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.)

37. Trivial

The Tiger Inside

By Nasu Hasami

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"Can't help falling in love."

~Elvis Presley~

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37. Trivial

When they reach Cardio, they're both silent. Shang's stopped mumbling, and Mulan's thinking about everything he's just said, from making her toast every day to treating her differently. He'd kissed her thumb like he was never going to see her again.

But Mulan's made a promise to herself not to date for at least six months, and Shang said he hadn't dated since high school. It could be a toxic combination.

Or it could be some kind of wonderful.

Shang kicks off his sneakers and folds himself onto his couch. Mulan vacillates for a moment, then she kneels beside him.

'Hey,' she says, combing the hair out of his eyes. 'Do you want to get dinner sometime?'