Crave You Forever
Chapter 84: I want something greasy

Chapter 84: I want something greasy

Haeun’s reply came in almost immediately, his message short and playful:

"About time, Yeong. Where’s my backup?"

Yeongsoo chuckled, tucking his phone away as he crossed the crowded floor toward the front where Haeun stood. Haeun caught sight of him, and a brief flash of relief passed over his face before he turned back to the press, smoothly fielding questions as if he hadn’t been waiting.

Yeongsoo positioned himself discreetly to one side, close enough to step in if needed, but far enough to let Haeun have his moment. The launch was a massive success, evident in the captivated expressions of the audience, all hanging onto Haeun’s every word. But even in his element, Haeun’s gaze flicked over to him, as if to make sure Yeongsoo was there.

When the press conference wrapped up, the room burst into applause, and Haeun finally made his way over to him. A faint grin tugged at his lips as he murmured, "Thought you might have abandoned me to all those vultures."

"Not a chance," Yeongsoo replied, his eyes softening as he took in Haeun’s radiant expression. "I’d rather face a thousand flies than leave you alone with them."

Haeun’s eyes glimmered with amusement. "Is that right?" He moved closer, dropping his voice to a teasing murmur. "Good, because I had no plans of letting you escape, anyway."

They were soon surrounded by investors and executives eager to congratulate Haeun, but even in the midst of the crowd, they shared quiet, knowing glances. To the rest of the world, they were two polished professionals basking in the success of their creation. But for Yeongsoo, there was something more—an unspoken promise in the way Haeun looked at him, in the warmth they shared despite the watchful eyes around them.

As the evening wore on and the crowd finally began to thin, Haeun reached out, brushing his hand briefly against Yeongsoo’s arm. "Stay with me a bit longer?" he asked, his tone softer than usual.

Yeongsoo nodded, his heart beating a little faster as he fell in step beside him. The night was theirs, and for now, that was all he needed.

They made their way out of the venue, the buzz of the crowd fading as they stepped into the cool night air. A gentle breeze rustled around them, bringing with it a welcome quiet after the evening’s whirlwind.

Haeun took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment, letting the tension of the evening slip away. Then, he glanced over at Yeongsoo, his gaze warm but thoughtful. "I think it’s about time we get Suho," he said softly. "He’s probably waiting for us."

Yeongsoo nodded. "He’s probably ready to drag us home himself."

They walked together to where Suho had been waiting, sitting on a bench with a book clutched in his hands, his small face focused in concentration. When he looked up and saw them, his expression lit up, and he hopped off the bench to meet them.

"Finally! I thought you guys were never coming out," Suho grumbled, though his eyes betrayed his excitement at seeing them.

Haeun chuckled, ruffling Suho’s hair. "You’ve got that look again. Did you have to wait too long, little man?"

Suho huffed, brushing Haeun’s hand away but unable to hide his grin. "I waited like you told me to, but next time, can I do something fun instead?"

Haeun laughed, his voice light. "Deal. Next time, we’ll make sure it’s more fun."

Suho gave a satisfied nod, and they headed to the car. On the drive home, he eagerly recounted stories from the book he’d been reading, his voice filling the quiet night with a mixture of enthusiasm and innocence. Haeun listened intently, encouraging Suho’s excitement with questions and expressions of amazement, while Yeongsoo occasionally glanced back, a warm smile on his face as he watched them interact.

By the time they arrived home, Suho was drowsy, fighting to keep his eyes open. Haeun gently lifted him from the car, carrying him inside as he mumbled a few sleepy protests before finally giving in.

Once Suho was settled in bed, Haeun and Yeongsoo found themselves alone in the living room, the soft glow of the lights casting a warm ambiance. They sat side by side, an easy silence falling over them.

"Tonight went better than I expected," Haeun murmured, his voice quiet, as if not wanting to disturb the peacefulness of the moment.

Yeongsoo glanced over, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "You were incredible, Haeun. It’s no wonder everyone was so drawn to you tonight."

Haeun tilted his head, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. "Only because I knew you were there." His eyes softened, his expression vulnerable in a way he rarely allowed himself to be. "You’re always there."

They shared a long, quiet look, a moment suspended in time as the depth of their connection seemed to fill the space between them. Slowly, Haeun reached over, his hand brushing against Yeongsoo’s, fingers intertwining.

"For tonight, let’s just... be here," Haeun whispered, his voice tender.

Yeongsoo nodded, his heart full as he squeezed Haeun’s hand. "Here is exactly where I want to be."

Haeun’s soft, sleepy murmur broke the quiet, his head still resting comfortably on Yeongsoo’s shoulder. "Yeong," he mumbled, eyes half-closed. "I’m... really hungry."

Yeongsoo chuckled, his fingers brushing gently through Haeun’s hair. "You just realized that now?"

Haeun pouted slightly, though a small smile played at the corner of his lips. "Well, someone kept me busy all evening." He leaned back, looking up at Yeongsoo with a mischievous glint. "I was so distracted by your handsome face that I forgot I hadn’t eaten."

"Oh, so now it’s my fault?" Yeongsoo teased, rolling his eyes playfully. But he couldn’t help the warmth that filled his chest at Haeun’s gaze. "Alright, what does my hungry CEO want to eat?"

Haeun’s eyes lit up, his smile widening as he sat up, all traces of exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "Something greasy," he declared, with the enthusiasm of a kid finally let loose at a candy store. "Like... fried chicken. With extra sauce."

Yeongsoo couldn’t hold it in and chuckled "You’re really craving fried chicken?"

Haeun shrugged, completely unapologetic. "What can I say? High-profile events make me crave comfort food."

Without another word, Yeongsoo pulled out his phone and ordered a delivery of fried chicken, making sure to add the extra sauce just as Haeun liked it. When he hung up, Haeun was looking at him with an expression so affectionate it made his heart skip.

"You really do spoil me, you know that?" Haeun whispered, reaching out to squeeze Yeongsoo’s hand.

"Only because you’re worth spoiling," Yeongsoo replied, squeezing back.

They settled on the couch, chatting about the launch and laughing over some of the more absurd questions the press had asked. Soon enough, the fried chicken arrived, filling the room with its mouth-watering aroma. Haeun practically dove for the box, his eyes shining as he took his first bite.

"Ahhh, this is perfect," Haeun mumbled, his cheeks puffed up as he chewed. He offered a piece to Yeongsoo, who took it with an amused smile.