Mano tossed the chopsticks onto the table, crossing his arms with visible irritation.
Ody kept laughing. “I could stay here with you all night.”
The words slipped out so naturally that it took him a second to realize what he’d just said.
His laughter faded.
Mano froze as his eyes lifted to meet Ody’s. His gaze stayed fixed on him, stunned, almost wary, like he didn’t know what to do with the sudden intimacy.
Chapter 19
Ody’s words settled heavily between them, but Mano still hadn’t moved, blinked, or looked away.
His laughter faded completely. He cleared his throat and picked up the chopsticks, trying to ease them both back into something lighter. “Wanna try again?” he asked.
“No,” Mano muttered, arms crossed and turned away like an offended child.
“Come on… Even Anna has not learned how to use them yet, but I think you can.” Ody tugged Mano’s hand playfully and handed him the chopsticks. “Try the uramaki.”
“Speak Greek, damn it,” Mano snapped, making Ody laugh.
“It’s the one with the rice on the outside.”
“No. It will fall apart and the rice will go everywhere.” Mano pouted harder, and Ody couldn’t stop smiling.
“Okay, okay. Then try grabbing the sashimi. That’s easier.”
“Which one is that again?”
“The one without rice.”
“The raw one?”
“Yep.”
“I don’t like that. You’re the one who wanted it.”
“Don’t eat it, just pick it up.”
Mano sighed and positioned the chopsticks in his fingers.
“Wait,” Ody said. He took Mano’s hand again, gently repositioning his fingers. “Okay. Now try.”
Mano focused, carefully placing the piece between the chopsticks.
“Keep the pressure on your index finger,” Ody instructed.
Mano lifted the sashimi slowly. “I got it!”
“Good job.” Ody grinned as Mano raised it up.
“And now?”
“Bring it here.” Ody leaned forward and ate the sashimi straight from the chopsticks, chewing happily.
Mano paused, holding the chopsticks mid-air, glancing around to see if anyone had noticed.
“Why don’t you like it? It’s amazing.”
