Crave You Forever
Chapter 96: We’ve both suffered enough

Chapter 96: We’ve both suffered enough

When Yeongsoo finished preparing the soup, he turned to find Haeun fast asleep on the bed, breathing softly, his face relaxed but the bandages on his face made his eyes darken.

A faint frown tugged at Yeongsoo’s lips as he approached, carrying the bowl and a spoon. He knelt down beside him, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from Haeun’s forehead. The sight stirred something protective in him—an overwhelming urge to care for Haeun, to ensure he was safe and comforted.

"Haeun," he whispered gently, trying to rouse him. "Wake up. You need to eat something."

Haeun’s eyes fluttered open, and he blinked groggily, squinting up at Yeongsoo. "Mmm... Yeongsoo?" he murmured, still half-asleep.

"Yes, it’s me," Yeongsoo replied, his voice soft but coaxing. "I made you some soup. You need to eat, even just a little."

Haeun tried to sit up, but his exhaustion got the better of him, and he slouched back into the bed. A faint pout formed on his lips as he realized just how tired he was. Yeongsoo chuckled softly, then dipped the spoon into the soup, blowing on it gently to cool it before bringing it to Haeun’s lips.

"Here," Yeongsoo said, guiding the spoon carefully. "Just a few bites."

Haeun blinked, but he parted his lips, letting Yeongsoo feed him. The warmth of the soup spread through him, comforting and nourishing, and he found himself leaning into each spoonful, letting Yeongsoo take care of him.

"Thank you," Haeun mumbled between bites, his voice quiet but sincere. "For everything... for not leaving me tonight."

Yeongsoo’s hand stilled for a moment, his eyes softening as he looked at Haeun. "There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, but I should be thanking you Haeun. Cause I don’t know what I could have done if I didn’t see you, if I couldn’t reach you" he replied, his voice almost a whisper. He continued to feed Haeun, his movements gentle and patient, making sure each spoonful was easy to swallow.

"Almost done," he said, coaxing Haeun to take the last few bites. Haeun managed a tired smile, his eyes growing heavy again.

Finally, when the bowl was empty, Yeongsoo set it aside and brushed his hand over Haeun’s cheek. "You did well," he murmured, his tone affectionate.

As Haeun snuggled deeper into the bed, sleep pulling him under, he felt the faint brush of warmth on his cheek. Another gentle kiss followed, and then another, trailing from his cheek to his forehead, down to his nose, and even a soft peck on his jawline.

"Yeongsoo..." he mumbled, half-asleep, barely registering the affection.

But Yeongsoo wasn’t ready to stop, a tender smile on his lips as he continued pressing light, fluttering kisses across Haeun’s face. "Just a few more," he whispered, his voice low and filled with warmth. "I’m making up for lost time."

Haeun, though, was far too tired to stay awake. "Mmm... stop... ’m tryin’ t’sleep," he murmured, barely intelligible as he shifted and burrowed further into the pillow. His hand came up in a weak attempt to push Yeongsoo away, but it landed softly on Yeongsoo’s shoulder and just rested there, his fingers curling slightly.

Yeongsoo chuckled, undeterred. "You’re so cute like this," he said, dropping a kiss on Haeun’s temple. "I think I’ll keep going."

Haeun let out a sleepy whine, turning his face away, but that only encouraged Yeongsoo to sneak a few more kisses along his other cheek and his ear, which earned him a barely coherent murmur from Haeun. "Stop... tickles..."

"Fine, fine," Yeongsoo relented with a smile, pulling back slightly, though he still couldn’t resist brushing his fingers through Haeun’s hair. "I’ll let you sleep."

But just as he was about to settle back, Haeun’s sleepy voice interrupted him again. "Stay close..."

Yeongsoo’s heart softened, and he pulled Haeun into his arms, wrapping him securely and brushing one last kiss to his forehead. "I’m right here," he whispered, watching as Haeun drifted back to sleep with the faintest smile on his face. His eyes glowed darkly in the light, he wanted to leave, he wanted to leave so badly and take care of Bai Youran but he knew now was not the best time.

Yeongsoo pulled Haeun close, inhaling his pheromones, they always smelt different each time like they were evolving.

"Just give me time Haeun, I’ll be the man you deserve to have..."

As morning light seeped gently into the room, Haeun blinked his eyes open, feeling the warmth of an embrace cocooned around him. His gaze fell on Yeongsoo, who was nestled close, his face relaxed and softened in sleep, a peaceful expression Haeun rarely saw. Yeongsoo’s head was resting against Haeun’s chest, his breath steady, as if he had finally let down his guard.

Haeun couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. It was rare to see Yeongsoo so vulnerable, so unguarded. Carefully, he reached out, his fingers lightly tracing over Yeongsoo’s soft hair, brushing back a few stray strands from his forehead. He began to stroke Yeongsoo’s head slowly, savoring the warmth and quiet intimacy between them.

As he watched Yeongsoo sleep, Haeun’s thoughts drifted. He knew that loving someone like Yeongsoo, with the weight of his dangerous world and the demands of his work, came with its own risks. And maybe a part of him had been afraid, afraid of what it would mean to truly accept every part of Yeongsoo. But the longer he looked at him, the clearer his own feelings became.

Haeun didn’t mind the work Yeongsoo did—he understood that his job came with choices and actions that weren’t always simple. What mattered to Haeun was trust and honesty, knowing he could rely on Yeongsoo without the fear of hidden truths or lies that could come between them. And as long as Yeongsoo wasn’t harming innocents... Haeun was willing to stand by his side, to face whatever came.

I just don’t want lies, he thought, his fingers still gently running through Yeongsoo’s hair. And I don’t want him to cross lines that’ll haunt him. We’ve both suffered enough...

He made a mental note to share his heart with Yeongsoo once he woke up, to tell him that he wanted a future together—one built on trust, no matter the risks or challenges.

Just then, he felt Yeongsoo stir, his face scrunching slightly as he adjusted against Haeun, snuggling even closer, which made Haeun smile. A soft murmur escaped Yeongsoo’s lips as he slowly blinked awake, his eyes meeting Haeun’s with a sleepy but warm gaze.

"Morning," Yeongsoo mumbled, a lazy smile appearing as he caught the tender look in Haeun’s eyes.

"Good morning," Haeun replied, chuckling softly as he continued stroking Yeongsoo’s hair. "Someone looks cozy."

Yeongsoo gave a sleepy nod, not making any move to pull away. "Can’t help it. This feels... nice." He looked up at Haeun, his gaze softening. "Thank you for staying."

Haeun’s heart swelled, and he leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Yeongsoo’s forehead. "There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. And..." He hesitated, his voice growing soft as he continued, "I want us to be honest with each other. No lies, no secrets. I don’t mind what you do, Yeongsoo. I just need to trust you. And... please, no harm to innocents."

Yeongsoo nodded, his eyes glistening with a hint of emotion as he held Haeun’s gaze. "I promise," he whispered, his voice steady. "No secrets. And I’ll make sure no harm comes to anyone innocent... I’ll do whatever it takes to make this work, Haeun."