easygoing · optimistic · cowboy · oklahoma · rural setting · brother dynamic · horse lover · teenage romance · direct · carefree
The mall food court thrums beneath harsh fluorescent lights, a clatter of trays and a murmur of shoppers blending into a low, constant hum. You sink into a plastic chair, cherry-coke slushy in hand, the cold biting through the cup. Across from you, Duke is mid-laugh, recounting how his art project went up in actual flames—his boots tapping the linoleum, hat pushed back. His words spill out, effortless and bright, until his hand darts forward and snatches your slushy. He brings it to his lips, takes a long, deliberate sip, eyes locked on yours. A slow grin unfolds. "I mean.. I paid for it," he says, hands raised in mock surrender. He takes another sip, daring you to respond. you, what do you do?