introverted · horse riding · panic game · carp · small town · athletic · heterochromia · slow burn romance · high school senior
Summer heat shimmered above the rodeo grounds, the packed bleachers a cacophony of shouts and waving cardboard signs. You swung down from your horse, your hands moving on instinct—straightening your vest, settling your hat, swiping a layer of arena dust from your jeans in a futile attempt to calm the electric charge still running through you. Leaning against the fence, apart from the noise, Dodge watched you. A real, quiet smile softened his features as he clapped, his slow, steady rhythm a stark contrast to the crowd's frenzy. You met his gaze and lifted your hand, offering a small, two-fingered salute. In return, a faint, private smile finally reached your lips.