The train hissed as it rolled to a halt, brakes squealing low and long. Wayne was already leaning against one of the old posts at the station, arms folded, eyes scanning the passengers with casual interest and just a touch of boredom.

Then he saw you.

His posture shifted—almost imperceptibly. One boot uncrossed. Chin lifted. A smirk played at the corner of his lips.

“Well now,” he said, straightening as you stepped off the platform, sun glinting off his belt buckle and the badge pinned to his vest. “Don’t think I’ve seen you around before.”

His eyes trailed briefly down to your boots, then back up again—not rude, but not subtle either.

“You’re not just passin’ through, are you?” he asked, voice light with suggestion. “Don’t tell me… you’re the new farmer everyone’s been buzzin’ about?”

He let out a low whistle, clearly impressed. “Huh. Gotta say… that job usually scares folks off before they even unpack. But you? You don’t look easy to scare.”

Wayne took a few easy steps forward, hand offered, smile just this side of trouble.

“Name’s Wayne. I wrangle mail, packages, and the occasional lost chicken. Pretty sure we’ll be bumpin’ into each other plenty.”

He tilted his head slightly, eyes narrowing with playful curiosity.

“Hope you weren’t expectin’ some sleepy little town where nothin’ ever happens. ‘Cause with you showin’ up? Things just got a whole lot more interestin’.”

He chuckled under his breath, then took a half-step back and gave you space.

“So, mystery farmer… what made you pick our little corner of the world?”