When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 28

I rolled my eyes but couldn't hide my smile.

His gaze flickered downward, noticing something in my hand. "What's that?"

"Oh." I lifted the chocolate milk I had brought, stretching my arm toward him. "I bought this for you since you love it so much."

His eyes lit up, his expression shifting into something dangerously fond.

"You brought this... for me?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Who else would it be for?"

A slow smile spread across his lips. He took the carton from my hand, staring at it like it was the greatest gift he'd ever received.

"You're adorable, you know that?" he murmured.

I scoffed. "It's just chocolate milk."

He shook his head, still grinning. "No, it's you thinking about me even when I'm not there."

I opened my mouth to respond, but he had already poked the straw into the carton and took a long sip.

I watched him with amusement. "You really do love that stuff."

He sighed in pure satisfaction, plopping down beside me. "This is the best thing ever."

"Wow, thanks." I nudged his arm playfully. "Glad to know chocolate milk makes you happier than I do."

He smirked. "They're tied."

I rolled my eyes but felt warmth bubbling inside me.

For a while, we sat there in silence, the kind that wasn't awkward-just peaceful.

The soft hum of the wind outside filled the space, and the warmth of Han Wool beside me felt grounding.

I hesitated for a moment before reaching out, my fingers brushing against his. Slowly, I intertwined our hands and leaned my head against his shoulder.

He stilled for a second before exhaling softly, his grip tightening around mine.

A small smile played on my lips as I closed my eyes, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing.

"Han Wool," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Hm?"

"I'm thinking of telling my friends about us."

His hand froze in mine. I felt him stop drinking the chocolate milk as he slowly turned his head toward me.

I lifted my gaze, meeting his eyes.

He studied me for a long moment before sighing. "I understand, but... Ye Na, not now."

I pouted, pulling back slightly. "Why? It's not like they spy on us."

He shook his head. "We don't know that."

"Oh, come on."

"I'm serious." His voice was calm, but there was a firm edge to it. "Maybe they won't be directly connected, but through them, someone else can find out. Don't you think?"

I opened my mouth to argue but stopped.

He is right.

As much as I trusted Seok Kyung and Ha-Ya, I couldn't ignore the possibility that someone might be watching from a distance, listening from the shadows.

I exhaled, leaning against him again. "Yeah, you're right. Maybe I should wait for a while."

Han Wool relaxed a little, his free hand moving to wrap around mine. "It's important for us to keep this relationship secret. At least until Minhwan is with me."