Chance Encounter || LANDO NORRIS

01. what gropchat?

Lilith had always been the kind of person who could turn even the most gloomy day into a whirlwind of unexpected events. So when something truly bizarre happened, it was no surprise that Ian would be the first to hear about it. After all, they'd been best friends for over 12 years, and there was nothing they didn't share.

She lounged on her bed, legs dangling over the side as she fiddled with her phone. Ian was sprawled out on the floor beside her, flipping through a comic book with one hand, the other resting behind his head.

"You're not going to believe what happened to me today," Lilith began, her voice carrying a mix of amusement and disbelief.

Ian didn't look up, but his lips quirked into a smile. "Knowing you, it could be anything. Did you accidentally join a cult or something?"

Lilith chuckled, nudging him with her foot. "Worse. I got added to a random group chat with a bunch of strangers."

Now, that got his attention. Ian turned his head slightly, raising an eyebrow. "Strangers? Like, completely random people?"

"Yup," Lilith confirmed, nodding. "Some guy added me by mistake, thinking I was someone else. And instead of leaving, I just...stayed."

Ian grinned, fully turning his attention to her now. "You? Staying in a group chat with randoms? I'm shocked and impressed." He nodded proudly.

"Oh, it gets better," Lilith continued, unable to suppress a giggle. "They're all older than me, and they've got these ridiculous nicknames for each other. I mean, it was like stepping into some weird inside joke I wasn't part of."

Ian laughed, the sound filling the room. "And you didn't run for the hills?"

"Are you kidding? It was way too entertaining to leave. Plus, they all started freaking out when they realized I wasn't who they thought I was. They didn't kick me out, though. Instead, they wanted to know more about me."

"Of course, they did," Ian said with a smirk. "They probably didn't know what hit them."

Lilith shrugged, her smile widening. "I might have accused them of being creeps, but they were all cool about it. We ended up joking around, and now they've just accepted that I'm part of their weird little group."

Ian shook his head, clearly amused. "Only you, Lilith, could end up in a situation like this and turn it into a fun experience. So, what's the vibe like? Are these people normal?"

"As normal as anyone who accidentally adds a stranger to a chat can be," Lilith replied, rolling her eyes. "They're a mix of funny and weird, but in a good way. It's like having this bizarre summer adventure without even leaving my room."

Ian smiled, a hint of fondness in his eyes. "Sounds like you've found yourself some unexpected entertainment. Just don't let them drag you into anything too crazy."

"Don't worry," Lilith said, leaning back against her pillows. "I've got my guard up. But honestly, it's kind of nice having this strange new distraction."

Ian chuckled, giving her a playful nudge with his foot. "Well, if they ever start getting too weird, you know where to find me. I'm always here to remind you of what normal people are like."

"Normal?" Lilith teased. "Since when have we ever been normal?"

Ian laughed, shaking his head. "Fair point. But seriously, keep me updated on these shenanigans. I want to know everything."

"You got it," Lilith agreed, her smile softening. "This summer might have just gotten a whole lot more interesting."

~~~💋~~~

Later that evening, as they sat around sharing a bowl of popcorn and half-watching some old movie playing in the background, Lilith's phone buzzed again. She glanced at it, expecting a random notification, but it was another message from the group chat. A small smile tugged at her lips.

"What's up?" Ian asked, noticing the look on her face.

"Just the group chat," Lilith said casually, but her tone gave away the fact that she was more intrigued than she let on.

Ian reached for a handful of popcorn, watching her closely. "They're keeping you entertained, huh?"

"Yeah, they actually are," Lilith admitted. "It's just funny. I mean, I've only known them for a short time, but it's like we're already comfortable around each other."

"That's kind of cool," Ian remarked, leaning back on the couch. "It's not every day you accidentally stumble into a bunch of new friends."

"True," Lilith said, still smiling at her phone. "But I can't help wondering...who are these people, really? I mean, they seem normal, but you never know."

Ian nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, but you've got good instincts. If they were shady, you'd have bailed by now."

"Probably," Lilith agreed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "But they're just so...interesting. Like, they have these big personalities, and they're all so different from each other."

"Sounds like you've found yourself a new crew," Ian teased, nudging her with his elbow.

Lilith rolled her eyes, but she couldn't deny it. "Maybe. It's weird, though, because I feel like I'm starting to like them...as friends, you know? It's kind of nice to have people to talk to, even if I don't know them that well yet."

"Hey, if they make you happy, that's what matters," Ian said with a smile. "Just be careful, okay? I don't want to have to rescue you from some weird internet drama."

Lilith laughed, lightly shoving him. "I'll be fine. But thanks for worrying, you big softie."

"Always," Ian said, giving her a mock-serious look. "Now, what's next? Are you going to tell them about you more or keep that a secret?"

Lilith considered this, a playful glint in her eye. "I might keep them guessing a little longer. Let them wonder who the mysterious Lilith really is."

Ian chuckled. "You love the drama, don't you?"

"Just a little," Lilith admitted with a wink. "But seriously, I'll keep you posted. If things get too weird, you'll be the first to know."

"Deal," Ian said, giving her a reassuring smile. "Now, let's finish this movie before you get sucked back into your new social life."

Author 🏎️💋

Thanks for reading this chapter! Hope you liked it.
(Don't be a dry reader 😉)

I should probably go to sleep, I have school soon and my sleep schedule is fighting for it's life 😭
Bye loves, xx 😘