Page 239 of Scarbound

The room blurred around Noeul. The ceiling seemed to move. The blanket against his legs felt too heavy. Too familiar. His heart hammered.

“Don’t touch me.”

“I won’t.” Duri kept both hands where Noeul could see them. “No one’s touching you.”

Noeul’s eyes darted around the room, then finally landed on Duri. The panic didn’t disappear, but something in his expression shifted.

“Duri?”

The name came uncertainly, barely more than a question.

“Yes.”

Noeul lifted his head too quickly. Pain flashed white. His hand flew toward the bandage.

“My head…”

“I know.” Duri’s voice stayed low. “Dr. Daniels is here because your head is hurt.”

Noeul frowned. The information seemed difficult to hold.

“Doctor?”

“Yes.”

Dr. Daniels had already moved several steps back. “I’m sorry, Mr. Jung,” he said. “I touched you too soon.”

Noeul looked toward him.

“I won’t do anything else until you’re ready.”

For several seconds, Noeul only breathed. His hand remained pressed against his head.

“Hurts.”

“I know.” The doctor kept his distance. “I need to look at the injury eventually. But we can wait.”

Noeul’s gaze drifted away again.

Ji-Woo stood near the doorway, rigid. His hands were clenched so tightly that his knuckles had gone white. Everything inside him wanted to move. To hit something. Someone.

But he stayed still.

Rage would help no one. Not now.

“Hyung,” he said quietly.

Noeul’s eyes shifted toward the sound.

“It’s Ji-Woo.”

A pause.

“Ji… Woo.”

“Yes.” Ji-Woo swallowed hard. “I’m right here.”

Noeul stared at him for another few seconds before his gaze slipped away.