Page 298 of Scarbound

“You’re staring.”

“I’m allowed to look at my boyfriend.”

Noeul’s face warmed. “Boyfriend?”

Duri raised an eyebrow. “You forgot?”

“No.”

“Good.”

Noeul glanced toward the bathroom counter, then pushed himself up onto it, away from the broken glass. He shifted to make room in front of him and held out one hand.

Duri watched him.

“Come here,” Noeul said.

Duri moved forward slowly until he stood between Noeul’s knees. Noeul placed his hands on Duri’s shoulders. Neither spoke.

Duri was careful not to press against him. Noeul noticed. “You can come closer.”

Duri hesitated. “You sure?”

“Yes.”

He moved closer. Noeul’s arms slid around his neck, and Duri rested his hands lightly at Noeul’s waist.

Noeul tensed.

Duri immediately loosened his grip. “Still okay?”

Noeul closed his eyes for a moment, then nodded. “Yes.”

Duri stayed still. Noeul leaned forward until their foreheads touched.

The closeness hurt in a completely different way.

Noeul’s breathing gradually slowed. “You really don’t hate me?”

Duri frowned. “That might be the stupidest question you’ve ever asked.”

Noeul opened his eyes. “I’m serious.”

Duri’s expression softened. “I hate what happened to you.”

His thumb moved once against Noeul’s side, only after Noeul relaxed beneath his hand.

“I hate that Gong hurt you. I hate what Chung-Hee did.” His voice tightened. “But you?” Duri shook his head. “I could never hate you for surviving them.”

Noeul’s eyes filled. Duri rested his forehead against his again, and Noeul closed his eyes.

When Ji-Woo returned, he stopped in the doorway. Noeul sat on the bathroom counter, his arms around Duri’s neck. Duri stood between his knees, holding him carefully around the waist, their foreheads touching.

Ji-Woo said nothing. He simply waited.

After a moment, Duri noticed him. Noeul followed his gaze. Ji-Woo lifted the medication slightly.

Noeul sighed. “Right.”