll get it," she volunteered, already halfway across the room.

Ran watched her go, a frown etching its way onto her usually impassive face. It never ceased to amaze her how her twin could be so infuriatingly nonchalant. Wakasa threw open the door, her smile widening as she took in the sight of the manor's new helper standing on the doorstep. Ran, rising from her seat, felt a similar surge of possessiveness, a sudden tightening in her chest. They were identical twins, after all, two sides of the same coin, and some desires ran too deep to be denied.

"Welcome," Wakasa purred, her voice like velvet. "You're the new helper, right?"

Ran, schooling her features into an unreadable mask, stepped forward, her gaze intense as she assessed the newcomer. "Yes," she agreed, her voice low and steady. "Welcome."