Mano: Hey
His breath caught. Of all people, Mano was the last person he expected to text first after what had happened between them. He forced his fingers to stay steady as he replied.Hey. How are you?
He couldn’t help thinking of the night they fell asleep together. Mano reaching for him in his sleep, crying in his arms. And now… Mano texting him first.
Mano: I’m good. When’s your next exam?
Monday
Wanna grab coffee tomorrow?
Ody stared at the message, eyes wide.
Mano never asked him out first. He never initiated plans.
Seeing his name next to that message hit him hard. His chest tightened, his breath catching for a second as the memory of Mano reaching for him in his sleep flickered through his mind. Only once the first shock settled did everything else come back to him, the plans he had made for tomorrow, the ones he wasn’t even sure he wanted.
I have plans tomorrow. Can you do Sunday?He sent it and waited.
This time, the silence stretched a little longer. He kept checking the screen, even though no new message had arrived. Finally, the notification appeared.
Are you bringing your car? We don’t have to take the bike
Something shifted inside Ody. Mano cared.
I don’t mind riding with you. I trust you.He pressed send, then stared at the screen, a knot forming low in his stomach. He should not have said that. Not now, not after everything. But it was the truth. He did trust him. More than he trusted anyone.
The moment he lowered his phone, the realization hit him like a weight. He was making plans with Mano, after agreeing to meet Kash tomorrow. After letting Kash kiss him, pretending everything with Anna was still fine.
His thoughts tangled in his chest, tight and messy. What was he doing? How could he want to see Mano so badly… when he had just promised Kash a chance? How could he text Mano like nothing was wrong, when part of him was still feeling the ghost of Kash’s kiss… and remembering Mano’s lips even more?
He pushed a hand through his hair, sinking deeper into the couch. He knew this was wrong. He knew he was crossing lineshe swore he would never cross. But he also could not bring himself to stop.
Not with Mano. Not anymore.
Chapter 29
Saturday came before he was ready. Ody woke up with Mano still on his mind, but he pushed the thoughts aside and forced himself to study for Monday. His last exam was on Wednesday, and by Friday, they’d be traveling to Serifos.
He’d already gotten dressed, expecting Kash to come by that evening. Around seven, the intercom buzzed. “Yeah?”
“It’s me.”
“I’m coming down.” He grabbed his keys and phone, then pushed open the building door and stepped outside.
“Hey,” Kash said, giving him a slow once-over.
“Hey…” Ody lowered his gaze.
“Ready?” he asked, turning to start walking.
“Uh… Kash…” Ody hesitated, making him stop. “I’ve been thinking, and…” His voice trailed off. Kash’s expression sharpened. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”
“That’s not very nice,” Kash said quietly. “You said you’d give me a chance. You shouldn’t have given me false hope if—”
“No.” Ody shook his head, a quick breath leaving him. “You’re not getting it.” He searched for the right words. “I meant it’s not a good idea for people to see us out together.” He hesitated before adding, “Do you… wanna come up instead? I should’ve told you earlier. Maybe you had a place in mind, but… I just don’t feel very comfortable.”
“I don’t mind. Whatever you want. As long as I’m with you,” Kash replied, watching him.
