Page 255 of Scarbound

No answer.

Dr. Daniels waited.

Noeul’s face reddened. He looked away.

“Down there.”

The words were barely audible.

“Is there still bleeding?”

Noeul’s eyes filled. “I don’t know.”

“All right.”

Dr. Daniels didn’t ask him to look.

“Would you allow me to examine you here?”

Noeul’s eyes snapped toward him. Fear returned instantly.

“Duri stays.”

Duri stared at him.

Noeul looked toward Ji-Woo. “And Ji-Woo…”

His voice broke.

“Outside.”

Ji-Woo’s face changed. For a second, hurt crossed it. Then understanding.

“Of course.”

Noeul looked at him.

Ji-Woo forced a small smile. “I’ll be right outside.”

He walked to the door. Before leaving, he turned.

“If you want me, call me.”

Noeul didn’t answer.

Ji-Woo left anyway.

Dr. Daniels did not begin immediately. He explained first.

“I need to look for injuries. I won’t do anything else without asking you.”

Noeul stared at the ceiling.

“You can tell me to stop at any time.”

Duri sat beside the bed.

Noeul reached toward him.