When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 25

His lips twitched as he kept his eyes on the road. "I mean, I know someone else was behind the whole 'accidental' mood setting."

I squinted at him. "What are you talking about?"

He finally turned his head slightly, smirking. "I like the pink panties, by the way."

I choked on my own breath.

"What-" My face heated so fast I thought I might explode. "Oh my god, shut up."

His laugh was loud, full, utterly entertained. "What? I was just appreciating the effort."

I groaned, covering my face with my hands. "You're the worst."

"I mean, if you didn't want me to notice, you shouldn't have worn such a cute little-"

I smacked his arm. "Stop talking!"

He was still laughing, clearly enjoying how flustered I was. "Alright, alright, I'll stop. For now."

I peeked at him through my fingers, scowling. "You're impossible."

"And you're adorable when you're embarrassed."

I huffed, crossing my arms and turning to the window. "I regret everything."

"No, you don't." He reached over again, his fingers brushing against my thigh. "You loved every second of it."

I sucked in a breath. The air inside the car suddenly felt warmer.

I turned back to him, narrowing my eyes. "You're way too smug for someone who begged me to stay longer."

His grin widened. "I didn't beg. I simply expressed my strong desire for your continued presence."

I scoffed. "That's literally just a fancy way of saying you begged."

"Potato, po-tah-to."

I shook my head, but I couldn't hide my smile.

We eventually pulled up in front of my house. Han Wool put the car in park in front, but didn't unlock the doors immediately.

He turned to me, his expression softer now. "Are you really okay?"

I nodded. "I promise."

His lips pressed into a thin line. "I meant what I said earlier. If you ever feel uncomfortable about anything, tell me, okay? I don't ever want you to endure something just because you think I expect it from you."

I reached over, taking his hand in mine. "I know, Han Wool. And I trust you."

His eyes softened even more. He lifted our joined hands, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. "Good."

I smiled. "Now, are you going to let me go, or do you plan on kidnapping me?"

He sighed dramatically. "As tempting as that sounds, I guess I'll have to let you go."

I opened the door, stepping out carefully, and Han Wool immediately rushed to my side. "Careful," he murmured, his hand on my lower back as if to steady me.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm fine."

"You say that, but you winced just now."

I huffed, waving him off. "It's just a little sore. I'll survive."

Han Wool didn't look convinced. His hand stayed on my back, his fingers lightly tracing circles there. "Still, take it easy, okay? Maybe ice it?"

I shot him a glare. "I'm not icing anything."

He chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. But if you start limping tomorrow, don't say I didn't warn you."

I sighed, shaking my head as I took slow steps toward the entrance of my building. Han Wool stayed rooted near his car, watching me with a small smile on his lips, as if he wasn't ready to let me out of his sight just yet.

When I reached the door, I turned back, my fingers hovering over the handle. "You should go home now," I called out.

He leaned against the car, crossing his arms. "I will. After you go inside."

I rolled my eyes but felt warmth spread through my chest. "You're
really not going to leave until I do, huh?"

He smirked. "Nope."

Shaking my head, I pulled open the door and stepped in, turning back one last time. "Drive safe."

Han Wool grinned. "Sleep well, baby."

I shut the door quickly before he could see how red my face got at the unexpected nickname.

Inside, I exhaled slowly, my heart still racing. Through the glass doors, I saw him still standing there, waiting. Only when I disappeared from his sight did I hear the low hum of his car engine starting.

I leaned against the door for a moment, pressing my hand against my chest, feeling the wild rhythm of my heart.

Han Wool...

Even after all these years, he still had the power to make me feel like this.