Page 229 of Scarbound

The room became quiet. Noeul’s breathing remained rapid. Duri waited. After a while, Noeul looked toward the closed door again. “He’s outside.”

“Chung-Hee?”

Noeul flinched at the name.

“He can’t come in.”

Noeul’s eyes returned to him. “How do you know?”

“Because Ji-Woo and Mr. Han are with him.”

Noeul stared. “Ji-Woo…”

“Yes.”

“He’s here?”

“Yes.”

A pause.

“Why?”

Duri’s throat tightened. “Because he was looking for you.”

Noeul looked confused. “Looking…”

“For you.”

“They noticed?”

Duri nearly lost control of his voice. “Yes, hyung.”

“They noticed.”

Noeul looked down. His free hand trembled against the sheets. For several seconds, neither spoke. Then Noeul whispered, “I want to go.”

Duri’s heart lurched. “Okay.”

Noeul looked toward the door. Then back at Duri. “Not there.”

Duri understood. “Not through the front door.”

Noeul stared at him.

“There’s another apartment next door,” Duri explained slowly. “My mother’s.”

Noeul frowned, trying to follow.

“It’s very close. We only have to cross the garden.”

No response.

“You won’t have to see Chung-Hee.”

Noeul’s breathing changed. “Won’t see him?”

“No.”