Satzu one-shots + incorrects

The track holds my greatest love (2)

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah

50 laps

"Would you look at that! Ferrari and Mercedes have been trading the lead position these past few laps and it all comes down to this final finish!"

"Careful now, Jiminie, or you'll fall out of your seat! I know I'm on the edge of mine for this last lap here in the season's second race! So much drama already! Oh, here we go—Ferrari and Mercedes are duking it out in the last straightaway of the circuit!"

"Who's going to take the win?! It's... it's—"

"No, no—don't do this to me now!" Tzuyu's tone is tinged with frustration, a desperation echoing in the twang of her words as she wrangles with the Ferrari car. Speed decreases as she enters the final curve of the track, and panic simmers beneath the facade of control she tries to maintain.

"There's something wrong with the engine!"

"Copy. Think you can hold out?"

"I'm trying but my speed is decreasing," Tzuyu grits her teeth and keeps her foot on the accelerator. The finish line is right there.

A blur of teal and black slips by her, and the feeling of defeat that washes over her is palpable. It sinks in her gut like a heavy rock, hard and unbudging. Anger raises her temper before she smacks it down harshly. It was out of her control. Tzuyu sighs heavily as she finishes the race in second place.

She hears it on the radio, sees it up on the big screens.

Half a second.

Sana beat her by half a second.

Her teeth sank down into her lips, grinding in irritation, and Tzuyu stifled a groan as she turned the car into the pit lane.

"Good job, team. Nice job getting those points."

There is only pride and understanding in Jihyo's tone and Tzuyu is grateful. She appreciates the optimism in their Chief Engineer. Tzuyu knows she would be hard on herself, already blaming herself for a problem out of her control. Maybe if she turned the corner faster, maybe if she was tighter on turn 3— maybe, maybe, maybe...

"C'mon, Tzu. Get your head out of your ass," Dahyun slaps a hand on the top of her helmet. Her partner is standing by her idle car as she waits for Tzuyu to get out. With a huff, Tzuyu climbs out of the Ferrari. She feels Dahyun's hands tapping her helmet, patting it like a job well done.

"Nice job getting second. Those are good points."

Their eyes lock and Tzuyu softens. Dahyun is a good driver and an even better friend. She's always there when Tzuyu gets swamped by the demanding expectations of their job.

"Thanks. Not too bad yourself. P4, hm?"

"Yeah, yeah, don't get me started," Dahyun clicks her tongue as a scowl covers her face. It's expressive enough to pull a soft laugh out of Tzuyu.

"C'mon, get up there already! I'll wait for you after the interview."

Tzuyu purses her lips, her pace as slow as a turtle as she makes her way to the stage.

"Don't be a baby!" Dahyun gives her a good shove. The smile on Tzuyu's lips is half genuine as she takes her second place prize. The other half is a stoic mask of professionalism. Of course, Sana is beside her having taken the first place podium and her glances still feel so heavy. Tzuyu avoids it as best she can. She is still not ready to look Sana in the eyes, her knees still grow weak under Sana's gaze, her heart still wobbles under Sana's attention.