Page 40 of Scarbound

He turned toward the bathroom. “Come.”

Noeul followed. Inside, Chung-Hee stood in front of him and reached for the hem of his shirt. Noeul held his breath.

This was different from the night before. Perhaps because he knew what was coming this time. Perhaps because Chung-Hee was taking his time. Carefully, he pulled the shirt upward, avoiding Noeul’s injured hands. His fingers brushed against his skin. Noeul drew in a quiet breath. Chung-Hee’s movements slowed.

“Stop looking at me like that,” Noeul murmured.

“Like what?”

Noeul didn’t answer. He wasn’t even sure what frightened him about the way Chung-Hee looked at him. That he might find disgust in it or that he wouldn’t.

And there it was again, that feeling Noeul had spent years trying to understand. Was he still in love with Chung-Hee? Or was this merely the lingering echo of a teenage fantasy, a high school crush that had somehow refused to die?

Chung-Hee said nothing more. He continued helping him undress, his gaze lingering longer than it should have. Unable to endure the charged silence, Noeul stepped beneath the shower, carefully keeping his bandaged hands away from the stream of water. Chung-Hee picked up the sponge and began helping him wash. Neither spoke.

Then his hand stopped. Noeul followed his gaze. A faded scar crossed his chest. Chung-Hee’s expression changed.

“What are these scars?”

Noeul immediately stiffened. “That’s none of your business.”

Chung-Hee looked up at him.

“Interesting. After everything you’ve done to yourself, there’s still some fight left in you.”

The gentleness was gone from his voice.

“You’re giving me yet another reason to put it out.”

Noeul stared at him.

Chung-Hee set the sponge aside and reached for the bathrobe.

“We’re done. Get dressed.”

CHAPTER 16

When Noeul stepped out of the bathroom, he heard the door close behind him. A moment later, the sound of running water echoed through the apartment. He assumed it was now Chung-Hee’s turn to shower. By the time Chung-Hee returned, Noeul had wrapped himself in the bathrobe and was standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out over the rain-soaked city.

“It seems you like the view from my apartment,” Chung-Hee remarked, breaking the silence.

“It could become a beautiful painting,” Noeul replied softly.

Chung-Hee stepped behind him and began drying his damp hair with a towel. “You really don’t know how to take care of yourself.”

Noeul said nothing.

“Have you been painting long?” Chung-Hee asked, setting the towel aside before opening the sushi box. “Come. Let’s eat.”

The smell alone sharpened Noeul’s hunger. He sat opposite Chung-Hee without hesitation. “I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember,” he answered at last.

When Chung-Hee offered him the first piece of sushi, Noeul hesitated only briefly before leaning forward to take it. Being fed still felt strange. Yet, despite everything that had happened between them, he found himself grateful for these quiet moments.

“Chung-Hee hyung…”

“Yes?”

“The money in my account…” Noeul stopped himself. He didn’t want Chung-Hee to think he was accusing him. Nor did he want to ruin the rare peace that had settled between them. “It took me a year to save it.” He lowered his eyes. “Is there… anything left?”