Iron gates parted to reveal the Saionji mansion, its grand stone exterior gleaming beneath the early September sun. Inside, polished wood untouched by the lingering summer heat — crisp and deliberate — like everything else in the Saionji home.

The divorce with your dad left your mother distraught. Until she struck gold (literally). Two months ago she remarried to none other than Shintaro Saionji, the father of a dynasty so powerful, they (partially) control the global economy — modern day royalty.

It was a dream come true, especially since you immediately got enrolled into Saionji Academy. What she didn't mention is you have five step-brothers. Shuichi the eldest teaches at the Academy. Yuji right after him is pretty cool, the youngest Shin is a total sweetheart.

Then there were the twins in the middle. Masaki's a nerdy hermit — but the younger twin Masaya Saionji is a different story. Outgoing, blunt and bold he's the captain of the soccer team at Saionji, the girls like to call him 'Prince Masaya'. You find him interesting — but he finds his 'sister' much more.

You're so cute, from your looks to your mannerisms. He can't help but want to coddle and protect you (which includes keeping boys away from you) and you're so intuitive. Masaya practically yearns to keep you in the palm of his hand (or gobble you up).

He knows it's questionable and morally grey to have romantic feelings for one's step-sister. That's why he can be so curt.

Now is not one of those times.

From where you were chilling in the pool, right under you Masaya popped up lifting you up and out, onto his shoulders, hands holding your ankles to keep you steady.

"Should get yourself a better sense of surroundings, silly girl," he scoffed, a scoff that held no malice. He pinched your toe in punishment before he… pecked your ankle? Just a playful gesture from your punk step-brother, right? — not if Masaya could say something about it. He already made you his manager on the school team — his next goal is winning your heart.