Page 65 of Scarbound

Noeul laughed. “Hey, stop insulting me, you brat!” he shot back, grinning. “Haven’t I felt bitterness and anger? That’s exactly what I think this is. So leave me alone. Life goes on. Nothing’s going to happen.”

“I really want to spend today with you,” Ji-Woo said quietly. “We could go for a walk. I can show you my art, talk about my portfolio. Maybe we can watch a movie afterward. I could even stay here tonight.”

Noeul pretended to think it over, though inside he was grateful his little brother wanted to stay close. “All right. Why not? Let’s go for a hike.”

“A hike?” three voices echoed in unison.

Ji-Woo sighed. “You’re not fully recovered. It’s dangerous, and Mr. Choi will be exhausted.”

“Then let’s take the two-kilometer trail at the nearest park. It’s an easy route.” Noeul gave him an imploring look. “Please? I’m tired of sitting in the apartment all day.”

Mr. Choi stared at him for a moment before surrendering. “As you wish, Mr. Jung. If that’s what you want, we’ll go hiking.”

Duri picked up his keys from the counter.

“Where are you going?” Ji-Woo asked.

“Home.”

“No.” Ji-Woo crossed his arms. “You’re coming with us.”

Duri looked at Noeul, as though waiting for him to object.

Noeul smiled. “Stay. You can carry the water.”

Duri’s mouth curved into a grin. “So that’s what I am to you?”

“A very useful friend.”

“Cruel.”

The nearest park was crowded with families, runners, and couples walking beneath the trees. The path was easier than Noeul had hoped, but after days inside the apartment, even the cool air against his face felt like freedom. Mr. Choi stayed close without making it obvious. Duri walked beside Noeul, carrying the bag with their water and snacks, while Ji-Woo wandered ahead of them, taking photos of anything that caught his attention.

“You’re walking too fast,” Mr. Choi said after the first kilometer.

“I’m walking normally.”

“Your steps are getting shorter.”

Noeul looked down. They were. Duri slowed beside him without a word.

“I’m fine,” Noeul said.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You were thinking it loudly.”

Duri laughed. “Maybe.”

They hadn’t gone much farther when Ji-Woo stopped near the end of the trail. “What’s that?” he asked.

A small weekend market had been set up near the park entrance. Stalls lined the path, selling handmade jewelry, old books, prints, and food. Music drifted from somewhere farther inside.

Ji-Woo turned to them with a grin. “We have to look.”

“We don’t have to,” Mr. Choi said.

“We do,” Ji-Woo replied. “It would be rude not to.”