Silent Hearts: Operation Breaking His Ice Heart (Complete)

Chapter 10

Author's POV:


After dinner, Mew and Gulf immediately went upstairs to their room, as Gulf needed to rest since his due date was fast approaching. Kyle also left to pick up his wife from the airport, and Ceidence headed upstairs as well. This left Ada and Rhythm alone in the dining room.

With that, Ada and Rhythm were left alone in the grand dining room, the echoes of laughter from the family still lingering in the air. Ada, feeling the weight of everything that had been said, stood still for a moment, lost in her thoughts.

He had so much he wanted to express, particularly his confusion and hesitation about being called Rhythm's fiancé. The entire evening had felt surreal. There was a part of him that wanted to clear the air, to explain that he wasn't ready for any of that, not yet. But the words got stuck in his throat.

Ada hesitated for a moment, fiddling with his hands before finally speaking up.

"Rhythm, about the fiancé thing... I'm sorry," Ada started, his voice trembling slightly. "I know this whole thing must seem... weird, especially for you. I didn't mean for it to be taken seriously. It's just... it's just that everyone keeps saying it, and I feel like—"

Before Ada could finish, Rhythm gently interrupted, his voice soft yet reassuring.

"Hey, don't worry about it," Rhythm said, his tone calm. He gave Ada a small smile. "It's fine. Really."

Ada felt his heart skip a beat. He wanted to explain himself more, but the way Rhythm spoke made it hard to continue. Rhythm wasn't upset, he wasn't angry—he just seemed so at ease about it all.

"I don't want to make things awkward between us," Ada added quickly, his face flushing. "I just... I guess it's a little overwhelming, with everything going on and people assuming things about us."

Rhythm nodded, leaning back in his chair as he looked at Ada with an understanding gaze.

"You don't have to explain yourself, Ada," he said, his voice gentle. "I get it. Things get complicated with rumors and assumptions. But if it ever gets to you, just tell me. Okay?"

Ada let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, his shoulders relaxing. Rhythm's words made him feel a little lighter, even if he still wasn't sure how everything would turn out.

"Thanks, Rhy," Ada said, managing a smile. "I really appreciate it." Rhythm grinned, his eyes bright.

"Anytime, Ada."

Rhythm insisted on walking Ada home, despite Ada's protests. But as usual, Rhythm was persistent, and Ada with no choice but to accept. They walked side by side in silence, the night air cool around them. Ada couldn't help but feel that everything was a bit surreal. His mind was racing, replaying the day's events. How had it all happened so fast? Two things from his bucket list had already been ticked off, and it felt almost too good to be true.

When they reached the gate of Ada's house, they stopped. Ada hesitated for a moment before speaking, his voice quieter than usual.

"Thank you, Rhy... for welcoming me into your house. And to your family as well," Ada said shyly. "Please send my regards to your mom and dad. I really enjoyed dinner." Rhythm nodded, his eyes softening at Ada's words. Just as Ada was about to step through the gate, Rhythm suddenly called out to him.