Mano pulled on a hoodie and tugged the hood up, hoping it would hide the marks on his neck.
Ody’s eyes lingered on him before he smirked. “You know wearing a hoodie in July makes you look even more suspicious, right?”
Mano’s cheeks burned. “This is your fault,” he muttered.
“Still looks hot on you.”
“Shut up.”
Ody grinned. “Cute too.”
Mano immediately opened the door and headed down the stairs.
By the time they entered the supermarket, Mano barely spoke. He kept his gaze on the floor as they walked between the aisles.
He had stopped Ody from leaving. He had asked him to stay. His ears felt warm just thinking about it.Damn it…
Ody grabbed a basket and headed toward the refrigerators. He picked up milk and butter, closed the fridge door, and kept walking while Mano followed. He added eggs and flour to the basket, then walked down the sweets aisle. “What do you want to put inside?” He turned to look at him.
Mano averted his gaze. “Uh... Nutella.”
“And cookies.” Ody reached for a package before glancing back at him. “Do you want flavored ones or the classic kind?”
“Anything’s fine.”
“You pick.”
Mano shoved his hands deeper into the pockets of his hoodie. “I eat everything. I don’t mind.”
Ody studied the fully stocked shelves for a moment, then grabbed three different kinds of cookies. “Ohh!” he exclaimed, making Mano flinch. “Just wait. I’m about to take this to the next level,” he said as he walked past him toward the freezer section.
Mano followed, watching Ody grab a tub of ice cream with three flavors and toss it into the basket. “Approved?” he asked with a grin.
Mano nodded.
“Do you want to get anything else for your place while we’re here?”
“No, I’m good.”
They walked together to the checkout, and Mano saw Ody pull out his wallet.
“I’ll pay,” Mano said, taking out his own wallet while they waited in line.
“Nah, don’t worry about it. It’s my first time at your place…”
“It isn’t your first.”
Ody glanced around, then leaned in, lowering his voice. “First time staying over, I mean,” he said with a smirk.
Mano swallowed hard, his eyes widening.
Ody chuckled and turned back to the counter, handing the cashier his card before Mano could protest.
“Have a good afternoon,” the cashier said, and they left with a full shopping bag in Ody’s hand.
As they walked back home, Mano glanced at the bag in Ody’s hand. He reached for it, but Ody pulled away, puzzled. “What?”
“I’ll carry it.”
