Page 64 of Scarbound

Mr. Choi gently caught his sleeve.

“Please…” he whispered one last time.

Rei lowered his gaze before quietly walking out.

Mr. Choi couldn’t focus on his daily tasks all morning. All he could think about was Chung-Hee’s reaction. Somehow, he had to warn Noeul to be careful.

***

Duri was the first to wake.

For several long moments, he remained perfectly still when he realized Noeul was still asleep in his arms. He was afraid even the slightest movement would wake him.

He noticed Noeul’s scent, the gentle rhythm of his breathing, the warmth of his body, quietly committing every detail to memory.

Noeul’s face remained peaceful, his breathing slow and even.

Mr. Choi was already in the room, but he said nothing, as if unwilling to wake Noeul.

Only after Ji-Woo stepped out of the bedroom did he speak.

“I’ve prepared coffee and breakfast. Please, come. There’s something we need to discuss.” He glanced toward the couch. “Try not to wake Mr. Jung.”

Carefully, Duri slipped his arm free from Noeul’s embrace and joined Mr. Choi and Ji-Woo at the table.

“What happened?” he asked, taking a sip of coffee.

“One of Mr. Lee’s bodyguards saw you sleeping together on the couch.”

Duri understood immediately. From Ji-Woo’s expression, so did he.

“Seriously?” Ji-Woo muttered. “That guy’s going to drive my brother crazy once he finds out. What do we do? Should I stay with him all day?”

“Perhaps it would be wise to stay with him for a few days,” Mr. Choi replied. “At least until Mr. Lee’s anger subsides.”

Duri stayed silent, his hands covering his mouth as he thought.

“What do you think?” Ji-Woo finally asked.

Duri exhaled slowly.

“I don’t think it’ll help. If my assessment of Mr. Lee Chung-Hee is right, he’ll hurt Noeul no matter what we do. Simply because he can. In his mind, your brother is responsible for his misery. He doesn’t need a reason.”

Mr. Choi frowned.

***

Noeul had been awake long enough to hear the end of the conversation. “But he’s right, isn’t he?” Everyone turned toward the couch. Noeul sat there, half-awake, rubbing his eyes. “I was the one who hurt him first. Now I’m paying for the mistakes of the past.” He gave them a tired smile. “Everything will be fine. Don’t waste your time worrying about me.”

“I still think Ji-Woo should stay with you,” Duri said before anyone else could respond. His voice remained calm but firm.

“The best I can do is avoid seeing him for a few days. Mr. Choi is with me most of the day, so I’ll be fine. I don’t want you two getting caught up in his schemes.”

“I can’t leave you alone while he’s around,” Ji-Woo protested. “Your hands are still healing. You won’t be able to protect yourself.”

“Brother, you’re overthinking.” Noeul smiled faintly. “If he wants a reason to hurt me, he’ll find one no matter what I do. I don’t see why spending time with you and Duri would make any difference.”

Duri let out a quiet, ironic laugh. “How can someone as smart as you be so clueless when it comes to recognizing other people’s feelings?”