When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 19

"Nice work, Ye Na," one of the senior residents says, giving me an approving nod.

I nod in return, peeling off my surgical mask. "Thank you."

And with that, I step out of the OR.

The first thing I see when I step into the hallway is Han Wool.

He's leaning against the wall, hands tucked into his pockets, but the second he sees me, he straightens. His eyes immediately scan my face, as if searching for any bad news.

"She's alright," I say, before he even asks. "It was a minor procedure. Nothing serious."

His shoulders drop slightly, relief washing over his expression.

"Thank you," he says, his voice quieter than usual.

I shake my head. "I should be the one thanking you. For trusting us."

For trusting me.

For a moment, we just stand there, the tension from before momentarily replaced with something softer. Something almost... peaceful.

Then, Han Wool suddenly claps his hands together. "You deserve a reward."

I raise an eyebrow. "A reward?"

"Yeah," he grins. "Come with me."

Before I can protest, he's already leading the way.

Han Wool buys two small cartons of juice from the vending machine-those tiny, square drinks with straws that poke through the top. He hands one to me without a word and starts walking toward the hospital's outdoor seating area.

I hesitate for a second before following.

Outside, the air is crisp, and a few trees provide some shade. We settle onto one of the concrete benches, the hospital building towering behind us.

Han Wool leans back against the bench, stretching his long legs out in front of him. He glances at me, eyes thoughtful. "So."

I turn my head. "So?"

He tilts his juice carton slightly. "Why anesthesiology?"

I blink. "Huh?"

"You're in residency for anesthesiology," he says. "Why that? Why not, I don't know... surgery? Internal medicine?"

I let out a small laugh. "That's random."

Han Wool shrugs. "I'm curious."

I hesitate, my fingers playing with the edge of my juice box. No one's really asked me that before-not in a way that made me stop and think.

"Because," I finally say, "I like being the one who makes things painless."

Han Wool mutters something under his breath, "That's why you're making everything painful for me".
Just barely audible over the rustling leaves.

I turn my head. "What?"

He doesn't look at me, eyes fixed on his juice carton as he swirls the liquid inside. "Nothing."

I narrow my eyes. "No, I heard you say something."

He sighs, still not meeting my gaze. "I know."

There's a weight in the air now, something unspoken pressing between us. I clear my throat, looking away. Maybe I should let this moment slip past like all the others.

But then-

"I'm curious about something too."

Han Wool glances at me, his eyes wary but intrigued. "Go on."