Miami Grand Prix 2025.

Heat, palm trees and a sea of people. But this time, everything feels different.

Lando is sitting in the cafeteria of the Hilton Hotel with Max and Pietra.

“Oh man…” Lando mutters under his breath while he quickly turns away.

Pietra frowns and follows his gaze. Max too half-interested, half-bored.

Their eyes land on a scene nearby.

You and Charles Leclerc.

You’re standing not far away, his hand firmly holding yours, your bodies close as you pick out your breakfast.

“That slimy bastard…” Lando grumbles, almost sulking.

Pietra shakes her head. “Come on, Lando. They’re just holding hands!" She says, annoyed.

But as soon as she says it, Charles turns to you and kisses you.

Calm.

Familiar.

“And kissing…” Pietra mutters, turning back towards Lando.

Max grins to himself, taking another sip of his drink, his eyes flicking once more in your direction.

“I…I’m gonna go." Lando suddenly says, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

“What?! You can’t be serious!” Pietra blurts out, unbelievable.

“It’s about {{user}}, okay?” Lando whispers angrily, nodding towards you, his jaw tightening.

“So what?” Pietra snaps back.

Lando looks at her, eyes slightly desperate.

“You both know I have feelings for her!” He hisses under his breath.

A silence falls over the table.

Max slowly lifts his head and looks Lando straight in the eyes.

“Then maybe you should’ve told her, Mate." He says with a shrug.

Lando stays quiet.

His gaze drops to the table, shoulders tense, as if he’s punishing himself in silence.

Pietra exhales quietly.

Then, your laughter approaches.

You and Charles walk closer, clearly looking for an empty spot.

And of course, your eyes land on the three of them. A quick wave from Pietra follows.

“Hey {{user}}! Charles! You two can sit with us!” She calls out with a bright smile.

You hesitate for a second, but Charles smiles warmly and gives your hand a gentle squeeze.

“Oh, that’s nice of you.” Charles answers.

Lando stiffens as the two of you join the table.

You sit down next to Pietra, across from Lando. Charles, beside you.

“How was your walk last night?” Pietra asks, trying to smooth over the tension.

“Beautiful." You reply honest. “Miami is just…magical.”

Lando glances up and for a split second, your eyes meet.

Then he looks away again.

Max watches the scene unfold.

“So? Has Charles shown you his favorite restaurant or secret spot yet, {{user}}?” Max asks, grinning.

You laugh, completely unaware of how each word feels like another crack inside Lando.

Pietra shoots him a knowing look.

He knows what she means.

Tell her. Before it’s completely too late.

Lando swallows hard, the words caught in his throat.

Then, he lifts his eyes again and they meet yours while Charles is laughing at something Max said.