Page 128 of Scarbound

Chung-Hee’s expression darkened. “Perhaps that’s the problem.”

He spun Noeul around, forcing him toward the wall. Noeul caught himself before his face struck it. Chung-Hee stood behind him, too close.

“I suppose I wasn’t strict enough last time.”

Noeul’s breathing quickened. “Don’t.”

“Perhaps you didn’t learn what I thought you learned.”

“Hyung, please.”

Chung-Hee’s gaze settled on Noeul’s shoulder, the exact place where Kija’s hand had rested. His fingers brushed the fabric there. Noeul went rigid.

“You remember where he touched you?”

Noeul closed his eyes. “Yes.”

“So do I.”

Before Noeul could react, Chung-Hee bit down through the fabric. Pain tore through his shoulder. A cry escaped. Chung-Hee immediately pulled back.

Noeul pressed his forehead against the wall, breathing hard.

“I told you to stay quiet.”

“Please…” Noeul whispered. “I didn’t do anything. I just met one of my favorite artists.”

Chung-Hee turned him around and struck him across the face. Noeul’s head snapped sideways. For several seconds, shock emptied his mind.

“Excuses are not permitted.”

Noeul laughed weakly through the tears gathering in his eyes. “You know they aren’t excuses.”

Chung-Hee froze.

Noeul looked back at him. “You know.” His voice trembled. “You know I didn’t betray you.”

Something painful flashed across Chung-Hee’s face, then disappeared.

He leaned closer. “You have no idea how much your voice irritates me tonight.”

Noeul swallowed.

Chung-Hee’s hand closed around his arm. Another painful bite.

Noeul tried desperately to remain silent. Failed. The cry escaped before he could stop it.

Chung-Hee struck him again.

Noeul caught himself against the wall. His cheek burned, his wrists throbbed, and his breath came too quickly. Fear rose inside him. So did anger.

But beneath both was something that hurt worse.

Understanding.

Chung-Hee knew he had done nothing wrong. He knew it. And he was hurting him anyway.

Noeul slowly lifted his eyes. For the first time, the thought was clearer than the guilt.