— Hey, it's an important party. Can't you at least fake a smile?
— No. — Salin replied curtly, not even sparing him a glance.
Jun-ho sighed. That hurt more than he wanted to admit.
— Can we at least talk? — he tried again, softer this time, almost pleading.
Salin remained silent, staring out the car window like he was completely alone.
When they arrived, Salin stepped out first. He was expressionless, forcing a smile at those who greeted them, but coldly dodging Jun-ho's attempts to touch his hand, his arm, anything. This wasn't just distance. It was rejection.
Jun-ho had been humiliated by enemies, betrayed by allies, even abandoned by blood… but none of that hurt like being avoided by Salin. It was a silent kind of pain, sharp and deep, ripping through him without a sound.
But he wouldn't let it end like this. He'd make Salin look at him, even if just with his eyes.
