Page 270 of Scarbound

Duri’s expression softened. “Are you sure?”

Noeul nodded. “Yes.”

Duri moved behind the tub. “Tell me if you want me to stop.”

“I will.”

He wet Noeul’s hair slowly, careful to keep the water away from the faint scar left by his head injury. Then his fingers slid gently into Noeul’s hair. Noeul tensed.

Duri stopped immediately. “No?”

Noeul breathed through it. The sensation wasn’t wrong. Only complicated. “Wait.”

Duri waited. Noeul closed his eyes. His pulse slowed. “Okay.”

Duri continued. His fingers moved in slow, steady circles through Noeul’s hair, massaging shampoo into his scalp. Nothing rushed. Nothing demanded. Warm water spilled down the back of Noeul’s neck, and his shoulders gradually loosened. Duri rinsed the soap away, then stopped. “Done.”

Noeul opened his eyes. “You can touch my face.”

Duri went still.

Noeul looked at him. “I know you want to.”

A faint blush appeared across Duri’s cheeks. “Hyung.”

Noeul almost laughed. “Just do it before I change my mind.”

Duri lifted one hand slowly and brushed Noeul’s damp hair away from his forehead. Then his fingertips touched Noeul’s cheek. Barely. Noeul closed his eyes. No panic came. Only warmth. When Duri removed his hand, Noeul felt the absence.

“Let’s get you out before you turn into soup,” Duri said.

Noeul opened his eyes. “That was terrible.”

“You smiled.”

“I did not.”

“You almost did.”

Duri handed him the large blue towel and turned his back while Noeul stepped out. Duri set clean clothes on the bed. “I’ll give you some privacy.”

He had almost reached the door when Noeul caught his wrist. Duri stopped.

“Don’t go.” The words came quietly.

Duri turned around. Noeul still held his wrist. “Stay with me.”

Duri’s expression softened. “Okay.”

Noeul looked toward the clothes, then back at him. “Help me change?”

Duri seemed to understand. “Yes.”

“Slowly.”

“Of course.”

Duri helped only where Noeul asked him to, a sleeve when his wrist hurt, the waistband when bending became uncomfortable.