Unexpected

Part 71

The race in the good ol' US of A is held in Austin, Texas. Daniel Riccardo loves it; he wears a cowboy hat and adopts a Texas drawl. I love it when the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders line the walkway as we make our way to the circuit for the slow ride around the track so the fans in the grandstands get a chance to see us before the actual race.

"Where are the male cheerleaders?" I ask one of them.

"Sorry, they're not here," she replies with an apologetic shrug. "But I'll let them know you wanted to see them!"

"First they take away the grid girls," Seb says, having overheard my conversation. "And now they take away your viewing pleasure."

"Well, at least I have Sangil."

Even though Lewis Hamilton finishes second, it's enough for him to be crowned the 2019 world champion. The championship is determined by points, and at this time it has become mathematically impossible for anyone to get more points than him this season. His sixth world championship. I hope that I get at least one before my Formula One career is over.

*****

Sangil isn't able to make it to Texas when the rest of Snuper will be here, so he has a small gathering on Sunday evening for his fans. He sings a couple songs by himself - Wonderland and Dear. I slap a baseball hat on my head and sit with a staff member on the side.

After it's over he confesses to me that he should have done mini fan meetings in all the countries that he's visited with me. "Snuper haven't been to the majority of them, and probably never will. At least this way a small number of fans could have met one of us."

"The diehard fans do get to see you at the airport," I say. "But it certainly isn't the same."

"Maybe it's too much trouble for just one member."

*****

After practicing at a shooting range, we're at our rented cabin and I'm in the process of making dinner. I roll my sleeves up and turn on the water to wash my hands, but right after getting wet realize that I still have my sponsor's watch on. "Sangil, can you remove this, please?" I ask, waving my left arm in his direction.

"Sure." He hops off the couch and ambles over. As he unfastens the band his fingers brush against my inner wrist, sending tingles down my forearm. I peer at his bent head, and the shiny strands of hair that sway as he turns his head from left to right. If just this action is turning me into a lustful lump of flesh, I'm in trouble.

"All done," he says as he places the watch far away on the counter.

"Thanks," I murmur.

After setting the table I invite him to sit down and eat.

"What's this for?" he asks.

"Just because."

"For no reason?"

"Because I missed you. And because I haven't cooked for you yet. But don't get too excited, I'm not that great a cook."

"You cooked for me in Korea," he reminds me.

"Scrambled eggs don't really count. Since we're in Texas, I made barbecued ribs. I'm glad we had steak for lunch, because I probably wouldn't do a good job with them."

Sangil praises the food until I tell him to stop, he's making me blush. For dessert I bought cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory. When we're finished eating I give him the unique scent that I mixed for him myself and a letter.

"Are you sure there isn't some anniversary that I forgot?" he says, unwrapping the box.

"No. Stop being so suspicious."

He opens the bottle and sniffs. "Ooh, this is nice." He puts some on his wrists and behind his ear. "How does it smell?" he asks, grinning slyly at me.

I stand up and walk around the table, taking his hands and pulling him to his feet. I bury my head in his neck before bringing my nose to his ear and inhaling. "Divine."

He grabs the letter from the table before steering me towards the chaise lounge. "Let's sit over here," he murmurs. The two of us lay down, and I smile as I remember how my sister Taiga told me that I would love it if we would touch from shoulder to knee as part of my love language. We're doing exactly that.

"My dear Sangil," he starts reading.

"Not aloud, it's embarrassing!"

He fake pouts at me, then continues on silently. Upon reaching the end he folds it back up, lays it down, then hugs me so tightly that I have to catch my breath. "Thank you for that," he whispers in my ear. From this position I can smell the cologne. It suits him. He relaxes his hold, and we cuddle together until we get sleepy.

**********

"Anyoeng," Sangil answers his phone.

"F1 is doing secret Santa and I need your help!" I sound panicky.

"Why, what's wrong?"

"I drew Lewis! What do you get a six time world champion?"

"Hmm. Something Japanese?"

"He's a vegan. He has a dog. I think he has his own clothing line. He's into music, but I don't know what kind. Argh! This is tough. And we're supposed to spend no more than twenty euros."

"Does it have to be a serious gift?"

"No, it can be funny, but I would like to buy something that he'd enjoy."

"If you don't know him well, get him something uniquely Japanese."

"Good idea. I'll talk to my dad, because he buys a lot of hand-crafted, artisanal things. I'll send you pics for your input, since you're a guy. Thanks for your help. I'll get back to you soon."

"Anytime."

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