Page 125 of Scarbound

Noeul stayed silent.

Chung-Hee moved slowly around the desk. “You seemed especially interested in the artist.”

“He’s one of my favorite artists.”

“You made it too obvious.”

“He offered to help Ji-Woo with his university portfolio.”

“I heard.”

Noeul frowned. “Then what exactly are we talking about?”

For a moment, Chung-Hee said nothing. Noeul caught something in his face. Anger, but beneath it something less stable. Almost wounded.

“Kija called you handsome.”

Noeul stared at him. “That’s what this is about?”

Chung-Hee’s expression hardened. “No.”

“It obviously is.” Noeul exhaled sharply. “Hyung, I cannot control what another person says to me.”

“I know.”

The answer surprised him.

Noeul hesitated. “Then why am I here?”

Chung-Hee took another step closer. “Because you liked it.”

Noeul’s disbelief turned to frustration. “What?”

“You blushed.”

“I was embarrassed.”

“You smiled at him.”

“I smile at people.”

“You exchanged numbers.”

“For art lessons.”

Each answer came more quickly than the last.

Noeul shook his head. “This is ridiculous.”

Chung-Hee’s face tightened. He didn’t like the word.

Noeul noticed and lowered his voice. “I’m not trying to fight with you.”

“Neither am I.”

“Then unlock the door.”

Silence.