𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒 // ˡᵃⁿᵈᵒ ⁿᵒʳʳⁱˢ

𝚑𝚋𝚍 𝚢𝚞𝚔𝚒¹⁰

Mila rushed around her room nervously as she prepared for the party. Today was Yuki's 23rd birthday, and all the Grid drivers were gathering to celebrate at a private club in Miami's outskirts.

Lando had suggested introducing Mila to everyone tonight, since some of the other drivers were bringing their girlfriends along as well. Despite her feeling hesitant and anxious, they both agreed it would be a good chance to see how well they could act as a couple in public.

Lando hadn't told the other drivers much, just that he would be bringing Mila along. Some of the nosy drivers, like Charles, Pierre, and Oscar, had many questions, but Lando decided to ignore the group chat after dropping the news.

He was currently in his hotel room, getting ready and feeling nervous about tonight. He wasn't sure if any of the drivers would figure out they were faking the relationship. He was especially worried about Carlos and Max, as they could read him well, and he feared they might easily see through their lie.

Feeling anxious, Lando sighed and picked up the bouquet of lilies he bought for Mila, along with Yuki's gift. He left his hotel and drove to Mila's apartment complex, leaving her a text saying he was on his way over.

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After a 10-minute drive, Lando reached Mila's place. She had texted him that she was ready, so he waited downstairs, not wanting to waste time going up since they were already late. After a few minutes, Mila got into the car with a smile.

"Hey," she greeted him warmly.

"Hey," Lando replied, feeling in awe of her. "You look beautiful, Lani."

He meant it. She truly was beautiful, Lando had no doubt in admitting that, but lately, he had been noticing it more than usual- how her hair always framed her face perfectly and she always had such a warm smile on her face. He was lost in thought until she asked him some question again.

"Uh, sorry, what did you say?" he asked, starting the car.

"I asked how you're feeling," she said, looking confused.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Lando replied as he drove. "And you? Nervous?" he asked her.

"Obvi," she replied with a nervous sigh, "I have no idea how tonight might go."

"It'll be fine. I'll be with you the entire time," Lando reassured her. "And if you want to leave at any point, just let me know. Okay?"

Mila nodded as she glanced at the back seat and asked, "Is that Yuki's gift?"

"Yeah, I'll say it's from both of us," Lando replied.

"If you had told me about the plans beforehand, I could've gotten him a gift myself," Mila pointed out with a joking tone as Lando rolled his eyes.

"Are the flowers for him too?" she asked, noticing the bouquet, but Lando quickly shook his head.

"Oh shit, I forgot to give them to you," he cursed. "They're for you."

"Aw, thank you," Mila said, smiling warmly as she took the bouquet, admiring it. "You don't have to get me flowers every time we go out, you know."

"If I don't, that would make me a terrible boyfriend," Lando joked. "Do you think I'm a terrible boyfriend, Lani?"

Mila laughed and shook her head. "No, you're a great fake boyfriend, Lando," she joked back, and Lando smiled, relieved that they could still joke and be good friends despite the new circumstances.

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A long drive later, they finally reached the club where Yuki's birthday bash was happening. As soon as Mila stepped out of the car, paparazzi swarmed around her, snapping photos and shouting questions. Lando quickly came to her rescue, guiding her away from the crowd and into the club through a back entrance.