Twins Entwined

14

The morning sun bathed the quaint cliffside restaurant in golden light, casting soft reflections off the Mediterranean Sea behind them. The coastal breeze drifted in lazily, carrying the aroma of fresh bread, sea salt, and espresso. The Ahn and Jang families were gathered around a long al fresco table set with white plates, colorful fruit, and steaming breakfast dishes — laughter and casual chatter weaving through the warm Italian air.

Yujin sat with one leg crossed, wearing a crisp white shirt with the sleeves pushed to his elbows. Across from him, Ryujin was still half-awake, fork lazily nudging a poached egg. Everyone was just settling in when the waiter discreetly approached with the bill on a polished wooden tray.

Before Ryujin could even register it, Yujin reached out and grabbed the check.

“No way,” Ryujin frowned. “We agreed last night—the loser pays.”

Yujin’s lips curled into a smirk. “Exactly.”

“I lost,” Ryujin insisted, now leaning forward, trying to grab the check back.

But Yujin already stood, pulling his wallet from his back pocket. “Just consider it a warning,” he said coolly, flashing a look at his brother. “To do better next time if you lose another challenge, little bro.”

That earned a few chuckles from the table, and Mrs. Ahn laughed behind her hand. “Aish… always dramatic, this one.”

Ryujin groaned and slumped back in his seat. “You’re the one making this dramatic.”

“Don’t act like you don’t love being spoiled,” Yujin called over his shoulder as he handed his card to the waiter, effortlessly covering the entire family’s meal.

Mr. Jang, who had been watching the entire exchange, gave a low whistle and nudged Mrs. Jang. “Look at those two… You’d think they were still boys in boarding school with how they challenge each other.”

“But the way Yujin treats Ryujin…” Mrs. Jang shook her head with a small smile. “It’s like watching two sides of the same heart.”

On the opposite end of the table, Wonyoung sipped her iced latte, trying hard to keep her face blank while sneaking glances at the twins.

“They’re really something,” Liz murmured beside her, also feigning indifference as she picked at a croissant.

Wonyoung tried to shrug it off. “It’s not a big deal. Just brothers being annoying.”

“Annoying?” Liz raised an eyebrow. “The way Yujin pulled that card like it was nothing? That’s not annoying. That’s dangerously close to charming.”

Wonyoung rolled her eyes, though her lips twitched with amusement. “Don’t tell me you’re falling for the twin act.”

“I’m just saying,” Liz replied with a dramatic sigh, “if Yujin’s like that with his brother… imagine how he’d be with someone he actually loves.”

That made Wonyoung fall silent, her gaze falling to her untouched slice of toast.

Their quiet conversation wasn’t as private as they thought. Mrs. Ahn, seated beside her husband, looked across the table at them with knowing eyes, exchanging a glance with Mrs. Jang.

“They’re still pretending not to care, huh?” Mrs. Ahn whispered playfully.

Mr. Ahn, having watched his sons for a moment, cleared his throat. “You know,” he began, voice rich with nostalgia, “this isn’t anything new. Yujin’s always looked after Ryujin like this.”

The table quieted slightly, tuning in.

“There was this time back in middle school,” Mr. Ahn said, leaning forward. “Ryujin got food poisoning right before an inter-school soccer match. Everyone thought Yujin would take his place. He was more than capable. But you know what he did?”