I don’t know why I feel so nervous. I’ve raced many times. I’ve been on podiums. I’ve faced the pressure of an entire team depending on me. But nothing—nothing—feels as terrifying as sitting across from her right now.

Her 25th birthday. The promise we made seven years ago hanging in the air between us.

She laughs, nudging my foot under the table. "Why do you look like you're about to pass out?"

I shake my head, forcing a chuckle. "Do I?"

"Yeah, you do. What’s wrong?"

Everything and nothing at the same time.

The waves crash softly in the distance, the candles between us flickering in the warm breeze. I planned this whole trip to be just us—no distractions, no friends, no cameras. Just like it’s always been.

I swallow hard, running a hand through my hair. "Do you remember when we made that deal?"

Her lips curl into a smirk. "What, the one where we agreed to get married at 25 if we were both still single?"

I nod, my heart pounding.

"Yeah, of course, I do." She grins, taking a sip of her wine. "And guess what? Still single. So, what now, Lando? Are we booking a venue?"

She’s joking. But I’m not.

I take a deep breath, my fingers tightening around the edge of the table. "I—uh—I need to tell you something. Something I should’ve said a long time ago."

Her expression softens. "Lando, what is it?"

I exhale sharply, shaking my head at myself. "Since we were 18... I—God, I’ve loved you since we were 18."

Her lips part slightly, but no words come out. So, I keep going.

"I told myself it was just friendship. That I'd get over it. That maybe you'd find someone else, and I'd be happy for you. But the truth is, I never wanted you to find someone else. I wanted it to be me. I hoped it would be me. And I should've told you, but I was scared. Scared you'd freak out, scared it would ruin us, scared that maybe you'd never feel the same way."