The screen illuminated my face, my thumb hesitating over the FaceTime button.

Months ago, I was in a dark place. Doubt had crept into my mind like an unwelcome passenger, whispering that I wasn’t good enough. And then, in the most unexpected way, I found her.

It started with a game. A random lobby, a fierce opponent. I wasn’t expecting much. But she was fast. Lap after lap, she pushed me, matching my every move. When I finally edged her out for the win, she messaged me.

“Damn, that was insane. You could totally be an F1 driver with that skill.”

I had stared at her words, a slow grin forming. If only she knew.

From that night on, we raced together constantly. She only knew me as my gamertag, and I intended to keep it that way. For the first time in years, I had a friendship free from expectations, from pressure. Just two people who loved racing.

But it became more than that. We started talking beyond the game. She told me about her struggles, her insecurities, and in turn, I told her mine. She reminded me of who I was when I had forgotten. She made me believe in myself again.

And now, it was time. I couldn’t hide anymore. She deserved the truth.

I pressed the call button.

Then, the screen flickered.

She answered.

For the first time, we saw each other. Her eyes widened, her mouth opening slightly in shock. I felt my stomach twist as I forced a small, nervous smile. "Hey."

She blinked, then laughed—a breathless, stunned sound. "No way. No actual way."

I scratched the back of my neck. "Yeah… surprise."

She shook her head, her grin growing. "You're telling me I've been racing Lando Norris this whole time?"

I nodded. "Guilty."

A beat of silence. Then, to my immense relief, she smirked. "Well, guess that means I was right all along. You are going to be world champion."

I laughed, tension dissolving from my chest.

I leaned forward slightly, meeting her gaze through the screen. "And now that you know... are you still going to race me?"