When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 8

His grin widens. “You mean, where was I before I appeared in your life and changed it forever?”

I scowl. “That is not what I said.”

“That’s what it sounds like.”

I inhale sharply. “Forget it.”

But he tilts his head, mock curiosity in his eyes. “Why? Are you writing a biography on me? Should I start from my childhood? The day I was born, maybe?”

I shake my head, regretting my life choices. “God, you are insufferable.”

“I’ve been told I have a charming personality.”

“By who? The cartoons?”

He snorts. “You’re just jealous because they have better comebacks than you.”

I exhale slowly, reminding myself that murder is illegal.

Fine. A different approach.

“So,” I say casually, taking a sip of my sickeningly sweet coffee, “where did you study before?”

He side-eyes me. “Why?”

“Just making conversation.”

He stretches, clearly enjoying this way too much. “Ahh, let me guess. You want to check if I have a high IQ, huh? Worried your future cousin-in-law is dumb?”

The fuck is that title?

I blink. “I was actually checking if you even remember.”

His smirk falters for half a second.

Just a second.

But I catch it.

He shrugs. “Same place rich kids go. Boring place. Why?”

I narrow my eyes. That answer is too vague.

“Okay, then. Do you have siblings?” I try again, pretending I don’t already know.

This time, he dodges the question completely. “Whoa, whoa, Ye Na. Are you trying to be my future wife? Because you’re asking me an awful lot of personal questions.”

I choke. “Excuse me??”

“First my past, then my family—what’s next? My favorite color? My blood type?” He shakes his head. “I know I’m irresistible, but calm down.”

I glare at him. “You are delusional.”

“And yet you can’t stop talking to me.”

I am going to cry.

Fine. Different approach.

I lean back, crossing my arms. “Do you know someone named Min Hwan?”

For the first time, he actually pauses.

It’s barely noticeable, just a fraction of a second, his fingers stilling on the remote, his lips parting slightly like his brain is processing something.

But then—

He turns to me, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Wait.” He smirks. “Is that your ex?”

I blink. “What??”

“Oh my god, it is, isn’t it?” He laughs, looking way too entertained. “You’re asking about your ex-boyfriend? Wow. Didn’t know you were still hung up on him.”

“I—what??”

“No, no, it’s fine.” He sighs dramatically. “I get it. I’m such an alpha presence that I make you nostalgic about your past love life.”