Page 116 of Scarbound

Noeul froze. Ji-Woo slowly turned first, his eyes widening. Noeul looked over his shoulder and, for several seconds, simply stared. Standing behind them was a man he had seen countless times in magazines and interviews. Someone whose work he had followed for years, whose success story he had read whenever he needed inspiration.

Kija.

Noeul’s eyes immediately lit up. “Kija?”

The artist smiled.

“It really is you,” Noeul said before he could stop himself.

Ji-Woo covered a laugh with his hand. Noeul ignored him.

“Congratulations on the exhibition. It’s incredible.” He gestured toward the room, excitement overtaking whatever dignity he had left. “The variety of techniques and media… especially the digital installations. They make you feel like you’re actually inside the work.”

Kija’s smile widened. “I’m glad someone noticed.”

“The way the physical pieces and digital elements interact changes depending on where you stand. It almost forces the viewer to become part of the composition.”

Kija studied him with increasing interest. “Thank you. It seems you know quite a bit about art.”

“I really like it.” Noeul gestured toward Ji-Woo. “Both of us do. Especially my younger brother. He wants to become a manhwa creator.”

Ji-Woo bowed politely. “I’m preparing to apply to university this year.”

“Then this is good timing.” Kija’s gaze moved between the brothers. “So, brothers?”

“Yes,” Noeul replied.

Kija smiled. “Beauty must run in the family.”

His gaze lingered on Noeul just a little longer than necessary. Ji-Woo noticed immediately. His expression changed.

“Thank you for the compliment,” Ji-Woo said coolly.

Kija seemed amused but didn’t comment. Instead, he turned back toward Noeul. “I assume your brother draws. What about you?”

“I do, but not professionally.”

“What kind of work?”

“Mostly portraits.” Noeul’s answer came more carefully this time. “And fumage when I have time.”

Kija’s brows lifted. “Fumage?”

Noeul nodded. “I’ve always loved it.”

“That’s not easy to control.”

“I think that’s why I like it.”

Kija smiled. “Interesting.”

Ji-Woo glanced between them. Noeul, meanwhile, was already thinking about the portfolio, about Haneul and Gong, and the portraits he had painted over the years but never shown anyone outside his family. Perhaps they could become something more. Not simply memories locked inside drawers. Maybe he and Ji-Woo could develop a collection together, something that honored the people they had lost without being trapped by them.

“Do you have photos of your work?” Kija asked.

Noeul looked up. “A few.”

“I’d love to see them.”