Silent Hearts: Operation Breaking His Ice Heart (Complete)

Chapter 31

Ada's POV

The afternoon dragged on, and my focus splintered between the professor's lecture and the weight of Anggie's earlier words. Even as I scribbled notes, I could feel eyes on me—hers, occasionally flicking my way. Every time, I forced myself to keep my gaze steady on my notebook.

When the final bell rang, I started packing my things slowly, half-dreading what would come next. True enough, I didn't have to wait long.

Rhythm was already waiting outside the classroom door, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, his gaze scanning the room until it landed on me. That familiar knot of guilt twisted in my stomach—guilt that wasn't mine to carry, but still there because of how things had played out this morning.

As I walked out, he immediately fell into step beside me.

"Love," he said, voice lower than usual. Almost careful. "Can we talk?"

I sighed softly, adjusting the strap of my bag. "We're already talking, Rhythm."

He frowned but didn't snap back like I half expected. Instead, he ran a hand through his hair, exhaling.

"I'm sorry for earlier," he said. "For shouting at you. For... throwing the cookies like that. I know you hate scenes."

We were already walking toward the parking lot, students streaming around us, but his words were like a spotlight. I didn't answer right away. My silence stretched until I felt his hand lightly brush mine, tentative.

I looked at him then, meeting those sharp eyes that always softened only for me.
"You embarrassed me," I admitted quietly. "And you embarrassed yourself, Rhythm. I don't like it when you shout like that, especially in front of people. Do you think I'm not capable of handling situations like that?"

He stopped walking, forcing me to stop, too. His jaw clenched.
"It's not that," he said quickly. "It's... I can't stand seeing anyone try to get close to you like that. Especially someone like her. You don't know the way she looks at you, Ada. It's not just friendly."

I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms. "And what? Throwing her cookies fixes that?"

His lips twitched, like he knew how ridiculous it sounded. "No. But rejecting her clearly does."

I shook my head, exasperated.
"You could've just said no. You didn't need to be cruel. Rhythm... sometimes your jealousy crosses the line."

For a moment, we just stood there, tension hanging heavy. Then his shoulders dropped, and he stepped closer, lowering his voice so only I could hear.
"I'll do better," he murmured. "I'll try. But you have to understand, Ada—I can't lose you. I don't want anyone thinking they can take you away from me."

The rawness in his tone softened the edge of my frustration. I sighed, the fight in me easing.

"You're not going to lose me, Rhythm," I said firmly. "But if you keep acting like this, you'll push me away without meaning to. Please... trust me. Trust us."

His hand found mine then, gripping it like an anchor. His thumb brushed over my knuckles, and his expression cracked into something more vulnerable.
"I'll trust you," he whispered. "But promise me you'll tell me if someone crosses the line. Don't hide it."

I nodded, squeezing his hand. "I promise."

He exhaled in relief, and just like that, the storm between us thinned into something gentler. It's still fragile but mending.