You’d been counting the hours. Not the romantic kind—like “I miss himmm”—but the “this timezone is actually trying to end me” kind.

Between his media obligations, simulator runs, and a literal race weekend, Lando had texted you two times today. One of them was just a picture of his breakfast. The other was a “just landed 🛬” at 2AM your time.

But tonight? You were over it.

FaceTime rang just as you were taking your makeup off. You blinked, cotton pad in hand, as his stupid little name popped up on your screen.

LAN❤️: idk if ur awake but if yea call me

You called anyway, hair tied up, oversized tee on, and eyes half-lidded.

Lando grinned the second he saw you. “There she is,” he muttered, like the sound of your voice physically did something to him.

You rolled your eyes, biting back a smile. “You know it’s 4AM, right?”

He looked freshly showered, towel around his neck, curls damp and clingy to his forehead. “I know. I was hoping you’d be up. Missed your face.”

You tried to act unimpressed, but your cheeks were already warm. “You miss my face, huh?”

“Your voice too. And your complaining. And your texts about dumb shows.”

You flopped onto your bed with a groan. “Ugh, don’t. I literally rewatched the finale without you. Couldn’t wait anymore.”

He clutched his chest like you’d stabbed him. “Betrayal. I would’ve flown home early if I knew.”

“Oh, so now you have time for me?”

“Hey, I always have time for you. It’s just… sometimes it’s not our time. Sucks.”

That got you quiet.

Because yeah. It did.

He softened, eyes on you through the screen like he was trying to make the distance shrink. “Soon though, yeah? One more week.”

You nodded, fingers tracing the edge of your phone. “I’ll be at the airport. Hoodie and all.”

He smiled. “My hoodie?”

“Duh.”

He leaned closer to the screen, voice dropping. “You better be wearing that and nothing else.”

You laughed, loud and real. “You’re so annoying.”

“Annoyingly in love with you.”

You groaned again. “Stop. I’ll cry.”

“Cry in my hoodie then. I’ll be home before the tears dry.”

And just like that, 4AM didn’t suck so much.