The Flaw

“The blind date partner is wrong.”

Mr Cha Kang-heon was supposed to be meeting my younger sister, So-hee.
The man kept staring at me without saying anything, which made me anxious.

“And… I can’t even speak properly… and my leg…”

I was about to tell him that I limped.

“Are you saying you’re defective?”

When he said ‘defective’, I shut my mouth tightly and lowered my head.
Now that he knew everything, surely he would look at me with disgust.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m full of defects myself.”

I slowly lifted my gaze.
I had been certain he would be angry.
But he wasn’t.
He behaved as if it truly didn’t matter.

—

“Should I really put a collar on you?”

Even when he reached out and wrapped a hand around my neck, I froze, unable to move.
If he applied just a little pressure, it felt like my neck would snap with a soft crack.
All I could do was blink.
His hand slid upwards and seized my chin.
Grabbing the back of my neck, he pulled me forward.

“Jae. It’s time to go home.”

If I moved even slightly, I would fall straight into his arms.
But I kept my feet firmly on the ground and slowly shook my head.
I’ll only leave scars on you, Mr Kang-heon.

“Tears won’t help.”