“Tell us who did it. I’ll handle it,” Steve insisted.
“Stop. Seriously.”
“Good morning, everyone,” the professor said, ending the conversation.
Two hours later, they stepped outside.
“And now tell us who did that to you,” Chris said.
Then Ody saw the crowd. Mano was in the center of it, on top of Kash, fists flying, blood streaking his mouth while the other two struggled to drag him off.
A professor burst forward. “Hey, stop!”
They were pulled apart, Mano breathing hard, eyes blazing as his gaze found Ody.
“My office. Now,” the professor snapped.
Mano turned and walked away without looking back, though Ody still felt the weight of his stare.
“Glad I never liked that guy,” Steve muttered. “Rudeandviolent.”
But Ody knew the truth. Mano had done it because of him. He had said Ody was on his own… So why did he step in?
“Let’s go,” Steve said.
Ody hesitated, his eyes drifting toward the hallway where Mano had disappeared. “Actually… I think I’ll stay for a bit.”
Steve frowned. “Don’t tell me you’re waiting for him.”
“I just want to know why he did it.”
Steve sighed, clearly annoyed, but didn’t argue further. He and Chris headed off.
Ody remained where he was for a moment before walking toward the professor’s office. He waited outside. Minutes later, the door opened and Mano stepped out with no bruises, no marks.
Their eyes met. “Why?” Ody asked.
“Why what?”
“Why did you hit them? I thought I was on my own.”
“I didn’t know all three of them would jump you when I said that.” His gaze flicked to the bruise. “And you said it yourself. If I hadn’t gotten involved, this wouldn’t have happened.”
“And what do you think happens now?” Ody’s voice rose. “You think they’ll leave me alone after this?”
“They know what to do now.”
Ody let out a breath, shaking his head. “They didn’t care about coffee. They wanted a reason. Now you’ve given them one.”
“I didn’t know it was three of them. That’s on me. It won’t happen again.” Mano held his gaze.
Ody’s eyes flickered. “How are you going to stop it? You gonna follow me around twenty-four seven?”
“If I have to, yes.”
Their eyes held for a long moment.
“Come with me.” Ody turned and headed toward the parking lot.
