21. Chapter 21
Mano blinked hard, shutting the door on the vulnerability from seconds ago. “I didn’t call you anything. If you’re hearing voices, you should see a doctor.”
Ody couldn’t help the grin tugging at his lips. “Alright then. I’ll talk to the guys and book the tickets. When it’s time to look for hotels, I’ll let you know.”
“Fine.”
“You going out with Ranya?” Ody asked, shifting the topic.
Mano finally looked at him. “If she texts, yeah.”
“And if she doesn’t? You’re not gonna text her?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t care that much. Just another hookup,” Mano said. Ody stayed quiet. “Why didn’t you give your socials to that other girl?”
“Because I have a girlfriend.”
“Lots of people do, but they still cheat.”
“I’m not one of those people.”
Mano locked eyes with him. “Yeah. I’ve noticed. Ready to leave? I’ve got studying to do.”
“Yeah, same.”
After paying, they headed to the bike. This time, Ody wrapped his arms around Mano’s waist without being told.
“I’m gonna go fast. Prepare.”
“Don’t!” Ody exclaimed.
Mano laughed. “Relax, I’m kidding. What’s your issue with speed?”
They reached Mano’s building fast. “Come on, scaredy-cat,” he teased, unbuckling Ody’s helmet and pulling it off.
Ody glared. “Don’t call me that.”
“I figured you’d be fine with speed since you drive. You’re chill with the car.”
“I don’t have an issue with speed. Don’t call me scaredy-cat.” His tone was firm.
“Fine.” Mano got off and headed toward the entrance. When Ody didn’t say goodbye, he slowed, then stopped. “Ody?”
“What?” His expression stayed tight.
Mano held his gaze for a moment. “Nothing.” He turned away and went inside.
The next morning, Mano threw himself into studying. He practiced pieces on his guitar, flute and violin.
The evening moved along until Ranya texted him, asking if he was still up for that drink. He told her to meet him at eight.
He arrived at the bar on his bike and waited outside. Five minutes passed before he saw her approaching.
“Hey there.” She smiled, her white top a stark contrast to her long black hair, her blue eyes catching the light.
She was beautiful. Exactly Mano’s type.
“Hi.”
“Ready to go in?”
Mano opened the door and stepped inside first. They found a table, and when the waitress came, he ordered a small beer.
“You don’t drink much?” she asked.
“I’m driving, that’s why.”
“And if you weren’t?”
“I drink normally.”
Their drinks arrived, and Ranya carried the conversation with effortless ease. Mano answered whatever he felt like answering and sidestepped anything personal with practiced precision.
Later, when they reached his apartment, he unlocked the door and stepped inside, with her close behind.
The moment it shut, he pulled her toward him and kissed her hard. Her top came off in one smooth motion. He lifted her, and she immediately wrapped her legs around his waist. Carrying her into the living room, he laid her down and took off his shirt.
Her breath caught at the sight of him, her eyes lingering on his tattoos and defined muscles in the low light.
Some time later, she lay beside him on the couch, still catching her breath. “Wow… you’re incredible. It’s been a long time since I’ve had sex this good.”
“I’m hitting the shower,” he said as he stood.
“Are you a Virgo or something?”
He paused. “What?”
“Your zodiac sign.”
“Don’t start with that horoscope bullshit.”
“Oh, come on. Just tell me.”
He rolled his eyes. “Pisces.”
“I once dated a Virgo who always ran to the shower after sex.”
“What else am I supposed to do? Watch a movie or cuddle?” he mocked.
“Can I join you?” she asked with a teasing smile.
“No.” Mano walked into the bathroom and shut the door.
She stayed on the couch, completely unfazed.
When he stepped out again with a towel around his waist, Ranya was already dressed.
“I’m heading out,” she said.
“Bye.”
“If you wanna do this again, you know where to find me.” She winked and walked out.
Earlier that evening, Anna had texted Ody to ask if she could come over. When the doorbell rang, he opened the door to find her smiling, a small backpack slung over her shoulders.
“Hi,” she said, kissing him before stepping inside. “Oh. Did you cook?” Her eyes lit up as she caught the smell.
“Penne with red sauce. And the white wine you like.” Ody smiled.
“You’re the sweetest boyfriend ever,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck.
After dinner, they curled up on the couch to watch a movie. A few minutes in, Anna’s lips brushed along his neck, trailing upward.
Ody let out a quiet huff. “You’re missing the movie.”
“I have more interesting things to do.” She climbed over him with a playful grin.
Her kisses deepened, warm and slow, her hands exploring him with clear intention. Ody melted into her touch, letting the movie fade into background noise.
Later, they lay tangled together on the couch. Anna rested her head on his shoulder, placing a soft kiss on his neck.
He wrapped an arm around her and kissed her forehead. “Moro mu,” he whispered.
“I love you,” she murmured, looking into his green eyes.
“I love you too,” he said, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.
After a quiet moment, Ody brushed a hand through her brown hair. “Baby, I want to hit the shops tomorrow. Wanna come along?”
