Page 164 of Scarbound

The silence that followed was different from the night before. There was no alcohol softening the edges now, nothing they could blame for what had happened. Duri seemed to realize it too. His smile faded slightly.

“Hyung.”

Noeul’s stomach tightened.

“About last night…”

“I remember.”

Duri went quiet. “Everything?”

“Unfortunately.”

That earned him another small laugh.

Noeul turned his head and found Duri watching him. Neither spoke. The words from last night returned again.

I’m in love with you, hyung.

Noeul looked away first.

“You said something to me.”

“I said many things.”

“You know which one.”

Duri’s expression changed. “Yes.”

“You meant it?”

There was no hesitation.

“Yes.”

Noeul swallowed.

Duri shifted onto his side to face him properly. “But you don’t have to say anything back. And last night doesn’t mean you owe me anything.”

“I know.”

“If you regret what happened…”

“I don’t.”

The answer came so quickly that both of them went silent.

Duri blinked.

Noeul’s face burned. He could have taken it back. Laughed. Changed the subject.

Instead, he forced himself to meet Duri’s eyes.

“I don’t regret it.”

A smile slowly appeared on Duri’s face.

Noeul immediately pointed at him. “Don’t.”