When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 20

I sigh dramatically. “He said he doesn’t want to date me because I don’t know how to kiss.”

What am I even saying...

I can see the way his head tilts slightly, as if processing what I just said. “What?”

I shrug, keeping my expression neutral. “Apparently, my lack of kissing experience is a dealbreaker.”

His lips press together, his gaze flickering over my face as if trying to gauge if I’m serious. “You don’t know how to kiss?”

I shift uncomfortably under his gaze, suddenly feeling too seen, too exposed.

“No.”

Han Wool tilts his head slightly, searching my eyes for something. Whatever it is, he must find it, because his lips curve into something unreadable. “I see.”

We stare at each other for a moment, the air between us thick with something I can’t name. My throat is dry, my pulse unsteady, and I don’t know why I feel so… nervous.

I look away, my cheeks heating against my will.

Then, suddenly—

“Aah, I’m tired.”

Han Wool stretches, his arms reaching above his head, his shirt lifting just slightly—just enough to reveal the faintest hint of toned abs. I swallow and quickly look away, pretending I didn’t see.

He exhales, dropping his arms back down, then turns to me. “Are you alone?”

I nod.

He studies me, his gaze unreadable, and then—

“Do you want to know?”

I blink. “Know what?”

Han Wool takes a step closer, his tall frame towering over mine.

I instinctively lean back against the wall, the cold surface pressing against my spine.

His face is shadowed under the dim alley lights, the sharp angles of his jawline catching just enough glow to make my breath hitch.

My eyes trail downward—his Adam’s apple moves as he swallows, the faintest stubble brushing against his jaw. His lips, slightly parted, look… unfairly soft.

My heart stutters.

Then—

“Do you want to know how to kiss?”

I freeze.

The words feel like a current running straight through me, sending a shiver down my spine. My fingers curl slightly against the wall as my heartbeat pounds in my ears.

He’s so close.

Too close.

I can feel the warmth of his breath, the faintest scent of his cologne wrapping around me like a noose.

I slowly lift my gaze to meet his.

His eyes are locked onto mine, dark and unreadable, and yet—

There’s something there.

Something dangerous.

Something I don’t understand.

I swallow hard.

Han Wool watches me carefully, then wets his lips with his tongue—slowly, deliberately.

My stomach flips.

“Is it okay if I’m the one?” he asks.

I nearly forget how to breathe.

My lips part, but no words come out.