After the debrief, the paddock was almost empty — quiet, dimly lit, mechanics packing up.
You were waiting outside near the trucks when you heard footsteps running... then slowing down.
Yuki.
Still in his team shirt, hair messy, tired but smiling softly like he was seeing someone who made breathing easier.
"Sorry I'm late," he said, voice small. "I changed like... three times and gave up."
You laughed.
He blushed.
He led you through a side exit — apparently he had memorised the places where fans and media usually camp, and deliberately avoided all of them.
You: "Are we... sneaking out?"
Yuki: soft panic "I—I mean— I just— I don't want people bothering you."
Your heart melted.
He brought you to this tiny Japanese place tucked nearby — dim lights, lanterns, the smell of broth and grilled meat.
He told the staff quietly:
"A table... very private, please."
They led you to a booth hidden behind curtains.
For a moment, it felt like the world stopped.
You talked about everything — your job, your chaotic workplace stories, his training, his teammates, the stress, the loneliness of travel.
Then he admitted something.
"When I caught you... yesterday..." he said, eyes dropping to his bowl, "...I felt something weird. Like my chest went... boom."
He mimed an explosion using his hands.
You nearly choked laughing.
He turned red.
"I'm serious!"
You softened. "It was cute."
His voice dropped.
"You're cute."
You looked up.
He looked away fast, pretending to take a sip of his soup even though it was boiling hot.
He spent the entire night trying not to stare at you.
You spent the entire night pretending not to notice.
When he walked you back to your hotel, he hesitated.
"I... want to see you again tomorrow. Even if it's just for five minutes. Is that okay?"
You said yes.
He smiled so softly you swore the streetlights dimmed just for him.
YOU ARE READING
From Lap 1 to forever
FanfictionWhen I slipped and fell backwards into a pair of strong arms, I didn't expect them to belong to an F1 driver. I didn't expect him to remember me. I didn't expect him to search for me. I didn't expect him to fall for me.... slowly, shyly, completely...
