"I thought you left for the north?" Joseok asked, eyes narrowing slightly. "That's what I heard, anyway. You disappeared from the Kang estate without a word."
"Disciple duties," Wooyun replied quickly. "I was sent to assist an elder, but I had to come back for a brief task."
That satisfied Joseok enough. He gave a short nod, though his eyes still looked vaguely suspicious.
"I see. Well, it's good to see you again, cousin."
"Likewise," Wooyun said with a stiff smile. "But I should get going. My… senior brothers are waiting."
Before Joseok could ask any more questions, Wooyun turned on his heel and walked off. Ganghyeok and Euikyung followed without a word, though Ganghyeok kept glancing back at the Kang boy.
"Why did it seem like you didn't know who that brat was?" Ganghyeok asked.
Because I don't. "It's been a long time since I've seen him, and I'm not too close with the extended Kang Clan," Wooyun muttered.
