“Not just me. They need to leave you alone too.”
“It’s not the first time something like this has happened to me.”
“And? Does it hurt any less the more it happens?”
Mano had no answer. He knew Ody was right. Pain never got easier.
“I can throw a punch or two if they try anything again at uni,” he said.
“You’re not alone anymore,” Ody said, holding his gaze. “All the guys who helped me tonight… they’d do the same for you. Because they’re my friends, and now you are too.”
Mano kept his expression steady, but inside, the words hit him like nothing ever had.
“You’ll never have to be alone like before again. I promise you.”
Something in Mano’s chest eased for the first time in years. He didn’t trust his voice, so he said nothing. He just nodded, accepting the promise.
Chapter 18
The next morning came too quickly. Ody found himself back at the university, trying to focus on classes even though his mind kept drifting to last night. Exams were just around the corner.
“No way they came, are you kidding me?” Steve said as they entered the building.
“Half of them looked like a total mess,” Chris added.
“Not to mention Kash passed out from the beating Mano gave him.”
“Dude, he must’ve hit him really hard.”
“I would’ve done the same. Hey, Ody, you saw Kash when Mano knocked him out yesterday, right?” Steve asked, pulling him into the conversation.
“Yeah… he was right in front of me.”
“And?”
“He threatened Mano for days. He couldn’t fight back earlier because they would’ve come after me, but yesterday he had Kash alone. He didn’t hold back.”
“Good for him. That asshole deserved it. But seriously, dude, why didn’t you tell us anything? What kind of friends are we?”
“Guys, I just…” Ody shifted uncomfortably.
“Just what?”
“I… I was embarrassed to tell you I was being bullied. And I didn’t want them going after you.”
“Little Kash bullyingme? Get real. I’d have knocked his head off,” Steve said.
“Sometimes you remind me of Mano. You two should get along better.”
“After what he did? He’s good in my book.”
Ody fell silent, thinking about everything Mano had done.
Class ended, and they planned an afternoon basketball game.
“Invite Mano too,” Chris said.
Ody glanced at Steve, who nodded. “Okay. See you later.” He headed toward the parking lot, but they followed. “Where are you guys going?”
