The Tiger Inside

by Nasu Hasami

Orthopaedic surgeon Mulan Hua is dedicated to her career and determined to rise above the statistics of her profession. But that shouldn't mean she has to compromise on the things she wants. Surely, in the 21st Century, a girl can have everything. (Flash fiction series. Companion story to The Nightingale's Song.)

22. Cruelty

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"I'm halfway to losing my mind."

~Kelly Clarkson~

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22. Cruelty

Tasunka practically needs to spell it out for him, and it makes Shang feel like an idiot. The cardiothoracic surgeon can't help that he's used to bottling everything up and belting everything down so he can focus on his work.

Shang doesn't remember the last time he went on a date. High school, probably. He'd made a vow to himself not to date until he'd finished medical school. But after that, it became habit to squash attraction.

Then his sister pointed it out. She called it cute.

It made Shang feel sick. He didn't do cute.

Rationally, he decided there was nothing he could do about it anyway. Mulan Hua didn't need some man grovelling at her feet begging for a date a few weeks after being assaulted.