When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 1

I rolled my eyes. "You guys are exaggerating."

"Not at all," Woo Joon said. "You have a reputation, Dr. Ye Na."

I ignored the way the title made my chest tighten slightly.

Seok Kyung clapped her hands together. "So, are you coming?"

I hesitated. The thought of letting loose, even for one night, was tempting. The past seven years had been nothing but work, study, and exhaustion. Maybe—just maybe—I could allow myself one night of fun.

"Fine," I finally said. "But I’m leaving early."

Ha-ya cheered, grabbing my arm. "That’s the spirit!"

"Great," Woo Joon said. "Now let’s see if our legendary anesthesiologist can actually relax for once."

I wasn’t sure about that. But for tonight, I was willing to try.

I let out a slow breath as I packed up my things, double-checking my schedule for the next day. I still had pre-op rounds in the morning, but Seok Kyung was right—I had enough time to get some sleep after this.

Ha-ya and Seok Kyung stood by the door, practically vibrating with excitement. Woo Joon looked amused, his arms crossed.

“Let’s go before she changes her mind,” Ha-ya whispered to Seok Kyung, who nodded in exaggerated agreement.

I rolled my eyes and followed them out. The air outside was cool, a welcome change from the stuffy hospital hallways. I stretched, finally feeling the exhaustion of the day catch up to me.

“You driving?” I asked, glancing at Ha-ya.

“Nope, we’re taking a taxi. No responsible designated drivers tonight!” she declared.

I sighed, but let them lead me toward the street. As we walked, I pulled my hair out of its tight ponytail and rolled my stiff shoulders. I was still wearing my hospital scrubs, but in my bag was my usual change of clothes: a simple black top and loose jeans.

Just as I reached for my bag to change, Ha-ya grabbed my wrist.

“No way,” she said. “You are not wearing that.”

I frowned. “What’s wrong with it?”

Woo Joon snorted. “She’s dressing like she’s about to run errands, not go to a beach party.”

Seok Kyung clapped her hands together. “Okay, new plan! We are taking Ye Na shopping.”

I groaned. “Guys, seriously—”

Ha-ya looped her arm through mine, dragging me toward the row of shops near the hospital. “Do you know how many hot guys are going to be there tonight? You need to look at least a little flirty.”

“I’m not interested in dating.”

“We know,” Seok Kyung said, waving a hand. “But this isn’t about dating. This is about you looking good and actually enjoying yourself for once.”

Before I could protest further, they practically shoved me into a boutique. The place was filled with summer dresses, skirts, and beachwear, the air thick with floral perfume.

Ha-ya and Seok Kyung immediately dove into the racks, pulling out dresses and holding them up to me. Woo Joon, being the only guy, awkwardly stayed by the entrance, scrolling through his phone.

“This one?” Ha-ya held up a bright red mini dress.

I wrinkled my nose. “Too much.”

Seok Kyung held up a sparkly silver one. “Ooooh, this screams ‘I am single and looking.’”