When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

Chapter 62

Cheonga's POV

I walk through the narrow streets, taking the shortcuts I know by heart, the ones that cut through the city in quiet alleys and hidden pathways. The streets are alive with the hum of the evening.

But none of it reaches me.

My mind is a tangled mess of thoughts.

Does Han Wool hate me?

The question sits heavy in my chest, pressing against my ribs with every step I take. He didn't say anything. Didn't even look upset-just... cold. Distant.

That wasn't how last night felt. Last night, he held my hand like it was the only thing keeping him grounded. He apologized, over and over, for something that wasn't even his fault. He made me feel like-

I sigh, rubbing my temples.

God, please. I don't want him to be mad at me.

I stop walking for a moment, standing under the glow of a streetlamp, hands clasped together.

I promise. I swear. Next exam, I'll come second place. Just let him not hate me. I won't try as hard. I'll let him win. Just please... let him not hate me.

I squeeze my eyes shut, inhaling.

Please, please, please.

I don't even realize how long I've been standing there until the sound of hurried footsteps snaps me back.

Then-

"PLEASE FORGIVE US!"

I jolt, eyes flying open.

A group of guys kneel in front of me, their foreheads nearly touching the ground, hands pressed together like desperate sinners begging for redemption. Their voices shake, their eyes wild with desperation.

I blink.

"What-"

"WE ARE SORRY! PLEASE FORGIVE US!"

They bow so deeply it looks painful. Their hands shake. One of them, a guy with a scar on his jaw, looks like he's about to cry.

My mind stutters.

Wait. Wait. These guys-

I know them.

I take a step back, suddenly realizing-they're the thugs from yesterday. The ones who looked seconds away from fighting me before Min Hwan stopped them.

And now they're... kneeling? Apologizing like their lives depend on it?

I swallow.

"Uh..."

The scarred guy lifts his head, his face tight with panic. "Please. Just say you forgive us. Say it and we'll leave. Just-please. We beg you."

The others nod furiously, like if I don't say the words, something terrible will happen to them.

I stare.

"What-" I start, but they immediately bow again, nearly hitting the ground.

"PLEASE JUST FORGIVE US!"

"Okay, okay!" I blurt, flinching. "I-I forgive you."

Silence.

Then, in unison, they exhale like drowning men who have just been pulled from the water.

One of them wipes his forehead. Another mutters "thank god" under his breath.

Scar-Jaw bows low, his voice shaking. "Thank you. Thank you so much."