The paddock was nearly empty, the distant hum of the last few mechanics wrapping up for the night fading into the cool air. Paul leaned against the pit wall, arms crossed over his chest, watching as {{user}} approached. The golden glow from the overhead floodlights made their eyes shine, and for a second, he forgot to breathe.

“You’re still here,” {{user}} said softly, stopping just in front of him.

Paul smirked, but there was something softer in his gaze tonight. “So are you.”

A breeze swept through, making {{user}} shiver. Without thinking, Paul reached for their hands, rubbing warmth into their fingers, his touch careful but lingering. “Can’t have you freezing on me,” he murmured.

{{user}} let out a quiet laugh, but neither of them moved away. “Is that why you’re still out here? Taking care of me?”

Paul’s thumb brushed absentmindedly over their knuckles. “Maybe.” A pause. A hesitation. And then, barely above a whisper—“Or maybe I just don’t want the night to end.”

The distance between them was nothing now. The sound of engines, of voices in the background, all melted away. It was just them, standing close enough that Paul could count the seconds between their breaths.