Chapter 27
Ody’s hands moved slowly over Mano’s back, grounding him. “Are you okay?” he asked quietly as the sobs eased.
He didn’t answer, his weight settled against Ody’s chest.
“Mano?” Ody tilted his head, then paused. He’d fallen asleep.
He tried to shift him gently, but Mano only held on tighter, arms locked around his waist. There was no way to move him without waking him.
Ody eased his legs onto the couch and lay back. Mano’s head rested against his chest, his breathing soft, steady. His hand moved over his back in slow, soothing strokes.It’s okay. It’s over now. Just a bad dream.
Morning light bled softly through the balcony curtains. They were still asleep, curled together.
Mano’s eyes blinked open. They felt tight from dried tears. “Mmm…” he mumbled, discomfort tugging him awake.
Something warm was pressed against him. When he cracked his eyes open, he froze. His face was resting on Ody’s chest, their bodies tangled together.
Then he tilted his head up, wide-eyed. Their faces were only a breath apart.
A guttural yell tore out of him as he shoved Ody so hard that he tumbled off the couch and hit the floor.
“AH!” Ody groaned, grabbing his lower back.
Mano jerked upright, pressing himself against the backrest, eyes wide with horror.
“Oww… God…” Ody winced.
Mano stared at him, breathing unevenly. “Wh… why are you here?” he stammered.
“You don’t remember?” Ody asked, sitting up.
“R-remember what? What are you talking about?”
“You had a nightmare. You were crying in your sleep. I tried waking you up, but you grabbed me. You wouldn’t let go.”
Mano blinked rapidly, the memories pushing back in. The nightmare. The panic. The tears. And throwing himself into Ody’s arms.
His eyes flew open.Oh my God. What did I do?
He turned away, curling up with his knees pulled to his chest, face burning with embarrassment.
“Mano, are you okay?” Ody asked, concerned but unaware of the real reason he was panicking.
“J-just go. Leave me alone for a bit!” he blurted.
Ody hesitated. “Are you sure? I was really worried about you last night.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine, just go,” he rushed out.
After a few minutes, Mano finally pushed himself up and shoved his feet into his shoes.
“Where are you going?” Ody asked.
“Home. I have to study,” he muttered.
“What about your guitar and your flute? How are you gonna take them?”
Mano froze.Shit. “Uh… I’ll…”
