“You’ve already done enough.”
“You got beat up because of me.” Ody’s voice dropped, heavier now.
Their gazes held for a long moment.
“Well, I’m off.” Mano opened the door and stepped into the hallway. He pressed the elevator button, then turned back. Ody was still standing there. “Um… Thank you for everything.”
A small smile appeared on Ody’s lips. “Don’t mention it. Get some rest.”
The elevator arrived. Mano gave him one final nod and stepped inside. He could walk, but slowly, ribs and back aching, lip still split. He got into the taxi Ody had called and had barely given his address when his phone lit up.
Stella: Good morning... Are you feeling any better?
He sighed and typed back,A bit yeah
Another message popped up.Do you still want to meet up?
I’m not in shape to go out. Still hurts. Better to stay in,he replied.
Stella: Do you want me to come over?
He rubbed his forehead. She meant well, but he didn’t want her seeing him like this.Nah I’m not exactly a pleasant sight
Stella: I feel bad thinking of you like this... It’s my fault my ex hit you
His jaw tightened.Let’s not go over this again. Talk later bye.He locked his phone, leaned back into the seat, and closed his eyes, wishing the day would end already.
He got home and went straight to the couch, wincing with every movement.
When it was time for Ody’s class, he got into his car and headed to the university. He was on his way to the cafeteria for a coffee when he ran into his friends.
“Hey. Morning, man,” Steve greeted him.
“Morning. What’s up?”
“We got our coffees and we’re ready for two hours of Philips,” Chris said, and Ody went to order his own.
They reached the hallway outside their classroom, where students from their department were gathered, including Kash, Brandon and Pablo.
A sly smile spread across Kash’s lips as he watched Ody. Word had already gotten to him about what happened to the guy who dared to mess with them. Ody knew exactly why Kash was smiling and quickly looked away.
“Was he looking at you kinda weird, or is it just me?” Steve asked once they passed.
“Who?” Ody played dumb.
“That guy who’s always screwing around in class.”
“Kash?” Chris guessed.
“Yeah, him.”
“He wasn’t looking at me,” Ody replied casually.
“He was,” Steve insisted.
“I didn’t notice.”
Two hours later, they stepped into the courtyard.
