The Secret of Dark Forest

Tasty

White rolled on his king-sized bet, looking at his brother, who was reading the news on the computer. Black was frowning more than usual, and that wasn't a good sign. 

"Bed news?" He asked, settling on his belly with his glasses askew. 

"Press conference about Hunt." Black retorted, and White grimaced. 

"Don't tell me you still want to join it." White sighed. They had been talking about the possibility of entering since the first letter arrived with Mother's demand. Neither wanted to get separated from their father, but Methinee had a powerful lover behind her. Their father was a diplomat and politician. Nevertheless, he didn't have enough influence to stand against Tawi. 

"Yes. I don't know any other way." Black turned to him. White observed the familiar face before sighing. 

"There should be another way. I can try during today's dinner." White suggested. 

"Don't even try. She's careful with words, and that fucker will be there too. He will make sure she doesn't spill anything." Black huffed.

"But I am good with words." White pouted. His identical twin rolled his eyes at his action.

"You got that from dad, but it's useless against them." 

White blinked at him, defeated. His brother was right. He could be the best talker, but their mother and Tawi were better and more experienced. They were born with a gift to deceive people. 

"At least I can try to confirm our theory." White attempted again. Black took a deep breath before he stood up from the chair and joined him on the bed. White let his twin straighten his glasses before he pulled him to lie next to him. He sneaked closer, tucking himself under Black's chin. White loved cuddles, and Black with Dad gave the best ones.

"No need to confirm it. I am one hundred per cent sure." 

White hummed into Black's neck, inhaling the smoky scent. Frowning, he glared at this sibling. 

"You should stop smoking."

"Sorry, I can't." Black shrugged. White let out a disapproving huff. His beloved brother's smoking habit started when their father had to travel abroad as a protest against their mother. Meithenee was a strict woman without a hint of feelings. While White hoped she would love them at least a little, his brother saw right through her. Hence he did everything he could to piss her off. Starting with smoking and ending with tattoos and piercings. White still remembers their father's shocked face when he saw Black after a month of being away. He had to take a shot of vodka to calm down before he asked for an explanation. Adul didn't scold him like their mother hoped. 

"Can you give me notice before you put another hole or ink on your body?" 

"Sure, Dad." 

The exchange was funny, but Meithenee didn't laugh. She stormed off angrily, probably going to her lover. White was a romantic in heart and didn't understand why their parents got married when there was no love between them. 

"Sometimes, you must decide with your head instead of your heart. It could lead you to sadness, but it could also bring you immense happiness. And this arranged marriage brought Black and you to me." 

That day, White realized a few things. 

There was a knock on the door, and their father's head peeked inside. He smiled fondly at them, and White didn't want that precious expression to disappear from his face. Never. They had to protect it at all costs. 

"Boys, you should get ready. Your mother's driver will pick you up in half an hour." 

Black stretched, carefully pushing White off him before he stood up. White rolled out of the bed, looking at his father. 

"What restaurant are we going to?" He asked. 

"The usual." Adul shrugged. 

"No," White whined. The usual meant Tawi's favourite overpriced restaurant. They were dragged there on multiple occasions by their mother. She tried to show them off, at least him, to every influential person present, and White hated it. 

"At least their food is tasty," Black commented. 

"Agree. Too pricy, though." Adul nodded. White walked to his wardrobe, pulling out a pair of long-sleeved button-up shirts and black and dark blue pants. Black glared at the clothes White was handing him. 

"I am not taking the piercings out." He huffed as he took the attire. White and Adul laughed at his antics.