Waves broke gently against the shore while the moon hung low over the water, its light washing over the sand. Ody leaned in again and kissed him, slow this time, soft and reverent. It felt unreal. Mano kissed him back with the same softness, eyes closed, almost afraid to open them.
And then, Ody’s phone rang. The sound ripped through the moment. He looked at the screen, while Mano didn’t take his eyes off him. “Yeah?” he answered, music exploding on the other end.
“Baby, where are you?”
“I’ll be there in five, okay?”
“What happened?”
“I’ll be there in five minutes.” He hung up and faced Mano again. “How much did you drink?”
“Three vodkas and…” Mano squinted. “…a beer.”
“Are you okay?” Ody studied him, checking if the alcohol made him regret any of this.
“I’m probably drunk, huh? With all the crap I was saying,” Mano muttered.
“I told you how I feel about you.” Ody’s voice was low, steady. Mano looked away. “I want to know how you feel about me.”
“Why? Would it change anything?” He avoided his eyes.
“What do you mean?” Ody asked.
“You’re with Anna. You said so yourself.” Mano finally looked at him. “And we’re men. Nothing can happen between us.”
“It already did.” Ody’s words made Mano’s gaze drop again. “The first time I kissed you, you pushed me away. But I see how you act around me. I know there is something here. Isn’t there?” His tone was careful, pleading. Mano kept staring at the sand while Ody’s hand slid gently across his jaw. “This time… you kissed me too.”
“So? What are you trying to say?” Mano lifted his eyes, shrugging defensively.
“I want to know how you feel about me.”
“It doesn’t matter.” He pulled away and grabbed his bottle and glass. “You’re with Anna and I’m with Ranya.”
“But I like you.” Ody stood too and caught his arm, forcing him to face him. “With how things are, I’m not ashamed to admit it out loud. I want you, Mano.” His voice dropped to a whisper as he stared into those warm eyes.
Mano looked away and tried to walk past him, but the world tilted. His knee hit the sand.
Ody caught him, kneeling beside him. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m dizzy.”
“You need water.”
“I just want to go back to the hotel.” He pushed Ody’s hand away and tried to stand.
“I’ll take you.”
“No. I’ll grab a cab.”
“I can’t leave you alone.” Ody reached for him again.
“Anna’s looking for you. Don’t make it suspicious.” He started walking again, but Ody stayed close. “Don’t follow me. Go back to the others.”
“But you’re not okay.”
“I can make it to the cabs. Go.” Mano turned, but the whole beach spun around him.
Ody stepped in front of him and took his face in both hands, guiding his eyes back to his. Music pulsed behind them, colored lights flickering over the crowd. Ody leaned in and kissed him again, soft and brief. His thumb brushed over Mano’s lips before he pulled away.
