Page 227 of Scarbound

Duri drew in a slow breath. The key felt cold in his palm. “Okay.”

He lowered the phone but kept the call connected. Then he looked at Noeul. “Hyung?”

Nothing.

Duri forced his voice to remain steady. “It’s me.”

Noeul’s eyes stayed fixed on the wall.

“Duri.”

A tiny movement. So small Duri almost imagined it. His gaze shifted. Not toward Duri. Just away from the wall.

Duri’s throat tightened. “I’m here.”

He wanted desperately to say you’re safe now. But looking at Noeul lying cuffed to the bed, injured, awake, but barely responsive, the words felt too large. So he chose something smaller.

“Help is coming.”

Noeul moved. Suddenly. He rolled onto his back, eyes widening as they landed on Duri.

“Who are you?”

Duri froze. Noeul pulled hard against the cuff.

“What do you want?”

“It’s me.” Duri immediately stopped himself.

Dr. Kim’s warning echoed in his mind.

Don’t force recognition.

“My name is Duri.”

Noeul stared at him. The name seemed to reach somewhere inside him, but whatever connection it should have made failed to hold.

Duri kept his voice low. “I’m standing near the door. I’m not coming closer.”

Noeul’s breathing became faster. “Why are you here?”

“To help you leave this room.”

“No.”

The answer came instantly.

Duri stayed still. “No?”

“No. No…” Noeul pressed himself harder against the headboard. “Don’t touch me.”

“I won’t.”

“Stay away.”

Duri stepped backward. Noeul watched the movement closely.

“I’m staying here,” Duri said. “I won’t come closer.”