Kash smirked and took another step, stopping just short of him, as if testing how far he could push it.
Mano didn’t move. He simply nodded toward the exit. “Class is over. Let’s go.”
Kash’s expression hardened.
Ody followed Mano without another word. Once they were far enough away, Mano spoke. “Do they bother you?”
“No,” Ody said. “They’re always like that. It’s nothing.”
Mano looked at him, jaw tight.
“I didn’t think you’d remember,” Ody added.
“I keep my promises,” Mano said as they stopped walking. “What time?”
“Six. I’ll send you the location.”
They resumed walking.
“I see you took the bandage off. Is it fully healed?”
“If I push it too hard, it aches. Nothing serious.”
They reached the motorcycle.
“See you at six,” Mano said, putting on his helmet.
“Yeah. See you.”
Mano held his gaze for a second before lowering the visor and starting the engine. The sound lingered after he drove off.
At home, he found a message from Stella.
What’s up Mano? I heard you and Katerina broke up. Shame… Hope it wasn’t because of the picture I sent her of us in bed
His jaw tightened before he replied.What do you want?
Stella: As long as you keep ignoring me I’ll keep interfering in your life
Get to the point,he typed.
I want us out together. Publicly. So everyone sees
He exhaled.Tomorrow. Same place. Nine. Don’t be late
Whatever you say Mr. Jones
He threw his phone onto the couch.
At six, the basketball court was already crowded. The roar of Mano’s motorcycle turned heads.
“Is that him?” Steve asked.
“Yeah.”
Chris’s eyes widened. “Holy shit... that’s an R6.” He looked at Mano. “Marry me, dude.”
Ody shot Chris a look.
