“Yeah, I was mad. And I hate Mano,” he said, pushing a hand through his tousled dark hair. “But I’m not gonna hurt him again because Ody would hate me for it.”
“It’s always about Ody!” She exploded. “You’re putting some guy above your own sister!”
Ody froze. Sister. For a second, his mind refused to register the word. It just sat there, heavy and impossible.
Kash didn’t react. He didn’t correct her, didn’t laugh it off. He didn’t deny it.
Stella kept shouting, but Ody barely heard any of it. His pulse thundered in his ears. Every memory rearranged itself at once. The “toxic ex.” The threats. The manipulation. The lie Mano had believed. The lie Ody had believed.
Siblings. Stella and Kash were siblings.
Kash’s voice cut through the ringing in Ody’s ears. “Stella, I love you, and you know that. But after a whole year I finally got him to notice me. To see who I really am. I can’t ruin everything. Because that’s exactly what’ll happen if I go after Mano again!”
The fight in that school. The hatred. The obsession. It all snapped together like broken bones clicking back into place.
Ody pressed himself harder against the wall, breath tight and shallow.
They lied to Mano’s face. They lied to everyone. They played a role. Together.
His entire body went cold.
“So you’re letting him get away with it? After he treated me like trash?” Her voice cracked. “After he fucked me, dumped me, and then fucked my friend too!”
Ody’s breath hitched.When? How? Why didn’t Mano ever say—
“You were supposed to play my ex and send him to the hospital, and now you’re letting him off the hook because of Ody?” She shoved him hard, making him stumble.
“Stella… enough,” he said, softer now. “You already got your revenge. Just stop.”
“I won’t rest until I ruin his life!” she screamed. “With or without your help!” She turned and stormed away, her footsteps echoing off the concrete.
Ody stayed pressed to the wall long after she left. His breathing was uneven. His chest felt tight, almost painful.This can’t be real.
Kash ran a hand over his face and kicked at the gravel in frustration.
Ody stepped forward. Kash spun around, his face draining of color the instant he saw him.
“Your sister.” Ody fought to keep his composure.
Kash swallowed hard. “Ody… wait—”
“This whole thing.” Ody walked closer, eyes locked on him. “You two planned it together… To get back at Mano?”
Kash took a shaky step toward him. “N-no, listen to me. Please.”
“What else is there to listen to? I heard everything.”
“Ody, please. It was Stella’s idea. She wanted to teach Mano a lesson. I—”
“You hate him,” Ody cut in. “I heard you say it.”
“I-I don’t hate him, I just—”
“Your sister.” The words came out sharp. “I should’ve realized. You like guys, so why would you want her back?”
Kash’s eyes widened in panic, his gaze darting around. “Please keep your voice down. I’ll explain. I’ll explain everything. Just… not here. Please.”
Ody didn’t move.
