When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 17

I gulp. “Uh… is it bad?”

She wheezes. “Did you put cinnamon in my tea?”

I blink. “Yes?”

She groans, placing the cup down as if it’s toxic waste. “What are you trying to do? Kill me?”

I wince. “It’s not that bad…”

Grandmother glares at me. “You drink it, then.”

I hesitate but lift the cup to my lips. The moment the tea touches my tongue, my entire body shudders.

It tastes like bitter medicine mixed with burnt sugar.

I quickly set the cup down. “Okay… maybe it is bad.”

Grandmother scoffs. “You’re a disaster in the kitchen.”

I sigh dramatically. “I’m a doctor, not a chef.”

She sighs too, but this time, I catch the tiniest hint of amusement in her expression.

Victory.

Just as I bask in my small success, footsteps echo from the staircase.

I turn my head—and my breath catches.

Han Wool.

He’s coming down the stairs, hair damp from a shower, sleeves rolled up casually. But that’s not what makes my stomach twist.

It’s her.

Harin, clinging to his arm.

He stops midway when he sees me.

For a moment, we just… stare.

Memories from last night crash into me.

The confession.

His rejection.

The way he walked away without looking back.

His jaw tightens, and then—he blinks, as if snapping himself out of it. Without another glance in my direction, he turns to his grandmother.

“I have to go pick up a friend. He’s staying over tonight.”

He steps down the last few stairs and heads toward the door.

But before he can leave, an idea strikes me. A wild, reckless idea.

I straighten my back and let out a tired sigh. “I should get going too. I have to be at the hospital.”

Grandmother turns her sharp gaze toward me. “At this hour?”

I nod solemnly. “Yes. Emergency cases don’t wait for the morning.”

There’s a pause. Then, she gives an approving nod. “That’s dedication.”

And then—exactly as I predicted—she looks at Han Wool.

“Drop her off.”

Han Wool, who was already halfway out the door, freezes. Slowly, he turns back, his face clouding with annoyance.

“What?”

Grandmother crosses her arms. “Ye Na has to go to the hospital. Drop her off before picking up your friend.”

His jaw tightens. “Grandmother, it’s—”

Harin steps in, her voice suddenly higher, sweeter. “Oh, but Grandmother, Han Wool is already running late. His friend—”

Grandmother gives her a look. A strict look.

“And? His friend can wait five extra minutes.”

Harin presses her lips together, clearly trying to think of another excuse. But she doesn’t dare argue with Grandmother.