Crave You Forever
Chapter 63: They don’t cry like me

Chapter 63: They don’t cry like me

Suho’s small hand tightened its grip on Haeun’s as they started walking down the hall, following Dr. Kang. His silence was still heavy, but there was a slight difference, however subtle it was. Haeun could feel Suho responding, even if it wasn’t with words. Maybe the idea of babies brought him some comfort, some sense of safety he could cling to.

As they reached the maternity ward, the sound of soft cooing and the occasional cry filled the air. Through the large window, rows of cribs were lined up with tiny, swaddled newborns inside. The sight was enough to bring a smile to Haeun’s face, and he knelt down beside Suho.

"Look, Suho," Haeun said gently, pointing through the window. "Do you see all the babies? They’re so small, aren’t they? Just like you were when you were born."

Suho’s eyes finally lifted from the floor and focused on the babies. He pressed his small hand against the glass, watching intently, and for the first time, there was a visible softening in his expression. It was faint, but Haeun saw it—the first crack in the wall Suho had built around himself.

"They don’t cry like me," Suho whispered, his voice barely audible.

Haeun’s heart swelled at the sound of his voice. "Babies cry a lot," he said softly. "But that’s because they’re learning how to tell people what they need. It’s okay to cry sometimes. Even big kids cry."

Suho stayed quiet, but his hand remained pressed against the glass. Haeun watched him carefully, feeling a deep connection to the boy’s quiet struggle. He wanted nothing more than to make Suho feel safe, to show him that he wasn’t alone in this world.

Dr. Kang, standing nearby, smiled softly. "You’re doing great, Suho. And it’s okay if you feel sad or scared. But you’re not alone anymore, okay? Haeun and Yeongsoo will take care of you."

Suho didn’t respond, but Haeun felt a faint squeeze on his hand—a small but significant gesture. It was the first sign of trust, a tiny step toward healing, and Haeun held onto that hope tightly.

"They wouldn’t leave me alone like mummy and daddy did? And tell me mean things?"

Haeun felt his heart was going to burst as he pulled Suho into his arms.

"I’ll treat you like my own child and make sure you’re always happy and buy you whatever you want.."

Suho stiffened for a moment in Haeun’s embrace, unsure of the sudden affection. But as Haeun’s words sank in, the tension in his small body slowly melted away. His little hands clung to Haeun’s shirt, and though his eyes remained distant, there was something in the way he held on—like a child grasping for the smallest bit of comfort in an unfamiliar world.

"You really mean that?" Suho whispered, his voice so small it was almost lost amidst the soft sounds of the ward.

Haeun nodded, his voice gentle but firm. "I do, Suho. I’ll won’t leave you alone, and neither will Yeongsoo. You’re safe with us."

Suho’s grip tightened, and Haeun could feel the silent battle the boy was fighting inside. The mention of his parents had stirred something deep, some memory or pain he wasn’t ready to face, but there was also a flicker of hope in his trembling embrace.

Yeongsoo, stood nearby, watching the exchange, his heart aching for the boy. He could see Haeun’s natural instinct to nurture and protect taking over, and it made him proud.

However he needed to remind Haeun that he needed to take care of himself and their baby.

"I think he’s enough babies, too follow me back, it’s time for you to get breakfast.."

Suho’s shivered when he saw Yeongsoo’s cold eyes and hid behind Haeun.

"Yeongsoo stop you’re scaring him.."

Yeongsoo stopped walking and turned back "Haeun, hold the kid, don’t stop walking and follow me.."

".."

Haeun pouted why was he getting the cold eyes too. He stopped walking, frowning as he waited for Yeongsoo to confront him.

It didn’t take long for Yeongsoo to notice they weren’t following him and turned back. He sighed and walked back to Haeun.

"Let’s go eat.." he said grabbing Haeun’s free hand, but Haeun removed it.

"You’re hurting me.." Haeun frowned why was so angry, did he not like Suho?

"Fine, walking by yourself but it’s time to eat.."

"I’ll eat when I feel like it.." Haeun mumbled as he walked past Yeongsoo, who hissed loudly.

"Fine, if you want to starve yourself, not getting any rest, fine that’s on you. Here’s your breakfast, I’m heading to work. When I’m done I’ll pick you up and well head home."

Yeongsoo placed his hands inside his pockets, casting a hard glare at Suho before walking away.

Haeun bit his lips, wanting to call Yeongsoo but he held back, clutching the bag tightly.

"I’m sorry, I always cause trouble.."

Suho muttered, now the big uncle was angry at the nice uncle.

"It’s not your fault Suho, it’s mine I’m making him worry by not taking care of myself. Let’s go back to the ward and have breakfast.."

Suho nodded quietly, still gripping Haeun’s hand as they made their way back to the ward. Haeun felt the tension in the air after the exchange with Yeongsoo, but he didn’t want to let it ruin the moment with Suho. He was determined to make the boy feel safe and reassured, even if it meant ignoring his own frustrations for now.

They sat back down in the small room, Haeun opening the breakfast bag Yeongsoo had left. The food inside was simple but nourishing, and Haeun made sure to portion it out carefully for both of them. He handed a small plate to Suho, encouraging him to eat.

"Here, Suho. It’s important to eat so you can grow strong."

Suho looked at the food hesitantly before finally taking a small bite. Haeun smiled softly, relieved to see him eating, even if it was just a little.

"You’re doing great," Haeun said gently, watching Suho closely. "And remember what I said—I’ll take care of you. You don’t have to worry about being alone anymore."

Suho looked up at him, his dull eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope. He didn’t say anything, but the way he slowly continued eating told Haeun that Suho was beginning to trust him, little by little.

As they ate in a comfortable silence, Haeun’s thoughts drifted to Yeongsoo. He understood that he was worried—he always showed he cared in protective ways—but the way he’d acted earlier had unsettled him. Haeun sighed. He needed to find a balance between caring for Suho, their baby, and also tending to his relationship with Yeongsoo.

When Suho had finished eating, he set the plate aside and looked up at Haeun. "Will you stay with me?" he asked in a quiet, fragile voice.

"Yes I will.."