Page 244 of Scarbound

“I’m not taking you anywhere tonight unless something changes that makes staying here dangerous.”

His gaze remained fixed on the doctor.

Dr. Daniels continued. “But that means we monitor you closely.”

Noeul’s eyes drifted before he could respond.

Dr. Daniels looked at Ji-Woo. “I’m not treating that as a final, informed refusal. He’s too overwhelmed to discuss the risks properly. His condition is stable enough for me to reassess him in the morning, but he cannot be left alone tonight.”

“He won’t be,” Ji-Woo answered immediately.

“Someone needs to check him regularly. If he vomits repeatedly, becomes harder to wake, his confusion suddenly worsens, he collapses, develops weakness on one side, has a seizure, or the bleeding becomes significant, you call an ambulance immediately.”

Ji-Woo nodded. “I will.”

“No debate. No waiting.”

“Understood.”

Dr. Daniels looked toward Duri. “And he needs fluids.”

Duri glanced at Noeul. “He barely drank anything for three days.”

“I know.” The doctor’s expression tightened. “Small amounts. Slowly. Don’t force him.”

Duri nodded. “What about…”

He stopped.

“The other injuries?” Dr. Daniels asked.

Duri nodded.

The doctor looked toward Noeul. Noeul had gone very still again.

Dr. Daniels lowered his voice. “I’m not performing an invasive examination tonight.”

Ji-Woo looked at him. “But he was bleeding.”

“I know.”

“So, what do we do?”

“I’ve seen enough externally to know he has been injured. Right now, I’m not seeing heavy active bleeding that requires me to intervene immediately.”

Ji-Woo swallowed hard.

“He still needs a proper examination,” Dr. Daniels continued. “And because this was sexual assault, there are other medical decisions that need to be discussed as soon as possible.”

Duri looked toward Noeul. “When?”

“When he’s more stable. Preferably very soon.”

“And if he refuses?”

“Then we talk to him.” The doctor looked directly at Ji-Woo. “We do not force another examination on him unless there is an immediate medical emergency.”

Ji-Woo’s gaze dropped. “Right.”