STYLE; lando norris

03 | simulation room

✹ ➶ 𝐒𝐓𝐘𝐋𝐄 °•⁀➷ ﹏﹏ [调情] ꒦꒷

▍〔 🧺. 〕࿐ ໋₊ ˖ ▍

▅▅▅▅▅▅ 003. ◢◤◢◤◢

Blake's frustration was palpable as she emerged from the simulation room. Despite multiple attempts, she couldn't beat her fastest lap time. The upcoming Bahrain race was just around the corner, and the pressure to perform well in her debut F1 season was mounting.

She had spent hours in the dimly lit simulation room, fingers flying over the controls, eyes locked onto the screen, trying to find that perfect line and shave off precious milliseconds. But no matter how hard she tried, she was always a fraction off, and it was driving her mad.

"Fuck!" she yelled in frustration, slamming her hands against the steering wheel. Her knuckles had turned white from how hard she gripped it, but she was too focused to even notice. The room was filled with the hum of the equipment, but to her, it was a deafening silence, amplifying her irritation.

Blake ran through another lap, the circuit set in Bahrain, as that was the first race of the season. Her debut race was only a week away, and the pressure was suffocating. The burning emotion of frustration was taking over, making her a nervous wreck. She had never felt this much pressure before, and it was affecting her performance.

As she emerged from the simulation room, her steps were heavy with frustration. She was lost in her thoughts, barely noticing when Lando approached, leaning against the wall with a concerned look etched on his features. They didn't have the same schedule, but he had finished his tasks and decided to wait for her, sensing something was off.

"Hey Blake, everything okay?" he asked, his tone gentle yet firm.

"Yeah, everything's fine," she said almost immediately, her tone forced and unconvincing.

Lando raised an eyebrow, his eyes studying her closely. "You sure? You look like you're about to throw the simulator out the window."

Blake sighed, her shoulders slumping. "It's just... I can't seem to beat my fastest lap time. No matter how hard I try, I'm always a fraction off."

Lando nodded sympathetically. "I get it. It can be frustrating especially on the first days as an F1 driver. Maybe you need a break. Come on, let's go grab a bite. I know a place"

Blake hesitated but finally nodded. "Alright fine, but only if you're paying." She laughed.

"We'll see" Lando grinned as he lead the way out.

They ended up at a small diner near the McLaren building. It was one of those cozy places with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The dim lighting and the soft hum of conversations created a comforting environment. They found a quiet corner and settled in, the ambient noise of clinking cups and soft chatter providing a soothing backdrop.

As they waited for their food, Lando couldn't help but notice Blake's distant expression. "You seem off," he commented, not pressing too hard but letting her know he was there.

Blake shook her head slightly trying to dismiss his worries. "I'm just tired, I guess." She replied.

Lando studied her for a moment, he knew she was lying but decided not to push her and briefly changed the subject. "Remember the challenge we filmed a few weeks back. We tried to make a pizza in the team kitchen. You nearly set the place on fire."

Blake chuckled, the memory easing the tension around her. "That totally wasn't my fault! They didnt give me instructions how to use it after I clearly said I didn't know how to work it."

"Uh huh, not your fault for sure" lando teased, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Then why did you blame me for distracting you, if you're now saying it was their fault now. You're giving mixed signals, Blake" lando added laughing.

"Well you were distracting me too." Blake rolled her eyes joining in the boys laughing. A genuine smile breaking through her frustration.

Their food arrived, and they ate in comfortable silence for a while. Lando's antics and light-hearted stories gradually lifted Blake's spirits, but her underlying confusion remained. She appreciated his efforts to make her laugh, but she couldn't shake off the feeling of inadequacy that clung to her.

After finishing their meal, Lando suggested they go for a walk seeing as it was just 10PM. The night air was cool and refreshing, a perfect contrast to the stuffy simulation room. They wandered through the quiet streets, the city lights casting a soft glow around them.

"So, how are you really feeling about the upcoming race?" Lando asked, his tone casual but his eyes attentive.

Blake hesitated, unsure how to articulate the jumble of emotions she felt. "Nervous, I guess. Excited but also... overwhelmed. It's a lot to take in."

Lando nodded, his expression understanding. "I get that. Just remember, we're a team, and I'll always be here."

Blake glanced at him, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes. "Thanks, Lando."

They continued their walk, eventually finding a bench in a small park. They sat down, the sounds of the city fading into the background as they enjoyed the tranquility of the moment. The gentle breeze played with Blake's hair, causing loose strands to dance around her face. She brushed them aside with a soft smile, her eyes reflecting the warmth of the city lights.

Lando watched her, captivated by the way the golden light illuminated her features. He couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the sight, his heart skipping a beat at the beauty before him.

The bustling noise of the city seemed to fade away, leaving them in a serene bubble. Blake looked at Lando, his carefree demeanor and genuine concern for her making her heart feel a confusing mix of emotions. She valued their friendship deeply, but there was something else she couldn't quite place, a feeling that left her both intrigued and uncertain.

Lando, sensing her introspection, nudged her lightly. "Hey, stop overthinking. Just enjoy the moment."

Blake smiled, the weight of her earlier frustration lifting slightly, nodding. "Thanks, lando"