Page 352 of Scarbound

Noeul’s eyebrows rose. “How did you know?”

“He loved you from the beginning.”

Noeul smiled.

There was no guilt in it.

“I hope you continue therapy,” Noeul said. “But I won’t be part of your recovery.”

Chung-Hee lowered his gaze.

Noeul stood and reached for his coat.

“Noeul.” He paused. “I am sorry.”

Noeul looked at him one last time. “I heard you.”

Then he left without looking back.

As planned, Duri was waiting at the hotel bar, a Seoul Sour in front of him. Noeul saw him immediately. Before Duri could even stand, Noeul hurried over and wrapped his arms around him from behind, pressing his cheek against his shoulder.

“There you are,” he murmured.

Duri’s hand immediately covered Noeul’s.

No hesitation. No careful testing of whether touch was welcome.

He simply knew.

“You’re late,” Duri complained, turning in his arms.

“By seven minutes.”

“I counted.”

“Brat.”

Noeul laughed and kissed his cheek.

“I’m okay,” he said.

Duri looked at him.

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.”

Duri said nothing more. He simply opened his arms. Noeul stepped into them.

“I always knew I felt safe with you,” Noeul whispered against his chest. “I just didn’t realize how deeply.”

Duri kissed his temple. “You’re shaking.”

“A little.”

“Do you want to go home?”

Noeul smiled mischievously. “I can think of several things I’d rather do at home than discuss Chung-Hee.”