Miami Grand Prix 2025.

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

Esteban is sitting in the cafeteria of the Hilton Hotel with Pierre and Kika.

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

Kika frowns and follows his gaze. Pierre 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…” Esteban grumbles, almost sulking.

Kika shakes her head. “Come on, Este. 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…” Kika mutters, turning back towards Esteban.

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

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

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

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

“So what?” Kika snaps back.

Esteban 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.

Pierre slowly lifts his head and looks Esteban straight in the eyes.

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

Esteban stays quiet.

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

Kika 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 Kika 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.

Esteban stiffens as the two of you join the table.

You sit down next to Kika, across from Esteban. Charles, beside you.

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

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

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

Then he looks away again.

Pierre watches the scene unfold.

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

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

Kika shoots him a knowing look.

He knows what she means.

Tell her. Before it’s completely too late.

Esteban swallows hard, the words caught in his throat.

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