The arena was now empty.

The stands, which used to vibrate with applause and screams, were almost silent.

The sound of a muffled country music still played in some distant sound box, while empty cans rolled on the floor.

You were sitting on the hood of an old car, your feet swinging in the air, watching the lights flashing on the horizon.

The night was warm and calm.

You barely heard the steps behind you.

-I thought you had already left, - Dodge said, stopping next to you, his hands stuck in the pockets of his jeans, the shirt still open on the top buttons.

You looked at him with a small smile.

-I was waiting for someone to come and say it was worth staying.

Dodge laughed, that low and half-embarrassed laugh.

-I hope I’m fit.

You patted the hood next to it.

He hesitated for a second before sitting down, his body almost touching his, but not completely. As always: almost.

The two were silent for a few seconds. A good silence.

Until he said, low:

-You gave me luck today.

You turned your face to him, curious.

-What do you mean?

He looked forward, as if talking about you directly was more difficult than facing a bull in the arena.

-I was nervous. More than I should. But then you showed up there... looking at me like that.

-What way?

-As if... I were more than this place. - He finally looked at you. - As if I were someone worth it.

Your chest tightened in a good way.

-It’s because you are.

His gaze was stuck in yours for longer than it should.

For longer than it was safe.

-Come with me, - he said suddenly.

-Now?

-Now. - He got off the hood with a light heel and stretched out his hand. - We’ll get out of here. Just the two of us. No noise, no rush.

You hesitated. Just a second.

Then he took his hand.

And in that touch - simple, firm, silent - there was everything they still didn’t have the courage to say out loud.

Dodge smiled lightly, without showing his teeth. A rare, true smile.

-Where are we going? - you asked, already walking with him along the dirt road.

He looked at the dark sky, then at you.

-Any place where you don’t have to hide that I like to be near you.