The familiar energy of race weekend filled the air: the rumble of engines, the sharp scent of fuel, the shuffle of mechanics around the cars. Oscar was used to the routine, the blend of pressure and excitement that came with each race. But this time, something felt different.
Amid the buzz of activity, his mind kept wandering back to Nick. The memory of their quiet dinner together, the warmth of Nick's smile, the easy laughter they'd shared—all of it lingered with him, blending with the adrenaline of the weekend. It was strange and thrilling, like he was carrying a quiet secret, tucked away in the back of his mind as he moved through each meeting, each interview.
Still, he knew he couldn't afford to lose focus. Race weekend required his undivided attention, and this weekend was no exception.
Friday morning brought the usual media chaos. Cameras flashed, journalists hovered, and questions poured in from every direction. Oscar answered automatically, his mind focused more on remembering details and stats than anything else. Yet, between interviews, he caught himself glancing at his phone, hoping for a message from Nick.
It buzzed during a quick break, and Oscar's heart jumped. He saw Nick's name on the screen and quickly swiped to open the message.
Nick: Hope you're surviving media day. Want to grab dinner later if you're free?
Oscar's face lit up with a smile. Just the thought of seeing Nick made the endless day of press duties seem a little more bearable.
Oscar: Definitely. I'll be free after the briefings tonight. Looking forward to it.
He slipped his phone back into his pocket, the quick exchange leaving him with a small, steady warmth that stayed with him through the day.
After a packed morning, Oscar moved to the next part of his schedule—team briefings. Here, he and his engineers went over car setups, strategy, and track conditions. Normally, he could lose himself in the technical details, focusing fully on the race ahead. But now, a subtle distraction tugged at him.
Even as he discussed tire strategies and fuel management, he couldn't help but think about Nick, the sense of calm he'd brought into his life. It was rare for Oscar to let anything outside of racing pull his attention, yet Nick had managed to do it so easily. That thought both thrilled and unsettled him. He'd spent years tuning out distractions, but now he was realizing there was something—someone—worth being distracted by.
Lando noticed, catching him gazing off between points in the meeting. With a grin, he nudged Oscar's shoulder. "What's got you daydreaming, mate? You keep checking your phone. Who's got you so distracted?"
Oscar forced a casual shrug. "Just... family stuff," he mumbled, knowing Lando could see right through him.
Lando chuckled, crossing his arms. "Sure, 'family stuff.' Look, whatever it is, I get it. Just don't let it mess with you out there, alright?"
Oscar nodded, a faint smile crossing his face. He appreciated Lando's gentle nudge, even if he wasn't ready to admit what—or who—was actually on his mind.
By evening, Oscar felt the familiar mix of nerves and excitement as he walked into the restaurant Nick had suggested. The place was quiet, a world away from the chaotic energy of the paddock. He spotted Nick sitting at a table near the window, looking relaxed as he scanned the menu. When Nick looked up and smiled, a sense of calm settled over Oscar.
"Hey," Nick greeted, standing as Oscar walked over. "Long day?"
Oscar chuckled, sliding into the seat across from him. "You have no idea."
Dinner felt easy. They talked about everything except racing—city adventures, favorite foods, random stories from their lives. Oscar was surprised at how natural it felt to open up, to share things he'd never normally talk about during race weekend. Nick's presence had a grounding effect, like a quiet anchor amid the endless demands of his career.
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Beyond the Track - Oscar Piastri bxb
RomanceOscar Piastri has spent his life chasing speed, focus, and perfection on the racetrack. Racing is all he's ever known, and he's never questioned it-until he meets Nick Johnson, a newcomer in the paddock with a quiet confidence and an easy smile. As...