Page 33 of Scarbound

Chung-Hee released his hair.

“There is.”

He leaned closer, his lips almost touching Noeul’s ear.

“And I’ve already done it.”

Noeul stared at him.

“What did you do?”

Chung-Hee straightened.

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

Hours later, exhausted by medication, pain, and days without proper sleep, Noeul could barely keep his eyes open.

The last thing he remembered was Chung-Hee standing beside him as the hospital room faded from view.

When Noeul opened his eyes again, he was already on the plane.

CHAPTER 13

On their way to Seoul.

With Chung-Hee.

Business class, he realized vaguely. The seat had converted into a full bed, a soft blanket covering his body. Chung-Hee sat beside him wearing noise-canceling headphones, reading a business book while listening to music. The meal in front of him was untouched; beside it, a glass of wine.

“Mr. Lee,” Noeul said softly, not wanting to disturb the other passengers.

No response. Chung-Hee continued reading.

Noeul’s hands, clenched into rigid fists, throbbed beneath the bandages. His body trembled; muffled sobs escaped his lips.

“Mr. Lee,” he said again, louder this time.

Nothing.

“Please, Mr. Lee,” he repeated insistently.

Still no reaction. Another passenger noticed his condition and alerted Chung-Hee, who immediately turned his attention to Noeul.

“Mr. Lee,” Noeul murmured, sweat dripping down his forehead. “I can’t move. The pain in my hands is unbearable.”

“The effect of the painkiller must be wearing off,” Chung-Hee said calmly. “Let me give you something for the pain.”

He stood and approached him, holding two pills and a small bottle of water. He slid one arm beneath Noeul’s neck, lifting him gently, while keeping his hands hidden beneath the blanket.

“Come on. Drink,” he said, bringing the pills and water to his lips.

“Thank you,” Noeul whispered, closing his eyes.

“Try to get some more rest,” Chung-Hee told him before returning to his seat. “Your body needs it.”

He appeared cold and distant again.

Noeul woke sometime later as the medication began to wear off. Chung-Hee was asleep on the flat bed beside him, so he tried not to disturb him, but a low groan escaped before he could stop it.