Page 247 of Scarbound

Ji-Woo uncrossed his arms and pressed his palms together. His fingers interlaced so tightly that his knuckles blanched.

When he finally looked properly at Noeul, something changed in his face. Not tears. Not yet.

Something harder. Colder.

“Hyung.”

Noeul’s breathing stuttered.

Ji-Woo froze. Immediately, he softened his voice. “It’s me.”

Noeul’s gaze shifted vaguely in his direction.

“Ji-Woo.”

Nothing.

Ji-Woo swallowed. “You don’t have to remember.”

Duri looked at him.

Ji-Woo kept his eyes on his brother. “I’m here anyway.”

Noeul stared through him.

Ji-Woo’s throat tightened. “I should have known.”

Duri straightened. “Ji-Woo.”

“I should have seen something.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “I trusted him.” The words tasted bitter. “I let him near you.”

Duri stepped closer. “Not now.”

Ji-Woo nodded. Once. Then again.

He moved toward the window and rested his forehead against the cold glass. Outside, the city continued as though nothing had happened.

Cars moved beneath them. Lights burned in distant apartments. People ate dinner. Went to work. Fell asleep beside people they trusted.

Behind him, Noeul’s eyes slowly closed.

Duri watched. “Is he sleeping?”

Dr. Daniels looked over. “Probably.”

Ji-Woo turned. “Probably?”

“He’s exhausted. Let him rest.”

Duri sat down on the floor beside the bed. Not touching him. Just there.

Ji-Woo watched his brother breathe.

In.

Out.

Again.