#maybe SHJ thinks HYJ is no longer fit to be called a “partner”

[morteisshipping]

"Is this because of Crescent Moon?" [...] "It would put anyone in a terrible mood." [...] Holding my gaze for a moment, Sung Hyunjae took an item out of his inventory. Long fingers put the sound-blocking item on the table with a tap. "Are you worried about me?" "Worried? What's there to worry about when it's you? I'm just-" I stopped talking and closed my mouth. "...Yes. I'm worried." To be honest. [...] "I should thank you." "Ah, what for? I've already received what I was to receive. Besides, for me, it's not just you, but everyone around me. I don't want to lose you." [...] "It's true that the past I don't know of is bothering me, but..." Golden eyes looked up at me. "What I'm concerned about now is another part." Hmm? What else is there? "What is it?" He didn't return an answer. What came out after a moment's silence was something completely unexpected, "Wouldn't it be better for you to get some rest?" "I rested without doing anything in particular, both in the dungeon and since we've gotten out." I'm just talking. I was a little sleepy but I feel fine for now. "Don't change the subject, please." Sung Hyunjae's brow furrowed slightly. His expression seemed - how to say it - troubled. I was even more curious about what it was. Was it something he didn't want to talk about? Why? I thought he didn't care about other's thoughts. Ah... could it be? "Is it because I showed a weak side of myself?" [...] He cared about me anyways. As ever. Otherwise, he would've said so out loud. "From the start, I was and will continue to be imperfect but you know that. So if you have anything to say, just say it. I won't be able to fall apart any further at this point and I think I could accept whatever it is that you have to say." "For some reason..." "Yes?" "I want to lay bare what's inside you. Everything down to the depths of you."

chapter 282-283: Burning's Also Neat