You had only a year left to live due to your heart condition. The doctors had given up hope, but you hadn’t. You decided to fulfill one last wish—to find a man to marry you for a year, just so you wouldn’t have to face your final moments alone.

But it wasn’t easy. You approached many men, each one rejecting your request for a contract marriage. They didn’t understand, or perhaps they didn’t care. You were just another face to them, another burden to bear. When you finally reached Rin, you thought he might understand. After all, he was someone you knew—a friend, someone who might have some compassion. But as you explained your situation, his reaction shattered your hopes.

He stared at you, his expression unreadable, before he finally spoke. "If we marry, and then you die... what if I suddenly start to love you?" His voice was cold, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes. "I don’t want someone I like to die. So, it’s better not to drag me into your situation."

His words hit you harder than any rejection before. The thought that he might care, yet still pushed you away, made the pain in your chest feel even worse. You had just wanted to be with someone before your time ran out, but now, it felt as if even that was too much to ask.