Secret Romantic || Hanji x Female Reader

Chapter Seven: Home

My eyes gently fluttered open, taking in the surroundings as I scanned the area. It didn't register to me where I was, and I hastily sat up and felt a surge of panic rise up my system, before the thought that I was in Hanji's place entered my mind. A blanket that I didn't realize was around me fell down my back and into the surface of the couch, and it was only then that I noticed Hanji's sleeping figure beside me.

They were sleeping in a sitting position - just as I had, their head tilted slightly to the side as their chest rose and fell along with their breathing. Their right hand was on their lap while their left hand was over the laptop beside them.

'They must've been working late last night for this assignment,' I thought as I carefully shifted, grabbing the blanket before leaning forward to cover them with it as much as I could. Just as I was about to pull away, Hanji's hand closed over my wrist, and I let out a surprised yelp as I was taken aback by their sudden movement - they flipped us both over with me ending up under their figure on the couch, with both of my wrists trapped on either side of my head.

I involuntarily swallowed as I stared at their features, my heart beating wildly in my chest, so loud that I was sure they could actually hear and feel it, given our close proximity. As much as I wanted to move, I found myself unable to do so, partly because of the shock, and partly because I was afraid of what they'd do if I did.

Taking a wild guess, I could only assume that what they did was more of an impulsive movement - especially since they were a police detective and were usually on high-alert most of the time.I couldn't blame them - it was practically part of their job to be on their guard always.

I observed that their eyes widened as the moment they recognized me, and Hanji quickly got off me as they said, running a hand through their hair in a frustrated manner, "[Y/N], oh god, I'm so sorry, I didn't immediately realize that it was you."

Giving them a shaky laugh, I said as I tried to lighten the situation, "You know, based on the romance dramas I've watched, when people do that, it's usually with the intent to kiss the other person."

I heard Hanji give a light chuckle, before quieting down for some moments as they stared down at their hands.

"I don't want you to think that I'm taking advantage of you, or that I'll hurt you in any way - you can't deny that you were scared, I saw it in your eyes," Hanji paused as they sighed, reaching out and taking my hand in theirs, rubbing their thumb gently as they did so, "I want you to know that I won't ever hurt you and that you're safe with me, please always remember that, [Y/N]."

I nodded as I squeezed their hand reassuringly as I answered, "I understand, Hanji. I won't deny that I got scared though - I've never been flipped over on my back like that before. But, really, in your line of work, it's perfectly understandable that you'd always be on high alert. Even I panicked when I woke up in an unfamiliar place, so don't worry about it."

Hanji leaned back on the couch and closed their eyes for a moment as they let out a sigh, "Still, I feel like I owe you an explanation. It's just that...I developed that habit even before I became a police detective."

They became quiet once more, and it was obvious that they were having a hard time continuing.

"Hanji, you don't have to explain anything to me right now. You didn't even need to apologize but you still did, and I accepted it too, so it's all good. I have to admit, I'm interested in knowing you, everything about you, but only when you're ready."

"Thank you, [Y/N], I appreciate it," Hanji told me in a soft tone with the beginnings of a smile on their lips, and we naturally leaned towards each other as we shared an embrace.