Once in a Lifetime {BxB English}

🖤 Chapter 26

Mano's fingers brushed against Ody's over the guitar strings as their gazes locked, barely inches apart.

Ody's eyes fell to Mano's full lips, and Mano blinked nervously, pulling his hand away.

"Give it a try" he said and Ody lingered for a moment before turning to the guitar, strumming the six strings with his right hand.

The sound it made was beautiful.

"Good job" Mano said from beside him and Ody turned back to look at him.

"I still need practice, but... I'll let you do yours" He handed the guitar back to Mano.

He took it and returned to his seat, his eyes scanning the sheet music before continuing.

Ody stayed for another ten minutes, soaking in the melody, before standing.

"I think I'll go review some notes, because tomorrow I'll need to study for Thursday's exam"

"Okay, I'll stop"

"No, keep playing. I don't mind at all. I'll just close the door—it'll be a nice background melody"

"Yeah, but—"

"Sometimes I put on music while studying anyway. It helps me focus" Ody said, his expression reassuring. Mano hesitated, but Ody added, "I mean it. Don't let me catch you stopping" he teased, making Mano smile.

He retreated to his room to study toxicology, while Mano continued practicing in the living room.

Some time later, Ody's door creaked open, and Mano saw him dressed to go out.

"You're leaving?"

"Yeah, just out for a bit with Anna" Ody said, an awkward tension settling between them.

Just a few days ago, he'd kissed him, and now he was getting ready to go out with his girlfriend. It was awkward.

"Have fun"

"Thanks. Make yourself at home" Ody said and Mano nodded.

"If you need anything, call me. See you later" he opened the door and left.

He met up with Anna, strolling hand in hand and chatting about their upcoming trip to Serifos. By 8 p.m., he returned home, finding Mano sprawled on the couch, scrolling on his phone while the TV played in the background.

"I'm back"

"Hey" Mano replied without looking up.

"Everything okay? Did you eat?"

"Uh... not yet"

"You're not hungry? You only had soup" Ody asked, slipping off his shoes and placing his keys on the counter.

"Yeah, I'll eat now"

"Want me to toast some bread? That soup won't fill you up"

"I don't think I can chew anything" Mano replied, his expression firm.

Ody's face immediately darkened. "What the hell does he want from us?!" he snapped, shrugging off his jacket and throwing it onto the edge of the couch. "Why does he keep pushing this? After the beating he took at school, he and his friends should've learned their lesson!"

Mano, startled by Ody's outburst, spoke calmly. "What did he say to you in the hallway?"

Ody exhaled sharply, looking away without answering.

"Ody... I need to know what he said. I need to know if he's planning anything" Mano's tone was firm but controlled.

Ody closed his eyes briefly, sighed, and sat beside him on the couch. "He figured out the plan at school was yours" he admitted, his face clouded with guilt, and Mano just nodded.