Page 93 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

Mano studied him for a moment. “Can you even afford it? We spent a lot in Serifos, and you’re not working.”

Ody hesitated. “It’s not ideal, but I’ll ask my parents if they can cover the trip. I don’t want to miss this… it’ll just be us. Five whole days.”

Mano went quiet, considering. “We’ll go. On one condition.”

Ody straightened, a smile already forming. “Anything. Say it.”

“You’re not asking your parents for money. I’ll cover it.”

Ody’s expression fell. “Mano, I can’t let you do that.”

“Why not?”

“You already spent so much on the watch.” He lifted his wrist. “I can’t let you pay for a trip too. I’d feel awful.”

“Do your parents have the money for this?”

Ody blinked. “No, but—”

“No buts.” Mano held his gaze. “You’re not putting that on them. I have the money. I’ll spend it on something that matters.”

Ody stilled, smiling at his last remark. “…Okay.”

“Get dressed. I’m taking you out,” Mano said, getting up.

A little later, they were at a restaurant with watermelon-pink walls and an open kitchen, the air heavy with the smell of food.

“I’m starving,” Ody said, dropping into his seat across from him, hand on his stomach.

After they ordered, Ody leaned forward, eyes locked on Mano. “I was thinking about something while you were sleeping.”

Mano held his stare, waiting.

“It’d be nice to have something just for us. Something only we would understand.”

Mano frowned. “I’m not following.”

“Like…” Ody scratched the back of his neck. “Something symbolic. Just ours.”

“Okay…”

Ody hesitated, glancing around before looking back at him. “Like a tattoo.”

Mano’s gaze dropped.

“I’ve been wanting one. Something that matters to us.”

“Ody…” Mano leaned forward, fingers intertwined. “Tattoos stay with you for life. You don’t just decide that overnight.”

“I didn’t just come up with it now.”

“When did you? While I was asleep?”

Ody sighed. “It’d be small. Barely noticeable. Just something we’d know is ours.”

“Like what?” Mano asked.

Ody lowered his eyes, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “The reason we found each other again.” He glanced up. “If it wasn’t for the cross around your neck… maybe I wouldn’t have seen you again.”