Page 233 of Scarbound

Then rage hit. His fists clenched.

“I’ll—”

Duri looked at him. Just looked.

Ji-Woo stopped. He swallowed the rest.

Not here. Not in front of Noeul.

Ji-Woo forced his hands open. “Hyung.”

Noeul startled. His body pulled backward.

Ji-Woo immediately stayed where he was. “It’s me.”

Noeul stared at him.

“Ji-Woo.”

No recognition. Not at first.

Ji-Woo’s chest tightened. “It’s okay if you don’t remember.”

Duri glanced at him, surprised.

Ji-Woo gave the smallest shake of his head. He understood.

No pressure. No demands.

Noeul looked between them. “Ji…”

His brow furrowed. “Ji-Woo?”

Ji-Woo’s eyes filled instantly. “Yes.”

Noeul stared at his face. Slowly, uncertainly, he lifted one hand. Ji-Woo didn’t move. Noeul reached toward his hair. His fingers brushed through it once.

“Noona…” Noeul murmured, then frowned.

“Ji-Woo,” Duri said softly.

Noeul looked at him, then back at his brother. “Ji-Woo.”

“Yes, hyung.”

Noeul’s hand fell. “Away.”

Ji-Woo wiped his face quickly. “Yes.”

He forced a smile. “Let’s get you away from here.”

Noeul looked toward the end of the hallway. “Is he…”

Ji-Woo knew immediately who he meant. “You won’t see him.”

Noeul searched his face.

Ji-Woo stepped aside, leaving the path completely open. “Come on.”