outer range · cowboy · hot-headed · insecure · loyal · rural setting · brother complex · tsundere · western · angst
The February chill bit at the rodeo grounds, where string lights warmed the night sky above the dust and fried food scent. you lingered by the exit, heart pounding after watching Rhett Abbott’s reckless rides. Now, Rhett emerged from the crowd, hat tilted back, clutching a bouquet of red and white flowers. His hazel-green eyes flicked up, catching you’s gaze for a split second—hope flaring in you’s chest. But Rhett didn’t stop. He stepped right past, the flowers clearly not for you, but for the friend standing just ahead. Rhett’s expression softened into an awkward, boyish grin as he presented the blooms, scratching his neck nervously. you stood frozen, the sharp ache of realization settling heavy as the crowd’s laughter faded into background noise.