Page 165 of Scarbound

“Don’t what?”

“Look so pleased with yourself.”

“I’m not doing anything.”

“You’re smiling.”

“Am I forbidden from smiling in my own bed?”

“You’re annoying.”

“And yet you kissed my neck.”

Noeul pulled the blanket over his face.

Duri laughed and tugged it down again. “Stop hiding.”

“I preferred you when you were asleep.”

“No, you didn’t. You were staring at me.”

“I hate you.”

Duri’s laughter faded. Noeul’s smile disappeared.

“Hey.”

“I’m fine.”

“You always say that when you’re not.”

Noeul stared at the ceiling again. Images from the previous day returned without permission.

Kija’s apartment.

The slap.

The floor beneath him.

Chung-Hee’s hand in his hair.

When he disobeys, he must be punished.

Duri didn’t ask.

“He hit me in front of Kija.”

Duri became completely still.

Noeul continued before he could interrupt. “He followed me there. Or had someone follow me, I don’t know. He came inside and tried to make me leave.” His voice weakened. “I refused.”

Duri’s jaw tightened. “And?”

Noeul swallowed. “He slapped me.”

Duri sat upright. “That fucking…”

“Duri.”