Page 359 of Scarbound

“And I hope that wherever you are, you’re happy that he learned how to live again.”

Noeul lowered his head as tears finally fell. Duri pulled him into his arms.

“You can let them fall, you know.”

Noeul laughed against his chest. “You always say that.”

“And you always cry.”

“Shut up.”

“Tears of joy only.”

Noeul pulled back and wiped his face. “They are.”

He looked once more at Gong’s grave and realized he meant it.

“I’m happy, Gong.”

“I hope you found peace too.” He bowed one last time. “Goodbye, brother.”

Then he took Duri’s hand.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes. Everyone is waiting for us.”

The restaurant was warm and sophisticated, filled with the quiet noise of weekend conversations and the familiar scents of Korean food.

Duri entered first. “We haven’t been here for a long time, hyung. It feels nice.”

Noeul barely heard him.

“Duri, there they are.” He immediately lifted his hand. “Eomma! Appa! Yujin eomma! Ji-Woo!”

Several people turned.

Duri stared at him. “Don’t get so excited, baby. You’re disturbing people.”

Noeul looked around and immediately bowed. “Sorry. Sorry.”

Duri laughed and grabbed his hand before Noeul could embarrass himself further. Together, they walked toward their families.

Kang Yujin stood first. Noeul embraced her warmly and kissed her cheek.

“My beautiful second mother.”

“You always know what to say,” she replied, kissing his cheek in return.

Ji-Woo was next. Noeul pulled his younger brother into a tight embrace and immediately messed up his hair.

“Hyung!”

“I missed you.”

“You saw me three days ago!”

“Still missed you.”