When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 12

I hate them all.
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By the time my shift ends, the sky outside has already started shifting into hues of deep blue and warm orange. I stretch my arms above my head, feeling the weight of the day press into my spine, but excitement buzzes beneath my skin. Shopping. Finally.

Ha-Ya loops her arm through mine the second we step out of the hospital. "Are you ready for the greatest transformation of your life?"

I glance at her skeptically. "It's just shopping."

Seok Kyung flips her hair dramatically. "Correction. It's life-changing shopping."

I roll my eyes, but I can't help smiling.

We walk down the busy streets, dodging cyclists and impatient pedestrians. The city hums around us-cars honking, the distant sound of street musicians, the occasional chatter of couples walking too slowly in front of us. The air is crisp, slightly cool, perfect for an evening out.

"So, what kind of look are we going for?" Ha-Ya asks, nudging me.

"Yeah," Seok Kyung adds. "Are we thinking hot and mysterious? Or casual but still makes your ex cry?"

I scoff. "Why would I care about that?"

Seok Kyung raises a knowing eyebrow. "Oh, come on. If you're getting new clothes, there's someone you want to impress."

I pretend to ignore her. "I just need a few outfits, okay?"

"Sure," Ha-Ya singsongs, dragging me forward as we finally reach the mall.

The moment we step in, the bright overhead lights and cool air-conditioning wrap around us. Stores line the wide corridors, mannequins dressed in outfits that scream wear me if you want to ruin lives.

"This way!" Ha-Ya pulls me toward a boutique with sleek glass doors and racks upon racks of designer clothes.

"Should we start with dresses or tops?" Seok Kyung asks, already flipping through a rack of blouses.

Ha-Ya waves her hand dismissively. "Dresses. Something short. Something illegal-looking."

I choke. "What?"

Seok Kyung nods in approval. "She has a point. We need power. Something that makes people do double takes when you walk past."

I stare at them. "I just want some normal clothes."

Ha-Ya ignores me, already pulling a dress off the rack. "Try this one."

I glance at it-black, sleeveless, with a slit that seems dangerously high. "Absolutely not."

Seok Kyung sighs. "You're so difficult."

We move through the store, Ha-Ya and Seok Kyung tossing dresses at me like they're styling a celebrity.

"This one has the perfect I'm effortlessly sexy vibe."

"This screams I don't even have to try, but you're obsessed."

"Ooh, this one is for I may break your heart, but you'll thank me for it."

I hold up a glittery red dress. "And what does this one say?"