Unexpected

Part 28

I don't feel as rushed on Sunday as I did in Melbourne, because there are more hours between waking up and the race. Sangil gets introduced to my family, and the kids take to him straightaway. Almost every time I see him he has a kid on his lap. Sometimes we film for WGM, and sometimes we just hang out with my family.

I don't make any mistakes in the race, and neither does my team. Mistakes for the team include slow pit stops, bad strategies that make me lose places, not securing something on the car properly, or breaking a rule that results in a time penalty for me. As a midfield team, I'm not fighting for podium positions, but points are possible (which are given if you finish up to tenth place).

On my last lap I see the fireworks go off. The race leader must have crossed the finish line. After I see the checkered flag Yasuda-san comes on the radio and congratulates me on finishing in the points for a second race. "Arigatou, mina-san," I reply, thanking everyone in the team. "Okagesama desu." It was thanks to you.

As we approach the waiting media, I'm walking in between Alex and George, who are both tall. For some reason they decide to use my shoulders as a place to prop an elbow. I see several cameras turn in our direction as they film this. I smile. "Guys, I hope no one misinterprets this. Otherwise it will look bad for you." When a reporter later asks why they did that I reply with, "Poor things were so tired after the race. No stamina to speak of."

Shiga's kids run at me when they see me coming back. I pick up Himawari and swing her around.

"You were awesome!" screams Atsushi. Then they're all yelling something at the same time, tugging on my hands and trying to get my attention.

"Guys," I say, kneeling down to be closer to them, "one at a time, please."

Kirikai gives me a hug. "Omedetou." Congratulations.

"Thank you." Then the others say what they want, and we walk hand in hand back to the Nissan hospitality suite. I see Sangil leaning against a handrail in front. He must have seen everything from his vantage point.

"Do I get a hug?" he asks as we walk up.

"Yes," says Himawari as she hugs his legs.

After leaning down and returning the embrace, he straightens up and whispers in my ear, "You know I was talking to you."

I slide my arms around his waist. "You're greedy, but I like it," I tease him.

I say goodbye to my team and family, and walk through the paddock with Sangil back to our hotel. I stop, because I recognize someone up ahead. "Sangil, let's photobomb that guy up ahead," I say.

"Who is he?"

"He's Matt from WTF1. I've not been introduced to him yet, and this can be my chance to make an impression with the fans."

I debate about which approach is best. Since I've changed clothes, I decide to walk right up like I'm on a runway. I put my hands on my hips and saunter up to Matt's left. I twirl once when I get close, letting my skirt swing out. And when I'm right beside him I curtsy.

He jumps. "I didn't see you. Hello, Sochi."

"Hi, Matty. It's nice to finally meet you. Thank you for giving me an A in the last race."

"Oh, you listened to the podcast?"

"No," I burst his happy bubble. "A few fans let me know."

"Of course you didn't."

"What are you doing?"

"Filming the Internet's Best Reactions."

"Nice. Are any about me?"

"Maybe."

I nod. "This is Sangil," I introduce him.

They shake hands. "Your...husband?"

"Right. No need to hesitate."

"Sorry. I'm just not sure whether he is or isn't. The rumors are murky. Here," he says pointing to the camera. "This is your chance to properly explain."

I face the camera head on. "I call him my husband because we pretend to be a married couple on a Korean show called We Got Married. Officially, we're not." I turn to look at Matt. "Got it?"

"Clear as rain."

I cock my head to the side. "Yeah, you don't sound so sure." I take Sangil's hand. "And now we have to go film for that show. Bye!"

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Obviously no Sangil and Sochi, but...