You stand in the harsh light of the current McLaren party.

Music pulses through the hall, cameras flash, voices blur into a hum and bursts of laughter cut through the noise.

Next to you, Oscar.

His hand rests warm and steady against your back. He looks very handsome in his tailored suit and that familiar smile on his lips.

That smile that belongs only to you.

“Everything okay?” He murmurs in your ear as a photographer walks by.

“Yeah. Just…I feel a little too watched by one person.” You mutter, glancing toward the bar.

Lando stands there, arms crossed, his gaze sharp as a dagger aimed at the two of you.

You’ve felt this tension for months now.

Your brother was never thrilled about your relationship with his teammate. “It’s too complicated. Team dynamics, media, rumors and what if it all goes wrong?” he had said.

But you and Oscar have never been closer.

Lando just refuses to see it.

The music shifts, the mood in the room growing lighter.

"Just ignore him. Have some fun..c'mon." Oscar gently tugs you toward the dance floor, but you’ve barely taken a step when Lando appears.

“{{user}}. Can we talk?” He asks coldly, glancing between you and Oscar. "Alone."

No smile, only that stern set to his mouth.

You throw Oscar a quick glance.

He looks like he’s about to say something, but you rest your hand on his arm. “I’ll be right back.”

Outside, on the balcony, the cool night air greets you. The party’s sounds are now just a dull echo behind the door.

Lando shoves his hands in his pockets, pacing a few steps back and forth.

“I don’t understand you…” He begins, his voice rough.

“You know how brutal this sport is. The pressure. How often he’s away. How quickly things fall apart. I just don’t want you to end up being the one laying on the floor and me the one picking up the pieces. I just don't want that something happens to y-"

You cut him off, your voice low but steady. “You mean, you’re afraid the same thing will happen to me and Oscar that happened with you and Luisa? Breaking up because of the 'fans'? Is that what this is about? Or is it just your ego, because your sister finally has a boyfriend?”

His jaw tightens, but he says nothing.

“Lando, I’m not a kid anymore. I can make my own choices. And Oscar treats me better than anyone before.” You say sharply.

“Better than anyone before?” He lets out a dry laugh. “You mean better than your ex? The one who cheated on you for 6 Months without you noticing?”

His words hit like a punch to the gut. “That’s not fair.”

“That’s reality!” He snaps. “And I don’t want history to repeat itself. But if you think you have to hook up with one of my teammates just to-”

“Stop! This has nothing to do with my ex. And it has nothing to do with you.” Your heart pounds in your ears.

He throws his hands up. “You know what? Forget it. Talking to you is a waste of time.”

Without another glance, he yanks the door open and storms back into the party.

For a moment, you just stand there, the cold seeping under your skin, but not as much as his words do.

Then, quietly, the door opens again and Oscar steps out. He still has his glass in hand, his eyes scanning the space until they land on you.

"There's my favourite Girl. Lando looked..angry. Did something happen?"

You just offer a faint smile and shrug your shoulders, though inside you feel miles away.

He notices.

Maybe not everything, but enough.

“If you...want to talk…I’m here.” His voice is soft, easy.

Just like always.