|Love 4 Apex| Lando Norris

🏎 5 - Whatever it Takes

The break had done wonders for Rose. She felt recharged, both mentally and physically, ready to dive back into the intense world of Formula 1. The gym sessions, the solitude, and the time spent in Monaco had been exactly what she needed. Now, with race weekend upon her, she was itching to get back on track.

But as she walked into the Paddock, the familiar buzz of the pre-race atmosphere surrounding her, there was an unexpected distraction. Lando. And Magui.

Rose's stomach twisted slightly as she watched them from a distance. Lando had invited Magui to the Paddock this weekend, introducing her to everyone—including Daniel, his teammate. From Rose's vantage point, they seemed... close. Too close. Magui was laughing at something Lando said, her hand resting lightly on his arm, and Rose couldn't help but feel a wave of discomfort roll over her.

She forced herself to look away. Focus. Qualifying is all that matters right now.

Lando spotted her as she made her way toward the Mercedes garage. "Hey, Rose!" he called out, waving her over with that easy smile of his. "Come meet Magui!"

Rose took a deep breath and walked over, her face set in a neutral expression. She couldn't let them see how much this bothered her. Magui was perfectly nice, from what Rose could tell, but that didn't make it any easier.

"Hi, I'm Rose," she said, offering a polite smile as she shook Magui's hand.

"Nice to meet you! Lando's told me so much about you," Magui replied, smiling warmly.

"Yeah, we go way back," Rose said, glancing quickly at Lando, who was standing a little too close to Magui for her liking.

Magui laughed softly, her eyes flicking to Lando. "I'll let you guys catch up. I should head back to hospitality." Before walking away, Magui leaned in and gave Lando a quick kiss on the lips, sending a jolt through Rose. She hadn't expected it, and the sudden wave of discomfort hit her harder than she anticipated.

Daniel, standing nearby, raised his eyebrows and looked at Rose, clearly picking up on the awkwardness of the moment. He shot her a quick glance, as if to say "Did you see that?" but Rose just pressed her lips together, forcing a polite smile as if nothing was wrong.

Magui gave Lando's arm a light squeeze before finally turning away. As she walked off, Rose's stomach twisted, the easygoing atmosphere around her suddenly feeling suffocating.

As soon as Magui left, Daniel grinned and turned to Lando, his expression teasing. "So, how's it going with Magui?" he asked, glancing briefly at Rose before focusing back on Lando.

Lando shrugged, a small smile forming on his face. "It's going smoothly. She's funny and easygoing. I like that."

Daniel clapped him on the back, a grin spreading across his face. "Good for you, mate. I'm happy for you." His eyes flickered toward Rose for a split second, sensing the tension in the air.

Rose forced another smile, though a knot of unease tightened in her stomach. She kept quiet, unable to bring herself to say the same. What kind of best friend was she? The thought gnawed at her as she followed the conversation in silence.

Daniel continued, "You've grown up so much—bringing your first girl to the paddock. You should be thanking me for all the advice I've given you."

Lando smirked. "I don't remember you ever giving me advice."

Daniel shot him a mock glare. "You little brat, never grateful for everything I've done for you. Give me back my energy and my time!"

They both laughed, while Rose remained quiet, her expression neutral, though her thoughts were far from it.