Page 220 of Scarbound

He kept his expression neutral. “You really did have company.”

Chung-Hee continued chopping vegetables. “I told you I was expecting someone.”

“Where are they?”

“Not here yet.”

Jun glanced toward the bedroom. No sound. Nothing. That silence bothered him.

He checked his phone. No message from Duri yet. He needed more time.

Jun moved closer to the kitchen island. “What are you making?”

Chung-Hee gave him an irritated look. “Since when are you interested in my cooking?”

“Since you started hiding mysterious guests from me.”

Normally, that would have earned a smile. It didn’t. Jun’s unease deepened.

A vibration came from his phone. One message. We’re here.

Jun slipped the phone back into his pocket. When Chung-Hee turned toward the stove, Jun moved casually toward the glass doors overlooking the garden and unlocked them. The click sounded much louder than it should have.

Chung-Hee looked over his shoulder. “What are you doing?”

“Getting some air.”

“It’s freezing.”

Jun slid the door open a few centimeters. “Exactly.”

Chung-Hee stared at him.

Jun smiled, then closed it again, leaving it unlocked. His pulse had begun to race.

He returned to the kitchen. “Are you making dinner for Noeul?”

Chung-Hee stopped. Only for a second.

“Why would you ask that?”

“Because I haven’t seen him since Tuesday.”

“I already told you. He requested leave.”

“When?”

Chung-Hee resumed cutting. “Jun.”

“When did he ask for leave?”

“I don’t remember.”

“You don’t remember?”

Chung-Hee put the knife down. “Why are you interrogating me?”

Jun’s smile disappeared. “Because Noeul has been missing for three days.”