Thanks to Norris

part 15- Media day

Josi: "Why does Charles have better snack options than both of us combined?"

Charles (from the couch): "Because I'm the only one who shops like an adult."

I flopped onto the couch beside him, letting my head fall onto his shoulder. He didn't flinch. Instead, he leaned into it a little.

Charles: "Rough night?"

Y/n: "If awkward stares and unresolved trauma count as rough, then yeah."

He smirked but said nothing. Josi joined us, curling into the armchair with a yogurt cup like she was at a sleepover.

Josi: "Okay. But for real, Lando looked at you like you were a memory he wanted back."

Y/n: "Cool. He can keep the memory. I'm not giving him the sequel."

Charles chuckled and wrapped a casual arm around my shoulder—like he always did when he didn't want to push, but wanted to stay close.

Charles: "I'll protect you from emotional damage. That's my job."

Josi: "No, your job is to drive a red car very fast."

Charles: "I can multitask."

We stayed like that for a while. Easy. Safe. And for once, no one brought up Lando again.

Next Morning – Track Arrival

We arrived at the track together—me, Josi, and Charles—like a walking, dysfunctional fashion show for Formula 1.

I wore my Mercedes team shirt, black and clean and sharp. Charles had his signature Ferrari red, of course, zipped halfway up like he'd just stepped out of a promo shoot. And Josi... Josi walked into the paddock in a McLaren tee.

Charles stopped dead.

Charles: "You're joking."

Y/n: "What is that on your body?"

Josi: "This?" She smiled sweetly. "This is me supporting my friends."

Charles: "You are walking with two F1 drivers right now."

Y/n: "Exactly. Two drivers who are not wearing orange."

Josi: "Okay but—Max Fewtrell is here. He's wearing McLaren. And obviously... Lando."

Charles and I both groaned in unison.

Charles: "You're matching with Max Fewtrell?"

Y/n: "And Lando? You're matching with Lando now?"

She shrugged like it was the most casual betrayal in the world.

Josi: "You two are always fighting. Someone has to bring unity to the grid."

Y/n: "Right. And that comes in the form of being visibly disloyal."

Charles (dramatically clutching his chest): "I feel betrayed in three languages."

Josi: "Oh, hush. I'll wear red when you win again."

Charles narrowed his eyes. I covered my mouth to hide my laugh.

Y/n: "She's brave for saying that in Ferrari territory."

Josi: "I'm braver than all of you. I'm friends with both of you and Lando."