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Chapter 16: Through the Flames

The sun was setting over the track, casting long shadows as Oscar and Lando wrapped up their final practice session of the day. The air was thick with the smell of burning rubber and fuel, and the anticipation of the upcoming race electrified the atmosphere. But today wasn't just about racing; it was about a secret that had been hanging over Oscar like a dark cloud.

As they climbed out of their cars, Oscar felt his stomach churn. He had decided it was time to tell Lando the truth, but the weight of it sat heavily on his shoulders. Lando noticed the change in Oscar's demeanor immediately.

"Hey," Lando said, concern flickering in his eyes. "You good?"

Oscar swallowed hard, nodding. "Yeah, just... a bit tired."

"Right. Tired from being too fast?" Lando joked, trying to lighten the mood, but Oscar wasn't in the mood for jokes. He took a deep breath, determination bubbling within him.

"Lando, we need to talk," he said, his voice serious.

Lando's smile faltered as he saw the look in Oscar's eyes. "Okay... what's going on?"

They walked toward a quieter part of the paddock, away from the noise of the team and the media. Oscar felt a pit in his stomach as they stopped, the setting sun casting a golden hue around them.

"I—" Oscar started, but the words stuck in his throat. How could he explain that the pressure of the upcoming race, the expectations, and everything else had become too much?

"Whatever it is, you can tell me," Lando urged gently, his eyes softening.

"I've been struggling," Oscar finally admitted, his voice shaking slightly. "With everything. The races, the pressure to perform... It's just been a lot, and I feel like I'm drowning sometimes."

Lando's expression shifted from confusion to concern. "Oscar, you're not alone. You don't have to go through this by yourself."

"I know, but I've been pushing you away, and I don't want to do that," Oscar confessed. "I just— I didn't want to show any weakness."

Lando took a step closer, placing a reassuring hand on Oscar's shoulder. "You're not weak for feeling this way. Everyone has their struggles. I've had my share too, you know that."

Oscar looked down, the vulnerability making him feel exposed. "But what if it affects the team? What if I screw things up for you?"

Lando shook his head, his grip tightening. "Oscar, we're a team. We win together, and we lose together. If you're struggling, I'm here to help you. We can figure it out together."

Oscar met Lando's gaze, the warmth in his friend's eyes giving him the courage to continue. "I just don't want to let anyone down. I feel like if I can't keep up, I'll ruin everything."

"You won't," Lando reassured him, his voice firm. "We'll get through this. Together."

Oscar felt the tension begin to ease. He realized that Lando's support was what he needed the most. Just then, a loud explosion echoed through the paddock, followed by a plume of smoke rising from one of the nearby garages.

"What was that?" Oscar exclaimed, adrenaline rushing through him.

"Let's check it out!" Lando said, and they dashed toward the chaos, instinctively working as a team once more.

When they reached the scene, they saw a small fire breaking out in the garage. The crew was scrambling to contain it, but the flames were spreading fast. Oscar's heart raced as he watched the chaos unfold. Without thinking, he grabbed a fire extinguisher and rushed toward the flames, Lando right beside him.

"Are you crazy?" Lando shouted over the noise. "Get back!"

"I can help!" Oscar yelled back, his focus on the flames. With Lando's encouragement, he directed the extinguisher at the fire, feeling the heat wash over him.

"Just like that!" Lando cheered, joining him in the effort, and together they managed to contain the flames until the fire crew arrived.

Once the chaos settled, Oscar stepped back, breathing heavily, adrenaline coursing through his veins. "That was... intense," he gasped, looking at Lando.

"Yeah, but you handled it like a champ!" Lando grinned, pride shining in his eyes.

Oscar's heart swelled. Maybe he wasn't as alone as he thought. "Thanks for being there. I'm glad you're with me."

"Always," Lando said softly, the connection between them deepening in that moment. "Now, let's get ready for the race. Together."

As they walked back toward the paddock, Oscar felt lighter, the weight of his struggles beginning to lift. With Lando by his side, he knew they could face anything—on and off the track.