The amber glow of this Saturday evening stretched over the suburban skyline as Kayan eased his Audi R8 to a stop outside Carys’s apartment building. The air carried the unmistakable signs of late autumn with the earthy scent of fallen leaves mingled with the faint tang of distant woodsmoke.

  Kayan stepped out, exuding a suave confidence that drew effortless attention. His cream-colored Hugo BOSS leather jacket clung to his broad shoulders, the buttery texture catching the ebbing light. As he adjusted the cuffs, he caught his reflection in the polished surface of the car and gave himself a final once-over before exhaling a steadying breath. His focus drifted to the apartment complex entrance, his pulse quickening in anticipation.

  Just then, Carys emerged, her emerald irises gleaming like precious gems. She wore a mid-length dress in the same vivid shade, the fabric shimmering as it swayed with each graceful step. A cream-colored wool-knit shawl was draped over her shoulders, adding an air of elegance. Her black hair tumbled in loose curls, framing her face with a softness that contrasted with the strength in her features.

  Kayan’s heart skipped a beat. “Carys... You look stunning.” With polished flair, he opened the car door for her.

  “Thank you, Kayan.” Her lips curved into a playful smile. “You’re not so bad yourself,” she said teasingly, though her tone was genuinely warm.

  Sliding gracefully into the passenger seat, she watched as Kayan rounded the car and slipped into the driver’s seat. The low growl of the R8 filled the air as they set off, the quiet hum of music accompanying their journey.

  “Where are we headed?” Carys inquired as her gaze flitted from Kayan to the city lights blooming in the distance.

  He shot her a sidelong glance, the corner of his mouth lifting a touch. “You’ll see.”

  As they weaved through downtown D.C., the cityscape sparkled like a field of stars. Kayan navigated the streets with practiced ease, one hand on the steering, the other resting on the gear shift.

  When they reached their destination, he passed the valet the key fob and guided her toward minibar. His palm settled gently at the small of her back, a casual yet intimate gesture, as they entered the two-Michelin-starred establishment by José Andrés.

  Knowing how notoriously difficult it was to get a table at this exclusive restaurant, Carys couldn’t help but be impressed.

  “This is...” Her speech faltered as she took in the scene around her, the intimate ambiance setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.

  Kayan’s smirk deepened. “Do you like surprises?”

  Her face lit with excitement, and she nodded, a chuckle escaping her. “I do now.”

  To her astonishment, Katherine and Kimi were already seated at their table, their attendance adding an unexpected twist to the evening.

  “A double date?” she mused, her gaze darting between Kayan and Katherine.

  Kayan’s expression softened. “I thought you’d enjoy the company.”

  Carys’s heart fluttered, touched by the thoughtfulness behind the gesture. She slid into the seat he pulled out for her, a grin tugging at her lips. “A girl couldn’t ask for more.”

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  The dinner flowed swimmingly, like a carefully composed symphony. The courses arrived one after the other, each a feast for the senses, delighting the palate and the soul. Conversation kept pace, brimming with lively banter. Carys, ever the provocateur, couldn’t resist teasing Katherine.

  “Bestie,” she began, batting her lashes flirtatiously, “can you always tell the twins apart? Ever gotten pranked?”

  Katherine shot her a mock glare. “Not a chance. I’ve spent enough time with Kimi to know his quirks.”

  Kayan leaned back in his chair, the corner of his mouth twitching as he deadpanned, “Good thing I never tried. She might have Hulk-smashed me like the thugs who tried to jump you!”

  A ripple of laughter followed, and Carys couldn’t help but be captivated by the sharp wit beneath his poker-faced delivery. The contrast between his serious demeanor and his brand of humor only made him more irresistible.

  As the evening wore on, Katherine leaned in, her voice lowered to a conspiratorial murmur. “Rys,” she whispered, glancing toward Kayan, “the way he’s looking at you, I bet he confesses tonight.”

  Her words lingered, stirring a mix of excitement and unease in Carys. She found herself stealing glances at the twins from time to time, feeling disoriented. It was as if she were caught in a strange game of mirrors. Their mannerisms, gestures, and even their intonations were so eerily alike.

  Each time her eyes met Kayan’s, there was a magnetic pull, something unspoken yet undeniably strong. She felt herself drawn to his confidence and sincerity. Despite the striking resemblance to Kimi, the subtle differences that made him uniquely himself were becoming clearer.

  ......

  After dinner, the quartet strolled through Constitution Gardens, the golden glow from the lampposts casting long shadows on the cobblestoned path. The park seemed to hush the noises of the sleepless city, the still lake and lush greenery offering a peaceful escape from the bustle just beyond its borders.

  As they wandered, Kayan and Carys naturally fell behind Katherine and Kimi, their steps falling into a relaxed rhythm.

  “This place is beautiful,” Carys murmured as she took in the tranquil surroundings. The moonlight danced on the water, creating a silvery sheen that made everything seem romantic.

  “Mmhmm.” Kayan hummed, his attention never straying from her countenance. “It’s one of my favorite spots in the city.”

  They continued their walk in comfortable silence, the rustling of leaves and the distant trill of crickets providing a soothing backdrop.

  Eventually, they reached a bench overlooking the lake and decided to sit there, letting the peacefulness of the gardens envelop them.

  “Tonight was amazing, Kayan. I had no idea you had this up your sleeve. I’ve had a wonderful evening,” she drawled, as if begrudging him the win.

  “I’m glad you did,” he replied, his voice softer now. Then he turned toward her, a vulnerability etched across his features. “Carys, there’s something I want to tell you.”

  “Go on,” she prompted despite the storm of emotions swirling in her chest.

  Kayan hesitated, as if searching for the right words. “I’ve been drawn to you since we first met.” He exhaled slowly, his courage faltering for a brief moment. “You’re not only beautiful, but you’re bubbly, quirky, and smart. I want to date you. Exclusively.”

  Carys turned away, her thoughts tangled in knots. The night’s beauty felt at odds with the heebie-jeebies in her gut. “Kayan, I think you’re an interesting guy,” she said carefully, “but… we hardly know each other.”

  He leaned forward, his expression earnest. “That’s the whole point of dating, isn’t it? We can take the time to get to know each other. But it wouldn’t mean much if we’re not exclusive.”

  Carys swallowed hard, meeting his piercing stare before deciding to share a persistent concern. “Kayan, I have to confess… even though I know you’re not the same person, I’m a little weirded out that you look just like my bestie’s boyfriend.”

  He raised a brow. “Would it help if I changed my hairstyle or grew a beard?”

  Carys was tickled pink, the tension between them easing a touch. “No! Just be yourself. I like you just the way you are!”

  His eyes brightened with that admission. “So, Ms. Carys Jones, will you give us a shot?”

  Despite the autumn chill in the air, warmth bloomed on Carys’s cheeks. “Kayan, I… can I have some time to think this through?”

  A flicker of disappointment flashed in his eyes, but he quickly masked it with a faint smile. “Of course. But I hope you don’t take too long to decide.”

  “Thank you,” Carys murmured, grateful he hadn’t pressed further.

  They lingered in the moment, their silence speaking volumes as they eventually rejoined Katherine and Kimi, walking together to the valet. The evening, layered as it was, held a promise of something new, something worth exploring.