Page 11 of Scarbound

Jun leaned forward, his gaze sharpening as he studied Chung-Hee.

“I found out who left my brother’s favorite snacks at his grave last year.”

Before Jun could respond, the secretary entered with the coffees, placing one in front of each of them. She left quietly.

“You found out?” Jun asked. “How? Who was it?”

“He visited again this year. Early, when he thought we wouldn’t meet.” Chung-Hee took a sip of cappuccino, then a bite of the homemade yuja protein bar his secretary had brought. “You know the bastard who drove my brother to suicide?”

Jun stiffened.

“He died last year.”

“Jung Gong is dead?” Jun asked, disbelief flashing across his face.

“Yes. On my brother’s death anniversary.” Chung-Hee leaned back, exhausted. “Karma, I suppose.”

Jun’s eyes widened. “So who visited the grave?”

“Jung Noeul.”

Jun frowned. “Your brother’s best friend?”

“The same. And Jung Gong’s twin.”

Jun stared at him. “How did I not realize they were the same person? You never told me.”

“We grew close after everything happened,” Chung-Hee said quietly. “It wasn’t easy to talk about.”

“So the boy your brother loved was the bully’s twin.”

“Yes. He came to apologize.” Chung-Hee paused. “He was broken.”

Jun studied him. “You wouldn’t be telling me this if you weren’t thinking about helping him.”

Chung-Hee didn’t answer.

“I’m right,” Jun pressed. “You want to help Jung Noeul.”

“I don’t know,” Chung-Hee said honestly. “I’m curious. He claims he’s unhappy. I don’t know what to believe anymore.”

“And if he’s lying?” Jun asked. “If there are moments of happiness hidden in his guilt?”

“I’ll make his life hell.”

“Haneul would hate that. And if he really is miserable?”

“I haven’t decided.”

Something restless flickered behind Chung-Hee’s eyes. “He’s moving to New York,” he continued. “I want someone to monitor him.”

“For how long?”

“Until I’m satisfied.” Chung-Hee hesitated just for a second, then added, “Don’t let him know.” He did not ask himself what satisfaction would look like. Knowing where Noeul was already quieted something inside him, and for now, that was enough.

Jun nodded.

Two days later, the day Noeul was leaving, Jun called. Chung-Hee dined with his mother at their favorite upscale restaurant.