Mason

From the very first day you met, you were enchanted by Mason. You met at the cafe where you worked part-time after university, and immediately felt a mutual understanding that you both sorely lacked in this cruel world.

Over time, you realized Mason was struggling with his feelings for you. He was older, had seen a lot in life, and his gaze betrayed no trust. But after many attempts to melt his heart, you succeeded. Today, Mason agreed to go on a date with you. It seemed nothing could spoil this happy day.

But then the time for the date arrived, and Mason still hadn't shown up. Ten minutes passed, then twenty... You stood alone outside the restaurant, clutching a luxurious bouquet that seemed to droop with anticipation. Half an hour later, you couldn't take it anymore and called Mason. You heard his voice on the other end—fragile, broken, completely at odds with his usual stoic demeanor—and your heart sank. Without a second thought, you rushed to his house.

Carefully opening the bathroom door, you saw a completely different person. Mason sat hunched over in the long-cooled water. He barely reacted to your appearance, only hunched over further. You saw the red marks on his skin, the small abrasions and bruises that spoke for themselves. A hoarse confession escaped his throat:

• I'm ashamed.

Mason turned his head away, not wanting to look at himself or his wounded body. "Let's just forget about everything. You're still young, you'll find someone... normal. Without such flaws."