When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 22

I was wrong.

Because when I glanced up at the mirror—just for a second—our eyes met.

He wasn’t smirking. He wasn’t teasing.

He was just… looking.

Steady. Calm.

Like he was trying to understand something.

Like he was trying to understand me.

I swallowed hard and tore my gaze away, pretending to adjust my hair.

My fingers were trembling.

Harin, oblivious as ever, stretched her arms dramatically and sighed. “Ugh, I hope this place has good rings. I don’t want something basic.”

Han Wool made a sound of acknowledgment.

She pouted. “Oppa, are you even listening?”

“Mm.”

Harin sighed again, clearly annoyed. “You’ve been weird lately.”

Han Wool raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

“You don’t talk as much. You’re always zoning out.”

He hummed. “Maybe I’m tired.”

Harin narrowed her eyes. “Or maybe you’re distracted.”

Han Wool didn’t respond.

I held my breath.

She was getting suspicious.

Harin turned in her seat slightly, resting her elbow on the armrest as she looked at him. “You know, oppa, if you’re hiding something from me, I will find out.”

Han Wool chuckled under his breath. “That sounds scary.”

She huffed. “I’m serious.”

“I know.”

And then, as if he was done with the conversation, he reached for the music system again.

IU’s My Sea started playing.

Harin groaned. “Again?!”

Han Wool didn’t skip the song this time.

Instead, he turned up the volume—just slightly.

And for the first time in the entire car ride, I let myself smile.
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The luxury jewelry store gleamed under the golden lights, its glass cases filled with dazzling rings and intricate pieces that seemed to sparkle with their own little universe. The scent of polished wood and expensive perfume filled the air as we stepped inside, the cool temperature a stark contrast to the warmth of the evening outside.

I took a steadying breath.

This was fine.

Everything was fine.

I wasn’t bothered. I wasn’t affected.

I wasn’t—

Harin’s hand shot out, clinging onto Han Wool’s arm before I could take another step. “Oppa, come on,” she whined, pressing herself closer. “Let’s go look at the couple bands!”

Han Wool’s jaw twitched.

For a second, he didn’t react.

Then, without even looking at her, he gently pulled his arm away. “We’re already going in.”

Harin blinked. “But—”

He was already walking forward.

Adjusting my bag as I followed behind them.