The charming town square seemed to hum with the energy of a thousand stories as Kimi and I continued to navigate its winding streets. The boutiques lined the cobblestone paths, their quaint facades inviting us to explore. It was our last day together before Kimi had to embark on a whirlwind of team obligations, and an unspoken understanding hung in the air — a bittersweet acknowledgment that the idyllic moments we were creating were transient.
Kimi's fingers intertwined with mine, a familiar warmth that momentarily eased the impending separation. His voice, filled with a wry charm, cut through the bustling ambiance. "Isn't it ridiculous how life insists on getting in the way of perfect moments?"
I chuckled softly, mirroring his sentiment. "It does seem to have a knack for bad timing. Why do you have to leave again?"
"To go drive in circles and film Youtube videos." Kimi replied, a hint of frustration adding depth to his voice. "I'd much rather be right here with you."
"Same with me, although I bet Ollie will be happy to see you and I apart for a bit. I think he's getting a bit jealous of the time I'm spending with you rather than him." I giggled, feeling my stomach flip as it kicks in that our hands are entwined. For some reason, it's things like these that make my stomach flutter.
"Eh, well, ah, he'll just have to put up with it. I'm sure his family and friends, oh, and Florence are keeping him occupied for now." Kimi answered as we continued to stroll. "You should come with us to another race this season, I'm sure Ollie and I can manage it."
"I'd love that, really." I look up at him and smile at which he mirrors. "I don't know how I managed to get you in my life, and I don't know why I feel like I've known you forever."
"Is that a yes then?" Kimi joked, and I laughed, nodding my head.
Our conversation ebbed and flowed as we meandered through the cobblestone streets. The quaint shops beckoned us, their windows filled with trinkets and curiosities. Kimi, ever the spontaneous romantic, insisted on buying me a trinket as a keepsake, a small token to commemorate our day amidst the charm of the town.
In the heart of a picturesque square surrounded by cafes and shops, a quiet moment enveloped us. The world faded into the background, leaving only the two of us to savour the dwindling hours we had left. It was a moment where words weren't necessary, the shared understanding lingering in the air.
However, the peace was short-lived as if fate had decided to intervene. Enthusiastic fans, their eyes lighting up with recognition, spotted us and approached with wide smiles.
"Oh, it's Kimi! And is this your girlfriend?" One fan exclaimed, pointing in my direction.
Kimi glanced at me, a playful twinkle in his eyes. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
The fans giggled, their excitement palpable as they requested photos and bombarded us with questions. Attempting to keep up with the friendly banter, I deflected the romantic assumptions with a playful smile, embracing the unexpected spotlight.
"I went to the race this weekend. You drove so well." another girl said, wearing a Mercedes hat on her head.
A mother beckoned her son over and asked me to take a photo of her son and Kimi, which I agreed to do. I felt kind of trained for these situations after being Ollie's friend for so long, but it never made me feel any less nervous.
"Sure, let's take a picture!" I said with a smile, holding out a phone as a fan eagerly posed beside Kimi. Navigating the requests with practised ease, I managed to convince Kimi to sign a hat for a thrilled fan, the atmosphere buzzing with a newfound energy.
"Would you like me to get him to sign it for you?" I asked that same girl who was wearing a Mercedes hat. I had noticed Kimi talking to that little boy, and nobody wanted to interrupt, so I wanted to help this girl out a bit.
"Really?" her face lit up, and it actually made my day. I nodded with a wide smile and opened out my hand.
I turned to Kimi and tapped him on the shouder. He just smiled at me and nodded, taking the hat quickly and signing it. I walked back to the girl and handed her the hat with a smile.
"Thank you so much! I love you." She exclaimed, glancing at the hat with excitement.
"What's your name?" I asked her, and she looked up at me.
"Amelia." the girl stated, and I nodded, holding out my hand. I shook her hand, my lips turning upwards.
"Y/n, wonderful to meet you Amelia, hopefully I'll see you again next Silverstone season." I replied, and she smiled widely.
"You too, thank you again!" Amelia said before turning to her friend.
Yet, as more fans approached, the tone shifted subtly. Kimi leaned in to whisper, "Listen, I wasn't ready for the news to be out yet. I hope you don't mind playing along for a bit."
Confusion flickered in my eyes, but I nodded, deciding to trust Kimi's judgment. The discomfort, however, grew with each congratulatory remark and assumption of a romantic connection.
When a group of fans directly asked Kimi about our relationship, he hesitated before delivering the unexpected blow. "Oh, Y/n? She's just a friend."
Y/n's heart sank, and she forced a smile as the fans continued to gush about the supposed romance. As the crowd dispersed, a few more fans approached, asking Y/n to take pictures of them with Kimi.
Despite the internal turmoil, Y/n remained composed, playing the role of the friendly companion. Kimi, sensing her unease, squeezed her hand discreetly. "I'm sorry, Y/n. I just didn't want to drop the news like that. I wasn't ready."
Y/n nodded, her smile masking a mix of disappointment and understanding. "It's okay, Kimi. I get it. Let's just get through this day, and we can talk later."
And so, amid the whirlwind of unexpected attention and mixed emotions, Y/n and Kimi navigated the challenges of public perception, their relationship tested by the sudden spotlight. As they continued their day in the quaint town, the air was charged with a tension that hinted at more significant conversations to come.
Once away from the prying eyes of fans, Kimi took a deep breath, turning to Y/n with a sincerity that cut through the lingering discomfort. "Y/n, we need to talk about this. I know I didn't handle it well back there, and I'm sorry."
Y/n, still grappling with her emotions, nodded, encouraging him to continue.
"I never expected this level of attention when I joined F2. The fans, the media—it's a lot to handle. I've seen other drivers deal with toxic fans and the hate that comes with fame, and I don't want you to go through that," Kimi confessed, his eyes searching hers for understanding.
Y/n listened intently, her initial disappointment making room for empathy. "I get it, Kimi. It's just... I wish you had talked to me about it before. But, I don't care if I people say stuff like that about me, people can do whatever they want. I promise you don't need to protect me because I'm fine. Sure, it hurts a little to just be your friend, but I know deep down that that's what we need to be right now in front of the cameras."
Kimi sighed, appreciating Y/n's understanding. "I know, and I should have. I didn't anticipate the impact it would have on us. But, for now, for the sake of this, we'll just not tell people as much as I want to show you off to the world." He concluded, picking me up and twirling me around. I lean down and peck him on the lips, making both our cheeks go red.
"Agreed." I replied.
YOU ARE READING
the connection ~ Kimi Antonelli
Random"What confusion - It must be 'cause I love you" - "Che confusione - Sarà perché ti amo" In which Y/n Harris Vazquez didn't want to fall in love but she couldn't help it. And for Kimi Antonelli? He didn't even think love was good for him in this poin...
