Crave You Forever
Chapter 75: Atleast have some intergrity

Chapter 75: Atleast have some intergrity

Yeongsoo froze as he entered the dimly lit, polished lounge, his eyes adjusting to the figure seated with Sean. His father, Hanuel, sat calmly, a glass of untouched whiskey in hand, posture impeccable, his gaze as unyielding and cold as Yeongsoo remembered. Hanuel’s tailored suit and formal demeanor seemed out of place in the informal setting, yet he sat as if the place were made to his standards.

Sean glanced between the two, eyes darting with tension before looking away, giving them a moment of privacy.

"Yeongsoo," Hanuel greeted, his voice smooth but devoid of warmth. "It’s been some time." He raised a brow, seemingly unaffected by the years that had passed.

Yeongsoo took a breath, steadying himself. He hadn’t anticipated this encounter tonight—or ever. "I wasn’t expecting to see you here."

Hanuel’s gaze remained sharp. "I assumed as much, but it couldn’t be avoided. I’ve found that certain... situations warrant a face-to-face discussion." His words were precise, with a subtle weight to each syllable, as if he were merely ticking off a necessary formality.

The silence stretched, each man sizing the other up, and finally, Yeongsoo spoke, trying to mask his unease. "What exactly are we discussing?"

Hanuel took a deliberate sip of his whiskey, unhurried. "The choices you’ve made recently. I’d like to know more about them." His gaze didn’t waver, a look of faint disapproval evident.

Yeongsoo clenched his fists, caught between frustration and the ingrained respect he still felt. "Choices," he repeated, his voice steady but firm. "I’m not sure that’s any of your concern anymore."

Hanuel’s brow arched, a slight smirk forming. "You still have that fire, I see. But tell me, how are you handling... everything? I trust you’re living up to the responsibilities that come with your decisions?" His tone remained cordial, yet there was an edge, a hint of expectation.

Yeongsoo met his father’s gaze, a sense of defiance welling up. "I’m doing just fine. Without needing anyone to check in on me."

Hanuel only gave a faint nod, his expression unmoved. "Then, I suppose there’s no need for concern. But I’d advise against closing every door you see." He placed his glass on the table with a measured elegance, letting the words linger in the silence.

"...."

"I’m well capable of handling my decisions father.."

"..."

The faintest hint of amusement crossed Hanuel’s otherwise unreadable face. "So, this... Omega," he said, voice slow, almost curious. "When are you planning on bringing him to meet the family?"

Yeongsoo tensed, holding back the urge to react. He hadn’t mentioned Haeun much to anyone, and he certainly hadn’t thought of introducing him formally—especially to Hanuel, who seemed more like a stranger than family.

"I didn’t know you were that interested," Yeongsoo replied, maintaining a neutral tone.

Hanuel’s eyes narrowed slightly, his expression still measured. "I find it... interesting, yes. I wonder if he’s aware of what’s expected. After all, this isn’t just anyone you’ve chosen. You had to go for Taekjoon’s kid? Didn’t you?"

The words landed with a cold weight, and Yeongsoo’s pulse quickened. He fought to keep his face steady, but the implication stung. The idea that his choice—his relationship with Haeun—could be reduced to some extension of a long-forgotten rivalry or alliance between their parents felt like an insult to everything they’d built.

"It isn’t about that," Yeongsoo replied, his voice tight. "Haeun isn’t just... Mr Yoon’s son. He’s his own person. We’re together because of who he is, it has nothing to do with you or anyone else."

Hanuel leaned back, assessing him with that same detached gaze. "Perhaps. But given the circumstances, it’s hard to believe it was mere coincidence. Don’t you see? This isn’t a trivial matter—our families, our history, everything about it is tied to certain... expectations. You, of all people, should know that."

The air felt thick, and Yeongsoo struggled to hold his temper in check. "Whatever ’expectations’ you think there are, they don’t apply here. Haeun is mine to decide. I don’t need your approval, you can’t show up whenever you like and make rules!."

Hanuel’s gaze remained fixed, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You’ve always had a defiant streak. But remember, Yeongsoo, that doesn’t free you from your responsibilities. Whether you acknowledge them or not, they’re still there."

Hanuel’s words hung in the air, casting a chill over the dimly lit bar. Yeongsoo clenched his jaw, irritation tightening in his chest.

"Responsibilities?" he repeated, keeping his voice measured. "Is that what you’re here to remind me of? After all this time?"

Hanuel didn’t flinch, his gaze remaining steady. "You think I don’t know what you’re doing with Haeun? That I don’t see how... impulsive this is?"

Yeongsoo’s hands curled into fists under the table. "This has nothing to do with you," he said, his voice a low warning. "Haeun and I—whatever we have—is ours. It’s not some game piece for you to place on a board."

Hanuel’s expression remained composed, though a flicker of something almost like disappointment crossed his face. "I don’t expect you to understand, not yet. But there’s more to this than you seem to realize. People are watching. Your choices affect more than just you."

Bang!

"And I’m supposed to believe you care now?" Yeongsoo shot back, bitterness creeping into his tone. "All those years you were too busy to show up, to bother with anything other than work—now, suddenly, you’re here because my ’choices’ might inconvenience you? That’s bullshit!"

A faint sigh escaped Hanuel’s lips, as if he found the conversation tiresome. "You’ve always misunderstood. My role, my work—it was never about neglecting you. It was about ensuring stability for all of us."

Yeongsoo shook his head, how incredulous. "Stability? Is that what you call it? A family that barely spoke, a father who was more of a ghost than anything else?"

Hanuel’s eyes flashed, a rare sign of frustration. "Believe what you want, Yeongsoo. But one day, you’ll understand why certain sacrifices were necessary. You may resent me now, but when it comes to that omega, just think carefully about the choices you’re making."

Hanuel stood, adjusting his cufflinks with precise movements, the same detached elegance he always carried himself with. "You’re free to make your own decisions. But don’t think I won’t be here to correct them if they bring... unnecessary complications or ruin our family image. You’ve already taken the dark side of the family business at least have some intergrity."

"...."

Yeongsoo felt a coldness settle in his gut as he watched his father turn to leave. "You really don’t see anything wrong with what you’ve done, do you?"

Hanuel paused, glancing back with an air of finality. "There are many things I don’t expect you to understand. Just know that I’ll be watching." And with that, he strode out of the bar, leaving Yeongsoo alone with the weight of his words echoing in the empty space.