Crave You Forever
Chapter 97: Leave my omega alone

Chapter 97: Leave my omega alone

Yeongsoo carefully helped Haeun get ready, his movements gentle and deliberate, mindful of Haeun’s comfort. He glanced at the clock before looking back at Haeun, who was slipping on his coat.

"It’s time for your checkup," Yeongsoo said, his voice warm but firm. "You’re entering your fourth month, and we need to make sure everything’s okay."

Haeun nodded, giving him a small smile. "I know. I feel better already... but let’s see what Dr. Choi says."

The drive to the clinic was quiet but comforting, with Yeongsoo’s hand resting protectively on Haeun’s thigh. Haeun gazed out the window, his mind a mix of anticipation and nervousness. He wanted good news—not just for himself, but for Yeongsoo, who carried so much worry behind his composed exterior.

When they arrived, Dr. Choi greeted them warmly, his professionalism softening at the sight of Haeun. "Ah, Haeun, Mr. Cheon, welcome. Let’s see how you and the baby are doing today."

Haeun lay back on the examination chair, his hand immediately finding Yeongsoo’s as Dr. Choi began the checkup. The ultrasound screen lit up, and the familiar sound of a steady heartbeat filled the room. Both men let out a collective breath, their tension easing.

"Everything looks good," Dr. Choi said with a smile, but then his tone shifted to something more intrigued. He adjusted the monitor and continued his evaluation, his eyebrows raising slightly.

Interesting," he muttered under his breath before turning back to Haeun and Yeongsoo with a small, almost satisfied smile.

"What’s interesting?" Yeongsoo asked, his voice laced with concern.

Dr. Choi folded his arms and leaned slightly against the counter. "It’s rare, but not unheard of," he began, his tone thoughtful. "Haeun-ssi, your pheromone levels have been changing—adapting—throughout this pregnancy. Initially, your body struggled to balance your pheromones, which was our biggest concern. But now..." He gestured at the screen. "Your levels are stabilizing, and not just that—they’re actually improving. This indicates your body is adjusting remarkably well to support both you and the baby."

Haeun blinked, his lips parting in disbelief. "So... what does that mean for the rest of the pregnancy?"

Dr. Choi’s smile widened slightly. "It means the prognosis has improved significantly. If this progression continues, you’ll likely be able to carry the baby to term without the complications we initially worried about. Your body is effectively adapting to the demands of the pregnancy, which is an excellent sign."

Haeun’s eyes filled with tears, his free hand instinctively moving to his stomach. "Really? I... I’m doing okay?"

Dr. Choi nodded firmly. "More than okay. Your body is doing what it needs to do, and at this point, I’d say there’s a very strong chance of a normal pregnancy going forward. Of course, we’ll continue to monitor closely, but this is good news, Haeun-ssi."

A breath Haeun didn’t realize he’d been holding escaped in a shaky sigh. His tears began to spill freely as he looked at Yeongsoo, overwhelmed by relief and joy.

Yeongsoo, who had been unusually silent, closed his eyes for a moment as if grounding himself. Then he crouched slightly, bringing himself to Haeun’s eye level, his hands gently cupping Haeun’s cheeks.

"You hear that?" Yeongsoo murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "You’re strong, Haeun. So much stronger than you give yourself credit for."

Haeun nodded, his tears spilling faster now. "I didn’t think... I didn’t think this could happen. I thought..." He trailed off, unable to find the words.

"It’s happening," Yeongsoo said firmly. "You’re amazing. Both of you are." He placed a soft kiss on Haeun’s forehead, lingering there as he whispered, "I’m so proud of you."

Dr. Choi cleared his throat softly, bringing their attention back to him. "I’ll prepare the updated reports and some additional supplements for your continued health. But for now, I’d say the two of you have every reason to celebrate."

As they exited the clinic, Haeun glanced at Yeongsoo, his hand instinctively resting on his stomach. He smiled softly, looking up at him.

"Let’s go pick up Suho," Haeun suggested. "I’m sure he’s been waiting for us."

Yeongsoo hummed in agreement, opening the passenger door to help Haeun inside before settling in the driver’s seat. "He’s probably been running circles around your parents. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve spoiled him completely by now."

