Page 273 of Scarbound

“Because we came too late.”

Noeul answered without hesitation. “That wasn’t your fault.”

Duri said nothing.

Noeul frowned. “You didn’t know what was happening. Chung-Hee made those choices. Not you.”

Duri held his gaze and spoke carefully. “You understand that when it’s me.”

Noeul looked away. “That’s different.”

“Why?”

“Because it is.”

“Good argument.”

Noeul glared at him. Duri almost smiled but stopped himself. “I’m not saying you should suddenly stop feeling guilty because I told you to.”

Noeul looked back at him.

“And I’m definitely not going to tell you time magically fixes everything.”

That earned the faintest twitch of Noeul’s mouth.

Duri continued. “But you just told me Chung-Hee’s choices weren’t mine.”

“Yes.”

“And Gong’s choices?”

Noeul’s expression closed.

Duri waited. “You don’t have to answer.”

The silence stretched.

Eventually, Noeul whispered, “They weren’t mine either.”

Duri didn’t react too quickly. No smile. No praise. He only nodded. “No.”

Noeul looked down at the ring. The words felt strange. Almost disloyal. But not false.

Duri stood and carried his mug to the sink. “I have to get ready.”

Noeul blinked. “For what?”

“School.”

Noeul stared at him.

Duri looked offended. “School still exists, unfortunately.”

A quiet laugh escaped Noeul.

Duri froze.

Noeul frowned. “What?”