Crave You Forever
Chapter 32: The warmth

Chapter 32: The warmth

Haeun’s face fell. "Then..can I come with you?"

Yeongsoo shook his head, already grabbing his jacket. "You should stay here. I’ll be back soon."

Haeun pouted, shuffling closer. "I don’t want to be left alone..."

Yeongsoo sighed, hesitating. But one look at Haeun’s pleading expression, and he was already relenting. "Fine, but you’ll have to bundle up."

Haeun’s face lit up as he quickly reached for his beloved duck slippers. "Can I wear these out? I know they’re supposed to be for indoors only..."

Yeongsoo looked down at the bright, cartoonish slippers, then back at Haeun’s hopeful eyes. "...I don’t see why not," he said with a faint smile, reaching over to wrap a scarf snugly around Haeun’s neck. "At best, I’ll get you a new pair just for indoors. It gets chilly, so keep this scarf on."

Haeun beamed, feeling cozy and cared for. "What about you? You’re just going to head out in pajamas?"

"I’ll throw on a jacket."

"Alright,let’s go.."

Haeun walked out the door, noticing the two bodyguard at the side, who quickly bowed at him. He sighed softly before nodding.

He had almost forgotten what Yeongsoo job was.

Shaking his head, he leaned against the wall. He had to strengthen his resolve, he had already accepted that part of Yeongsoo and would try his best not to doubt him.

"Alright let’s go.."

Yeongsoo smiled slightly as he stretched his hand, waiting for Haeun to place his so they could walk together.

Haeun face reddened, did he want them to walk together hand in hand?!

Yeongsoo sighed seeing the conflicted look on Haeun face, he slowly retracted his hand only for it to be caught by Haeun.

"What’s with that sad look? Give me time okay, I’ve never been in a relationship...this is the first time someone’s reached out to me and see...our hands fit perfectly into each other’s.."

Now it was Yeongsoo’s turn to blush, as he turned his face away. His grip on Haeun’s hand tightening.

"Ahem— let’s head out.."

Haeun chuckled so even Yeongsoo could look this cute.

As they got out of the elevator, Haeun looked around with genuine interest. "So...what’s this neighborhood called, anyway? I only made it here once before, and it was pretty much an in-and-out deal. I barely got the chance to notice anything."

Yeongsoo glanced over, an amused smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "This area? It’s Hanam-dong. It’s a quiet spot, close enough to the city center but far enough that it’s not too loud."

Haeun raised an eyebrow, giving him a small smirk. "Hanam-dong, huh? Fancy. I didn’t peg you for a high-end neighborhood kind of guy."

Yeongsoo shrugged, a soft chuckle escaping him. "Trust me, it’s nothing like it seems. My place is small, cozy at best. But I like it—has a good vibe and plenty of little shops around."

"..."

Calling a penthouse small was on another level.

Haeun took another look around, nodding slowly as if assessing it. "I could see that. It feels a little... nostalgic somehow? Like it has its own personality. Plus, it’s quiet, which is nice."

"You get used to it pretty fast," Yeongsoo replied, glancing at him. "Though I have to admit, you’re the first person I’ve taken on a late-night snack run."

"Oh, I’m honored," Haeun said with mock formality, then grinned, glancing down at his duck slippers. "Bet I’m also the first person in duck slippers, huh?"

"Your taste are eccentric but very cute. With you wearing those, it doesn’t feel odd .."

Haeun blushed blushed as he turned his face away, wanting to walk further away but he realized his and Yeongsoo’s hands were still intertwined and was pulled back.

"Where do you think you’re going?"

Haeun froze, his cheeks burning as he looked down at their still-entwined hands. "Uh, nowhere," he mumbled, unable to meet Yeongsoo’s gaze.

"Good," Yeongsoo replied with a faint smile, tightening his grip just slightly. "Stay close; wouldn’t want you wandering off in those flashy slippers."

Haeun let out a small laugh, though his blush remained. "Yeah, wouldn’t want the whole neighborhood to see me looking so, uh... fashionable," he joked, glancing down at his slippers again.

They continued walking, hands still linked, and Haeun felt an odd sense of comfort. Despite the cold air, the warmth of Yeongsoo’s hand grounding him, calming him in a way he didn’t quite understand yet. It felt... natural.

As they turned the corner, Haeun glanced sideways at him, a playful glint in his eyes. "So... tell me, are we walking all the way to this convenience store?"

Yeongsoo smirked. "Just around the block. I wouldn’t make you trek any further in those," he teased, nodding toward the slippers again.

"Hey, these slippers are surprisingly durable," Haeun shot back, laughing. "But I’ll let you keep pretending you’re being chivalrous."

A slight chuckle escaped Yeongsoo as he gave Haeun’s hand a light squeeze. "Think what you want. Just remember who’s holding you back from running off and embarrassing yourself."

As they reached the convenience store, Yeongsoo released Haeun’s hand, reaching out to grab a basket. Haeun pretended to stretch his fingers, though he secretly missed the warmth.

"So," Yeongsoo said, glancing at Haeun. "What do you want first?"

Haeun’s face brightened, and he practically dragged Yeongsoo down the snack aisle. "We have to get the honey butter chips and chocolate-covered almonds! Those are non-negotiable."

Yeongsoo chuckled, watching as Haeun tossed a few bags of honey butter chips into the basket, his face lit up like a kid in a candy store. "You sure you don’t want to grab the whole shelf?"

Haeun shot him a look. "If it weren’t for the baby weight, I totally would."

"Oh, so it’s the baby stopping you, not the lack of space or maybe thoughts of getting fat?" Yeongsoo asked with a teasing smile.

Haeun let out a mock-offended gasp. "Are you calling me snack-obsessed? As for getting fat? I’m not that fragile, as a man of 178cm I can lift my weight in the gym. You should see me in high school.."

Haeun chuckled as he reminisced, his old self back in highschool was very popular despite an omega.

But as his pheromone deficiency grew worst, he had to distance himself from people.