Crave You Forever
Chapter 95: How about some warm soup

Chapter 95: How about some warm soup

"He’s with my parents," Haeun finally mumbled, casting a glance up at Yeongsoo as he let himself be carried. "They insisted on watching him tonight."

Yeongsoo nodded, a faint smile curving his lips as he softened his hold on Haeun, the tension in his body easing slightly. "Good. Then you don’t have to worry about him for now," he murmured, his voice gentle again. "Let me take care of you tonight."

Haeun’s pout slowly faded, his arms relaxing as he nestled against Yeongsoo’s chest. He couldn’t deny how comforting it felt, especially after all the hurt and anger they’d been through tonight.

Yeongsoo gave him a soft look. "How about some warm soup? And afterward... we’ll figure out the next steps together."

Haeun nodded, his heart finally feeling at ease. "Soup sounds nice," he whispered, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

As Yeongsoo carried Haeun down the corridor, his steps steady, he was already on the phone with his personal physician. His voice was calm but firm, instructing the doctor to come to his home immediately and bring everything necessary to treat bruising and minor injuries. There was a storm simmering behind his calm tone—a barely restrained fury that he kept hidden for Haeun’s sake.

Once they reached Yeongsoo’s penthouse, he set Haeun down on the plush couch with a gentleness that felt almost reverent. Haeun shifted, clearly uncomfortable under the attention, but Yeongsoo knelt down in front of him, holding his gaze with an intensity that made Haeun’s heart skip a beat.

"Stay here," Yeongsoo said, his hand warm on Haeun’s knee. "The doctor will be here soon to take care of those bruises." He leaned closer, his expression softening. "I want to make sure you’re all right, Haeun. Let me do this for you."

Haeun opened his mouth to protest, but the gentle, pleading look in Yeongsoo’s eyes silenced him. A part of him wanted to tell Yeongsoo not to go to so much trouble, that he could handle it himself—but after everything, he was so tired. The tension of the night, the heartache, the adrenaline...it all caught up with him, leaving him drained.

"Okay," he finally whispered, his voice small but sincere. "I’ll stay."

Yeongsoo’s eyes softened further, his hand reaching up to gently tuck a stray lock of hair behind Haeun’s ear. "Good." He took a seat beside him, wrapping a comforting arm around his shoulders as they waited.

The doctor arrived shortly, a tall man in his forties with a calm, reassuring presence. He quickly set to work, unpacking his medical bag and preparing to treat Haeun’s bruises with antiseptics and a cooling ointment to reduce the swelling. Haeun flinched slightly at the first touch of the cold gel, and Yeongsoo’s hand immediately moved to clasp his, offering a comforting squeeze.

"Just a bit more, Haeun," Yeongsoo murmured, his gaze never leaving Haeun’s face. "You’re doing well."

The doctor worked efficiently, applying the ointment to the bruised areas on Haeun’s cheek and jaw, treating each mark with a delicate touch. His professional demeanor gave Haeun some comfort, and soon enough, the worst of the sting had faded, leaving only a soothing coolness.

As the doctor finished up, Yeongsoo finally spoke, his tone tight with suppressed anger. "I want you to leave extra supplies for treating these injuries, just in case."

The doctor nodded, packing up the supplies and giving Haeun a warm smile. "You’ll be fine with a bit of rest. The swelling should go down in a day or two. Take it easy."

Once the doctor left, Yeongsoo turned back to Haeun, his eyes gentle again. "How are you feeling?"

Haeun took a slow breath, leaning into Yeongsoo’s embrace, feeling the comfort seep through his bones. "Better," he murmured, his voice soft. "Thank you, Yeongsoo."

Yeongsoo wrapped both arms around him, pulling him close and resting his chin on top of Haeun’s head. "You never have to thank me for this," he whispered. "I’ll always take care of you, Haeun. I’ll make sure you’re safe, no matter what."

Haeun’s heart swelled at his words, the sincerity in Yeongsoo’s voice filling the cracks of his broken heart. For the first time in a long while, he felt truly protected, as if no harm could reach him with Yeongsoo by his side.

They sat like that in silence, the warmth of Yeongsoo’s arms a balm to Haeun’s weary heart. After a moment, Yeongsoo’s voice broke the quiet.

"How about that soup?" he murmured, his tone softer now, almost playful. "It’s been a long night, and you must be starving."

As Yeongsoo moved around the kitchen, the comforting clinks of pots and the soft hum of the stove filled the air. The warmth from the kitchen began to seep into the living room, and Haeun’s eyelids grew heavier with each passing second. The events of the night had drained him, and the soft, cozy atmosphere made it hard to stay awake.

Finally, he gave in, lying down on the couch, curling up with his head resting on the armrest. He tried to keep his eyes open, watching Yeongsoo’s silhouette as he prepared the soup, but before he knew it, his vision blurred, and his eyes closed.

The faint clatter of a ladle being set down stirred Haeun from his half-sleep. He blinked drowsily, catching a glimpse of Yeongsoo leaning over him, a tender look in his eyes.

"Are you still awake?" Yeongsoo whispered, his voice soft, barely above a murmur.

Haeun managed a sleepy nod, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Barely... I think I’ll need you to carry me if you don’t want me to fall asleep right here," he mumbled, his voice thick with drowsiness.

Yeongsoo’s gaze softened even further, and he reached out, gently brushing his fingers across Haeun’s cheek. "Let’s get you somewhere more comfortable," he said, lifting Haeun into his arms without hesitation. Haeun’s head rested against Yeongsoo’s shoulder, the steady rhythm of his breathing making Haeun’s own heartbeat slow and steady.

He didn’t fully wake until Yeongsoo settled him into the soft covers of the bed. As Yeongsoo began to pull away, Haeun’s fingers curled around his wrist, stopping him.

"Stay," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Just for a little while?"

Yeongsoo looked down at him, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he nodded. He sat down on the edge of the bed, his hand brushing through Haeun’s hair in soothing strokes, each touch grounding Haeun further into the comfort of the moment. The gentle rhythm lulled him back into the edges of sleep.

Just before he drifted off completely, he heard Yeongsoo’s quiet voice, filled with warmth and resolve. "I’ll stay, Haeun. I’m not going anywhere."

And with those words, Haeun’s fears and worries faded away, leaving him wrapped in warmth and safety as he surrendered to sleep.

"..."

Yeongsoo bit his lips, he didn’t know how to tell Haeun that he was the one who needed him to stay, that was he the one who was scared of him leaving, that he was the one who he couldn’t do without.

"Thank you Haeun, I don’t deserve a man like you I’m only privileged that you’re in love with me.."