Crave You Forever-Chapter 113: I feel complete.

The serious air broke the instant he saw Haeun. Taeun stood quickly, setting aside the papers. His expression brightened with warmth that was far less formal than the greetings Haeun had received outside.

"You’re here. I thought Eunja was joking when she said you came in today."

Haeun smiled softly at his younger brother’s energy, closing the door behind him. "I told you I’d come by when I could."

They met halfway across the office, the two brothers falling easily into familiar rhythm. Taeun’s gaze immediately swept down to Haeun’s stomach, the corners of his lips tugging upward.

"How far along now?" Taeun asked, his tone playful but threaded with genuine care. "I swear, every time I see you, my niece or nephew looks like they’re growing faster than this company."

Haeun chuckled, resting a hand gently on his belly. "Closer to the due date than you think. Just a little while longer, and then... I’ll be back here to relieve you."

Taeun groaned dramatically, throwing his head back. "Six months, hyung. Six months of you stuffing me with so much work I barely remember what my own apartment looks like. Tell me, when am I supposed to find an Omega for myself if you’ve tied me to this desk?"

Haeun laughed softly, shaking his head. "You? Complaining about work? That’s new."

"I’m serious!" Taeun insisted, though a grin tugged at his lips. He collapsed onto the sofa in the corner and gestured for Haeun to join him. "Look at you. All settled, happy, building a family. And here I am, your younger brother, buried in contracts and meetings with no time to even think about dating."

Settling beside him, Haeun reached out and gave his hand a firm, affectionate pat.

"You’ve done more than enough for me, Taeun. You stepped in without hesitation, and you’ve carried this weight for months. Don’t think for a second I don’t see how much you’ve done."

For a moment, Taeun grew quiet, watching his older brother with a mix of pride and exasperation. "...You always do this, hyung. Make it sound like I’m doing something noble when I’m just doing what family should do."

"Family or not, it’s not easy," Haeun replied, voice softer now. "And I owe you more than you realize. Once the baby’s here, I’ll take back my role. You’ll finally have time for yourself. To live a little."

Taeun smirked, leaning back against the sofa cushions. "You’d better. Otherwise, I’ll start charging you overtime fees."

Haeun rolled his eyes, but his smile lingered. "I’ll make it up to you. Consider it a promise from your big brother."

They sat together in companionable silence for a moment, the busy world outside the office muted by the thick walls. The weight of business and expectations hung in the background, but here, it was just two brothers, one preparing to welcome new life, the other quietly carrying burdens until that day arrived.

Taeun broke the silence first, nudging Haeun’s arm. "You know... I really wouldn’t mind being an uncle soon. So hurry up, okay? I’ve already decided I’ll be the cool one."

Haeun chuckled, warmth in his eyes. "You already are."

Haeun leaned back into the sofa cushions, a soft, almost dreamy smile tugging at his lips.

His hand rested gently on the swell of his belly, as though grounding himself to the life growing within him.

"You know, Taeun..." he began, voice low but steady, "I’m really happy."

Taeun tilted his head, studying him. Haeun wasn’t one to state things so plainly unless he meant them with his whole heart.

"I should thank Mum.." Haeun continued with a small laugh. "He was the one who set me up with Yeongsoo, remember? The start was... bumpy. I was so scared—scared of trusting, scared of being hurt again. But now..." His smile softened further, his gaze distant but filled with light. "Now, I’ve come to really love that man. And soon, we’re about to start a family together. Can you imagine that? Me, who thought I was broken beyond repair."

His words lingered in the air.

"A broken Omega like me somehow ended up with both an Alpha who cares for me, and a child I already love more than life itself." His hand tightened slightly over his belly, his eyes glistening faintly. "So this... this must be what it feels like to have a family. It’s... really nice, Taeun. Warmer than I ever thought possible."

Taeun’s throat tightened. He shifted slightly, looking away before his emotions betrayed him.

Haeun let out a small chuckle, brushing at his cheek as though embarrassed by his own openness. "I’ve been wondering lately... should I wait for Yeongsoo to bring it up? Or maybe, since I’m the older one, I should be the one to propose first. What do you think?"

At that, Taeun turned back to him, a grin spreading slowly across his face. "You? Proposing? Now that’s something I’d pay to see." He nudged Haeun lightly with his shoulder. "But if you’re asking me... I think Yeongsoo will say yes, no matter who asks. He’d be a fool not to."

Haeun’s laughter rang quietly, warm and unguarded.

For a moment, silence stretched again, not heavy but thoughtful. Taeun leaned back, his own gaze wandering to the city skyline outside the tall windows.

He was genuinely happy—so happy—to see his brother like this. Yet, somewhere deep inside, his heart gave a dull ache.

An ache for his Omega he had lost, the bond severed too soon. Grief was strange; it dulled with time but never truly left. It lingered like a scar, tender when pressed.

But then... he thought of someone else. Someone who had slowly but steadily, eased that pain. Who reminded him that his life didn’t end with loss. That he could still laugh, still hope, still dream of more.

Taeun drew in a quiet breath, straightening his shoulders. He didn’t want to burden Haeun with the weight of his grief. Not now, not when his brother’s happiness was so fragile and bright.

Instead, he let his lips curve into a gentle smile. I’ll be better, he promised silently. For the one who’s beside me now. For the one who makes me whole again.

Turning back to Haeun, Taeun clapped him softly on the shoulder. "You deserve this, hyung. All of it. Don’t ever think otherwise."

And for the first time in a long while, Haeun let himself believe it.