Roommates Mismatched: Lando Norris

Twenty Two

Buzzed and chatters filled the empty studio as photographers and stylists sets up. A few months has passed after I came back to Woking, distracted with so many Quadrant videos and meetings for our next merch which also happens to be my first. I worked closely with the team designer, suggesting here and there for different options we could work on.

After months of samples, the final one was confirmed without me knowing since we wanted all of us to be surprised. Today we're finally gearing up for the photoshoot, everyone's excitement filled the air. Arriving with Max, we met the rest of the team except Lando. All of us gathered around the railings of new merch, loving the designs. One by one, we changed into different Quadrant gears, from caps to T-shirts. Matching with Max, he wore a cream colored baggy hoodie while I wore the matching T-shirt.

Ever since I came back that night, Max and I got closer and closer surprisingly. We were always together, disturbing each other's livestreams, doing almost every videos together and going out together. Even at one point, we bumped into a few groups of fans and rumours started to go around for awhile about #Maxie, the ship name they made for me and Max. It was chaotic so we had to keep denying the rumors.

My thoughts disrupted when, to everyone's surprise, Lando entered the studio, hand in hand with a girl. The room fell into a hushed awe as the charismatic McLaren driver smiled and introduced her as Luisa.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of mixed emotions, Ria looking at me. Luisa greeted us with a polite smile while the rest of the boys were playfully grumbling that Lando didn't tell us sooner. He should've had told us sooner because my feelings wouldn't have developed. My excitement to see him today wouldn't have happened.

Lando, ever the charmer, introduced Luisa to the Quadrant members, explaining how much the group meant to him. "I wanted Luisa to meet all of you because you're like family to me," he said, his gaze sweeping the room. The boys cringed at his words, Lando following the laughters.

The photo shoot began, with everyone posing in their Quadrant merchandise. Lando and Luisa joined in, adding an extra layer of annoyance to my already squashed feelings. As the cameras clicked and flashes lit up the studio, I couldn't help but notice how happy Lando looked with her. I found myself conflicted, torn between my deep feelings for Lando and the reality of his personal life. Shaking off the jealousy that bubbled inside me, I put on a smile and forced myself to enjoy the moment and reminded myself my friendship with all of them including Lando mattered more than my petty feelings for him.

As Lando and Luisa laughed together, I discreetly glanced at them, my smile masking the subtle ache in her heart. Looking away when Lando locked eyes with me, I felt more stupid for doing that. Thankfully the photoshoot slowly ended, my heart tugging for me to leave immediately but I had to do one more smile to say goodbye to Lando and Luisa. Hugging Lando, it stayed longer than everyone else's, my eyes looking hopeful to him when we pulled away.

"It's nice meeting you", I forced a smile to her then walked away with my head hung low. Max waited for me, his smile and confused expression made me want to scream and cry, scratching to tell him how shitty I felt in today's photoshoot. As if Max knew, he wraps his arm around my shoulder giving me a gentle squeeze. Walking away from Lando.