Page 146 of Scarbound

Noeul tried to smile. It didn’t quite work.

“I’m sorry I didn’t get to tell you about the new technique I’ve been learning.”

“Noeul, you don’t have to leave.”

Noeul looked at him.

Kija continued. “You can stay here.” His gaze moved toward Chung-Hee. “He can leave.”

Chung-Hee’s expression darkened.

Kija ignored him. “You don’t have to go anywhere with him.”

For a moment, Noeul simply stared. Something about the sentence seemed almost incomprehensible.

He could stay.

Chung-Hee could leave.

Someone else was saying it. Someone else had seen what happened and still believed Noeul had a choice.

Noeul’s throat tightened, but he shook his head. “I want to go.”

Kija nodded slowly. “Okay.”

Noeul bowed. “Thank you.”

He turned toward Chung-Hee.

“I don’t need your permission.”

Chung-Hee went still.

Noeul’s voice became colder. “And I don’t need your false kindness either.”

He walked toward the door.

Chung-Hee immediately moved to follow, but Kija caught his arm.

“No.”

Chung-Hee turned sharply.

Kija didn’t release him. “Let him go.”

“He’s upset.”

“Yes.” Kija’s gaze hardened. “Because of you.”

Chung-Hee tried to pull away, but Kija tightened his grip.

“We need to talk.”

The door closed behind Noeul.

CHAPTER 45

Kija went into the kitchen to pour drinks. At the same time, he called their closest friend.