When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 24

His grip on the steering wheel tightened. Mine did the same on my dress.

There was no music. No conversation. Just… this.

I bit my lip. Should I say something? Make a joke?

Before I could decide, he cleared his throat. "Uh… it’s not too far now."

"Yeah."

Silence.

"Cough."

"Cough."

I mentally screamed. Why is this so awkward?!

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he pulled into the driveway of his house.
__________

I followed him inside, taking hesitant steps as I looked around.

It was neat. Simple. Almost too clean—like no one really lived here.

Han Wool rubbed the back of his neck. "Uh… I’ll get us something to drink."

"Oh… okay," I mumbled, still feeling the lingering awkwardness.

He nodded and walked toward the kitchen. I trailed behind him, watching as he pulled out a glass and a carton of juice.

His movements were effortless. Pouring juice shouldn’t be so… captivating, but here I was, staring at him like an idiot.

The way his forearm flexed as he twisted the cap open. The way his lips pressed together in concentration. The way his hair fell into his eyes, making him push it back absentmindedly.

I sighed. "Why are you like this?"

He glanced at me. "Like what?"

I shook my head. "Never mind."

He smirked. "Were you admiring me, Ye Na?"

"What—!" I choked. "N-no! I—I was just thinking—!"

"That I’m handsome?"

"NO!"

He chuckled, pouring the juice into another glass. "Too bad. I was going to say you can keep looking if you want."

I crossed my arms. "I wasn’t looking."

"You totally were." He leaned against the counter, smug.

I huffed. "Just give me my drink."

He handed it to me, but the moment our fingers brushed, a tiny spark shot up my arm.

I quickly pulled back, pretending I didn’t feel it.

We stood there in the kitchen, sipping our drinks in a more comfortable silence this time.

For the first time tonight, I felt like I could breathe.

Han Wool sighed, swirling his juice. "Feels weird, right?"

I glanced at him. "What does?"

"This." He gestured between us. "Being here. Together. After… everything."

I swallowed. "Yeah. It does."

He nodded slowly, then looked at me with a small, almost shy smile. "But it’s nice."

My heart flipped.

I looked away, pretending to be very interested in my glass. "Yeah," I mumbled. "It is."

Han Wool exhaled and placed his glass on the counter. Then, he gave me a small nod and tilted his head toward the living room.

"Come on," he said.