Crave You Forever
Chapter 71: Whenever I see the ocean it will remind me of you Haeun

Chapter 71: Whenever I see the ocean it will remind me of you Haeun

As they settled into the car, ready to head back, Yeongsoo glanced over at Haeun. "So, how about we grab some lunch at that cafe nearby? They’ve got some great dishes."

Haeun shifted, looking thoughtful before blurting out, "Actually... I’m craving.... seafood. Like, a seafood boil."

Yeongsoo blinked in surprise but chuckled. "Your appetite and food choices growing increasingly scary by the day.." Yeongsoo chuckled when he saw Haeun eyes twitched "Alright, let’s find a spot by the seaside."

They drove for a while until they reached the coast, where a cozy Western-style seafood restaurant overlooked the ocean. The fresh sea breeze drifted through the air, carrying the unmistakable scent of salt and fried fish. Haeun perked up, glancing around as they parked.

Inside, the restaurant was charmingly rustic, with wooden tables and bright sunlight streaming through the windows. They ordered a large seafood boil—a mix of crab, shrimp, clams, corn, and potatoes. When the server brought the huge platter to their table, Haeun’s eyes sparkled.

"See? Totally worth the drive," he said with a grin, already reaching for a crab leg.

Yeongsoo laughed, watching him dig in. "Guess you were right, do you want some help with that?."

"No, I’m okay.." Haeun smiled wearing his gloves, things were about to get messy.

They ate, talking between bites and laughing over interesting moments that happened in the movie, then Haeun accidentally splashed some sauce while cracking open a crab.

"Ah! I think it got into my eyes! It burns!"

The next five minutes we’re about Yeongsoo running around, bringing water and cleaning Haeun’s face to clear out the water from his face.

"Thank you, it still stings but I can open my eyes now.."

"..."

"You have to be more careful Haeun.." Yeongsoo sighed his appetite for the food disappearing.

"I got it!"

At one point, he noticed a bit of sauce on Yeongsoo’s cheek and reached over instinctively with a napkin, dabbing it off. The casual gesture lingered between them, and Haeun quickly pulled his hand back, cheeks warming.

After a while, Haeun leaned back, stretching. "That was exactly what I needed."

"I’m glad you had your fill, wanna take a walk to the ocean before we go back to the city?"

Haeun looked toward the ocean, the waves softly rolling onto the shore, and nodded with a small smile. "Yeah, sounds nice."

They made their way down a short path from the restaurant to the beach, the sand cool under their feet as they walked along the shore. The sun had started to dip lower, casting a warm glow over the water, and a gentle breeze swept past, carrying the salty scent of the sea.

For a few moments, they walked in comfortable silence, listening to the rhythmic sound of the waves. Haeun glanced up at Yeongsoo, catching the relaxed expression on his face. It was rare to see him so at ease, and Haeun felt a quiet satisfaction knowing they’d shared the day together like this.

As they reached the shore, Haeun paused, gazing out at the waves that rolled gently onto the sand. They’d been at the beach earlier, but now, something felt different. The same waves, the same sand beneath their feet—yet a warmth bloomed in his chest, soft and new.

Haeun’s gaze drifted down to Yeongsoo, standing quietly beside him, his expression calm as he watched the ocean. Without fully realizing it, Haeun reached over, his fingers slipping between Yeongsoo’s, holding his hand. The small contact felt steady and real, grounding him in a way he hadn’t anticipated.

He looked back at the ocean, feeling his heartbeat quicken. This feeling... It was hard to define, yet comforting in its simplicity. Standing here, hand in hand, he knew there was no need to question it any further.

Haeun glanced up at him, a small smile on his lips. "I think I like this."

Yeongsoo looked down, a soft, knowing smile crossing his face as he gently squeezed Haeun’s hand in reply. "Yeah," he murmured. "Me too."

After a while Haeun asked a question, he had wild guesses about what Yeongsoo’s answer would be but he was ready to accept it.

"Hey, do you still hate seeing the waves, the ocean..."

"...."

Yeongsoo turned to Haeun, the gentle breeze ruffling his hair "No...because now it reminds of someone beautiful, it’s just as beautiful and gentle as you Haeun. So whenever I see the ocean it will remind me of you Haeun.."

Haeun felt his heart skip at the words, warmth spreading across his cheeks. He hadn’t expected something so soft, so sincere from Yeongsoo. For a moment, he didn’t know what to say, only holding tighter to his hand.

"That’s... really cheesy, you know?" Haeun murmured, though he couldn’t hide the smile tugging at his lips.

Yeongsoo chuckled, his gaze drifting back to the horizon. "Guess you’re bringing out the cheesy side of me, then."

They stood together, letting the silence settle, each lost in their own thoughts but bound by the comfort of the other’s presence.

"Ah...haha...you’re really funny Yeongsoo.."

"...."

"What’s funny?" Yeongsoo asked feeling confused but Haeun only kept laughing swinging their arms.

"It’s nothing...I’m just really happy.."

Haeun smiled, what Yeongsoo said did that mean he was the only one in his heart right now?

Yeongsoo watched Haeun laugh, feeling a warmth that matched the evening sun. This carefree happiness on Haeun’s face, the gentle way he swung their joined hands—it filled a quiet part of him he hadn’t even realized was empty.

"Just happy, huh?" Yeongsoo repeated, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. "Well, I guess that makes two of us."

Haeun looked up at him, and for a moment, his laughter quieted, replaced by a softer expression. His hand held onto Yeongsoo’s a little tighter, his gaze steady. "So... when you said the ocean reminds you of me... did you really mean it?"

"Of course I did," Yeongsoo replied, his voice almost a whisper. "Being with you... It’s like how I imagine the ocean feels. Calming and endless."

Haeun felt his cheeks grow warm again, the sincerity in Yeongsoo’s eyes making his heart flutter. "It’s strange, you know. How something can go from being just... there, to suddenly meaning so much."

Yeongsoo nodded. "Things change," he echoed, lifting Haeun’s hand gently, giving it a light squeeze. "Sometimes you meet someone who makes you see everything in a different light. And then, nothing’s ever the same."