Breaking the Grid

KimBee

I slump into the couch, wincing as a sharp ache pulses through my leg. Fresh from my exam at the MTC and a session with my psych, I'm drained. For the past couple of days, I've been getting more sensation in my foot, but the pain is unrelenting, barely eased by the meds. My head sinks back as I try to rest.

Suddenly, loud voices erupt from the kitchen, and before I know it, two familiar figures—Lando and Kimi—are plopping onto the couch beside me, laughing with their hands full of snacks. I narrow my eyes and glare at Lando.

"If you spill even a single crumb on my couch, I swear I'll kill you," I threaten. They both just snicker at me, completely unfazed. Typical.

Rolling my eyes, I reach over, snatch the bag of chips, and tear it open. "This is disgusting. You guys are supposed to be athletes. You can't just eat this junk!" I crush the chips into crumbs to make my point, and they groan in unison, their eyes rolling like a couple of kids.

"If you want food, eat something healthy! I made cupcakes this morning." At that, Kimi immediately springs up, excited. "You should have told us sooner!"

Lando, on the other hand, grimaces from the couch. "What's in them?" he asks suspiciously.

"Banana—" I barely get the word out before he cuts me off, his expression sour.

"Rude, Lando. You haven't even tried them," I scold, while Kimi comes back, already stuffing one in his mouth and handing another to Lando. He raises a brow, savoring each bite before looking at me with that look.

Finally, Lando takes a tentative bite, chewing in silence before grabbing another. Just as I open my mouth to comment, he shuts me down. "Alright, alright, they're pretty good. Happy?"

"Very," I say with a smirk. When he's finished, he looks at me, as if shyly, and asks, "Can you bake more?"

"Yeah, sure," I reply, glancing at my phone. Then I look over at Kimi. "How many views?"

"Two million, so far," he says with a proud grin.

Lando nods, impressed. "Not bad for a first video. What's the next one about?"

I shrug, grinning at Kimi. "Don't ask me—it's his idea."

"Yeah, and I saw the name," Lando says, snickering. "KimBee? Seriously?"

Kimi just laughs, throwing a chip at him.

The three of us settle into an easy rhythm of conversation, chatting about random things and teasing each other, when I notice Lando slipping off his cap. I catch a glimpse of his hair, and I can't help it—a laugh bursts out of me.

Both of them turn, giving me questioning looks.

"Lando Norris with a mullet," I say, reaching over to touch the back of his head, feeling the shaggy ends. "God, you actually did it."

Lando grins, clearly pleased with himself. "Do you like it?"

I tilt my head, considering. "Normally, no. But it actually looks pretty good on you."

"Good," he laughs. "I needed a change before I head to Portugal. Figured a new haircut was in order."

I raise a brow. "Portugal, huh? Who are you going with?"

"Max and Leo," he replies with a grin. "It'll be a good time."

Kimi, leaning back on the couch, chimes in. "I went there with Elli last summer. It's incredible—especially the coast."

Lando nods, intrigued, while Kimi goes on, "Though I have to wait for Leah to get back from her international camp before I head back to Italy. Wouldn't want to miss her before I go."