“You probably think I’m weak. A crybaby,” Mano muttered.
“No. Never. You’re the bravest person I know,” Ody said, sincerity in every word.
Mano closed his eyes, lowering his head.
“Crying doesn’t make you weak,” Ody said, his voice soft. “You’re human. You’re allowed to feel it.”
Mano lifted his gaze. “Do you know that…” he hesitated. “That you’re the only person I cry in front of?”
Surprise flickered across Ody’s face. “But people have brought up your parents before…”
“And I end up beating the crap out of them.” Mano’s gaze held his. “You’re the only one I cry in front of.”
“But I’ve never insulted you like that,” Ody said, thinking of the guy who had called him a fucking orphan.
“It’s not just that. You do things that…” His voice faltered. “That reminds me of them. You remind me what it feels like to have someone care. To be looked after.”
Ody stared at him, his chest tightening.
Mano broke eye contact. “Put the movie on. A comedy.”
During the movie, the atmosphere slowly lightened. By the end, it almost felt normal. It was late when it finished.
“Are you going inside?” Ody asked as he closed the laptop.
“Why would I?”
“Well, you’re my guest…”
“Exactly. Which is why I’m sleeping on the couch.”
“But—”
“Goodnight, Ody.”
Ody hesitated, then stood up. “Goodnight, Mano.” He turned off the lights and went to his room.
Lying in bed, he couldn’t sleep. The image of Mano’s tears kept replaying in his mind. It hurt him in ways he didn’t understand. He checked his phone. 2:20 a.m. He opened his door and walked toward the kitchen. That’s when he saw Mano.
His head swayed side to side, eyes closed, a faint groan slipping from his lips. His hand moved over his chest, reacting to something in his dream. His breaths came uneven. Then he turned toward Ody, tears sliding from his closed eyes.
“Mano…” Ody whispered, moving closer. He touched his shoulder gently, unsure if he should wake him. “Mano, wake up…”
A gunshot exploded in Mano’s dream. His eyes shot open. He inhaled, chest rising fast, vision swimming with tears. He stared at the ceiling, trying to steady his breathing.
“Are you okay?” Ody’s voice pulled him back. He was sitting beside him, his face tight with worry.
Mano lunged forward and wrapped his arms around Ody’s waist, burying his face against his stomach as he held on like he was the only solid thing left in the world.
Ody froze for a second, then slowly placed his hands on Mano’s back, pulling him close, anchoring him. “I’m here… it’s okay,” he murmured, his voice soft with sorrow. “Don’t be afraid. I’m right here.”
Mano clung to him, shaking, his tears soaking into Ody’s shirt.
As Ody held him, feeling Mano fall apart in his arms, a heavy thought settled in his chest.
He had never seen him this vulnerable.
And he had never wanted to protect him more.
