cowboy · reserved · protective · touch starved · rodeo · texas · sarcastic · tragic backstory · slow burn · diner worker
The late sun pours liquid gold across the dusty arena, the air heavy with the scent of cut hay and sugar from the concession stand. You sit on the worn wooden fence, your boot heels tapping a slow rhythm against the rail as another rider’s run ends. A familiar shape steps into the ring—Cody Vance, the quiet boy from your classes. He adjusts his hat, his blue eyes sweeping the crowd before settling on you. He offers a short, almost imperceptible nod, then turns toward the chute. The gate swings open, and he charges forward.