Page 318 of Scarbound

I’m not there anymore.

When Chung-Hee’s initial shock passed, he offered a faint smile, almost instinctively, as if some part of him still believed they could slip back into the complicated intimacy they once shared.

Noeul didn’t return it.

Something in Chung-Hee’s expression changed.

Noeul took a few steps toward them, then stopped. He didn’t know whether what remained between them was anger, grief, or simply the hollow ache of something that should never have become what it did.

But he knew one thing. He didn’t want to go back.

“Kija. Mr. Han.”

He bowed politely, pointedly ignoring the third man.

Jun reacted first, his face breaking into a warm, genuine smile. “Noeul, did you change careers and start modeling?” he teased. “You look incredible.”

Noeul smiled back, something Ji-Woo and Duri did not mirror. “Thank you. I’ve been well taken care of,” he said softly, gesturing toward his brother and Duri. “It’s good to see you both. Are you doing well?”

Jun stepped closer and rested a hand briefly on Noeul’s shoulder. Noeul’s body tensed for half a second, then relaxed.

He didn’t flinch. He didn’t pull away.

He knew whose hand it was. He understood the kindness behind the gesture.

“Always,” Jun replied. “Busy with the company, as you remember.”

Kija approached next, his eyes fixed on Noeul. Even surrounded by art, he seemed as captivated by him as he had been the first time they met.

“My new exhibition opens this weekend,” he said at last.

Duri shifted subtly closer to Noeul. He didn’t interfere, but his attention moved constantly between Kija and Chung-Hee, watchful and alert.

Noeul cleared his throat. “I heard. Time Lapse, right? I’m looking forward to it. We’ve already planned to attend.”

“It would be an honor,” Kija replied, barely containing his excitement.

Ji-Woo took a step forward; his attention was fixed entirely on Chung-Hee. His hand clenched at his side. For a split second, his intention was obvious.

Noeul reacted instantly. He reached out, fingers wrapping firmly around Ji-Woo’s wrist.

Not pleading.

Not panicked.

Steady.

“No.”

Ji-Woo looked at him. Noeul held his gaze.

“Not for me.”

Ji-Woo’s jaw remained tight, but slowly, reluctantly, he stepped back. “We should go,” he said sharply. “We’ll be late for our reservation.”

“Yes. Of course.”

Noeul reached into his bag and pulled out two VIP invitations. He offered them to Jun and Kija with both hands, bowing slightly.