Once in a Lifetime {BxB English}

🖤 Chapter 15

"Some friends?" Mano asked as they spoke on the phone.

"Yeah. Actually... couples. It'll be me and Anna, another couple, and I'll invite Steve too"

"And what does that have to do with me?"

"Well... you're a friend"

"Didn't you just say couples? I don't have a girlfriend"

"You date so many, you can bring someone. We're only going for a week"

"Where to?"

"Serifos"

"Yeah, look... I'm not... really into that kind of thing"

"What do you mean?"

"Friends, groups, vacations all together—it's not my style"

"Why not? We'll have a great time"

"You will. I won't" Mano stated firmly, leaving Ody feeling a pang of disappointment.

"Why are you being so negative?"

"I don't do well in crowds. I don't like being around too many people" Mano added, resolute. Ody's mind wandered for a moment, recalling the first time they met.

"I'll let you think about it. When we're booking tickets, I'll ask you again"

"It won't change anything"

"I'll still ask. See you at class tomorrow"

~~~

Morning came, and Mano felt slightly better, though he was still taking three painkillers a day. When he climbed onto his bike, a dull ache in his lower back made him adjust until he was comfortable enough to ride. He put on his helmet and set off.

The pain persisted on the way, but he managed to reach the university without any real issues. Before heading to class, he made a quick stop at the restrooms in the main building. Outside the door, he saw someone familiar—a guy he recognized as one of Kash's two friends.

Their eyes met, Mano's gaze sharp as a knife. Without a word, he pushed past him and swung the door open, freezing at the scene before him.

Kash and the other guy had Ody pinned against the wall next to the sink. His golden hair and shirt were soaked.

All three turned toward the sound of the door opening. Behind Mano, the third guy stood in front of the door, blocking the exit.

Anger flashed across Mano's face as he stood there, fists clenched.

"Well, well, look who's here," Kash drawled mockingly. "Didn't expect you back so soon. Recovered quickly, huh?" He smirked, glancing at Ody, who was still dripping wet beside him. "Here to rescue your little buddy?"

Mano's eyes locked onto Kash's with a fiery intensity, the words he'd heard at that school when they hit him, echoing in his mind.

His honey eyes shifted to Ody's green ones. He looked exhausted, as if silently pleading for help.

Mano's jaw tightened, his fists clenched harder. He fought the urge to launch himself at Kash and beat him to a pulp. But then Kash started walking toward him, leaving Ody behind. His eyes gleamed with defiance as he leaned close to Mano's ear.

"You know what I'll do to him if you get involved" Kash whispered, pulling back with a triumphant smirk.

Mano's gaze darkened, his breaths growing heavier. He wanted nothing more than to tear Kash apart. But his mind wouldn't stop replaying the thought of what might happen to Ody if he did.