Page 177 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“Oh no…” Ody muttered.

Mano leaned in, his voice dropping. “Don’t worry, mikre. I’m not gonna fuck you. Yet.”

Ody’s eyes widened, heat rushing to his face as he glanced around.

Mano leaned back, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “So? Are you staying, or are we both going home alone?”

Ody exhaled. “I’m a little scared of you… but okay.”

Mano’s smile lingered. “You should be.”

They reached for their drinks. For a moment, neither of them spoke, their gazes drifting toward the window. The waiter returned with their food, setting the plates down between them. The place had filled up. Conversations blended into a low, constant hum around them.

Ody noticed a faint smear at the corner of Mano’s mouth and reached out. Mano jerked back, his chair scraping against the floor. Ody froze, his hand still in the air.

“What are you doing?” Mano hissed.

“You had something there,” Ody said, pulling his hand back.

Mano grabbed a napkin and wiped his mouth.

Ody lowered his head, picking at his food. “You’re that uncomfortable with people seeing us, aren’t you?”

“You’re the one who asked for a secluded table. Don’t make me the bad guy.”

Ody’s eyes snapped to him. “And you wouldn’t let me kiss you in the car.”

Mano exhaled, turning toward the window.

“Why do we have to hide?” Ody muttered. “Why does it matter if someone sees us?” He pushed his fork through his food. “Why can’t I hold your hand in public? Why was it so easy with Anna, and not with you?”

“You knew what this was from the beginning.”

Ody’s gaze dropped. “It feels different when you’re actually in it…”

Silence settled between them.

“I’m tired of pretending we’re just friends,” Ody said. “It must be… even harder for you, since you’re only into women. Right?”

Mano turned his head, exhaling through his nose.

“You’ve got even more reason to hide this than I do,” Ody added.

“Kiss me.” Mano turned back to him, his eyes locking onto his.

Ody’s expression shifted. “What?”

“Kiss me. Here. Now.”

Ody’s pulse spiked. He glanced around the room. Too many people. He looked back at Mano, who was staring straight at him. Waiting.

Ody dropped his gaze, closing his eyes.

A quiet breath left Mano. “We’re in the same place. You don’t want people to see us either.”

“It’s just unfair,” Ody said. “I never had to think about it before. I could just… be myself.”

“And with me you’re not?”