Page 355 of Scarbound

“You love me.”

“Unfortunately.”

Noeul gasped in exaggerated offense and pushed him away. Duri caught him immediately, both of them laughing as they fell together onto the bed.

Later, exhausted and tangled together beneath the sheets, Noeul rested half across Duri’s chest, drawing meaningless patterns against his skin.

Duri kissed the top of his head.

Noeul smiled.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“That means something.”

Noeul lifted himself onto one elbow. “You’re right.”

He leaned down and kissed Duri’s forehead. Then his cheek. Then the tip of his nose.

Duri laughed and tried to catch him, but Noeul pulled away.

“You missed.”

“I wasn’t aiming for your mouth.”

“Cruel.”

Noeul finally kissed him properly. When he pulled back, his expression softened.

“I love you.”

Duri brushed the hair from his forehead. “All of me?” he teased.

Noeul understood the echo immediately. Years ago, those words would have frightened him.

Now he smiled.

“All of you.”

He settled against Duri’s chest, and Duri’s arms tightened around him with the comfortable strength of someone who knew he was welcome.

“You should sleep,” Duri murmured.

“So should you.”

“I was trying, but someone keeps talking.”

Noeul pinched his side. “Brat.”

Duri caught his hand and kissed his knuckles. “Good night, hyung.”

Noeul tucked their joined hands against Duri’s chest and closed his eyes. “Good night, Schatz.”

A few minutes later, Duri’s breathing evened beneath his cheek. Noeul listened until his own breath matched it, and they fell asleep.

FOUR YEARS LATER