When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 19

I slip on my shoes and reach for the door handle-

"Ye Na."

I freeze.

I don't turn around immediately, but I hear the familiar sound of his footsteps. Then, I feel him standing close behind me, close enough that I can feel the warmth of his presence.

"I'm passing by your hospital." His voice is casual, like this is nothing. "I'll drop you off."

I grip the door handle a little tighter.

Of course. It's just convenient. It's just on the way.

Not because he wants to.

Not because he cares.

I swallow the lump in my throat and shake my head. "No need."

Han Wool doesn't move.

I can feel his gaze on the side of my face.

"I have someone picking me up."

There's a slight pause.

"Someone?"

His tone shifts, just barely.

I nod. "Yeah. They're on their way."

Silence.

I don't dare to look at him, but I know he's staring. His presence is heavy, and the air between us suddenly feels suffocating.

Then, suddenly-

A sleek, black Rolls-Royce slows to a stop near the curb.

I blink.

Who the hell-

The tinted window rolls down, and I see him.

Tae Sung.

Sitting behind the wheel, his usual unreadable yet calm expression in place.

He leans slightly toward the window, about to say something-

But I don't let him.

Before he can even greet me, I yank open the car door and slide inside.

"Bye, Han Wool," I say quickly, shutting the door before I can see his expression.

I don't want to see it.

I don't want to know if he cares.

Tae Sung raises an amused eyebrow. "Are you in a hurry?"

"Drive."

He chuckles, clearly entertained. "Alright, alright."

The car glides smoothly onto the road, and I let out a slow breath, pressing my head against the cool window.

I don't know what I was expecting.

Did I think he'd stop me?

Did I think he'd say something?

But before we turn the corner, my eyes flicker to the side mirror-

And my breath catches.

Han Wool is still there.

Standing in the same spot.

Watching.

He doesn't move. He doesn't look away.

Just watching as the car takes me away.

I quickly turn back around, squeezing my eyes shut.

The silence stretches between us as the car moves smoothly down the road. I keep my eyes fixed outside the window, my fingers gripping the strap of my bag like it's the only thing keeping me grounded.

A heavy sigh leaves my lips.

I turn slightly, just enough to glance at Tae Sung.

"Sorry," I say quietly.

Tae Sung raises an eyebrow, amused. "For what?"

"For... dragging you into this." I shift in my seat. "I didn't mean to-"

"Ye Na." His voice is light, cutting off my rambling. He leans back against his seat, one hand casually on the wheel. "I saw you from far away. You looked like you were waiting for a taxi, so I was going to stop for you anyway."

I blink. "You were?"

He nods. "Yeah. Though, I didn't expect you to jump into the car so fast." He chuckles. "I didn't even get to finish my sentence before you slammed the door shut."

I cringe, covering my face with one hand. "God. That must've been weird."

"A little dramatic, but I respect the dedication." His lips twitch. "It was quite the performance."

I groan. "I was just-" I shake my head. "Never mind."

Tae Sung chuckles, shaking his head. "No need to explain. Honestly, it was entertaining."

I peek at him through my fingers. "Glad I could provide some amusement."

"Oh, absolutely. Five stars. Would watch again."

I let out a dramatic sigh, dropping my hands into my lap. "Well, at least one of us is having fun."

Tae Sung smirks but then glances ahead at the road, his expression softening.

I exhale and tilt my head. "So... where are you heading?"

"The hospital," he says simply.

I blink in surprise. "Oh? You too?"

"Mm." He nods, drumming his fingers against the wheel.

"Why?" I ask curiously.

"My sister is admitted."

I straighten in my seat. "Oh. Is she okay?"

"She'll be fine. It's nothing major, just something she's been dealing with for a while. I came back earlier than planned to check on her."

I nods. "Is she older or younger?"

"Younger." Tae Sung's voice turns noticeably softer. "She's twenty-one. Annoying but lovable."

I smile. "Sounds like a typical sibling."

He nods. "She's got a sharp tongue, though".

I laugh.

The conversation just went like that, but my mind is still with someone.