Broken Bond: Between Vices and Virtues (BL)
Chapter 274 - 32: The silence between

Chapter 274: Chapter 32: The silence between

Kayden dried his hands on a towel as he leaned against the kitchen counter, his gaze fixed on Shawn’s retreating figure. The omega had been quiet ever since he spilled the rice. Too quiet.

There was a distance in his eyes that had nothing to do with fatigue. Kayden wasn’t sure what triggered it—his stupid joke, his presence, or something else entirely—but he couldn’t shake the feeling that Shawn was about to crumble. And he was worried about him like crazy.

What was that just now? Kayden asked himself. Shawn had frozen like someone hit pause on him. Kayden couldn’t help but wonder why.

He turned to check on the curry, now simmering peacefully on the stove. The warm scent should’ve made the space feel more comforting, more like a home, but instead, the air was thick with everything left unsaid.

Dinner came, and they sat across from each other. A soft clinking of spoons and the occasional shift of plates were the only sounds that filled the space.

Kayden didn’t mind silence, but this one felt heavy—like it might collapse if he moved too suddenly.

On the other hand, Shawn barely touched his food, his fingers idly pushing the chicken to one side. His gaze was unfocused, drifting toward the floor or the darkened window. Kayden noticed how his brows furrowed, lips pursed in thought. He knew Shawn wasn’t with him right now. His mind was somewhere else.

Someone else, Kayden corrected in his head. His mood soured. He put the spoon and fork down and sipped water.

He remembered the look on Shawn’s face when he mentioned the ’newlyweds’ joke earlier. The tightness in his shoulders, the brief pause—it wasn’t embarrassment. It was pain. And Kayden had a feeling he knew the reason.

Shawn stood up suddenly. "I’ll wash the dishes."

Kayden watched as the omega quietly gathered their plates and moved to the sink. He heard the faucet turn on, water flowing, and dishes clinking.

"How long are you planning to stay?" Shawn asked after a while, not turning around.

Kayden stretched and leaned back in his chair. "Until the babies fall asleep."

Shawn paused mid-scrub, brow twitching. "Babies?"

"Yeah. One’s already asleep, but the other is still busy washing dishes," Kayden teased lightly. He carefully watched what Shawn’s reaction would be. He wished it would lighten the atmosphere, since he believed that the two of them had somehow become closer during Shawn’s trip to the province.

However, Shawn didn’t reply. He kept scrubbing the plate a little more aggressively. His silence was answer enough.

Trying to ease the tension, Kayden changed the subject. "How’s your father doing, by the way?"

"Alive." The response was flat, emotionless.

Kayden sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He hadn’t expected much, but that answer still hit like a wall. There was no way to sugarcoat the chill in Shawn’s voice. Was he being inconsiderate, trying to lighten the mood when Shawn was clearly not into it?

But he just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk to him. To be honest, it was one of the reasons why, despite his busy schedule as a doctor, he still went, using Azrael’s request as an excuse, to see Shawn personally since they rarely see each other outside.

So, he couldn’t shut his mouth and be quiet. "...Shawn."

A long pause, then, "Hm?"

"Can I ask something?"

"No," Shawn replied instinctively, as if he already knew where the conversation was headed.

Kayden chuckled dryly. "Too bad. I’m asking anyway."

Shawn harrumphed. He sarcastically replied, "Why ask for my permission then?"

Kayden smiled, but it did not reach his eyes. He stared straight at Shawn’s back as he fired what had been troubling him inside. "Did something happen between you and Athan?"

The plate in Shawn’s hand slipped. It clattered into the sink. His back remained turned, but his posture changed completely— his shoulders tensed, his eyes sharpened, and he was guarded. Shawn inhaled deeply before answering.

"That’s none of your business," he said, his voice low, controlled, but clearly shaking beneath the surface.

"Maybe not," Kayden said gently. "But I’m still asking because I—"

"I said it’s not your business!" Shawn snapped as he turned, his face flushed with anger and something more—hurt, regret, and confusion. He dropped the sponge, turned his back on Kayden, and stormed out of the kitchen.

The sound of his door slamming echoed through the hallway.

Kayden remained in his seat, the warmth of the curry now meaningless. He looked down at the table for a moment, then stood up. Without a word, he walked over to the sink and resumed washing the dishes Shawn had left behind.

-----

Inside his room, Shawn sat on the edge of his bed, head in his hands.

Why did I snap at him like that? He asked inwardly, grumbling at his own actions.

His heart pounded in guilt, replaying the look on Kayden’s face when he lashed out. He hadn’t meant to. Kayden had only asked a question—maybe one he had no right to ask—but he didn’t deserve that.

But the question... that question had dug deep into the wound he had been trying to keep stitched. The omega with Athan... the way he smiled... it haunted him. It had been on his mind throughout the day. Maybe that’s why it hurts. Maybe he was angry because he didn’t want to admit that he still cared—that he never stopped.

He inhaled shakily, eyes fixed on the ceiling, waiting for the anger to subside. Once it did, shame filled the space it left behind. He was the worst. Kayden brought relief and comfort to him when he was dealing with everything on his own during the trip.

He was there, silently supporting him, but...what did he do?

"Shit. Shawn Williams. You need to make up your mind!" He slapped his cheeks with his hands. He remained seated on the bed for a moment, but when he glanced at the digital clock on the bedside table, he was astonished that an hour had passed by already.

He hastily stood and walked back into the kitchen, but the place was already quiet. Empty.

The dishes were washed and neatly stacked to dry. The counters had been wiped clean. On the dining table sat a small piece of paper with a familiar scrawl:

"Sorry for being too nosy. Sleep well tonight." — Kayden.

Shawn stood there, fingers lightly brushing the note. His throat tightened. He reached for his phone, hesitated for a second, then typed out a simple message.

"I’m sorry."

He hit send and sat back down, the note still in his hand. Perhaps, he needs to distance himself from the two of them, to clear his mind, and finally see who he wants.

He chuckled, feeling ashamed of himself. "You arrogant prick."

How dare he think the two of them want him? It’s different. Only one does. But he was uncertain if he felt the same.

He needs space, so he’s now determined to get it.

But his plans were halted because of the ongoing dispute and drama between Horace and Del Valle. Even if he didn’t want to see Athan, he had no choice but to accompany him when needed because of his family’s duty, and due to Knox’s husband, Azrael, he sometimes bumped into Kayden.