“Because they hit you. We’ve gone over this.” Mano’s jaw clenched, the words coming out sharper than before.
“Can you just let it go? It will not—”
“No. I can’t.” Mano cut him off, his voice rising. “Do you know how much those tires cost? Both of them are slashed. They’ll get what they deserve.”
“What if they do something worse? What if they hurt you?” Ody asked as they stopped at a red light.
Mano let out a short laugh. “So you’re worried about me now?”
“Yes, I am worried.”
Mano’s smile slowly faded.
Their gazes locked. For a moment, neither of them spoke.
“I don’t want them to hurt you,” Ody continued. “They punched me three times, and it hurt. What if they do worse? What if they—”
“Cut it out, mikre,” Mano said. “I’m not gonna put you in danger, so you don’t need to worry.”
“I’m not worried about me,” Ody said, his voice firm. “I’m worried about you.” Their gazes stayed locked until a car hornjolted Ody. He turned back to the wheel and drove the rest of the way in silence. They soon pulled up in front of Mano’s building.
“Did your friends notice anything?” Mano asked.
“No.”
“Sorry for letting it slip earlier,” Mano muttered, avoiding eye contact.
“It’s okay.” Ody gave him a faint smile.
Mano opened the door. “See you.”
Ody watched him walk inside before driving away.
Later that afternoon, Mano’s phone buzzed.
Stella: Wanna go out tonight babe?
Mano exhaled through his nose and typed.I’m not in the mood
His phone buzzed again almost immediately.Don’t blow me off again Mano. I’m serious
His jaw tightened.Someone slashed my bike tires. I’m not in the mood to go out
Omg why? Don’t tell me you got into a fight
Mano stared at the screen for a second, then typed.Leave me alone
The three dots appeared again.Come on baby. We don’t have to go downtown. At least come out for a little while. You don’t want to?
He rubbed a hand over his face.Do you want me to be honest?
I won’t annoy you today. You’ll see. We can go wherever you want. Just for a little while
He hesitated, thumb hovering over the screen.Where do you want to meet?
At the park at nine
He let out a quiet breath.Okay. I’ll wait for you at the first bench
