“I just thought… maybe I take my car and—”
“You scared?” Mano smirked.
“N-no.” Ody rubbed the back of his neck. “The car’s just more comfortable.”
“And so is the bike. Faster, too. I’ll drop you off then head out.”
Ody raised an eyebrow. “What, you coming to class with me?”
For the first time, Mano smiled. Really smiled.
Ody stared at the way it softened his face, at the warmth in his eyes.
“I’ll make sure those assholes aren’t waiting for you,” Mano said.
Steve and Chris are definitely going to ask questions…
Mano noticed Ody drifting into his thoughts. “Alright?”
“Uh… yeah. Thanks.”
A faint smile touched his lips. “See you tomorrow.” He took a few steps toward his bike, then paused and looked back at Ody. “I want to see you leave first.”
Ody let out a small laugh. “That’s not necessary. Just go.”
“I’m not leaving until you do.” Mano crossed his arms.
“Isn’t this a bit much?”
“Yesterday they jumped you the second I left, didn’t they?”
“Well… yeah. But Kash can barely move after the beating you gave him.”
“I don’t care,” Mano said. “Start the car.”
Ody didn’t move.
“I mean it. If you don’t leave now, I’m staying right here.”
“For how long?”
“As long as it takes for you to drive off.”
Ody sighed, glanced down with a faint smile, and finally got into the car.
Once he disappeared down the street, Mano headed toward his bike.
He had barely taken a few steps when his phone buzzed in his pocket. It was Chrysa, checking in and asking if he still wanted to meet. She suggested tomorrow, and he replied that he could only make it after noon because he had something to do in the morning.
He climbed onto his bike and started the engine, the vibration running through his hands as he tried to settle his thoughts.
By the time he got home, he dropped his phone on the bed, grabbed his music books, and forced himself to study, though concentration didn’t come easily. His mind kept drifting back to green eyes, a bruise, and the way Ody had looked at him before leaving.
The next morning, Mano woke up a little after ten. He grabbed a quick breakfast, got dressed, and headed out on his motorcycle.
He checked the address Ody had sent him and set off.
When he reached Pangrati, he slowed, following the GPS to find the exact location.
