Page 222 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“It’s not that simple,” Mano muttered, his head dropping.

“What’s holding you back?”

Mano hesitated. “There’s… someone here. I can’t just leave.”

Neither of them spoke.

“I see,” Dominic said. “That’s not an easy position to be in.” He took a breath. “I’m offering you a chance to make your dream come true. If that person truly cares about you, they’ll understand that.”

Mano said nothing.

“I’ll give you ten days,” Dominic added. “Take some time to think it over. I’ll call you again.”

The call ended. Mano pulled the phone away from his ear, then glanced toward the hallway, and froze.

Ody stood there, a towel wrapped around his waist, his expression tense.

Mano’s breath caught. “How long have you been standing there?”

“That’s why you were acting like that at the hospital,” Ody said, unable to hide how shaken he was.

Mano lowered his head, swallowing hard.

Ody stayed quiet for a moment, his gaze drifting. His jaw flexed before he looked back at him. “You should go.”

Mano’s head snapped up. “Ody, what are you talking about? I just got the offer. I haven’t even had time to process it, and you’re telling me to go?”

Ody let out a small, awkward laugh, glancing away. “It’s your dream.”

Their eyes met across the room.

Ody held his gaze for a moment, like he might say something else. Then he looked away. “I’m gonna get dressed,” he muttered. “I don’t want to catch a cold.” He turned and walked toward the bedroom.

Mano stayed where he was, then followed. Ody was pulling on his clothes when Mano stepped into the bedroom. He moved toward him, reaching out to help.

“I’m fine,” Ody said before he could.

Mano leaned against the frame, watching him. “Ody…”

He didn’t turn. His shoulders tensed, his back still to him. Then he spun around. “Why now?” His voice cracked. “Why after everything we’ve been through? Why now, when we finally—” He cut himself off, shaking his head. “Why?”

“I don’t want you to be upset,” Mano said. “I won’t go.”

Ody went still. “And I’m supposed to feel okay knowing you’d give up your dream for me?”

“It’s not that simple.”

Ody met his eyes. “If I wasn’t in your life… would you go?”

Mano’s gaze dropped. He didn’t answer.

Ody watched him for a moment, then gave a small nod. “Yeah.” He walked out.

They stayed in separate rooms. Mano stared at the wall, thoughts colliding, nothing settling. Ody sat on the couch, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor.

After a while, Mano stepped into the living room. Ody looked up as Mano pulled out a chair and sat across from him.

“I know you want to go,” Ody said.