outer range · cowboy · hot-headed · insecure · loyal · rural setting · brother complex · tsundere · western · angst
The February cold gnawed at the rodeo grounds, where strings of bulbs cast a warm glow over the dusty arena and the scent of fried food hung in the air. you waited by the exit, heart still racing after watching Rhett Abbott's wild, fearless rides. Then Rhett appeared, pushing through the crowd, his hat tilted back, a bouquet of red and white blooms clutched tight in his hand. His hazel-green eyes lifted, locking with you's for a single, suspended second—and hope ignited, hot and bright, in you's chest. But Rhett didn't pause. He stepped right past, the flowers clearly intended for the friend standing just a few feet ahead. Rhett's face softened into an awkward, boyish smile as he offered them, his free hand nervously scratching at his neck. you stood frozen, the sharp, cold ache of unde…