Page 118 of Scarbound

“Hyung? You’re here too?” he asked brightly, deliberately keeping his tone light.

Ji-Woo stepped a little closer to his brother. He had noticed Chung-Hee’s expression too.

Chung-Hee greeted him with a polite nod before approaching. “Kija is a friend and a client of mine,” he explained, his voice controlled. “And the gentleman beside me is our company’s CFO, Mr. Han Jun. You’ll be working closely with him from now on.”

Noeul immediately bowed. “It’s very nice to meet you.”

Jun smiled warmly. “Likewise, Noeul. I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”

Noeul blinked. “Good things, I hope.”

A playful smile appeared on Jun’s face. “Mostly.”

Noeul laughed softly.

“I’m looking forward to working with you,” Jun added.

“Me too.”

Kija watched the exchange, his smile widening. “Hee.”

Chung-Hee looked at him.

“What exactly is your relationship with Noeul?”

Noeul’s shoulders tensed.

Kija gestured casually between them. “He calls you hyung. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone address you that way.”

For a moment, nobody answered. Around them, visitors continued moving from artwork to artwork, discussing technique, color, and meaning, unaware of the sudden tension gathering inside their small circle.

Chung-Hee’s expression remained composed. “He was my brother’s best friend,” he said finally. “And now he works for my company.”

Kija tilted his head. “That’s all?”

Chung-Hee’s eyes hardened slightly. “This isn’t exactly the place for an interrogation.”

Jun covered a smile with his hand.

Kija laughed. “I was only curious.” His gaze returned to Noeul. “I see. So you two know each other quite well.”

Noeul immediately sensed the conversation heading somewhere he didn’t want it to go. “Kija, do you offer art lessons?”

Chung-Hee answered before Kija could. “No, he doesn’t.”

Kija turned slowly toward him. “Actually, I do.”

Jun looked away, already amused. Chung-Hee’s jaw tightened.

Kija continued as though he hadn’t noticed. “Not often, but I make exceptions. If you’re serious about your work, I could arrange something. Especially if Ji-Woo needs extra guidance while preparing his university portfolio.”

Ji-Woo’s face immediately brightened. “Really?”

“Of course.”

Noeul looked almost equally excited. “That would be amazing. I’ve dreamed of showing you my work and asking for your opinion ever since I first saw your Colorverse exhibition.”

Kija raised an eyebrow. “So you really are a fan.”