Page 311 of Scarbound

Duri put his chopsticks down. “That makes sense.”

Ji-Woo looked at him.

“But maybe not alone the first time,” Duri continued.

Noeul opened his mouth, but Duri raised one hand.

“I know you need to do things by yourself,” Duri said, watching him carefully. “But you don’t have to start with the hardest thing.”

Noeul considered that.

Ji-Woo nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly.”

“Don’t look so pleased.”

Ji-Woo immediately looked less pleased. Duri smiled.

“We’ll be back early.”

Noeul looked between them. “Coffee?”

“Yeah.”

“Dinner?”

“Yes.”

He hesitated. “Beer?”

Duri raised an eyebrow. “Now we’re negotiating.”

Noeul’s eyes lit slightly. “One beer.”

Ji-Woo groaned. “You’re both terrible influences.”

Noeul smiled. “Don’t be a buzzkill. You’re ruining my fun.” They all laughed.

“Today,” he said quietly.

Duri looked at him. “What?”

Noeul’s gaze remained on the street below. “I’m going outside today.”

Noeul smiled, then turned to Ji-Woo. “Also… would it be okay if we stopped by the gallery you booked for your exhibition? I’d like to help more now that the big day’s getting closer.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

He stepped closer and hugged Noeul. “Thank you, hyung. I’d really like that.”

Noeul returned the embrace without hesitation.

Ji-Woo grabbed the snacks from the counter and headed toward the door. “Come on, Duri. We’re going to be late.”

“In a minute.”

Ji-Woo glanced between them, then deliberately looked away. “I suddenly remembered I have absolutely no interest in whatever happens next.”