Hana didn't feel ugly because of the scar on her face.
No.
She was ugly long before the scar.
When she and Dara were born, they had been equal. But with each passing year, the world seemed determined to remind her of how different they were.
Dara was perfection. Her grades were perfect. Her face was perfect. Everything about her was like the idols Hana watched on TV, untouchable and flawless.
"As you know, Dara is preparing to attend one of the three major universities. She's just in her second year of high school, but she's aiming for SKY," her mother's voice rang from the kitchen, loud and proud.
She was on the phone with Hana's aunt, as usual, boasting about her golden child.
Hana tried to tune her out, turning up the volume on the TV.
"Yes, Dara is the student body president. Isn't it amazing how smart she is? But of course, that's my daughter!" her mother continued, her tone practically glowing.
Hana stared at the screen as the music awards ceremony played. Kim Yena, the nation's sweetheart, was walking up to accept the Daesang for Best Artist of the Year.
Hana's chest swelled with admiration. She'd spent all her snack money voting for Kim Yena, and the moment felt like her victory too.
"Thank you, everyone," Yena said, her voice soft but commanding as she accepted the trophy.
Tears pricked at Hana's eyes. "One day, I'll be Kim Yena," she whispered, a spark of hope igniting in her chest.
Her mother's scoff shattered the moment. "Yes, and one day I'll be Jungkook," she snapped, throwing a slipper straight at Hana's head.
"Ow!" Hana cried, rubbing the sore spot.
"Turn off that TV and stop being such a disappointment! Your mates are studying to become doctors at Seoul National University, and you're here rotting away, idolizing people who don't even know you exist. I pity you," her mother spat, marching over to switch off the television.
The sound of the screen fading to black felt like the sound of her dreams dying.
Her mother returned to the kitchen and picked up the phone, her cheerful tone back in full swing. "As I was saying, yes, Dara is also really great at sports."
Hana sat there, staring at the blank screen. Slowly, she dragged herself to her feet and walked toward the staircase like a ghost.
At the top of the stairs stood Dara, a vision of everything Hana was not. Beautiful, confident, and adored.
Dara's lips curved into a mocking smile, her gaze cutting through Hana like a knife.
In that moment, Hana felt it clearer than ever. She was nothing but a shadow in the light of the one everyone loved.