Haeun chuckled. "They probably have. My dad, especially. He has a soft spot for Suho."

The drive to his parents’ home was quiet but comfortable, with Haeun occasionally humming softly to himself, his hand absently brushing over his stomach. Yeongsoo stole glances at him, his heart swelling at how serene Haeun looked despite everything they’d been through.

When they arrived at the secluded hilltop estate, Haeun’s eyes lit up at the sight of Suho darting around the front yard, his laughter echoing as Minho tried to herd him back toward the house.

"Suho!" Haeun called, his voice bright.

The boy turned at the sound of his name, his face lighting up when he spotted Haeun and Yeongsoo. "Haeun! Yeongsoo!" he shouted, his little legs carrying him across the yard in an instant.

Haeun crouched down just in time to catch Suho, wrapping his arms around the boy tightly. "Did you have fun?"

"Grandpa taught me how to plant flowers!" Suho announced proudly, his small hands gesturing wildly. "And then Grandma made cookies, but I didn’t eat too many. I promise!"

Yeongsoo chuckled as he walked up, ruffling Suho’s hair. "Sounds like you’ve been having a good time."

Minho and Taekjoon followed soon after, greeting the pair warmly. After a brief chat and some tea, Yeongsoo’s expression grew thoughtful.

"Haeun," he began softly, "I need to take care of something. I think it’s best if you and Suho stay here for now. I’ll come back for you when I’m done."

Haeun frowned, glancing up at him. "What is it? Is it work?"

Yeongsoo nodded, his hand brushing against Haeun’s cheek briefly. "Something I need to handle personally. Don’t worry, it won’t take long."

Haeun’s lips pressed into a thin line, a mix of worry and frustration flickering across his face. "You’re not going to tell me what it is, are you?"

"It’s better if you don’t know," Yeongsoo admitted, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to Haeun’s forehead. "I promise I’ll come back soon. Just rest here with Suho and your parents, alright?"

Yeongsoo’s grip on the steering wheel tightened as he sped down the road, his jaw clenched so hard it ached. His thoughts churned violently, circling back to the vivid image of the bruises on Haeun’s face. Every time he saw Haeun wince or brush his fingers against the faint marks, a fresh wave of anger surged through him.

He should have handled Bai Youran the moment the man started meddling in their lives. Instead, he’d let things simmer, hoping to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. But now... now, Bai Youran had crossed a line he could never forgive.

When he arrived at the towering gates of Bai Youran’s sprawling estate, he barely waited for the guard to acknowledge his presence before stepping out of the car. His movements were measured, cold, as he strode up to the gate.

"Tell your boss to come out," he demanded, his voice low but carrying a dangerous edge.

The guard hesitated, but the look in Yeongsoo’s eyes left no room for argument. He hurriedly spoke into his earpiece before gesturing for Yeongsoo to enter.

Bai Youran was waiting on the front steps, a smug smirk already tugging at his lips. Dressed in his usual designer suit, he looked completely at ease, as if he hadn’t done anything to provoke Yeongsoo’s wrath.

"Yeongsoo!" Bai Youran drawled, spreading his arms in welcome. "What an unexpected surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Yeongsoo’s expression remained unreadable as he walked closer, his hands tucked casually into his coat pockets. But his eyes... his eyes burned with an intensity that made even Bai Youran hesitate for a fraction of a second.

"You laid a hand on my Haeun," Yeongsoo said, his tone calm, too calm. "And you thought you’d get away.?"

"..."

"What are you talking about? I didn’t do anything wrong? And who is Haeun?"

Bai Youran smiled as he crossed his legs, intertwining his hands as he waited for Yeongsoo’s reply.

You laid a hand on Haeun," Yeongsoo said evenly, his voice dangerously soft. "And you think I’d let that slide?"

Bai Youran tilted his head, pretending to look puzzled. "Haeun? Oh, you mean your little omega." His smile widened as he stepped closer, a deliberate motion to test Yeongsoo’s patience. "I was just giving him a little... advice. It’s not my fault he decided to be stubborn."

Yeongsoo’s jaw tightened, and his hands curled into fists at his sides. But Bai Youran wasn’t done.