CHAPTER 12
“I thought you lived in the United States.”
Chung-Hee lifted the cup and brought it to Noeul’s lips. “Drink. It might improve your mood.”
The scent of freshly brewed espresso filled his nose. An Americano was a temptation Noeul could never fully resist. He took a small sip.
“You like coffee,” Chung-Hee remarked with a smile. “Feel free to drink more.”
He raised the cup again. Noeul looked up and met his eyes. Why was he being kind? Something was wrong. He could see through the fake smile.
“No, thank you. I can’t drink any more. My stomach’s a mess.”
Chung-Hee set the cup down and took a discreet sip of his own coffee.
“So,” Noeul said finally, his voice trembling, “you don’t live in the United States anymore?”
Chung-Hee sat down in one of the chairs across from the bed. “I used to. Now I live in Korea. Why do you ask?” He tilted his head slightly. “Are you interested in me?”
His face flushed red.
“Why would I be interested in you?” he snapped.
“That’s a shame,” Chung-Hee replied smoothly. “Because I’m very interested in you. Your facial expressions are fascinating. Despair and depression suit you. I also caught a glimpse of fear in your eyes, but it wasn’t quite enough. I’d be delighted if you gave me more.”
He watched Noeul carefully, his attention fixed on every reaction.
For the first time, Noeul felt genuine fear.
“I’m not leaving with you! Get that through your head. I never want to see you again!” He emphasized every word. “And don’t forget, it’s illegal to take me anywhere without my consent.”
His voice wasn’t loud or angry. It was steady. His exhaustion and despair showed clearly in the way his body resisted even the effort of defiance.
“And yet, you’re returning to Korea,” Chung-Hee replied, pulling a document from his bag.
“Your parents asked me to escort you home. Your father gave me access to the belongings recovered from your apartment and provided the hospital with the information they requested regarding your psychiatric history.”
Noeul’s mouth fell open. His parents’ cooperation did not give Chung-Hee legal authority over him. But the hospital had cleared Noeul for discharge, and Chung-Hee controlled his passport, money, and belongings.
“What? When did this happen? My father would never agree to this. How did you convince him to sign? Did you threaten him?”
Chung-Hee had visited him only on the second day of his hospitalization.
If he already had these documents…
He must have known everything before coming.
The hardness in Chung-Hee’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
“I told him the truth.”
Noeul sat on the edge of the bed, his feet touching the cold floor. “And what truth is that?”
“That you’ll attempt suicide again if no one intervenes.”
A nurse entered the room and changed Noeul’s IV. The two men remained silent, each radiating completely different energy. Chung-Hee exuded confidence and authority; Noeul appeared withdrawn, exhausted, and furious. The nurse hurried out without a word once she finished.
As soon as the door closed, Noeul spoke first.
“I’ll run away at the first opportunity. I’ll go abroad, somewhere you’ll never be able to find me.”
Chung-Hee looked almost amused.
“You can try. However, at the moment, your passport and ID are in my possession. Your father gave me access to the belongings recovered from your apartment.”
Noeul stared at him.
“And your money?” Chung-Hee continued. “I’ve made sure you won’t be able to disappear as easily as you think.”
“What?” His voice broke. “What did you do? That’s illegal! I’ll report you to the police!”
“Please, go ahead. My lawyers are available at any hour of the day.” Chung-Hee leaned back. “But I suggest you first find out exactly what I’ve done before making accusations you can’t prove.”
“Why are you doing this? Is this some kind of punishment? Are you punishing me for what I did?”
It felt as if he were reliving Gong’s life.
His brother had attempted to end his own life and failed because, as Noeul had learned from Gong’s suicide letter, I still had to suffer a little longer.
Maybe the same thing was happening to him.
Maybe he had to endure Haneul’s brother before he was allowed any peace.
“Exactly.” Chung-Hee’s voice was calm. “This is your punishment.” Calling it punishment made the control easier to justify.
Protection sounded too much like care, and care awakened feelings he considered a betrayal of Haneul.
Noeul had acted recklessly. He had tried to abandon this world.
Chung-Hee had promised to protect him, as his brother had asked.
And he would do whatever it took. If that meant punishment and control, then so be it.
“We’re leaving tonight. Your belongings have already been packed and are ready to be shipped.”
“I don’t want to leave!” Noeul said through clenched teeth, his voice fading into an almost inaudible, “Please…”
Chung-Hee stood and quietly placed the coffee cup on the table.
Without warning, he grabbed Noeul by the hair, pulling hard enough to force him to meet his gaze.
“Noeul, you’ve misunderstood me,” he said calmly. “I wasn’t asking for your approval. You should be grateful I’m even informing you. You had already resigned before the attempt and that simply made your return to Korea easier.”
Tears filled Noeul’s eyes.
“There’s nothing you can do to force me to follow you.”
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.