Mano was still on his knees, head lowered, gasping like he was drowning. Ody pulled him into his arms. Mano’s whole body trembled violently against him. “Hey... hey, I’m here,” he murmured and leaned closer, his lips near his ear, his voice softer now. “You’re okay... I’m here with you... breathe, Mano.” His hand moved slowly up and down Mano’s back.
Gradually, the sharp panic in his breathing eased. It sounded like someone catching their breath after nearly drowning, but at least air was finally reaching his lungs.
Ody pressed a gentle kiss to his ear, continuing to rub his back. “It’s okay... everything’s okay…”
They stayed there on their knees, Ody holding him tightly.
After a moment, Mano’s body relaxed in his arms. Then Ody noticed it. Tears spilling from his eyes. Ody’s chest tightened. He pulled him closer as the quiet sobs finally broke free.
A second later, Mano lifted his arms and clung to him, holding on like he was afraid to let go.
“Shh... it’s okay…” Ody whispered against his ear.
When the crying finally stopped, Ody helped him to his feet and guided him to the bed. “I’m sorry,” he murmured.
Guilt twisted in his chest. How could he have forgotten what triggered Mano like that? He grabbed his phone and deleted the game without hesitation.
As he moved to climb into the bed from the inner side, Mano shifted toward that spot. Their eyes met, neither saying a word.Ody reached for the second pillow on the bed, only to have Mano snatch it away. “Not that one.”
Ody stilled. “But... you don’t have another pillow. Where am I supposed to sleep?”
Mano clutched the pillow to his chest. “Go get the one from the living room.”
Ody walked to the living room and picked up the sheet and pillow from the floor. When he returned, Mano was still curled around the pillow.
“Aren’t you putting it under your head?”
“I don’t want it for my head.”
“Then?” Ody asked, and Mano looked away. “Mano…” he said, his voice gently scolding.
“I can’t sleep unless I’m hugging a pillow,” Mano admitted quietly, avoiding his gaze.
A protective warmth spread through Ody’s chest. “From now on, you’ll have me. You don’t need the pillow.”
Mano tightened his grip around it. “No. It’s not the same.”
“You don’t want to hold me instead?”
Mano hesitated for a moment. “No.” He turned his back to him, staring at the wall while still clutching the pillow.
Ody lay down beside him on the double bed. He turned toward Mano and slowly wrapped an arm around him. Mano’s eyes widened at the feeling, but he didn’t move away.
A soft kiss brushed against his hair. “Goodnight,” Ody whispered.
For a moment, Mano lay still, aware of Ody’s arm around him. Something unfamiliar twisted in his chest before he finally closed his eyes.
A few hours later, they were both asleep on their backs. Ody stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he shifted in bed. He glanced down and saw Mano’s hand resting on top of his.
He looked over at him. Mano seemed to be sleeping peacefully, still hugging the pillow. Ody stayed still, careful not to wake him. Instead, he let Mano keep holding his hand as he drifted back to sleep.
By the time morning came, Ody’s eyes fluttered open. “Mmm…” he hummed as he turned onto his side, facing Mano.
He blinked in surprise when he saw Mano awake, his hand tucked under his cheek as he watched him. “You’re up?” he asked, his voice thick with sleep.
Mano didn’t respond. He just kept looking at him.
A smile spread across Ody’s face. Then, with a playful smirk, he shifted into the same position, resting his own hand beneath his cheek to mirror him.
