Page 124 of Scarbound

As if Chung-Hee had the right.

Noeul finished his lunch and left for work.

The day was demanding but ordinary. He had been given more responsibility than on his first day, and by late afternoon, his wrists were beginning to ache from hours spent typing. He ignored the discomfort as long as he could before finally stretching his fingers beneath the desk. Most of the department left on time.

Noeul stayed.

He had an analysis to finish, and concentrating on work was easier than thinking. A little after seven, a message appeared on his screen.

Bring the analysis to my office when you’re done.

Noeul stared at it. Chung-Hee. His pulse quickened. For several seconds, the exhibition returned to him: Kija’s smile, the phone number, Chung-Hee watching him from across the room, that small, polite smile. Noeul swallowed. Then irritation replaced fear.

He had done nothing wrong.

He saved the report, gathered his notes, and headed upstairs. Most of the executive floor was empty. The silence felt different after office hours. The lights remained on, but there were few voices, no ringing phones, no assistants moving between offices. Noeul slowed outside Chung-Hee’s door. He almost knocked, then stopped himself. This was work. Nothing more. He entered.

“Mr. Lee?”

The office was empty. No Chung-Hee behind the desk. No laptop open. No jacket hanging over the chair.

Noeul frowned. “I brought the analysis.”

Silence. Something cold crawled up his spine. He turned. The door closed behind him. Then came the click of the lock.

Noeul went completely still.

For a moment, neither man spoke. Chung-Hee stood near the door, his expression calm.

“Hyung…”

Chung-Hee’s gaze moved to the folder in his hands. “The analysis?”

Noeul nodded slowly. “Yes.”

“Perfect.”

The word came almost pleasantly. Chung-Hee crossed the room and took the folder from him, placing it neatly on the desk. Noeul watched every movement.

“Is something wrong?”

Chung-Hee straightened the papers. “No.” He turned. “Nothing at all.”

Noeul’s stomach tightened. “Then why did you lock the door?”

A pause.

Chung-Hee looked at him. “Did you enjoy the exhibition?”

Noeul’s breathing changed. There it was.

“Kija’s exhibition?”

“You met another famous Kija over the weekend?”

Noeul’s jaw tightened. He already hated the direction of the conversation. “Yes. I enjoyed it.”

“I noticed.”