Page 334 of Scarbound

Noeul’s chest tightened. There were so many things he wanted to say. I love you seemed too frightening. Wait for me seemed too selfish. So he stepped forward instead.

Duri’s eyes widened when Noeul lifted both hands to his face. Noeul looked at him for a moment, then leaned forward and pressed a slow, gentle kiss to Duri’s forehead.

Duri went completely still. Noeul remained there for another second, his forehead resting against his.

“Thank you for loving me when I couldn’t love myself,” he whispered.

Duri closed his eyes. “Hyung…”

“I don’t know what happens after this,” Noeul continued. “And I won’t ask you to wait for me.” He pulled back enough to look into Duri’s eyes. “But I want you to know something.”

His fingers trembled against Duri’s cheeks.

“I’m not leaving because I don’t love you.”

Duri’s breath caught. Noeul smiled through his tears.

“I think I’m leaving because I do.”

Duri pulled Noeul into his arms. Noeul held him just as tightly.

When they finally separated, Noeul picked up his bag. He took several steps toward security before turning around. Duri was still there.

Noeul lifted his hand. Duri lifted his.

Then Noeul turned away. Every step hurt. But he kept walking.

CHAPTER 68

Noeul Jung

Moscow, Russia

September

Dear Kija, oraenmanimnida,

This is Noeul.

Since this is the first letter I’ve ever written, it may feel a little awkward. I hope it finds you well.

I wanted to thank you for attending our exhibition and, especially, for your guidance regarding Ji-Woo’s art portfolio. I’m sure you’ll be happy to hear that he submitted his application to the College of Fine Arts at Seoul National University. He worked incredibly hard on his portfolio, and your guidance played an important part in helping him complete it. Your contribution may not have seemed like much to you, but to me, it meant everything.

Our exhibition was one of my first steps forward. Thank you for being part of that first step.

Over the past few months, I’ve been traveling, discovering places I never imagined I would see. At the moment, I’m in Russia, absorbing its intense culture, overwhelming scale, and layered history.

Some days, I feel invigorated. Other days, profoundly alone.

But even on those days, I keep moving.

Who knows where I’ll go next?

I hope our next meeting will be at one of your exhibitions!

Jal jinae seyo.

Warm regards,