Anna pouted. “Ah, babe, my mom said that if I’m staying here tonight, I need to spend tomorrow studying.”
“So, you can’t?”
“She won’t let me,” she muttered, frustrated. “Ugh, it’s like I’m still in high school.”
Ody chuckled and kissed her cheek. “Come on, don’t be upset. I’ll ask the guys to come with me instead.”
“What are you shopping for?”
“Some T-shirts. And maybe shorts too,” he said, resting his hand on her hip.
She smiled, settling against him again, warm and content.
Late at night, they fell asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.
Mano slept alone.
The next morning, after a shared breakfast, Anna headed home. Ody opened the group chat with his two closest friends and sent a message. TallGuy: What’s up guys?
Terminator: Studying. Dying. The usual
Single AF: Bro help me. I need to send my assignment to Karson by 11
TallGuy: Chris dude… last minute again?
Always
I’m going to the shops later. I assume you’re not coming
Unless you want me to shop for you while you finish my assignment hehe
Terminator: You two are idiots
TallGuy: Steve you’re my only hope
Sorry bro I’m booked. Got a date with Danae. But for Serifos we’re in
Perfect
Single AF: Stop texting, my phone’s freaking out
Terminator: Turn off your Wifi idiot. Finish the assignment
TallGuy: Anyone coming to the shops?
Single AF: Stop spamming Ody
He sighed, and despite yesterday’s small argument, only one person came to mind. What’s up? He hesitated when he hit send, unsure how Mano would take it.
Mano, buried in books, heard his phone buzz. You’re talking to me? He texted back.
Why wouldn’t I be?
Mano stared at the screen for a moment before typing again. I thought you were mad because I called you a scaredy cat
Ody’s jaw tightened. He didn’t like the nickname, and Mano knew it, but he let the message sit for a few seconds before replying. I’m heading to the shops today. Wanna come along?
Mano blinked at the sudden invitation. For someone who was supposed to be annoyed, Ody was still choosing him. What time?
Whenever you want
What are you shopping for?
Clothes
Mano leaned back in his chair, letting the decision come easy. Pick me up with your car at 6
When Ody pulled up outside Mano’s apartment building, he sent a quick text. A moment later, Mano walked out of the entrance and headed toward the car. He opened the passenger door and got in. “Hey,” he said as he buckled his seat belt.
“Hey.” Ody started the car.
The silence between them thickened. Ody turned up the radio a little, letting the music fill the space that neither of them seemed ready to break with words. He pulled away from the front of the building, merging into traffic.
“Ugh...” Ody groaned, leaning his elbow against the open window.
“We’d be there by now if we took the bike,” Mano said.
“Cut it out,” Ody snapped.
“What?” Mano asked. When Ody didn’t answer, his voice edged lower. “What did you say?”
“I said, cut it out,” Ody replied, turning to lock eyes with him.
“Feeling touchy today? Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?” Mano said, his tone turning sharp.
“No, I woke up just fine.”
“Doesn’t look like it.”
Both turned toward their windows.
The silence stretched until Ody smacked the steering wheel. “Come on! Move already!”
“Care to explain what’s gotten into you?” Mano asked, glancing over again.
Ody met his gaze. “I want you to stop bringing up your bike.”
“What’s your problem all of a sudden? This is about me calling you a scaredy-cat, isn’t it? I’ve said that before and you didn’t care.”
“Exactly. I let it slide the first time,” Ody said, annoyed.
“Why does it bother you now?”
“Would you like it if I called you a scaredy-cat for running out of the cinema that time?” Ody shot back.
Mano’s expression hardened. “I was joking. If you said it, you’d be a real asshole.”
“Just like you then.”
Their eyes locked, both tense and irritated, before they turned away again.
Eventually the traffic cleared. They parked near the shopping district and walked in silence until Ody spotted a store and headed toward it.
Mano stepped ahead and held the door open. “Go ahead,” he said.
Ody hesitated at Mano’s gesture, his expression softening, then walked inside.
“What are you looking for?” Mano asked as they browsed.
“T-shirts and maybe some shorts.”
A sales assistant approached. “Good evening. Can I help you?”
Ody explained what he needed while Mano stayed nearby. He held up a dark blue shirt. “This is a nice color.”
“Yeah. This one too,” Mano said, pointing at a red shirt. “What size are you?”
“Medium or large.”
Mano found the shirts in medium and handed them over. “Here. Go try them on.”
Ody headed to the fitting rooms. As Mano browsed, his phone buzzed.
Odysseus: Can you grab these in large?
Mano searched until he found the larger size. Which fitting room, he texted.
After Ody replied, Mano crossed the short hallway to the fitting rooms and pushed the curtain aside just enough to look in.
Ody stood shirtless inside, his black jeans still on.
Mano caught on a faint scar, a thin line of stitches just beneath Ody’s ribcage.
His brows drew together before he could stop himself.
Ody noticed exactly where he was looking. He covered the scar with his hand and met Mano’s gaze. “Thanks,” he murmured, taking the shirts quickly and pulling the curtain shut.
Mano stayed there for a moment, frozen, a quiet curiosity stirring in his chest.