Silent Hearts: Operation Breaking His Ice Heart (Complete)

Chapter 19

Rhythm sat on the bleachers by the field, his notebook in hand, his eyes glued to the list he had written. The determination in his heart burned brighter with every glance. He wasn't about to give up—not now, not ever. This was the first time he truly liked someone, and he wasn't going to let his inexperience or mistakes hold him back.

His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Aren't you going home yet?"

Rhythm looked up, startled, and found Treyton standing nearby. He shook his head.

"I still need to wait for Ada. He has duty later, and I want to walk him home," Rhythm replied, his tone calm but resolute. Treyton took a seat beside him, his gaze drifting toward the students playing on the field.

"Why are you here?" Rhythm asked, raising an eyebrow.

Treyton chuckled lightly. "Just thought I'd keep you company."

"The real reason?" Rhythm pressed, his skeptical gaze narrowing.

Treyton sighed deeply, a small smile forming on his lips. "Fine. You got me. I wanted to talk to you."

Rhythm leaned back, his expression guarded. "If this is about Ceidence, don't bother. Stop pestering my brother. Even though they consider you a friend, I don't approve. that..."

Treyton let out a humorless laugh. "I know. And I also know that me and Ceidence are impossible."

Rhythm's brow furrowed. "Then act like a best friend, not someone with ulterior motives. I'm a guy too, Trey, and I can see your moves and the way you look at him. I'm not stupid."

Treyton's smile turned bittersweet as he stared at the field. "Even if I like Ceidence, he doesn't feel the same way. I'm fully aware of that." He glanced at Rhythm, his eyes filled with quiet resignation. "I just... I don't want to lose him, you know? Even if it's just as a best friend, I'd rather keep that than lose everything."

Standing up, Treyton ruffled Rhythm's hair, earning a scowl from the latter. "Don't make the same mistake I did, Rhythm. Don't waste time or let your fears hold you back. If you love Ada, then claim him. Before it's too late."

Rhythm looked up at him, startled by the advice.

Treyton chuckled and tapped Rhythm's shoulder. "Ada might not notice it, but there are plenty of others on this campus who like him too. His attention's focused solely on you right now, but that won't last forever if you don't act. And with the school year ending soon, who knows what'll happen next?"Treyton turned and walked away, leaving Rhythm alone on the bleachers.

Rhythm watched him go, his mind replaying Treyton's words. He clenched his fist, a new resolve lighting up his eyes as he looked back at the list in his notebook.

"I won't waste this chance," Rhythm muttered to himself. "Ada, you'll see how serious I am."

Ada stood in the quiet library, carefully placing the books he had borrowed on the return counter. Just as he turned to leave, a voice called his attention.

"Hi, Adelaide."

Ada froze for a moment, hearing the unfamiliar address. Turning, he saw a student nervously holding out a single rose and a small letter. Standing beside him, Sunoo's eyes sparkled with amusement, his lips curling into a teasing smile.

The student cleared his throat, visibly nervous. "With graduation coming up, I was wondering if you'd... maybe... consider being my date to the ball?" Before Ada could even process the question, another voice interrupted, cold and commanding.