Page 143 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

He took a small bite. It didn’t taste like anything.

After dinner, he drove her home.

“That was nice, wasn’t it?” she said, smiling.

“Yeah,” he replied, his grip tightening on the wheel. “It was.”

She leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to his lips.

He didn’t move. Didn’t even close his eyes.

“Talk to you tomorrow, baby. Good night.”

“Good night.”

She opened the door and stepped out.

He stayed there, watching as she walked toward her building.

The moment her back turned, her smile vanished.

Mano spent the night writing music, switching between guitar and keyboard, chasing the same few melodies. At some point, he set everything aside and reached for his phone. Everything okay?

Seen. No reply.

Mano: Why aren’t you answering? He frowned, his thumb hovering over the screen before lowering it.

Ody’s phone rang. When he saw Mano’s name, his chest tightened. He picked up, bringing it to his ear, but didn’t speak.

“Ody?”

He shut his eyes.

“Can you hear me?” Mano’s voice sharpened. “Why aren’t you saying anything?”

Silence stretched.

Mano exhaled. “You talked to her…”

For a moment, there was nothing. Then a quiet, broken sound came through. “I’m sorry.”

Mano stilled.

“I couldn’t… I’m sorry.” He lowered his head, dragging his fingers over his eyes. “Mano…” A shaky breath came through the line. “Can you come over?” His voice trembled. “Please.”

Mano didn’t answer.

“I need you. Please, Mano.”

“I’m on my way.”

When he knocked and the door opened, Ody stood there, eyes red, tears clinging to his lashes. He pulled Mano in, arms wrapping around him, his body shaking.

Mano let him. After a moment, he pulled him back just enough to look at him. “What happened?”

Ody didn’t answer. He walked inside and sank onto the couch.

Mano remained on his feet.