Don't leave me here [a LANDO NORRIS ff]

IV.

*New message*
Lando

"Please don't freak out"

*New message*
Clara

"What the fuck Chloé?????"

I woke up to my phone chiming next to my head with new messages.

*New message*
Clara

"When were you going to tell me you and Lando are dating???"
"Hello?!?"

What? What's happening. How does she know there's something between me and Lando? Did he say anything to Pierre?

"What?" I texted Clara back first.

"Look for yourself. What were you thinking? They're going to eat you alive" she responded and attached a few news articles.

And there it was. Black on white. Photos of me and Lando on the beach making out like a couple of teenagers. "WHO'S LANDO'S NEW GIRL?" "F1 DRIVER LANDO NORRIS AND MYSTERY GIRLFRIEND" "LANDO NORRIS AND GIRLFRIEND MAKING OUT ON THE BEACH". So many articles writing about yesterday evening. Photos of us from different angles were everywhere. Some of them picturing us only with me laying my head on his shoulder but most of them were of the make out session. My heart started beating like crazy, I felt like I was about to have a panic attack. I could feel the cold sweat forming on my forehead, my breathing quick and shallow. I started spiralling, opening every article about us I could find, never reading the whole story. What interested me were the photos. How could I not notice there were people hiding literally everywhere.

*New message*
Lando

"Chlo. Are u ok?"

I stopped responding to both Lando and Clara. It seemed like the whole world was talking about us. Mainly about Lando, because they didn't figure out my name yet. I knew it wouldn't take long until they did. I was very active during my studies, having a few articles written about my projects. I quickly turned my Instagram account private.

"I'm sorry" was all I responded to him.

Within a few seconds, Lando was calling me. I debated picking up but it seemed rude not to, considering the trouble I got him into. It was me who kissed him.

"Lan I'm so sorry I understand if you want to end things" I blurted out before he could say anything.

"What? What are you talking about? Why would I want to end things?" he seemed confused.

"Well I-I thought... I mean I surely caused you so much trouble with this. It's my fault" I felt so bad for violating his privacy like this.

"Chlo I should be apologizing to you. You didn't sign up for this" he said firmly.

"Oh so.. you're not mad?" I asked.

"Why would I be mad? I just wanted to check on you If you're okay" he breathed out.

"Yeah I'm fine. They don't know who I am yet" I stated.

"I just wanted you to know I don't regret anything. And if it means uncovering my privacy so then be it. I'm not hiding you, if you don't want to" he confessed.

A smile slowly creeped onto my face. I was glad he didn't want to hide me, because I didn't want to hide as well. This guy was something else. I was afraid of responding, not knowing what to say to not ruin the moment. I felt like I was walking on eggshells. I didn't want to sound lame or stupid or make him think I'm using him for fame. Also, maybe it was a little bit early to be public. You never know what could happen and if things don't work out, the whole world will know. Maybe it's for the best to not be so public about it for now and when things go smoothly we can announce the relationship.