RED

With nervous anticipation, I pressed the doorbell.

Before me loomed the grand residence of the Loizoux sisters: Milla and None. It's intricate brick walls towering over me like an omen... a warning.

The message I received had been an invitation from the sisters, vaguely describing an overdue school reunion that I was 'required' to attend. I'd had my doubts but figured that it would be better than staying at home, sulking.

I watched as a uniformed servant answered the door, greeting me with polite efficiency before taking my coat. The butler then led me through a lavish hallway, further into the building as I admired the scenery...

Though the sisters did not share my noble lineage, they lacked nothing in wealth or riches... with their father being head CEO of a hefty collection of companies and their mother owning an exclusive boutique catering to the most celebrated celebrities. In every sense, the girls were well off... much better than I ever was.

The servant offered one final bow before retreating, leaving me standing before an imposing set of double doors. As it seemed... this lavish mansion was theirs alone to command. A gift from 'papa', so to speak.

I inhaled deeply, steeling myself, and as the doors swung open, I was immediately enveloped by the intoxicating scent of roses. The room beyond me shimmered softly, and I blinked against the haze.

Why was I here again?

"Ah... Laurent, do come in," Milla spoke in a voice like velvet, her hands delicately (but firmly) guiding me inside. "Take a seat, mon cher!"

I look past her, at None... sitting very much alone behind her sister on a lavishly decorated couch. She offered me a gentle smile, her presence serene and inviting.

"Um...yes, thank you" I replied, a hint of awkwardness creeping into my voice as I took a seat between them. "Am I early, or..?"

As they sat beside me, I immediately felt smothered. They'd completely ignored my question and just smiled at me... as if I were some divine being descended into their midst.

It grossed me out.

"Fancy some tea?" None offered, her voice laced with a quiet sweetness. She wore a charming blue dress adorned with ribbons, and her hair had gotten a new style: a short, playful cut with longer strands framing her face. I couldn't help but look her over twice as I accepted the teacup she held out to me.

"Um thank you.." I sad, pausing. "It's great to see you're looking well"

Milla's brow furrowed slightly, her feline features taut with unspoken discontent and I shifted in my seat as she (obnoxiously) cleared her throat. She wore a fitted dress in a deep, smoldering red that clung to her figure a second skin.

"Would you like one of my muffins?" she asked, the lack of attention clearly not pleasing her.

Was she trying to impress me?

"Ah... if you insist?" I reacted, her tone almost demanding as she already pushed one toward my lips, not giving me the chance to decline. The warmth of her fingers brushed my lips, and I felt heat rise to my cheeks. Suddenly, without warning, both sisters leaned in and wrapped their arms around me.

I stiffened in surprise.

"Um... why exactly did you two invite me?" I asked hesitantly, squirming under their weight.

"We wanted to see you," Milla said, her voice thick with longing as her fingertips grazed my cheek.

"...And we also wanted to thank you," added None, just as softly, her hands gripping the fabric of my shirt with unexpected intensity.