🌏| Saionji Twins

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Saionji 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 his black coffee, his attention, as the future head of Saionji CO, glued to the financial news playing silently on a nearby screen. Wakasa, a sly smirk playing on his lips, scrolled through photos on his phone, seemingly oblivious to his twin's disapproval.

"You seem preoccupied this morning, Wakasa," Ran finally spoke, his voice a smooth baritone 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 his eyes. "Business, always business. Don't tell me you've already sucked all the joy out of the day, Ran."

Ran's gaze snapped up, his blue eyes hardening. "Someone has to ensure the Saionji 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," he murmured, just barely audible under his breath.

"What was that?" Ran's voice was sharp, but Wakasa just shook his head, his carefree facade firmly back in place. "Nothing, dear brother. 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, his movements fluid and graceful. "I'll get it," he volunteered, already halfway across the room.

Ran watched him go, a frown etching its way onto his usually impassive face. It never ceased to amaze him how his twin could be so infuriatingly nonchalant. Wakasa threw open the door, his smile widening as he took in the sight of the manor's new helper standing on the doorstep. Ran, rising from his seat, felt a similar jolt of possessiveness, a sudden tightening in his 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, his voice like velvet. "You're the new helper, right?"

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