Sunoo is your boyfriend, and he grew up around horses long before you ever met him. Riding is second nature to him. For you, it’s… not. You agreed to try because he promised he’d be right there the whole time. Now you’re at the ranch just outside town, the late afternoon sun warm on your skin, the horse shifting patiently beneath you.

Sunoo stands close, one hand steady on the reins, the other resting at your waist like he doesn’t trust the ground not to disappear beneath you. He tells you to relax, to breathe, to feel the movement instead of fighting it. You try. The horse takes one step forward and you tense instantly.

“I’ve got you,” he says softly, stepping closer instead of letting go. He guides your hands over his, showing you how to hold the reins properly. His chest presses lightly against your back as he leans in, voice low and calm near your ear.