Page 178 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

Ody looked up, but Mano had already leaned back in his chair.

“You shouldn’t be with someone who makes you feel like that,” Mano said. “Maybe you should go back to Anna.”

Ody’s breath caught, a tight ache spreading through his chest. He just stared at him, like he hadn’t heard right. “Why would you say that?” he breathed out. “You know how much I love you.”

“Sorry.” The word came too fast. Mano stared at the table, blinking hard. “That was stupid. I’m sorry.”

Ody looked down. “I didn’t mean… that I’m not myself with you. I don’t miss her. It’s just… unfair. For anyone who wants to hold their partner’s hand in public or share a kiss and simply can’t. I wasn’t blaming you.”

“I know,” Mano said. “I know.” Regret flickered across his face as he watched Ody.

He wanted that too. The freedom to hold his hand in public without thinking about it. Without the looks. The comments.

But neither of them was ready for that.

They finished their meal in a quieter mood, but little by little, it eased. By the time they left, the tension had softened. They stepped out onto the main street. Tall lamps cast a warm glow along the sidewalk. People drifted past, some dressed casually, others more formally, the nearby restaurants and bars buzzing with life.

For a moment, they found themselves almost alone. A group walked ahead of them. No one behind. Ody brushed his hand against Mano’s, almost like a question. Mano glanced at him, and a second later, their fingers intertwined. Their eyes met, both a little tense, a little unsure, but there was something else there too. A quiet warmth. Ody half-expected him to pull away. He didn’t.

They looked ahead again, continuing side by side, their hands still joined.

“It’s really nice,” Ody said, the breeze brushing against his face. Mano gave his hand a small squeeze. “Look at the moon,” Ody added, pointing up with his free hand. “It’s so bright tonight.”

“It is,” Mano said, lifting his gaze.

Voices drifted from a few meters ahead. “Okay, we’re on our way. If they let you in, text me where you’re sitting.”

“No, wait for us! Don’t go in early!”

Their hands slipped apart at once. They froze mid-step.

“Yeah, yeah, okay,” she said into her phone as she stepped forward.

Then she saw them. And stopped.

No one moved.

“See you there. I’m hanging up.” She lowered her phone, her eyes still on them. “Well, well… look who it is.” She walked toward them.

Mano’s shoulders tensed. Ody stayed where he was.

“Long time no see. How’ve you two been?” she said, stopping in front of Ody, staring at him.

Behind her, Nicky lingered a step back.

Anna’s gaze flicked to Mano, sharp, mocking. “I’m glad you two are still together,” she said, turning back to Ody. “At least everything you did to me wasn’t for nothing.”

“Anna—”

The slap cracked through the air. Ody’s head snapped to the side.

Mano lunged forward, but Ody caught his forearm, stopping him.

He kept his head lowered, jaw tight.

Mano stared at Anna, barely holding himself back.

“I owed you that,” Anna said. “And you deserve a lot worse.”