When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 12

Cousin-in-law.

The words hit me too hard, too fast, too real.

Like a slap, but worse-because I'm the one who walked into it.

My chest tightens. I look away, staring at the table, at my coffee, at anything but him.

His friends laugh, making stupid comments I can't hear over the ringing in my ears.

Then, just like that, they're gone-disappearing through the doors, into the city, into their world where I don't exist.

I exhale, the sound shaky and small.

"Okay," Ha-Ya suddenly says, breaking the silence, "who was that, and why is he so hot?"

I look up.

Four pairs of eyes are locked on me.

Woo Joon, Asu, Seok kyung and Ha-Ya are all staring like I've been hiding a celebrity boyfriend.

"Yeah, Ye Na," Asu smirks. "Care to explain?"

I blink. "What?"

Woo Joon crosses his arms. "Do you know him?"

I hesitate. "Not really."

Ha-Ya narrows her eyes. "Liar. The way you two were talking? That was some drama. Spill."

I roll my eyes. "He's just-ugh, he's my cousin's fiancé."

Silence.

Then, Ha-Ya gasps. "Are you serious?"

I sip my drink. "Unfortunately."

Woo Joon tilts his head. "So that makes you... what, his future cousin-in-law?"

"Or," Asu grins, "his sister-in-law?"

My eye twitches. "I will throw this coffee at you."

Asu cackles.

Seok kyung leans closer. "Wait, wait-so he's engaged to your cousin, and you guys have this kind of energy?" She wiggles her eyebrows. "Are we sure this is legal?"

Woo Joon groans. "Seok kyung, please."

"No, but seriously!" Seok kyung insists. "You guys were arguing like some rom-com couple who secretly like each other."

My stomach tightens. "That's ridiculous."

She smirks. "Is it?"

I glare. "Yes."

She just grins. "Hmm"

I sigh. "Can we just drink our coffee and pretend this never happened?"

Woo Joon raises his cup. "Cheers to denial."

Asu clinks his against Woo Joon's. "And delusion."

Ha-Ya winks at me. "And forbidden love."

I groan.