When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 35

“I didn’t mean to assume anything,” he said after a moment, quieter now. “It’s just that… when I’m with you, it feels like that’s what we are. I guess I thought it didn’t need saying.”

Min Hwan made a noise that sounded like a cough but definitely contained the word “rookie.”

Han Wool glared at him. “You’re not helping.”

“I’m not trying to help. I’m trying to enjoy the drama I was robbed of for seven years.”

I let out a breath, shaking my head. “Han Wool, I’m not saying we’re not something. But you can’t skip the steps just because your heart feels something.”

“I’m bad at this stuff,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ve never really… done the official part. But I’m trying, Ye Na. I swear I am. I just didn’t know how to bring it up.”

“You don’t have to know everything. You just have to ask.” I gave him a look. “Like a normal human being.”

He straightened, nodding seriously. “Okay. So... Ye Na, will you be my girlfriend?”

Min Hwan leaned forward, mocking shock. “Wow. A historic moment. Hold on—do I clap? Do we light candles?”

I rolled my eyes but fought a smile. “You’re unbelievable.”

But I turned to Han Wool and, in the softest voice I’d allowed myself to use in days, said, “Yes.”

Han’s face lit up in a way that made the room feel warmer. He didn’t rush to touch me, didn’t try to make it dramatic. He just looked relieved, like he'd been holding his breath for a very long time.

Then Min Hwan stood up with a dramatic stretch. “Since you two are now officially disgustingly adorable, I’m going to go look for snacks before I lose my appetite.”

He shuffled off toward the tiny kitchen area, muttering to himself about crackers and dramatic confessions.

Han Wool leaned closer, his voice low. “Thank you. For not shutting me out.”

I didn’t answer right away. Just sat there with the can of corn tea warming my hands and my guard softening, piece by piece.

Finally, I said, “Don’t give me a reason to.”

And he nodded, solemn but smiling, like he was making a promise to himself more than to me.
______________________

The walls were pale. Almost too pale. They made the shadows feel louder than the silence, like I could hear them breathe every time the wind brushed past the thin window.

I turned onto my side.

Then onto my back.

Then onto my side again.

The blankets tangled around my ankles like they, too, didn’t want me to sleep. My body was exhausted—heavy, aching—but my mind kept sprinting like it was being chased.

Two hours. Maybe more. I didn’t check the time anymore.

I exhaled, staring at the low ceiling, tracing the faint lines in the plaster like they might spell something I missed.

Running away. With Han Wool.

Isn’t that what I wanted?

Didn’t I cry for him? Burn for him?

Didn’t I make a thousand quiet wishes for one chance to be with him again—without lies, without memories missing, without Harin?

Harin.