Broken Bond: Between Vices and Virtues (BL)
Chapter 275 - 33: Honey-scented flowers

Chapter 275: Chapter 33: Honey-scented flowers

The elevator chimed softly as it stopped at Knox’s floor. The hallway, typically quiet except for Knoa’s occasional giggles, felt unusually still.

Shawn stepped out, clutching a small bag of groceries Knox had asked him to bring. He was sick and grounded by his husband after a fight broke out between them and Athan, so now, Shawn does the shopping for them.

He reached the apartment door and raised his hand to press the doorbell, but just as he did, it opened from the inside.

Athan stood there, to Shawn’s surprise. He made sure to ask his uncle if Athan would visit or not, and timed his visits to days he wasn’t visiting, so he was taken aback.

Their eyes locked, and time felt like it folded in on itself. Not in a grand, romantic way—but in that breathless, hollow kind of silence that said everything neither of them had the courage to voice.

"Hey," Athan said, stepping aside politely. "You came by."

Shawn gave a small nod, avoiding his gaze. "Just dropping this off."

"Thank you for helping Knox, Shawn," Athan said softly. Shawn just gave a slight nod. "Do you have time to spare?"

Shawn stiffened. "No," he said quickly.

Athan’s smile faltered, though he masked it well. "Right," he murmured. "Of course."

He leaned against the doorway, watching Shawn set the bag down by the shoe rack. The silence between them hung again. The atmosphere was tense and fragile. Shawn kept hoping that Athan would stop paying him attention, because he still did not know how to face him.

However, as clueless as he was, Athan still followed him.

"How have you been?" Athan asked, his voice quieter now. "Where did you move? Or are you staying here in the meantime?"

Shawn didn’t answer right away. His fingers lingered a little too long on the bag as if he wasn’t ready to let go of it. Eventually, he straightened and replied with a clipped, "No. I found my own place. And I’ve been doing well since then."

"Shawn..."

"What?" The way he said it felt like a door being shut. He sighed and finally inclined his head to look at the alpha. "What is it, young master? If you have an order, speak it now."

Athan studied him for a moment, the shift in Shawn’s tone not lost on him. He couldn’t see that Shawn, who used to be carefree, jolly, and talkative. "I’ve talked to your father—"

"Yes, I know, young master. Dad told me about it already."

Athan pressed his lips thinly. He felt hurt by Shawn’s dismissive and uninterested tone. "Then, you must know that our engagement is broken—"

Shawn’s expression darkened for a moment. "Yes. I was told about that too."

Athan showed relief. A smile tugged on his lips. However, his smile froze when he noticed Shawn’s cold expression.

Then, the omega spat before Athan could speak, "Is it that hard to break the news to me, face to face? Why do I need to hear it from my father? You should have called me if you didn’t have time for me, or just texted me. I don’t—"

"I thought you’d be happier now that you’re free. Your father realized his mistakes too, and I heard from Steve that you were permitted to pursue whichever career you want from now on. Was I mistaken?" Athan interrupted him.

Shawn flinched. Athan was right. This is what he’d been wanting. Isn’t that how their agreement goes? Living together to show his family that they don’t get along, and finally having a valid reason to separate.

But now that it was happening, he was troubled, distressed, and utterly dismayed.

"You’re not mistaken," Shawn answered sharply. Athan’s jaw clenched. "I’m so happy to finally take control of my own life, young master." Yet there was not even a flicker of that happiness in his eyes.

His smile was forced, and his tone was sarcastic. But blinded by his own assumptions, Athan failed to see that.

"Then, why are you avoiding me now?" Athan accused. His voice sounded hurt, but Shawn convinced himself that he was just mistaken.

He didn’t deny Athan’s accusation. Because of this, Athan’s expression darkened, but watching Shawn’s seemingly tired eyes, he softened in an instant.

So, he took a small step closer. Just one. Slowly—like approaching a wounded animal who might bolt if startled. He gently reached for Shawn’s hand, fingers brushing against his as if asking permission before closing the space.

The touch was light, polite, and gentle. Athan did not want to add to Shawn’s problems if possible, so he set aside his own selfishness and pain.

"If there’s something wrong, if you have a problem, Shawn," Athan said softly, "I want you to know I’m still here. I’ll stay until you push me away completely."

Shawn’s eyes snapped up at that, startled. Push you away? Aren’t you the one pushing me out of your life?

Athan’s gaze didn’t waver. "I want you to know you don’t have to go through anything alone."

Shawn didn’t speak. He couldn’t. Something lodged in his throat—something like guilt, confusion, or anger. Maybe all three.

Athan let go of his hand with a small, sad smile and stepped back. "Go inside. Knox must have been waiting."

Then he turned and walked away, leaving Shawn in the hallway—frozen, staring at the spot where their hands had touched just seconds ago.

The following day, while arranging the new things he bought inside his unit, a delivery guy came by, dropping off a bouquet of red roses. He accepted it without knowing who it came from. There was a small card stuck in the middle, but as he was about to grab it, the smell of the roses permeated his nose.

However, instead of the normal sweet scent of roses, he smelled honey. His eyes shook as his body was nailed on the spot. The bouquet of flowers fell on the floor, yet he remained still, just staring blankly at the card that fell, his eyes fixed on the name. Athan.