The expectations as 'Max Verstappen's daughter', are sometimes overwhelming.

You're fast. No one can deny that.

But the burden of proving yourself, of being not just 'Max's daughter' but a champion in your own right, is starting to pull you down.

And then there's Oscar Piastri. The only person who sees you, and not the daughter of a four time champion.

You'd just finished your press duties, exhaustion weighing heavily on your shoulders as you reached for the doorknob.

You just want to take a quick breath, maybe even escape the thoughts that have been haunting you since the race.

But as you entered, voices echoed through the half-open door.

You froze.

"{{user}} and I are just friends, nothing more!" Oscar says.

Your stomach twist.

Arthur chuckles. "Sure. Shine."

"What?" Oscar asks him, his voice irritated.

"You made her shine." Your father's voice appears, firm yet somehow different.

You swallow and bite your lip, trying to hold your breath so no one hears or notices you.

Lewis, who had always been like a mentor to you, spoke now. "That's true, Mate. You're always there when she cries."

Oscar stands there. His thoughts race through his head, but he can't stop them.

Then Yuki chimes in. "You saved her life, Oscar. We all know it."

Silence.

Your fingers tighten around the doorframe as you force yourself to move, but you can't.

Oscar doesn't answer right away.

You can almost picture the way he's processing it, his jaw tightening, the way his eyes flicker with emotions he don't want to show.

And then a sigh appears.

“I know.” He says quietly. Barely above a whisper.

Your heart stops. Then..

A voice whispers in your ear. "What are you doing here?"

Carlos.

You jump around and stumble into the room. The moment they sense your presence, five pairs of eyes turn to you.

Oscar's eyes widen slightly, his lips parting as if he's caught between explanations and something else.

He swallows, his usual easygoing confidence nowhere to be found.