When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 25

He hesitated for just a second before murmuring, "You're mine, right?"

I swallowed, my heart skipping a beat. His voice was quiet but firm, as if he needed reassurance.

I turned slightly, reaching back to run my fingers through his hair. "I always was."

Han Wool let out a slow breath, then, as if he had been waiting for those words, he kissed my shoulder again-this time lingering, like a silent promise.

And in that moment, wrapped in his arms, I knew-there was no going back.

Only forward. With him.

The room was still bathed in the soft glow of the bedside lamp, shadows dancing over the walls as we lay tangled together, his arms holding me as if I might slip away if he let go. His breath fanned against my skin, warm and steady, as he nuzzled into my neck.

"I love you," he murmured suddenly, his voice quiet but firm, as if he had been holding it in for too long.

I stilled. My heart clenched so hard it almost hurt.

He shifted, resting his forehead against the curve of my shoulder. "I mean it, Ye Na." His fingers trailed along my arm, up to my wrist, then interlaced our hands together. "You have no idea how much I love you."

I turned slightly, just enough to meet his gaze. His eyes were deep, filled with something so raw it made my breath hitch.

"You don't have to say it back," he added quickly, as if afraid of rushing me. "But I need you to know. I adore you. Every part of you. Your stubbornness, your fire, the way you push back when I annoy you." He smiled faintly, his thumb grazing over my knuckles. "The way you make my heart feel like it might burst just by looking at me."

I swallowed hard, emotions clogging my throat.

"I wake up thinking about you," he continued, his voice softer now. "And when I sleep, I dream of you. Even when I didn't remember, somehow, you were still there. And now that I have you again..." His grip on my hand tightened slightly. "I don't ever want to let go."

My heart was in my throat. "Han Wool..."

He shook his head, smiling slightly. "It's okay, you don't have to say anything. Just let me love you, okay?"

I let out a shaky breath, my free hand reaching up to cup his cheek. "I don't think I could stop you even if I wanted to."

His smile widened. "Good."

I leaned up, pressing my lips against his in a slow, lingering kiss. He deepened it, his hand slipping to the back of my neck, holding me in place as if he never wanted to let me go.

After a while, I pulled back slightly, pressing my forehead against his. "I should go home."

Han Wool's entire face scrunched up like a petulant child. "I don't want to."

I laughed. "I can't stay here all night."

"Why not?" He pouted. "We could just... live here forever. Just us. No one else."

I rolled my eyes. "Be serious."

"I am serious." He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer. "You can't just make me feel the happiest I've ever been and then tell me to leave."

"Stop pouting like a child".
I smacked his chest lightly, making him laugh. He groaned dramatically before finally sitting up. "Fine, fine. Let's get dressed."

We slowly got up, both reaching for our clothes. Han Wool pulled his shirt over his head first, watching me as I struggled to button my dress. He walked over, fingers brushing against mine as he helped me. "You're too slow," he teased, fastening the last button.