The Double

𝒯𝓌𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓎-ℰ𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉

"I need a drink."

We're back in my suite and I'm curled over the table mumbling into my outstretched arms. Taehyung is on the couch behind me. "That wasn't bad."

"I survived. Do you think anyone know?" I lift my head with great effort to look at him. "That it was me and not Duna?"

Taehyung's eyes are closed and he's sitting with his arms spread along the back of the couch, his head tilted to reveal his throat. I try not to remember that several hours ago my lips were tracing a line down that very spot. It's been a weird day.

"I think they bought it. You two are almost twins." He cracks open one eye. "It's unbelievable but a good deal of it is how well you can channel her. I can hardly believe you're not a professional actor."

Never has "acceptable" been something to celebrate. I did it. There go all of Eomma's injunctions to stay under the radar and not be noticed. I blew them out of the water. And I liked it.

"How's Duna?"

"The psychiatrist came by." He hesitates. "Duna agreed to the medications but they'll take a while to work. She's started therapy with her and gave her medication to exercises. Duna says she wants to work tomorrow. She has an understudy if she can't, so that will give her more time if she needs it."

"Did you tell what happened today?"

"She says thank you." Taehyung leans forward. "She's up to talking, if you want to see her?"

"Thanks."

"Did I hear you mention a drink?" Taehyung asks.

"Or more than one. I'm open to suggestions."

"We're supposed to eat at Honsen's tonight."

I don't know that place. "Is it fancy?"

"Probably."

"Will people recognize you and think I'm Duna?"

"Probably."

"Will I need to dress up?"

"Probably."

"Will people be watching us?"

"Why are you asking when you know the answer?"

I can't deal with that. I need comfort. "How about I buy you that dinner I owe you? At a place I choose."

"Fine." His quick response tells me he's not into being on display tonight either. A relief since I don't have the energy to deal with his caution about been seen with me in public.

"I'm going to talk to Duna and then we'll go. You get ready and look like a regular person."

He doesn't even argue but gets up and leaves. He must be exhausted to not give me hard time on principle.

I scrub my face, put on my new lipstick and throw on a yellow halter top and high waisted jeans and green sandals (image reference above).

Then I tap on the connecting door to Duna's room. Ira opens it and looks me over.

"I'm about to go out with Taehyung but I wanted to talk to Duna. Can I?"

Her cheeks hollow and I think she's chewing them. She's so protective of Duna. I wonder if she's about to refuse when Duna's voice drifts out. "Suzy?"

Ira steps aside.

I walk through the suite to Duna's room. It's a larger mirror-image of mine, and Duna sits curled up on a couch by the window. She's in silken lounge pajamas, bare feet poking out from a cashmere blanket draped over her bent knees. Steam from the cup of tea in her hands drifts up to veil her features.