Broken Bond: Between Vices and Virtues (BL)
Chapter 271 - 29: Knots in his heart

Chapter 271: Chapter 29: Knots in his heart

As planned, Shawn tagged along with Knox, Knoa, Franz, and his boyfriend, Alex. During the travel, his phone kept ringing, a certain someone kept calling him, but due to his last conversation with Athan, he couldn’t bring himself to answer the phone.

Since it was Kayden Montgomery.

Given what happened between him and the MSA, he just sent a message saying he didn’t want to talk with him in the meantime. Kayla understood him and did not pester him anymore. She knew way better to work in an environment that betrayed his trust, even if that person was already fired.

It was just saddening, that after Shawn found something he wanted to do, something like that happened.

For a few days, he just stayed at the resthouse rather than go with the group and tour the island. He felt a bit depressed. Athan doesn’t call or message him as often as he did before. Shawn would try to open conversation, just about trivial or random things, but Athan seemed guarded.

It’s like the fence between them grew taller and surpassed Shawn’s eye level. Despite his efforts to peek over, Athan remained still and aloof.

"I’m sorry I kept acting like a jerk whenever I’m jealous."

Those words rang in his head. He cupped his face and sighed quite loudly. He lay on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling but his mind was filled with Athan’s words.

"I’ve always been waiting."

"Waiting for what... exactly?" he whispered. His hands were still on his face, still in disbelief to hear that Athan was jealous. Whether it was because he prioritized someone’s call and ignored his attention because they were friends, or something else, it still made Shawn feel something.

Knock. Knock.

Shawn’s gaze moved to the door. He rose from the bed and opened it. He was greeted by the resthouse’s caretaker, Nana Edna.

The old female beta smiled warmly at Shawn and asked, "Did I disturb you?"

"Not really, Nana," Shawn replied with a headshake. "Do you need something?"

"I sliced some fruits my grandson brought from the market. I figured you’d be bored staying alone here, so let’s eat them together." Nana Edna looked at Shawn expectantly. Shawn couldn’t refuse, so he agreed and followed the old lady.

They sat on the balcony facing the sea. It was a beautiful view, and the wind was fresh, a bit cold, yet relaxing. It was a perfect spot for Shawn to clear his mind, even just for a few moments.

"Have you visited the island before, Sir Shawn?" Nana Edna asked him while giving him a fork.

Shawn took the fork, but he was not used to eating fruits with it, sliced or not, so he put it back. "I’ll just eat with my hand, Nana. And please, you can speak to me comfortably. I haven’t visited this place. This is my first time here."

He took a sliced apple cut like a bunny, and admired it for a few seconds, before biting half of it. Edna smiled seeing him enjoy the fruits. She pushed the sliced watermelon to him and responded.

"Now, I can’t help but think that you don’t like this place, seeing that you’d rather stay in your room than explore outside."

Shawn shook his head. "This view alone is breathtaking, Nana Edna. I’m sure the island is more beautiful. But... I’m just not in the mood for that. If I go with Sir Knox and the rest, I’m afraid I might only dampen the atmosphere."

Edna gazed at the sea while she answered, "I think the opposite. If I’m feeling lonely, I look at beautiful things or go to relaxing places to lift my mood."

Shawn paused. He stared at the tangerine in his hand for quite a while, wondering if he was truly lonely.

He was saddened because Athan and he seemed drifting away from each other, rather than getting closer; conflicted because what he wanted, what he intended was happening now; then, he felt a bit guilty for ignoring Kayden’s call and messages when he did nothing but listen and support him in everything he did.

But lonely?

Whose absence was making him feel like that?

"You look troubled. Keeping your problems to yourself will wear you out easily. Even if you don’t need help, even if you don’t expect someone to help, it’s best to let them out once in a while, son," Edna’s voice was tender and warm. She smiled kindly at Shawn and patted his back lightly. "If you want someone to listen, you can talk to me while you’re here."

Shawn showed his appreciation for the old woman’s kindness. He remained quiet for a long time, yet she did not probe or pressure him to speak. They sat there in silence, both looking at the sea. They could hear the wind and the distant sounds of waves hitting the rocks, and truly, the scene somehow lifted Shawn’s mood.

He pursed his lips and leaned back on the rattan chair. Without tearing his gaze away from the view, he let his heart out. At the corner of his eyes, he saw Nana Edna turn to him, but he continued telling her what was on his mind.

Despite knowing that she worked for Althea, once he started, he found himself telling everything. He might regret it once he finished, but he still continued.

Once he was done, silence reigned between them. Shawn let out a heavy sigh, a long and relieved one.

After a few minutes, Edna finally spoke.

"I’d like to advise that you should follow your heart," she began, giving Shawn a teasing look. "But your heart is as messy as this old lady’s tangled hair."

Shawn glanced at Nana Edna’s head. He laughed when he realized that she just tied her gray hair in a lower bun without combing it.

Edna smiled upon hearing the male omega laugh. "If I comb them in one go, my scalp hurts and my hair falls easily. Because the wind outside is strong, every time I step out, it always ends in knots. I have to patiently untangle them—knot by knot before I comb and tie them properly. It’s refreshing, and I feel my head’s lighter."

Shawn just listened. The old woman was trying to tell him something, and he understood what she meant.

One by one, he should unknot the ties in his heart, free the bags at the other end, and his heart would feel lighter.

Right now, there are three clear knots in his heart. His family, Athan, and Kayden. Without realizing it, he let Kayden peek inside his heart, something that he never did to Athan, yet his mind was occupied by the latter.

However, he decided. The first knot he should take care of is his family. Athan was right. Now that their relationship was turning cold, he should be happier to break the news to his family but... he didn’t want to ruin his friendship with Athan any further.

He’d right what was wrong in the beginning, and then asked Athan if they could start again.

A relationship not tied to their families.

Maybe... just maybe, after everything is clear between them, he’d finally be able to name this feeling growing inside him.