I am the creator of New Life on the Earth
Chapter 277: The Train Ride

Chapter 277: The Train Ride

Chapter: The Train Ride

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The soft hum of the train filled the compartment as Adam and Ani boarded, their footsteps blending with the faint clatter of wheels on steel tracks.

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on the seats. The compartment was moderately crowded, but Adam found an empty two-seater near the window and gestured for Ani to sit.

They slid into their seats, sitting close enough that their shoulders almost touched.

The atmosphere between them was a mix of excitement and nervousness, a palpable energy that neither could ignore.

Adam noticed that Ani’s hand was still in his, her grip gentle but firm. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye, wondering if she realized they hadn’t let go since leaving the station.

Ani, on the other hand, was hyper-aware of the connection. Her heart raced as she stared out the window, trying to focus on the blur of passing trees and distant rooftops.

She could feel Adam’s warmth through their intertwined hands, and it sent a flutter through her chest that she couldn’t quite explain.

Sona, perched comfortably on Adam’s shoulder, observed the scene with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

The silence between Adam and Ani was far from uncomfortable, but Sona couldn’t resist stirring the pot. Speaking telepathically, her voice echoed gently in both their minds: "Why don’t we play a game?"

Adam blinked in surprise at Sona’s suggestion, while Ani tilted her head slightly, her attention shifting to Adam.

Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, and they quickly looked away, both of their faces warming with an unspoken tension.

Sona, sensing the awkwardness, giggled softly. "Come on, it’ll be fun! Here’s the game: you both share what’s on your mind, and I’ll judge who’s being the most honest!"

The idea hung in the air, sending ripples of nervous energy through Adam and Ani.

They exchanged brief glances, their expressions mirroring each other’s mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Ani was the first to speak, her voice hesitant and soft. "What kind of game is that?" she asked, her cheeks tinged with pink.

Sona leaned forward, her tiny form shimmering as she grinned. "It’s simple! I’ll use telepathy to connect both your thoughts, so there’s no room for lying. Easy, right?"

Adam’s stomach flipped at the suggestion. His mind immediately filled with questions. What if Ani hears something I’m not ready to share? At the same time, Ani’s thoughts mirrored his own. Do I really want Adam to hear how I feel about him?

Before either could object, Sona continued, her tone playful but insistent. "Don’t worry! It’ll be just between us. Besides, aren’t you curious about what the other is thinking?"

Adam sighed, realizing there was no graceful way to refuse. "Fine," he said, his voice carrying a hint of reluctance. "Let’s do it."

Ani hesitated, her fingers tightening around her skirt. After a moment, she nodded, her voice barely audible. "Okay."

Sona clapped her hands together triumphantly. "Great! Let’s start!" she announced, her excitement palpable.

Sona turned her attention to Ani first, her voice gentle but firm. "Alright, Ani. How do you feel about Lord Adam?"

Ani’s heart skipped a beat. The question echoed in her mind, loud and unavoidable. She glanced nervously at Adam, who was now watching her with an unreadable expression.

"I... I don’t know," Ani stammered aloud, her cheeks burning.

Sona giggled, shaking her head. "No need to speak out loud. I’ll connect your thoughts directly to Adam’s."

Ani’s eyes widened in panic. "Wait, no!" she thought desperately. But it was too late—Sona had already forged the telepathic link.

Adam felt the connection click into place, and suddenly Ani’s thoughts flowed into his mind. "I... I’m not ready to say it yet," her mental voice trembled with vulnerability. Adam’s breath hitched slightly, his gaze softening as he processed her words.

Ani realized that Adam could hear her thoughts and froze, her face turning an even deeper shade of pink. She quickly averted her gaze, her fingers fidgeting nervously in her lap.

Before Adam could fully process Ani’s thoughts, Sona shifted her attention to him. "Alright, Lord Adam, your turn! How do you feel about Ani?"

Adam stiffened, his pulse quickening. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to share his feelings, especially with Ani sitting right beside him. "Sona, I don’t think—" he began, but Sona cut him off.

"Too late! I’m linking your thoughts now!"

Ani’s breath caught as Adam’s thoughts poured into her mind. "I don’t know how to put it into words... but when I’m with her, it feels like the chaos around me doesn’t matter. She makes me feel calm."

Ani’s eyes widened, her heart racing as she processed Adam’s unspoken confession. She glanced at him, her blush deepening as their eyes briefly met.

Adam, realizing what Ani had just heard, felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him, but he couldn’t bring himself to regret the honesty.

Sona clapped her hands again, her voice smug and satisfied. "See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?"

Ani, still overwhelmed, kept her gaze fixed on the window. Her lips curled into a faint smile despite her flustered state. Adam, meanwhile, scratched the back of his head, unsure of what to say.

After a moment, Ani finally broke the silence, her voice soft but steady. "You didn’t have to say all that... but thank you."

Adam turned to her, his expression gentle. "I meant every word," he replied simply.

The weight of the moment hung between them, but it was no longer uncomfortable. Instead, it felt like a quiet understanding had been reached, a step forward in their growing bond.

The train continued its steady journey, the rhythmic sound of the tracks providing a soothing backdrop.

Adam and Ani sat side by side, their hands still loosely intertwined. Outside, the scenery blurred into streaks of green and gold as the morning sun climbed higher into the sky.

Perched on Adam’s shoulder, Sona smiled to herself, pleased with the outcome of her little game. "Mission accomplished," she thought smugly.

The Chapter ends with Adam and Ani exchanging a shy but meaningful glance, their connection stronger than ever as they quietly anticipate what lies ahead.