Page 38 of Scarbound

And Chung-Hee, the last person he should have wanted anything from, had become the person he needed for almost everything.

Noeul sat carefully on the edge of the bed.

He didn’t know what frightened him more: depending on Chung-Hee… or the fact that some part of him didn’t entirely hate it.

Perhaps it was the medication. Perhaps the jet lag. Perhaps his body had simply reached its limit.

He lay down.

Sleep wrapped around him before he could think any further, silent, dreamless, and empty.

CHAPTER 15

When the doorbell rang at eight that morning, two familiar faces entered the apartment. A tall middle-aged man with black hair, San, Chung-Hee’s personal assistant, and a young man, around twenty, with a well-built body shaped by countless hours at the gym. Noeul guessed he must be Chung-Hee’s bodyguard, since he accompanied him everywhere.

The ride to the medical center was quiet. Inside, however, sadness and anxiety fought for dominance. Noeul spoke little, letting San update his boss on the afternoon’s schedule while Chung-Hee gave additional instructions.

Dr. Cho was neither particularly tall nor strikingly handsome, but the confidence he exuded, along with his warm smile, made him exceptionally attractive. He greeted Noeul politely before reviewing his medical history and asking about his symptoms, pain, numbness, and any difficulties with daily activities.

Afterward, he carefully examined the surgical wounds for signs of infection and assessed the circulation and sensation in Noeul’s fingers. The nurse then removed the old dressings, cleaned the wounds, and applied fresh bandages with practiced care.

Throughout the examination, Noeul barely spoke. He answered only when asked a direct question or when pain forced a reaction. His thoughts kept drifting somewhere far beyond the examination room. Chung-Hee watched him closely, and Dr. Cho seemed to notice his withdrawal too.

“I’d like to explain how your recovery will proceed,” he said calmly. “Your surgery was successful, but healing will take time. For now, keep your hands elevated as much as possible, avoid strenuous movement, and take good care of the wounds to prevent infection.

“In about a week, you’ll begin hand therapy, starting with gentle exercises that we’ll gradually increase. If your recovery progresses as expected, you should begin to notice steady improvement over the next few months.”

For the first time, Noeul spoke on his own. “When will I be able to return to work?” he asked, his gaze fixed on the desk.

The doctor regarded him quietly for a moment.

“I understand how important work is to you,” he said gently. “If everything goes well, you may be able to return part-time in six to eight weeks. A full return will likely take around three to four months.”

Noeul’s reaction was immediate. “Two months for part-time work and four for full? No. No, absolutely not. I can’t wait that long.”

“You should have considered the consequences before bringing yourself to this point,” Chung-Hee cut in sharply.

Dr. Cho glanced at him before turning back to Noeul. “We’ll monitor your recovery closely and help you return to work as soon as it’s safe. The best thing you can do right now is follow the rehabilitation program and give your hands the time they need to heal.”

He paused. “I’d also like to ask something else.” His voice softened. “Would you be open to speaking with a mental health professional while you’re recovering?”

“There is someone,” Noeul admitted, his gaze drifting to a painting on the wall. “Dr. Kim. She knew my family when Gong was diagnosed. I saw her for a while back then too.”

“Would you consider contacting her?” Dr. Cho asked gently.

“No.” Noeul’s voice hardened. “I don’t want to speak to anyone. Talking about it won’t change anything. Nothing can help me.”

Chung-Hee’s voice sharpened. “The doctor is recommending it for your own good. Why are you being so stubborn?”

Noeul stood abruptly. “I said I don’t want to talk about it! Why are you pressuring me?”

“Please,” Dr. Cho interrupted before either of them could continue. “Noeul, your decision is yours to make. No one here is going to force you.” He offered him a reassuring smile. “If you change your mind, let me know.”

Noeul studied him for a moment. “…Fine.”

He turned and walked out of the consultation room without another word.

“You have no right to speak to me like that. Do you understand?” Chung-Hee’s voice filled the silence inside the car.