When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 17

The sun is already high when my eyes flutter open.

For a moment, I just stare at the ceiling, my body unmoving, my mind numb. Then, as I blink, the memories come rushing back—last night, the road, Han Wool’s voice telling me to stop, the silent drive back.

My chest tightens.

I don’t need a mirror to know that my eyes are swollen. I cried too much last night—cried until my head ached, until my body felt empty. I must look horrible right now, but I don’t care.

I exhale slowly, forcing myself to sit up. My entire body feels sluggish, drained from the weight of everything that happened.

But then—

A thought.

A small spark in the darkness.

This is just the beginning.

I told him. I finally told him how I felt.

And now…

Now, I just have to make him love me again.

My fingers tighten around the blanket.

It won’t be easy. He doesn’t remember. He looks at me like I’m just another person in his life, like I mean nothing. But that’s not the truth.

The truth is, once—long ago—I was everything to him.

And if I have to fight for him to see that again, then I will.

I will win him back.

No matter what.

I step out of my room, my body still heavy with exhaustion. The smell of breakfast drifts through the air, and I follow it to the dining hall.

The house is quiet. Harin must still be sleeping. I wonder if she spent last night talking to him, texting him.

The thought makes something sharp twist in my chest.

I shake it off.

No. I have no time to be jealous. From today, my only focus is getting Han Wool to see me.

I sit down at the table, reaching for some toast.

“Ye Na,” my aunt woo jon's voice calls from the kitchen.

I turn my head slightly as she walks over, placing a cup of tea on the table. She looks at me for a second, then tilts her head. “Did you sleep well?”

I force a small smile. “I did. Thanks for asking.”

She hums, sitting down across from me. “If you ever feel uncomfortable here, let me know, alright?”

I blink.

She’s never been this soft with me before. Maybe she noticed how tired I look. Or maybe she just feels bad for dragging me into this whole arrangement between Harin and Han Wool.

“I’m fine,” I say, taking a sip of tea. “Really.”

She nods, watching me for a moment longer before speaking again. “Oh, I almost forgot to tell you.”

I look up.

“Han Wool’s mother invited both you and Harin over this evening.”

My heart stops.

I grip my cup a little tighter.

“Both of us?” I repeat.

My aunt nods. “Yes. His mother wanted to invite the family over, but since your uncle is busy, she said you and Harin should come.” She takes a sip of her own tea. “It’s good for you both to get closer to his family, anyway.”