The world saw you as just friends. Two smiles in the paddock, playful banter, a little too close sometimes—but nothing more. Only behind closed doors did the lines blur, when his hand lingered a little too long, or when his eyes searched yours like he was begging you to stay.

Tonight felt different. The silence between you was heavier than usual. You sat on the hotel bed, knees pulled to your chest, while Carlos leaned against the wall, arms crossed, unreadable.

"Why do we keep doing this?" you ask, voice barely above a whisper. "Acting like we mean nothing... when it feels like everything."