Page 142 of Scarbound

For the first time in a long while, the future did not feel entirely closed.

Kija stood and went into the kitchen to serve the food Noeul had brought. Noeul remained on the couch, adding a few more notes while the sounds of plates and cutlery drifted in from the next room.

When Kija returned, he placed the dishes on the low table between them, then picked up one of Noeul’s photographs. Noeul immediately became more self-conscious.

Kija studied it for a long moment. Then another. “You’re just as talented as your brother.”

Noeul gave a dismissive little laugh. “I’m not.”

“You are.” Kija’s tone left little room for argument. “Your work is different.” He held up one of the paintings. “Your brother seems interested in movement and character. You’re interested in memory.”

Noeul stared at him.

“There’s passion in these, even with the melancholic tones.” Kija’s eyes returned to the image. “You don’t hide what you feel very well when you paint.”

Noeul’s smile faded slightly. “Maybe that’s why I don’t show them to people.”

Kija looked at him. “Maybe that’s exactly why you should.” He picked up another photograph. “Your emotions are present everywhere. Grief, certainly. But also tenderness.”

Noeul’s throat tightened.

Kija looked toward him again. “What technique are you using now?”

Noeul opened his mouth to answer.

The doorbell rang.

Kija took a bite of food, then moved toward the door and opened it. “Chung-Hee? What are you doing here?”

Noeul looked up immediately.

Chung-Hee stood in the doorway. The moment their eyes met, Noeul tensed.

Chung-Hee didn’t answer Kija. He stepped into the apartment, his expression controlled but visibly strained.

Noeul slowly stood. “Hyung? How did you know I was here?”

Chung-Hee crossed the room without answering and caught him by the wrist.

Noeul flinched.

“Why did you come here?” Chung-Hee demanded. “Didn’t I tell you not to?”

Noeul pulled against his grip. “Let go.”

Chung-Hee didn’t.

Noeul’s exhaustion surfaced immediately. “How did you know where to find me?” He looked directly at him. “Don’t tell me you had someone follow me.”

For a brief moment, Chung-Hee said nothing.

Noeul’s expression changed. “Seriously?”

Kija watched them in growing disbelief. One of his closest friends had entered his home without greeting him, grabbed Noeul by force, and was now speaking to him as though he had committed some unforgivable betrayal. This wasn’t jealousy as Kija understood it. Something was wrong.

“Chung-Hee,” he said calmly. “What’s going on?”

Chung-Hee ignored him. His grip tightened around Noeul’s wrist, making him suck in a breath.