Mano’s gaze sharpened. “What kind of mindset is that?”
“Well... I told you. I’m not like you. I can’t fight anyone who messes with me.”
“Is that how I come across to you?” Mano asked.
“You beat them up in the middle of campus.”
“I beat them up because three of them backed you into the bathroom and attacked you.” Mano’s voice rose before he could stop himself.
Silence fell between them.
“Do you know how many…” Mano started, then stopped, his voice quieter now. “How many times I got cornered by groups and beaten up?”
Ody froze.
“And I didn’t have anyone. Nobody helped me. Ever.”
Ody’s throat tightened, his gaze lingering on Mano.
“So yeah. If I can protect you from those bastards, I will. Even if you think I’m just some thug who only knows how to fight.”
“I never said that,” Ody muttered.
“The point is, you have me.” Mano turned fully toward him. “You’re not alone. You’ll show them they messed with the wrong person, with my help. Okay?”
Ody nodded.
“Good. Start the car before we miss the movie.”
Ody turned the key, the rest of the drive passing in a quiet calm.
Soon, they pulled into the cinema parking lot. Ody parked, and they walked toward the theater entrance among the small crowd gathering for the evening screenings. They showed their tickets at the door.
“Want something to eat? I forgot to ask,” Ody said.
“No. I came straight from the gym. I had a protein bar.” Mano found his seat, and Ody sat down beside him.
“How long have you been training?”
“Five years.”
Ody let out a low whistle. “That explains a lot. And how did you learn to fight like that?”
“Krav Maga.”
Ody turned toward him. “Seriously?”
Mano nodded. “I started with kickboxing, but ended up there.”
“When did you start?”
“At fifteen.”
Ody studied him for a moment before asking, “For self-defense?”
Mano nodded.
“What year are you in college?” Ody asked.
