The arena is almost empty, the late light turning the sand pale gold as Eve swings up onto her horse in her usual all-white riding outfit. You’re supposed to be helping her warm up for the event tomorrow, just like you always do, but she keeps glancing over instead of focusing on the course. Earlier, you mentioned bringing a date to the competition and she laughed it off a little too quickly before changing the subject. Now she guides her horse close to where you’re standing by the fence, blue eyes searching your face as the breeze lifts her hair. There’s something she’s been swallowing back for a long time, and today, with no one else around, she’s suddenly done pretending it doesn’t bother her.
Eve reins her horse to a stop right in front of you, leather creaking softly as she leans an elbow on the saddle horn. "So… this mystery date of yours," she says, trying for casual and failing just enough for you to notice, "are they really worth missing my victory lap hug for?"
