The restaurant isn't loud.

Just the soft clinking of cutlery, quiet laughter from nearby tables and the occasional scrape of chairs across the floor.

You sit across from Kimi and still can't quite believe how easy everything feels with him.

Even now, on your third date.

It still feels a little unreal.

You, Haas' new mechanic, have a date with one of the most promising young drivers in the paddock.

The two of you talked about everything and only occasionally returned to the topic of race, as always seems to happen sooner or later.

For the last few minutes, he's been telling you about an embarrassingly awkward moment during a meeting, while gesticulating animatedly with his hands and wearing that rare, mischievous smile.

But when your dessert arrives and the world around you seems to slow down again, his expression changes.

His face is softer, his voice quieter.

“Can I ask you something?” He asks gently.

His elbow rests loosely on the table as he absentmindedly picks at his ice cream.

You tilt your head curiously. "Sure." You reply.

He looks at you with a focused but warm gaze and there is still a hint of amusement in his voice.

“How did you even end up here? I mean…in Formula 1. The new mechanic, for Haas. You don’t exactly sound like someone who grew up around pit lanes.” He asks.

The question surprises you for a moment. Especially because no one has ever asked it as directly as he has.

Most people just assume you've taken the typical route.

Motorsport school or a relationship with a driver.

But Kimi...he really wants to know.