Ody slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine. The drive back to the hotel was quiet. Mano barely stirred in the back seat. When they arrived, Ody stepped out and opened the back door. “Mano... Can you hear me? Wake up. I can’t carry you.” He nudged him gently, but Mano just lay there with his eyes shut.
“Mmm…” he groaned, rolling onto his side.
“Come on. We’re at the hotel. You need to drink some water and lie down.”
After a moment, Mano’s eyes fluttered open. Ody managed to get him to his feet, though he was barely standing. He slipped Mano’s arm over his shoulder and guided him inside.
At the room door, Ody reached into Mano’s pocket, pulled out the key card, and unlocked it. Once inside, he helped him onto the bed.
“Ugh... I’m dizzy,” Mano groaned, pressing a hand to his forehead.
Ody exhaled slowly. “Take off those clothes and splash some water on your face.”
Mano didn’t move.
With a sigh, Ody sat beside him, lifted his arms, and pulled off his shirt, tossing it aside.
He went to the bathroom, soaked a towel with cold water, and returned to press it gently against Mano’s face, running it over his chest and arms. “I’m going to the vending machine to get you some water,” he said, starting to stand.
But Mano’s hand shot out and grabbed his wrist. Ody went still. With half-lidded eyes and slurred words, Mano mumbled, “You know that you are...” he trailed off.
Ody waited, curious.
“The biggest asshole ever,” Mano finished.
Ody closed his eyes and sighed.
“You think... I don’t want this?” Mano murmured. “Huh? Is that what you think? You’re the one with... with a girlfriend... and you’re just gonna leave me without an explanation…” His words were tangled.
But Ody understood. And it knocked the breath out of him.
“Yeah!” Mano shouted, making Ody flinch. “I’m keeping my distance. Because you... you just want me for one day. Then you’ll go back to her.” He swallowed. “But I’m already attached to you.” His voice dropped. “And if you leave me…”
He didn’t finish. The rest of the sentence never came. His eyes closed. His body slackened.
Ody looked down at him, his heart pounding.
Mano wanted him too. Every harsh word. Every shove away. Every moment of distance suddenly felt different.
Ody let out a slow breath. Carefully, he reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from Mano’s face. God, he wanted to kiss him so badly it hurt. But Mano was drunk. It wouldn’t be right.
He started to pull his hand away, but his fingers lingered for one last second. “I want you too,” he admitted quietly.
Mano’s eyes opened, locking onto his. His cheeks were flushed. He lifted a hand to Ody’s face. “I didn’t mean to hit you that hard.” His thumb brushed his cheek. “Did I hurt you?”
Ody huffed out a faint laugh. “I’ll survive. But damn, you punch hard.”
“I didn’t use all my strength,” Mano murmured.
Ody’s smile faded. “You really made me think you hated me.”
Mano shook his head, his gaze fixed on Ody’s. “I could never hate you.” His hand lingered against Ody’s skin. “I’m sorry.”
The words hit Ody harder than the punches had. “No,” he whispered. “I’m the one who should be sorry. I was way out of line.”
Silence settled between them as Mano studied his face like he was trying to memorize every detail. “Kiss me.”
Ody’s eyes widened. “Y-you’re drunk,” he said. “You should have some water first and—”
