When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 27

Everyone moved to the living room, where polite conversation filled the air. I kept my distance, sitting quietly beside my aunt while Harin played her role perfectly, chatting away with Han Wool's mother and grandmother.

Han Wool sat across from me, stealing glances every now and then, his lips twitching upward when our eyes met.

I subtly shook my head at him, mouthing, Stop looking at me in front of them.

He smirked, leaning back on the couch as if he was enjoying this far too much.

"So, Harin," his grandmother finally said, setting down her teacup. "How are the wedding preparations going?"

I stiffened.

Harin giggled. "Oh, we still have a lot to plan, but I promise everything will be perfect."

Perfectly fake, I wanted to add.

"That's good to hear," Han Wool's mother said approvingly.

I glanced at Han Wool, expecting him to look just as enthusiastic, but he was staring down at his cup as if it held the answers to the universe.

"So, Ye Na," Han Wool's mother suddenly turned to me, her expression unreadable. "How has work been?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "Oh, um, it's been busy," I said, trying to sound composed. "But I'm managing."

"I heard you're doing well," she said, nodding slightly. "That's good."

I wasn't sure if that was a genuine compliment or just a neutral statement, but I accepted it with a small smile nonetheless.

The evening continued with the usual chatter-discussions about work, upcoming events, and, of course, the wedding.

Han Wool's mother and Harin's mother had naturally gravitated toward the kitchen area, their laughter ringing softly as they spoke in hushed tones. They looked like they were exchanging secrets, probably gushing over wedding details or something just as insufferable.

Han Wool's grandmother remained in the living room, engaged in a conversation with his father and my aunt. Her expression was unreadable as she sipped her tea, listening intently while occasionally throwing in a sharp comment here and there.

I sat quietly, listening half-heartedly.

My mind was elsewhere, though-specifically on the man sitting across from me, who had barely taken his eyes off me all night.

I felt his gaze burn into me, and when I finally dared to meet his eyes, he smirked.

I frowned slightly, tilting my head as if to ask what?

His smirk deepened as he leaned back against the couch, exhaling dramatically, as if he were suffering. Then, with the subtlest movement, he mouthed:

I want to smack everyone and kidnap you.

I bit my lip to stop the laugh bubbling in my throat. My shoulders shook slightly as I lowered my gaze, trying to regain composure.

But I wasn't fast enough.

"What's funny here?"

I froze.

Harin's voice was laced with suspicion, and when I looked up, four pairs of eyes were now locked onto me-Harin, her father, Aunty and, worst of all, Han Wool's grandmother.

Shit.

I cleared my throat, forcing a straight face. "Ah... nothing. I just remembered something from earlier."