Page 254 of Scarbound

“I know.”

“No police.”

The words came suddenly.

Dr. Daniels paused.

Ji-Woo looked at his brother.

Noeul’s gaze remained fixed on the wall. “I don’t want the police.”

“No one mentioned the police,” Duri said gently.

“They’ll ask.” Noeul’s voice trembled. “They’ll want me to tell them.”

Ji-Woo stepped forward. “Hyung, he needs to pay for what he did.”

Noeul looked at him.

“No.”

“He raped you.”

Noeul flinched so violently that Ji-Woo stopped.

Duri stood. “Ji-Woo.”

“I know.” Ji-Woo looked away. “I know, sorry.”

Noeul pulled the blanket tighter. “I won’t go.” His voice was becoming more agitated. “I won’t tell them. I don’t want them looking at me. I don’t want them asking what he did. I don’t want—”

His breath caught.

“I don’t want anyone to know.”

Duri moved closer but stopped beside the bed. “You don’t have to decide everything today.”

Noeul looked at him. “Police?”

“Not today.”

Dr. Daniels leaned slightly forward. “No one in this room is going to interrogate you.”

Noeul swallowed.

“And I’m not examining you until we’ve talked about what that examination involves and you’re able to agree to it.”

Noeul looked at him.

“But I need to be honest with you. Some of your injuries may need treatment. Avoiding the hospital doesn’t make those injuries disappear.”

Noeul closed his eyes. “Then treat me here. No hospital. No police.”

“You’re in pain?”

A faint nod.

“Where?”