Silent Hearts: Operation Breaking His Ice Heart (Complete)

Chapter 15

The hospital buzzed with quiet urgency, but all Rhythm could focus on was the red light above the ER doors. His usually calm demeanor was nowhere to be seen. His hands were clasped tightly together, and every now and then, his eyes darted anxiously to where Mew was with Gulf who is now giving birth. They were on their way home from school when they received a message from Kyle that Gulf was about to give birth.

Seated nearby, Kyle leaned back, Shine resting against him with her hand protectively over her belly. Ceidence and Treyton sat a little farther away, sharing whispers and amused glances at Rhythm's unusually tense state.

Ada, sitting beside Rhythm, noticed his unease. After hesitating for a moment, he reached over and gently held Rhythm's hand. Rhythm turned to him, surprise and worry etched on his face.

"Don't worry," Ada said softly, his voice steady despite the rapid beating of his own heart. "Mommy Gulf will be fine, and your baby sibling will be here safe and sound. Your mom is strong."

Rhythm stared at Ada for a long moment before pulling him into an unexpected hug. It was firm and protective, and Ada froze, caught off guard by the sudden closeness. Slowly, his arms came up to return the embrace, his face heating up.

Kyle and Shine exchanged amused smiles from their seats. Shine leaned closer to Kyle and whispered loud enough for everyone to hear, "I hope our baby looks like Ada."

Kyle chuckled. "Not a bad wish. We'd have an adorable kid."

Ceidence, overhearing, laughed. "Careful, Kyle, or Rhythm might take offense."

shine approached the two, she couldn't resist pinching Ada's cheeks earlier. 

Before Ada could respond, Rhythm shifted, his protective instincts flaring. He placed himself slightly in front of Ada and frowned at Shine. "Don't pinch him. He doesn't like it."

Shine blinked in surprise but quickly pouted. "Sorry, Ada. I didn't mean to." She look at Rhythm. "He's just so cute! I can't help it."

Ada laughed nervously, trying to ease the tension. "It's okay, Shine. Really."

But Rhythm wasn't letting it go, his expression serious as he muttered, "You're too nice." Ada smiled up at him, his heart warming at the concern. Even with everything going on, Rhythm still managed to shield him in his own way. It was endearing, even if overly protective.

The teasing from the others didn't help. Ceidence let out a low whistle. "Wow. Possessive much?" Ignoring Treyton beside him staring at him and It didn't escape to Rhythm's eyes. But he let it go.

Rhythm ignored the comment, but his hold on Ada tightened slightly. Treyton raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained, while Kyle and Shine exchanged knowing looks.

Then, the red light above the ER door flicked off. The nurse emerged, carrying a small bundle wrapped in a soft blanket. Everyone fell silent, their attention shifting immediately. Mew followed shortly after, his eyes filled with tears of joy as he approached them, gently taking the baby from the nurse.

The nurse approached the group, and Rhythm stood, pulling Ada up with him. Mew turned to him with a proud smile. "Rhythm, meet your baby brother."

Rhythm's tension melted away as he carefully held the baby in his arms. His usual reserved expression softened into one of pure awe. Ada watched, his heart swelling at the sight. It was a rare moment where Rhythm's walls came down completely.