Page 238 of Scarbound

Ji-Woo’s face fell.

Dr. Daniels’ expression softened. “But he’s here. He’s breathing. And you got him out.”

He opened his medical bag. “Now we find out what he needs next.”

Duri moved closer to the bed, stopping before he touched him.

“Noeul hyung.”

The words reached Noeul slowly, as though traveling through water. His eyelids moved.

Duri waited. “Dr. Daniels is here.”

Noeul’s brow furrowed faintly.

“He wants to make sure your head is okay.”

His eyes opened. Unfocused. For several seconds, they drifted around the room before finding Duri.

“Duri…?”

“Yes.”

Duri gave him a small smile. “I’m here.”

Dr. Daniels moved into Noeul’s line of sight, careful not to loom over him. “I’m going to listen to your heart first,” he said quietly. “Nothing else yet.”

Noeul stared at him. The words seemed to reach him slowly.

Dr. Daniels lifted the stethoscope where Noeul could see it. “It might feel cold.”

No response.

The doctor waited. “Mr. Jung, is it all right if I touch your chest with this?”

Duri stayed where he was. “I’m here,” he said softly.

Noeul looked back at the doctor. After a long pause, he gave the smallest nod.

Dr. Daniels moved carefully.

The moment the cold stethoscope touched his skin, Noeul gasped. His body jerked violently.

“No!”

Dr. Daniels withdrew immediately.

Noeul scrambled backward against the pillows, his hands clawing weakly at the sheets. “No, don’t!”

His breath fractured into short, panicked bursts.

Duri’s entire body moved instinctively toward him. Then he stopped himself.

“Hyung.”

Noeul didn’t look at him.

“It’s Duri.”