It’s just past noon when my phone buzzes. I’m still at the MTC, walking down the corridor toward the sim room when I glance at the screen. A message from someone on the Monster team, short and casual:

“Your drink’s hit shelves. Local corner store in Woking just stocked it.”

I freeze mid-step.

“What?” I mutter, grinning.

Ash is with me, camera already rolling for a content shoot we’re halfway through. I hold up the phone to show him. “Mate. It’s out. My drink. In an actual shop.”

“Let’s go.” He says immediately, eyes lighting up. “We’re filming this.”

Fifteen minutes later, we’re pulling into a tiny car park outside the corner store. A black sign with white lettering hangs above the entrance. Nothing fancy - but today it might as well be Harrods.

I push the door open and step inside, glancing toward the counter. A woman stands behind it, probably the owner. I offer a quick smile. “Hi - sorry for the camera!”

She gives us a nod, and Ash sweeps the camera across the interior as we head straight for the chilled drinks section. One of those tall glass-door fridges hums against the back wall, shelves lined with sodas and energy drinks.

My eyes scan the rows - and then I see it.

Bright yellow-green. Black blobs. That unmistakable M. And right at the top of the can, in small letters: LANDO NORRIS.

I can’t help it. I laugh.

“There she is.” I whisper, pulling the door open.

The cold air rushes out as I reach for one of the cans, fingers curling around the familiar shape. My face is already splitting into a grin. “I’m in a store.” I say, looking at Ash, then the camera. “I’m in an actual store. Look how pretty she is.”

I hold it up proudly, the logo catching the light. “God, I’m so proud. I’m so happy. Like..actually. We made this.”

Ash laughs behind the camera.

“Can I have one?” I ask, grinning.

He tilts the camera in a playful little nod.

I laugh. “Should I actually buy one?”

“Yeah.” Ash says immediately. “Get me one too.”

“Alright, alright.” I grab two bottles and head to the counter - but the woman from before is gone. In her place stands a girl, maybe a few years younger than me, hair tied back in a messy ponytail, eyes wide as I approach.

She knows who I am. I can see it instantly. The way her lips part slightly, then press back together like she’s holding something in. But she doesn’t say anything. Doesn’t make a sound as I place the drinks on the counter.

I offer a small smile. “These two please.”

She nods, blinking quickly and scans them with slightly shaky hands. I hand over the money, our fingers brushing for a split second as I take the change. She still hasn’t said a word.

“Thanks.” I say gently.

Ash holds the door open and we step back outside. I glance back over my shoulder - and there she is. Standing behind the counter, looking right at me through the shop window.

I don’t know why, but I stop walking.

Our eyes meet for the briefest moment - and something flickers.

Ash nudges me. “I’ve got a feeling you’re not just coming back here for the drink next time.”

I don’t answer. I just smile. And hold the bottle a little tighter.