Clinical Trial for a Broken Heart Chapter 1

The Story:

After the guy I was crushing on shot me down, I went on a commenting rampage in the replies of a male lactation thirst trap.

「Dude, if you’re lactating, go to a hospital.」

「P.S. I’m a doctor.」

A few minutes after I posted it, I got a DM from a stranger.

The profile picture was the same as my crush’s. The message said:

「Hi. Can you… can you really fix this?」

* * *

Ethan had rejected me. Again.

It was early fall, that perfect, crisp weather, but he was drowning in a heavy black hoodie, completely hiding his frame. His handsome face, usually framed by nerdy-cute black glasses, looked exhausted. His eyes were downcast.

“Chloe,” he mumbled, “I told you. We’re just… not a good match.”

I could feel the tears welling up, and I hated it. I looked at him, my vision blurring.

“Where are we not a good match? You like me, I know you do…”

Ethan looked helpless, his shoulders slumping. He pursed his lips, his voice barely a whisper. “Please don’t cry…”

His hand hesitated, then lifted as if to wipe a tear from my cheek. The moment his warm fingertips brushed my skin, he froze, like he’d been electrocuted, and tried to pull back. But I was greedy for the contact. I grabbed his hand, pressing my whole face into his palm.

It didn’t last.

With a muffled grunt, Ethan yanked his hand away and stumbled back a few steps, clutching his arm to his chest. He saw the hurt on my face and let out a heavy sigh, turning away. He looked… ashamed.

“Chloe, you deserve someone better,” he said, his voice raw. “Not… not a freak like me.”

He whispered the last two words like a curse. Then, after one last, deep look at me, he turned and practically fled.