When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

Chapter 28

The evening air was crisp, most students are gone, but here I'm- near the school gate. I had just parted ways with the study group, my mind still half-stuck on Ga-Min’s endless debate about something he barely understood himself. The boy was blessed with the ability to fight well, yet his brain functioned in the most peculiar ways. 

I sighed, adjusting the strap of my bag, ready to head home when— 

It’s him again. 

My steps faltered. 

Why am I seeing him today again?

Or… 

Is it because my eyes are only attached to him?

I sucked in a quiet breath. 

Or— 

Does he know? 

Does he know that I have unknowingly started to develop feelings toward him? 

No. No, no, no. 

That’s ridiculous. He doesn’t know. He can’t know. 

But— 

My fingers curled around the strap of my bag as I watched him, unable to tear my gaze away. 

Pi Han-Wool was walking toward a car near the entrance, Min-Hwan beside him. They were talking, though Han-Wool barely moved his lips—like always. He didn’t need words to be heard. His presence was enough to make people pause, to make them notice. 

His posture was effortless, hands tucked into the pockets of his uniform, his strides unhurried yet purposeful. The kind of walk that suggested he wasn’t in a rush—but if he wanted to be, no one could stop him. 

The cool evening air brushing through his dark hair, barely moving him. Always composed. The kind of person you could look at a hundred times and still feel like you knew nothing about. 

And yet… 

I found myself staring. 

Like I was searching for something. 

Like I was waiting for something. 

The car’s headlights flickered as they neared, and just then— 

The window of the car swung open. 

A girl. 

She looks so beautiful.

Flawless skin that seemed to glow even under the dull streetlights. Dark, silky hair cascading over her shoulder, framing delicate features that spoke of effortless beauty.

She was smiling. 

At him. 

Not at Min-Hwan. 

Not at anyone else. 

At Han-Wool. 

I blinked, my grip tightening around my bag strap. 

Who… is she? 

I had never seen her before. Not in school. Not anywhere. 

Han-Wool didn’t pause. He didn’t react. He simply reached the car, and without a moment’s hesitation, he and Min-Hwan got in. 

The door shut. 

The car pulled away. 

And just like that— 

He was gone. 

I exhaled, realizing I had been holding my breath. 

I turned away, shaking my head, forcing myself to move.