Page 309 of Scarbound

Noeul liked that. Nothing dramatic. Just one season slowly becoming another.

It was early morning. Duri and Ji-Woo were getting ready for school while Yujin was still asleep. Noeul had discovered very quickly that she was almost useless before ten in the morning and strangely energetic after midnight.

Preparing breakfast had become part of his routine. That morning, he made bibimbap, knowing it was one of Ji-Woo’s favorites.

“Ji-Woo.”

His younger brother looked up.

“I’ve decided what I want to do about work.”

Duri glanced over immediately. Noeul filled the last plate and placed it on the table.

“I’m going to build a website with my résumé and portfolio. Then I’ll offer cybersecurity services to smaller businesses. Freelance work, at least for now.”

Ji-Woo picked up his chopsticks. “You don’t want another company job?”

The question came around a mouthful of food.

Noeul stared at him. “Aigoo. Didn’t I teach you basic table manners, you brat?”

Ji-Woo chewed deliberately. “No.”

“I failed you.”

Duri laughed and continued eating. Noeul sat down.

“To answer your question, no. Not yet.” His tone became more serious. “I want to work again, but I don’t think I’m ready for another company. Meetings. Deadlines. Managers. Office politics.” He paused. “And I definitely don’t want anything connecting me to Chung-Hee or his company.”

“I thought freelancing might give me more control,” Noeul continued. “I can decide how much work I take. If I have a bad week, I don’t have to pretend I’m fine because somebody expects me in an office at eight in the morning.”

Ji-Woo set his chopsticks down. “I understand that.”

Noeul caught the hesitation. “But?”

Ji-Woo sighed. “I just don’t want you to shrink your life because of what happened.”

Noeul frowned. “What do you mean?”

“You graduated top of your class.”

“I remember.”

“You’re good at what you do.”

“Thank you.”

Ji-Woo leaned forward. “I don’t want you thinking you have to settle for tiny jobs forever because you’re scared of going back into a company.”

“Ji-Woo.”

“I’m not criticizing him.”

“You sound like you are.”

Ji-Woo looked frustrated. “I’m worried.”

Noeul raised a hand. “It’s okay.”