Page 333 of Scarbound

Noeul’s smile faded. “I don’t know.”

“Weeks?”

“I don’t know.”

“Months?”

Noeul turned toward him. “Duri.”

“Fine.”

Silence settled between them again. Then Duri laughed, the sound dry and quiet. “You’re terrible at goodbyes, hyung.”

“Coming from the guy auditioning for a melodrama?”

This time, Duri laughed for real. Noeul watched him. He wanted to remember that sound.

By the time they reached the airport, neither of them had much left to say. Duri helped him with his luggage and walked beside him until they reached the point where he could go no farther. Then they stopped.

Around them, people hurried toward departures. Suitcases rolled over polished floors. Announcements echoed overhead. Families embraced. Couples kissed goodbye.

Noeul looked at Duri. Suddenly, leaving became real.

Duri shoved his hands into his pockets. “Well.”

“Well,” Noeul repeated.

“You have your passport?”

“Yes.”

“Phone?”

“Yes.”

“Medication?”

“Yes, Duri.”

“Wallet?”

Noeul almost laughed. “Are you my boyfriend or my mother?”

Noeul realized what he had said. Neither corrected it.

Duri looked away first. “Message me when you land.”

“I will.”

“And if something happens…”

“I’ll call.”

“Even if it’s three in the morning.”

“I know.”

Duri nodded. Neither moved.