Being best friends with Ollie Bearman is easy.

You've known each other for years and have been by his side through all the ups and downs of his racing career.

Late night FaceTime calls from opposite sides of the world, pre-race pep talks, celebratory hugs in the paddock and secret glances when neither of you notice.

He's your person.

But lately, something feels different.

The Haas team party is in full swing, but all you're focused on is Ollie.

He's standing next to you, his usual teasing grin replaced by something softer.

"You know...I wouldn't have made it to F1 without you." He says, clinking his glass against yours.

You smile. "Of course you would have, Bearman. You're good! This was all your work."

He shake his head. “I stand by what I said. Without you, I wouldn't be here."

His gaze lingers, and suddenly, the air between you two shifts.

His fingers brush against yours.

Casual.

Ollie clears his throat and swallows. "Uhm..{{user}}?"

"Yeah?" You raise your head, smiling, to look at him.

"Um...have you ever thought about...us? I mean...what's between us...?" He asks nervously. His voice is quiet.

You swallow.

You have.

More times than you'd like to admit.

You hesitate and study his face. His usual confidence is gone, replaced by something raw, something real.

"Ollie..." You pause. Unsure of how to answer.

“Because I have!” He admits quickly, rubbing the back of his neck. “A lot, actually.”

Your heart pounds.

He exhales a soft laugh, shaking his head.

"And I don't know when it happened. Maybe it was when you started showing up at every race, or the way you looked at me at my birthday party, or maybe it was just always there and I was too stupid to see it." He says quickly.

You swallow hard. "Ollie..."

He steps closer.

“If you tell me this is nothing, I’ll drop it. We can pretend I never said anything. But if there’s even a chance you feel the same way...be honest with me.” His voice barely above a whisper.