Page 122 of Scarbound

The doors closed.

Noeul stood there for a few seconds before returning to the apartment. It felt larger without Mr. Choi in it.

That night, after working through notes from his first days at NovaTech, Noeul’s phone lit up.

Duri: How are your hands?

Noeul smiled before he could stop himself.

Noeul: Still attached to my arms, thankfully.

Duri: Idiot.

Noeul: They’re fine.

Duri: Liar.

Noeul stared at the screen.

Noeul: Maybe they hurt a little.

Duri: Did you rest them today?

Noeul: Mostly.

Duri: That means no.

Noeul laughed quietly to himself.

Noeul: Mr. Choi left today.

The typing bubble appeared almost immediately.

Duri: For good?

Noeul: His work here is finished, apparently.

Duri: That must feel strange.

Noeul looked around the silent apartment.

Noeul: A little.

Duri: Do you want me to come over?

His fingers hovered above the screen.

Noeul: It’s late.

Duri: I didn’t say I was coming. I asked if you wanted me to.

Noeul bit back a smile.

Noeul: I’m okay.

A moment passed.

Duri: Okay. But if you change your mind, call me.