The Mirae Outlet inauguration unfolded without a single flaw. Cameras flashed relentlessly, reporters swarmed, and familiar faces from the US media filled the venue. Suho played his part with practiced ease, calm smiles, firm handshakes, and measured words.
Yet his phone vibrated far too often in his pocket.
Yerin.
He ignored every call.
Not because he didn't see them, but because he didn't trust himself to answer. He had no patience left. No softness to offer. And confrontation with her right now would only strip him raw in public.
But in between all this chaos, every ten minutes, his thoughts drifted back to Hauen. Even in the middle of the event, he texted her.
What are you doing?
The reply came quickly.
Watching a movie. Aren't you supposed to be charming the world right now?
He smiled. Then another message followed.
Don't be late tonight, husband. I'm waiting for our special love night.
The message made him flustered right there, surrounded by people, and he had to control his expression while his heart raced just thinking about her.
"Congratulations, Teddy Bear." The voice broke through his thoughts.
Suho turned sharply. Kevin stood beside him, hands casually tucked into his pockets, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.
"Don't call me that," Suho snapped.
Kevin's smirk widened. "You know what? Hauen gave you the perfect name. Teddy bear."
Suho glared again while Kevin laughed, clearly enjoying it.
"For your information, we are business partners, not a couple. And only my wife has the right to call me that," Suho said, annoyed.
Kevin laughed again. "At least you've accepted we're related somehow."
Suho gave him a weird look. Then, after a pause, he asked, "Do you really love Yerin?"
Kevin chuckled. "Why are you asking?"
"Because you flirt with men too," Suho said bluntly.
Kevin burst out laughing. "Come on, man. I'm just being friendly. And your wife talked about you a lot. I couldn't help but check if she was right."
Suho looked at him, suddenly curious. "What did she say about me?"
Kevin raised an eyebrow, amused. "Why? Why are you suddenly so curious?" He teased.
"I'm not. Just asking," Suho defended himself.
Kevin smiled. "To be honest, you two are made for each other. I don't know how you were with Yerin, but seeing you yesterday, running through the streets like a madman, desperate just to see Hauen… it told me everything about how much she means to you."
Suho blinked, the memory hitting him unexpectedly. His heart sped up before he could stop it. Then he looked at Kevin and muttered, "Still… I won't forgive you for taking my Hauen away from me."
Kevin smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry for that. I thought many times about telling you the truth, but I wanted Yerin to understand that she had lost you. I wanted her to see you longing for Hauen despite everything, to realize she no longer had a place in your life."
Suho looked at him silently.
Kevin smiled and continued, "But she was stubborn. And you… choosing to suffer alone rather than hurting Yerin. God, you both are crazy."
Suho looked down, memories crowding his mind.
"I loved her sincerely," he said quietly. "When she left me, it was too hard to believe she could walk away just like that. If I hadn't heard those words from her myself, I would've still waited for her… like a fool. And maybe if she had come back, I would've accepted her."
He let out a sad chuckle. "But things changed. Hauen was there with me, holding my broken pieces, rebuilding me. And I couldn't help but fall for her. I don't know… if Hauen was meant for me, then why did Yerin even happen in my life?"
He took a deep breath. "I might have fallen out of love with Yerin, but I never hated her. I still cared for her, respected her. But now after what she did… I can't help feeling angry and disappointed. Maybe even a little hatred too."
His voice softened. "I never imagined Yerin would do something like this."
Kevin placed a hand on his shoulder. Suho blinked, stopping himself from getting emotional.
"You found the right person," Kevin said calmly. "Someone who truly loves you and values your existence. Yerin was your weakness. You had to bend yourself, go against your own will again and again for her. But Hauen isn't like that. She's your strength. She builds you. She gives you courage."
Suho looked at him, the words settling deep in his heart.
Love shouldn't suffocate or stress you." Kevin said calmly. "It should give you peace and strength even when you're in hell. And that peace for you… is Hauen."
He paused, then smiled wryly. "And Yerin is my peace. She definitely needs to be taught a lesson for what she did to you, but yes, she affects me. And I can't forget her that easily. She's just…"
Kevin trailed off with a small chuckle.
Suho looked at him. "And how do you know she's meant for you? You never know, she might also leave you if you end up in a wheelchair," he teased.
Kevin smirked back. "I'm Choi Kevin, not a teddy bear who lets people go that easily."
Suho shot him an annoyed look for using that nickname again.
Kevin laughed. "Okay, fine. I won't call you that. But honestly, I can't help it. When I look at your face, I just remember a teddy bear. That perfect precision—"
"Enough," Suho cut him off.
Kevin laughed, nudging him playfully, while Suho stayed visibly annoyed. Soon, the teasing faded, and their conversation naturally drifted back to business.