Page 3 of Scarbound

But so did a question he had spent two years avoiding.

If Haneul wasn’t responsible…

If Gong wasn’t the only one responsible…

Then where did the blame truly belong?

CHAPTER 1

Later That Day

“When I look at it, I see you and your brother… so alike.”

Noeul’s mother smiled warmly as she touched his face. “The painting you made is beautiful, my boy. You truly have talent.”

Noeul shivered and withdrew his face from her hand.

“I’m not like Gong. I love him, but I’m not him,” he said sharply, emphasizing not.

His mother’s smile faltered. “No, I didn’t mean it that way at all. You’re not your brother; we all know that.”

Noeul softened instantly, pulling her into an embrace. “I know you didn’t mean harm. Sorry, eomma. Let’s eat. I’m hungry.”

Noeul’s mother asked him to place the painting in the room he and Gong had once shared. He hesitated before opening the door. Memories of the past flooded his senses as his gaze swept across the room.

Most of Gong’s belongings had been packed away into boxes. Only a few remained: his favorite manga, left open with a folded page, resting on the bedside table and the worn basketball he had spent countless afternoons playing with.

Noeul placed the painting on his bed. Almost unconsciously, his hand rose to the ring hanging around his neck, his fingers closing tightly around it.

Opposite their room was Ji-Woo’s. Noeul walked over and turned the doorknob.

Locked.

He took out his phone and dialed Ji-Woo’s number.

No answer.

He tried again.

Still nothing.

The irony tasted like ash.

By the time he returned to the dining area, his parents were already taking their seats at the table. His mother had prepared a simple meal: steamed rice, hot soup, and familiar dishes they had shared for years.

“Where’s Ji-Woo?” Noeul asked hesitantly. “Won’t he eat with us?”

He already knew the answer.

“He has some work to finish, so he’ll come later,” his mother replied, her hesitation mirroring his own.

Noeul scowled. “Like the last two times I visited? When he says ‘later,’ I guess he means after I leave.”

“You have to try to see things from his side,” his mother said carefully. “Your relationship with Ji-Woo isn’t like before. He’s upset. He blames you for…”

“It’s my fault anyway,” Noeul cut in. His stomach knotted, his eyes burning at the familiar rejection.

His mother looked at him gently. “You must be strong, my son.”