Mano snapped and attacked again, relentless.
Students emerging from the building stopped in shock.
Then, Ody arrived.
“Don’t expect anything from them anymore,” Mano said. “They won’t touch you again. Unless they’re stupid. Or suicidal.”
Ody swallowed. “Why did they pick on you? Back then.”
Mano looked away.
“What did they do to you? Hit you? Call you names?”
“All of it,” Mano said and Ody stilled. “One day I’d had enough. I stopped being the victim. Since then, people stay out of my way.”
“They’re afraid of you,” Ody said. “But I’m not.”
Mano’s eyes lifted to his. “If I wanted to, you would be.”
“And why don’t you?”
Mano hesitated, the answer slipping out before he caught it. “You seem like a decent person. That’s rare.”
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them felt different, quieter.
“Anyway. That’s why I stood up for you. Because it felt like standing up for me. But if they bother you again, you tell me.”
“I’m not helpless. I can handle myself.”
“Oh yeah? If those three corner you somewhere, what are you gonna do?”
Ody had no answer. “If that happens, it’ll be too late to tell you. The damage will already be done.”
Mano’s jaw clenched. “Don’t make me follow you everywhere.”
Ody cracked a small smile. “Like what? My bodyguard?”
“I’m not letting them touch you again.” Mano’s gaze locked onto his, intense, almost painful.
Ody’s smile faded. “Did they hit you a lot?” he asked.
Mano didn’t answer. He just looked away, the distant look in his eyes saying enough.
“I’ll be fine,” Ody said gently. “You don’t have to keep coming with me.”
Mano shook his head once. “Now it’s my turn.” He looked back at him. “What time is your class tomorrow?”
“Mano, seriously, you don’t—”
“I said, what time?” Mano repeated, his voice firm.
Ody hesitated. “Eleven.”
“I’ll pick you up at ten thirty. On the bike.” Mano grabbed his helmet. “Don’t be late.”
“The bike?” Ody blinked.
“Yeah.” Mano glanced at him. “Why?”
