When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

Chapter 22

The next day, I studied with the study group-which I'm still not ready to believe either.

It wasn't like I planned to. Somehow, I got pulled into it when Hui-Won excitedly waved me over, saying they needed one more person. I had no reason to refuse, but I wasn't exactly useful either. Most of the time, I just sat there, listening to Yun Ga-Min argue with someone about a math problem. Even though he always acted confident in his answers, the discussion ended with him realizing he was completely wrong.

At some point, Se-Hyeon leaned over and whispered, "You look distracted."

I blinked at her. "Huh?"

He gave me a knowing look. "You barely wrote anything."

I looked down at my notebook. He was right. The pages were still mostly blank, my pen just resting between my fingers.

"...Just tired," I muttered.

He didn't look convinced.

The morning passed that way-classes, teachers talking, students laughing. Everything felt the same. But I wasn't really there.

My mind kept drifting.

From the chaos in my home, to seeing Pi Han Ul yesterday sitting there, alone like he is tired, sad.

What is his story?...

Lunch break arrived, but I didn't feel like eating. The cafeteria was full of noise, laughter, and the smell of warm food, but I barely noticed.

I didn't even realize Hui-Won was calling my name until she lightly smacked my arm.

"Cheonga?"

"Huh?"

"You're not eating?"

I hesitated. "I'm... not that hungry."

She raised an eyebrow. "Are you sick?"

"No."

She didn't look convinced, but she didn't push it.

Instead, she shrugged. "Well, okay. But at least drink something." She gestured to the vending machines.

I nodded absentmindedly, making my way over. Without thinking, I pressed the button for a strawberry juice.

The second it dropped into the machine's tray, I froze.

Why... this?

Why did I buy this again?

I stared at it for a moment before picking it up.

And then-before I could second-guess myself-I walked out of the cafeteria.

My feet moved before I could stop them.

Through the halls. Past the classrooms. To the alley.

I don't even know why I came.

Maybe a part of me thought he'd be there.

Maybe I just wanted to confirm it.

I turned the corner-

Empty.

The space was exactly how I left it yesterday. Quiet. Still.

But he wasn't here.

I swallowed, glancing around.

Maybe he didn't come today.

Maybe he-

"You're here again."

I froze.

That voice.

Slowly, I turned my head.

Pi Han-Ul was there.