When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

Chapter 26

I tossed my pen again and again, my mind far from this classroom. Instead, it was busy replaying the embarrassment I had faced this morning. 

Somehow, I had managed to sneak back into my house before heading to school. Thankfully, no one was there except the maid. And, as expected—whether fortunately or unfortunately—my parents hadn’t even bothered to look for me. They hadn’t questioned where I had been or whether something had happened to me. 

I see. They really must be tired of me since Chairman, my grandfather, passed away. 

All they care about is the will. 

"Cheonga." 

I snapped out of my thoughts at the sound of the teacher’s voice. He was staring at me, and from the look on his face, he was anything but pleased. 

"Well, I understand you transferred from Daehwa High School, but that doesn’t excuse you. You need to pay attention." 

I bowed slightly and muttered a quiet "sorry," just loud enough for him to hear. 

But my mind didn't stop there. It kept playing everything over and over. 

Yes, I had embarrassed myself. But somehow, the feeling faded when I recalled how he avoided my gaze. He had been really funny—unintentionally funny, if I had to describe it. 

Thinking about it now, it was the first time in a long while that I had laughed with someone. Even if he hadn’t laughed along and had only kept that serious look on his face, I had enjoyed laughing alone. Because it had been my moment. 

I still remembered how he refused to look at me properly, how his ears had turned red, and how I had laughed so much that my stomach actually hurt.

I shouldn’t be thinking about it.

But my mind wouldn’t shut up.

I sighed, rubbing my temples.

A nudge against my arm made me snap back to reality. Hui-Won had slid her notebook toward me, her handwriting messy but readable.

You okay?

I glanced at her and nodded, scribbling back.

Yeah.

She didn’t look convinced but let it go.

The teacher had moved on, continuing the lesson, and I forced myself to at least pretend to pay attention.

Time has passed, and it was free time.

The classroom was buzzing with chatter, students stretching, yawning, or huddling in groups to discuss whatever gossip was hot today. I was still seated, spinning my pen between my fingers, half-listening to Hui-Won and Jiwoo’s conversation.

Then—

BANG!

The classroom door slammed open.

Lee Jun burst in, bent over, hands on his knees, breathing heavily. He had clearly sprinted here.

“Guys—” He inhaled sharply, trying to catch his breath. “Yun Ga-Min is transferring!”

Silence.

Hui-Won and Jiwoo froze, eyes widening in sync.

“What?” Hui-Won blinked.

"They are at the office"

The second Jun's words hit my ears, I didn’t even think.

My chair screeched against the floor as I bolted up, ignoring the confused stares, ignoring everything—running.