Page 167 of Scarbound

Duri started to pull his hand away.

Noeul caught it.

Their eyes met.

No alcohol this time.

Just morning light slipping through the curtains and Duri sitting beside him, waiting.

Noeul remembered his words.

And if you still want it tomorrow, I’ll be right here.

He leaned forward.

Duri didn’t move.

Noeul kissed him.

It was brief, soft, almost embarrassingly careful.

When Noeul pulled away, Duri stared at him.

“That,” Noeul whispered, “was sober.”

For once, Duri seemed to have nothing clever to say.

Noeul smiled. “What’s wrong? You talked a lot last night.”

Duri blinked several times.

“You kissed me.”

“I noticed.”

“Sober.”

“Yes.”

“Because you wanted to?”

Noeul rolled his eyes. “No, Duri. I tripped.”

Duri laughed, and Noeul laughed with him.

Then Duri touched his cheek.

“So what does this mean?”

Noeul’s smile slowly faded.

“I don’t know yet.”

Duri nodded.

“But I know I want to find out,” Noeul added.

Duri’s eyes softened.