Rivalry

Chapter VII

                       Lando's POV

I finished the race third, right behind Malia. Max won his home race, good for him. I know that feeling.

My mind wasn't in the race at all today. I don't know what Max was trying to achieve before the race, but if it was a mental tactic to win the race, it definitely worked. I spent half the race thinking about her.

After what he said at the party, all i thought about was her. He was right. I did like her. This wasn't good. She hates me. She'll never feel the same way.

During the podium celebration, Malia was spraying max with her champagne. She looked happy for him, proud even. I envied that. We never sprayed each other. But today, i changed that. She gave me a confused look at first, but then she did the same.

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I flew my best friend out to Monaco when i got back home from the race. I didn't want to be alone, rotting, consumed by my thoughts for the week.

I picked him up at the airport. When i arrived, he was waiting for me outside the arrivals area. I was late because of the traffic. "Oi mate, what took you so- my god, you look miserable." he said, taking a seat in the car his gaze focused on me."Missed you too?" I replied, my tone uncertain. I began driving off once he was settled in. "What's up with you, pal?" "I think i like Malia." i said with a hint of detachment. Max started to chuckle and suddenly stopped realizing i was serious. "Mate, that's not good for you. What's happened in a month that made you do a 180 with your feelings?" I let out a sigh and began explaining what happened at Max's house and at the race. By the time i was done, we pulled up to my building. "Tell you what mate, we're going out tonight, and we'll find you a girl, yeah?" I shrugged, giving my keys to the valet driver.

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We ordered takeout for dinner, played some fifa, and then we got ready to go out for the night. Maybe Max was right. I needed someone else to get her out of my head.

I put on a black button-down shirt, some jeans and my favorite pair of white shoes. I sprayed some cologne on and fixed my hair once more. When i was done, i headed to my living room to wait for Max's. He always took ages to get ready. He has a girlfriend. i don't know what he needs to look good for, she's not even here.

I scrolled through instagram while waiting for him. There were a million pictures of her and i shaking hands. And spraying each other with champagne. Everyone knew we hated each other, well, her more than me, so the fans were freaking out. Max still wasn't ready, so I went through her instagram. God, she's beautiful.

I was hit in the head by a pillow. "Stop drooling over her, and let's go." I rolled my eyes, stood up from my couch, and grabbed my keys that were on the table in front of me.

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I had a few drinks and chatted with Max about boring stuff. We eventually spotted Carlos, Danny, and Max V together, so we joined them. My wonderful best friend thought it was a good idea to put me on blast and tell them about Malia. "Not news to me, mate." said Max V, winking at me.

They ignored my wishes entirely, insisting I join the dance, even nudging a few girls in my direction. I was a few drinks down already. I didn't protest much. I wasn't unfamiliar with hookups, to say the least. So, i just went with the flow.

A blond girl approached me, smiling. We danced together for a while. She was all over me, her hands around my neck, then my chest. My hands were just on her hips as we moved to the music. She put her hands in my hair, inching me closer to her face. We started making out, but all i could think of was Malia, i wanted it to be her. I deepend the kiss hoping it would distract me. She pulls her head back. "Wanna get out of here?" she whispered in my ear. I watch her a moment. I can't do this right now. "No, sorry." i replied, letting her go and walking back to the table the guys snuck back to while her and i were kissing.

"Alright, mate, good work!" said Max F, proud of me. I shot him a dissaproving glance and said, "i'm going home mate, you staying?" He then blabbed on about how he'll stay with the guys and that i was no fun.

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I arrived back at my apartment building and called the elevator. I ran my hands through my hair and sighed. I can't even try to hook up with someone without thinking of her. This is bad, really bad. Just a week ago, i didn't care for her. Now, she consumed my every thought.

I get in the elevator drowning in my thoughts and press my floor number. What am i going to do? The doors open, and i step out, still in my thoughts. I hear her laugh from down the hallway, my head shoots up, and i stop in my tracks.

Charles and i lived on the same floor, and she was leaving his apartment. I silently watched her. She's gorgeous. She was wearing a white shirt that revealed her shoulders and a grey skirt that was a bit shorter than what she usually wears.

Arthur stepped out of the flat to hug her goodbye. His hand was on the small of her back. I tensed. What was with this guy? What makes him so special? I saw him make her laugh and hug her all weekend. I could make her laugh too if she'd give me the time of day.

I heard the door shut, which snapped me out of my thoughts. I realized i hadn't moved this whole time, but she was already walking towards me, her gaze on me. My heart was beating out of my chest.

"You're staring," she said. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. "Have you lost your voice?" she was in front of me now. I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. All i could do was look at her. "What's your problem? Can't even say something annoying like usual?" She said, slightly irritated. My eyes flicker from her lips to her eyes. I somehow manage to take a step toward her. She freezes, her breath coming in quick, shallow gasps.

I grabbed her face with both of my hands and looked at her for just a momemt. She didn't stop me. She gently but her hands on my arms, reacting to my sudden movement. I crash my lips onto hers. She still didn't stop me. She kissed me back. I leaned my forhead on hers and tried to breathe. "You're my problem." I said quickly before letting her go and taking a step back. She just stood there, disbelief etched on her face, unable to process what I had just done.Her cheeks flushed a vivid shade of red. I hurried back to my apartment after realizing what i had just done.

My head was spinning.

I couldn't breathe.

I just ruined everything.