Page 277 of Scarbound

“I did say that.”

“You can sit and watch.” Noeul gestured toward the stool. “Would you like coffee or tea?”

Yujin stepped away from the counter with exaggerated surrender. “What a pleasant surprise. Fine. A hot Americano.”

“Sugar or milk?”

“Both.”

Noeul stared at her. “Then it’s barely an Americano.”

“Are you criticizing your host?”

“I’m criticizing your coffee.”

Yujin smiled as she sat at the kitchen counter. “What are you making for us?”

Noeul glanced around, checking the ingredients. For the first time in weeks, the question excited him. “You’ll see.”

He picked up the knife again.

This time, his hand didn’t tremble.

Yujin settled onto the stool, satisfaction evident in her posture. “I like surprises.”

Duri came home to find the two of them laughing in the kitchen. He stopped just inside the doorway and, for a second, simply watched.

Noeul stood at the counter adding the final touches to dinner, sleeves pushed back, concentration written across his face. Yujin sat nearby with her Americano, clearly enjoying herself.

“Welcome home,” his mother called.

Duri crossed the room and kissed her cheek. “How was your day, eomma?”

“Much more entertaining than usual.”

His gaze moved immediately to Noeul. “Did you enjoy hyung’s company?”

Yujin followed his eyes and smiled knowingly. “Very much. Now go change. Noeul has a surprise for you.”

Noeul glanced over. “Don’t make it sound dramatic.”

“That means it’s dramatic,” Duri said.

“Go.”

Duri laughed and disappeared toward his room.

Yujin set the table while Noeul plated the food. Each dish was carefully arranged, the portions adjusted almost instinctively to suit each person. When Duri returned, he stopped again.

“Rouladen?”

Noeul tried not to look too pleased with himself. “You once told me it was your favorite dish from Germany.”

Duri stared at the plate. “You remembered?”

“How could I forget, you brat?” Noeul teased. “You complained about missing it nonstop.”

“I was thirteen.”