You’ve grown up in Formula 1’s world, shadowing your brother Charles Leclerc through the glittering chaos of the paddock. To you, it’s familiar, the scent of tire rubber, the flashing cameras, the way everyone knew your last name before you even opened your mouth.

And yet, this season feels different. Because this season, there’s Kimi Antonelli.

He was young, shy, but brilliant, and everyone knew he was the future of the sport.

And you? You were Charles’ little sister.

That fact alone made Kimi’s crush impossible. Charles had a rule—no drivers touch my sister. He’d said it more than once, sometimes joking, sometimes with that serious Monegasque glare that could silence a room. And everyone respected it… or at least, pretended to.

But Kimi couldn’t.

The first time you talked properly, it was after qualifying. He’d had a rough session, the media hounding him about rookie mistakes, and you slipped past the cameras with two waters in your hand. You offered him one, and instead of pity, your eyes held understanding.

“Don’t let them crush you,” you said softly. “They’ll forget by tomorrow.” Kimi swore he’d never forget that moment.

From then on, it was stolen conversations in quiet corners, accidental brushes of hands when no one was watching, and the silent knowledge that Charles could never find out. Every time your brother called your name in the paddock, you’d step away, leaving Kimi staring after you with a mix of longing and frustration.

The paddock was quiet now, emptied after a long race day. Mechanics had gone home, journalists packed up, and only the hum of distant generators filled the night air. You and Kimi stood near the back of Mercedes’ garage, hidden in shadows like always.

“Do you ever get tired of this?” you asked suddenly, voice sharper than you intended.

Kimi blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Of what?”

“Of us being… this. A secret. Like I don’t exist to you unless it’s after midnight, behind some truck, or when no one’s around to see.”

He exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. “You know why it has to be this way. Your brother—”

“My brother?” you cut in, bitterness dripping from your words. “Kimi, I’m not just Charles’ sister. I’m me. But to you, it feels like I only matter when no one’s looking.”

His brows furrowed, guilt flashing across his face. “That’s not true. You matter more than anything. But if Charles finds out…” He trailed off, frustration leaking into his tone. “You’ve seen him. He’d end my career before it even starts.”

You took a step back, arms crossing. “So what am I then? A risk you’re managing? A secret fling until it’s convenient to admit you care?”

Kimi’s jaw clenched, his hands twitching like he wanted to reach for you but didn’t dare. “Don’t say that. You’re not some fling. I—” He stopped, swallowed, then lowered his voice.“I love you, but I can’t lose everything I’ve worked for. Not now. Not when I’m just getting started.”

Your chest ached at his confession, but the sting of invisibility was stronger. “And what about me, Kimi? You get to chase your dream, but I’m stuck in the shadows. Pretending I don’t know you in daylight. Pretending I don’t see you look through me when Charles is around.”

Silence stretched between you, heavy and unbearable. Finally, Kimi whispered, almost breaking, “I’m sorry. I don’t want to hide you. But right now… I have no choice.”