the connection ~ Kimi Antonelli

Chapter 19

The evening was filled with laughter, good cheer, and an air of celebration. It was Ollie's birthday dinner, and we were all gathered at a cozy restaurant to mark the occasion. It felt like a joyous family reunion, and I was grateful to be part of it. Everything around me seemed even more vivid and special because I viewed it all through the lens of my connection with Ollie and his family. I hated that now Ollie was famous, I have stuck to him and taken advantage of his job. But him and I have been inseparable since we can both remember, my mum being like an aunt to him and his family being like my family as well. Of course I take any opportunity to spend time with my best friend, who wouldn't.

"Happy birthday, Ollie!" Thomas and Amelie chimed in unison, their youthful exuberance adding to the festive ambience. The pure joy on Ollie's face as he acknowledged his younger siblings was enough to warm anyone's heart. Them being apart all the time was something Ollie often complained about to me, so I knew how special these times were.

Their parents beamed with pride, echoing the birthday wishes. "Happy birthday, our dear boy. You've become such a remarkable young man."

Fred, Florence, Jack, Arthur, and I joined in with our heartfelt wishes, creating a harmonious cacophony of joy. Ollie grinned from ear to ear as he looked around at the familiar faces and the love and support that surrounded him. It was moments like these that solidified the bonds we shared.

"Love you, pup, can't believe you're nineteen." I tell him as we sit down, all of us jumping into conversations, Ollie sitting across from me.

Amidst the happy clamour of dinner, Ollie turned his attention to the birthday cake, and with a deep breath, he successfully extinguished the candles in one enthusiastic blow. The room erupted in applause, and as everyone cheered, Florence couldn't resist sharing a warm, friendly kiss on Ollie's cheek. The two had been close for a while, and the affection they had for each other was evident.

I noticed their connection, as well as the subtle exchange of a knowing look that passed between Ollie and herself right after Florence's kiss. It was a look that spoke volumes, filled with warmth and understanding.

I widened my eyes, and, in truth, so did everyone else. I placed my hand on Kimi's shoulder as I began to smile, looking at the two in front of me as they blushed.

Arthur couldn't resist a teasing comment, "Get a room, you two!" he called out, earning a playful smack from me. "Don't you twat, always so problematic, little Leclerc," I said with a chuckle.

Ollie's parents were quick to join the good-natured ribbing, "Oh, first Y/n, dear, you've become like a second daughter to us, and now Florence, you're a wonderful addition to our family."

"W- what?" Florence nearly chokes on her water, catching anything with her hand as she stares at them, and Ollie turns red. Fred, Jack, Ollie, Kimi, and I all looked at this conversation in amusement while Thomas and Amilie started to talk about something.

"Mum..." Ollie whined, and she shrugs.

"What? You two have always been like the sun and the moon, I'm just glad you two are finally realizing it." Ollie's mum said, and I tried to contain my laughter as Kimi placed his hand on my thigh to tell me to be serious, but my eyes widened, and my cheeks became hot. If his intention was to distract me, it definitely worked.

Thomas, Ollie's younger brother, couldn't help but add to the playful atmosphere, "By the way, are you two together? Kimi couldn't stop staring at you earlier."

The entire group overheard Thomas's question, and my cheeks tinged with a blush, drawing laughter from the table. His inquiry had caught me way off guard, to say the least.

Ollie's mother, with an amused tone, chimed in. "Now, Thomas, it's not polite to pry into people's personal lives."

"I fucking love this kid." Jack half hugs Thomas before realising that he swore when Fred hits him on the shoulder.

"Good one mate." Arthur pats Jack's back sarcastically as Kimi starts to laugh, trying to hide it by placing his head against my shoulder as I tried to stop laughing myself as Jack looks like his life has flashed before his eyes.

"You just swore in front of the kid Jack." Fred scolded before laughing as Jack's eyes widen and he slowly looked down at Thomas.

"Any chance you didn't hear that?" Jack asked him with his eyebrows raised.

"Fuck!" Amilie chuckled from her seat and Ollie and his parent's head's dart in the direction of Ollie's little sister.

"Amilie!" Florence exclaims with a laugh and Jack puts his head in his hands.

"Sorry Mrs and Mr Bearman." Jack looks at them apologetically and they shake their heads with smiles before telling their younger children to not say the word again. "It just kind of slipped."

Me and Kimi exchanged glances, sharing a silent understanding. The feelings we held for each other had only grown stronger over time and at this point, I didn't mind if we didn't put a label on it as we didn't feel the pressure to do things. Kimi's eyes had been drawn to me because of my dress, never presenting myself in this light around him before. The magnetic attraction between us was undeniable and made me kind of nervous.

Kimi, who was usually the picture of composure, appeared momentarily shocked and at a loss for words. His voice trembled as he stammered out, "Y/n, you look... sembri un angelo."

I met Kimi's gaze, a soft smile curving her lips. The unspoken connection us them was palpable, and my heart danced with joy. "Thank you, Kimi," I whispered, my voice filled with warmth. "I'm not too sure what you said, though. All I got was that I look like something." Kimi just smiled at me.

"You'll just have to remember it and find out later." He said to me with a grin.

The evening was a whirlwind of laughter and affection, with everyone adding their playful comments, anecdotes, and well-wishes. Arthur's teasing comments were especially noteworthy, and Jack joined in with his own humorous quips. They bantered back and forth, creating a lively atmosphere around the table.

As me and Kimi interacted with Ollie's parents and siblings, they exchanged delightful conversation and shared stories. The evening was filled with laughter, stories, and affectionate exchanges. Florence and Arthur's playful teasing started to form a good friendship, actually, which was unexpected. Everyone had something amusing or heartfelt to share, making it a birthday dinner that Ollie would undoubtedly remember for years to come.

A/n: if you tap into the picture above, it's my idea of Y/n's outfit. Feel free to change 🥰