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Chapter Text

Isack wasn’t really used to it all yet. Sure, the contract had been read, signed and announced a while back but he hadn’t quite prepared himself for how walking into the F1 paddock as a reserve driver for the first time would feel. It was almost overwhelming, the whirling feeling of his first taste of F1, clawing at his throat and scouring through his body like the signal of a greater beginning.

He wanted to feel more of it.
He wanted the itching adrenaline of an F1 car, driving alongside THE Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, to be seen beyond F2.
But he couldn’t yet, so instead he let himself settle with his role as a reserve driver, yearning for the taste of the seat yet content to spectate if only to avoid the cost of what that could mean for Liam or Yuki.

The two were close. Close in the way that was built through years of consistent presence in the other's life, friendship built by sheer will and respect for the other. His first meeting alone with the two had been sweet but awkward, almost like a stranger forcing their way into a random couple’s date.
They had been kind, keen to get to know him and let him get to know them, but they were still technically just barely co-workers. He was the new guy that barely worked for the company that they needed to get along with, lest something go wrong.
He was okay with that, god knows he was just as unsure about how to approach them as well. Still, for as far as the standard for getting to know someone, the first meeting went well, leaving him, if possible, even more excited for the final few races of the season.

By the time the Qatar GP rolled around, he felt far more settled into his, hopefully temporary, role. Joking around with the media admins, chatting to engineers and making comfortable small talk with Yuki and Liam. Even without racing, he was happy to at least enjoy the atmosphere of the garage as the team prepared for the race.

However, despite his enthusiasm to be at the paddock, the race ended rather unexcitingly for the ‘Redbull Family’, despite Max taking the win, both VCARBs were out of the points and Checo had DNF’d, adding to the growing disdain for the driver’s results through the season.
He considered bringing it up to Yuki, they all knew Checo was going to be dropped and Yuki would be the next in line to take the seat, but the man seemed frustrated enough with himself that he decided it probably wasn’t the right move.

Yuki’s frustration, however, did not stop him from letting Isack follow him around after his media duties, chatting idly to him about whatever came to mind. Isack listened intently to his ramblings, which were primarily centered around food while dodging mentions of the race, letting himself simmer in the bliss of getting to exist so casually with his ‘kind of mentor’.
But this was the F1 paddock after a race, and no driver was ever really safe from the media.

Which is how Isack found himself standing off to the side as the shorter driver was stopped for a spontaneous interview with some random journalist for some niche website.

He watched as Yuki tried his best to end the interview, trying to avoid making any statement without a VCARB media personnel to supervise but the journalist was insistent in getting some kind of opinion from him. Isack was worried he might just try to shove his hand down Yuki’s throat to pull something out through sheer force.
For his credit though, Yuki was doing a good job deflecting and remaining neutral at the questions, ignoring the way they were obviously written to provoke.

That was, until the journalist stepped over the metaphoric line.

“So, how do you feel with Perez’s failures to deliver this year as you look to your opportunities next year? You have consistently outperformed him several times, especially recently, do you think you would be better suited for the second Redbull seat?”

Yuki’s face dropped, whatever polite curve that had decorated his lips dissipated. Replaced by a stern look, that barely hid the discontent behind his eyes. He didn’t answer, letting the silence hang in the air for a few, uncomfortable seconds.

“I have no comments to make on Checo’s results nor on next year.”

A smarter man would have taken that as a moment to give up, leave the topic to rest and move on to other targets. This journalist was not a smarter man.
Instead he said:

“Well, Perez is yet to sign a contract for 2025, you must be expecting the call up at any minute now.”

The comment made Isack grimace, the dude was persistent, he’d give him that. But the way Yuki’s face dropped even further told him it wasn’t appreciated.
His eyes and mouth narrowed, synchronised with the clenching of his fists. If Isack had been sitting across from him, he would’ve shat himself. But the man didn’t seem to pick up on the way the temperature dropped, simply smirking back as he waited for Yuki’s reply.

“As I just said, I have no comment to make. I think it's time that we go.”

The man’s smile dropped, confusion taking its place at ‘we’, clearly hadn't even seen Isack. But Yuki didn’t care, all but stomping over to Isack as he pulled him away to the VCARB hospitality. The walk back was silent this time, the air heavy as they navigated their way through the dwindling streams of people. Only once they were within the confines of the building did Yuki seem to breathe again, letting go of a sigh so heavy that the air seemed to pull down at its weight.

“Fucking media. They’re probably going to write some stupid fucking article soon and cite me just to shit over Checo. I hate them.”

Once his mini rant was over, he looked over at Isack, features softening again.

“I need to go do something for the admins real quick. Sorry our walk got cut short. They let idiots roam the paddocks nowadays.”

Isack returned the smile, laughter tickling the back of his throat at the bluntness of the statement. But before he could say anything in return, Yuki had already strode away.

The next time he would see him, Yuki would be muttering angrily in a broken mix of Japanese and English as he looked over an article titled ‘Perez set for needed sacking’, the name of the website suspiciously like the one the journalist had claimed to be from.
His usual cheerful demeanour replaced by the same dark anger Isack had seen only hours prior, pointed like arrows at his phone screen.

He decided not to test Yuki’s mood, and turned to leave the room. Maybe he should go find Liam.
As he did, he heard a muttered:
“Checo is worth so much more than this motherfucker.”

Yeah, he was going to go find Liam.

Chapter Text

The season was over. Abu Dhabi was won by Lando, the WDC was won by Max and the WCC was won by Mclaren. Everything was drawing to a close and Isack had not gotten to drive in an F1 race.
He should be okay with that, he wasn’t expecting to, not with how few races were left and how well Liam and Yuki looked after themselves.

Still he wanted more.
He wanted his own seat on the grid, not a reserve seat, but an actual one. Equipped with a garage with his name on it and a team of engineers just for him.
Selfishly, he lets himself hope that Checo does get replaced by Yuki, like everyone is saying. Then he could slip into the empty seat next to Liam, escaping a second in the F2 championship (At least he lost to Gabi) to prove himself in F1. It works perfectly in his head.

He doesn’t voice those thoughts though. For as much as Yuki seems to like him (Gabi says he is too obsessed with impressing Yuki), Yuki likes Checo way more, he wouldn’t want to hear it, would probably get really upset if he heard it. Liam doesn’t like Checo as much but he would still immediately tell Yuki, who would get upset and then Liam would choose Yuki because he likes Yuki more than him. So he holds it in.

It's made more complex that Checo is so nice to him whenever they talk, providing guidance and answers to any and all of his questions. Checo still likes Yuki more than him but he likes Liam less, so moments when he is in the VCARB hospitality and Yuki isn’t, are spent talking to Isack.
He really wants a seat next year but he’s starting to really like Checo, still less than Yuki and Liam, and he doesn’t like the feeling of speculating about Checo’s exit anymore.

Max is a totally separate thing. He hasn’t really spoken to Isack much, but when he has, he has been nicer than he expected. Not quite as soft as Checo, but just as willing to chat and mentor him. He’s not so sure about how Max feels about anyone else, or how anyone else feels about Max.
He knows Yuki really likes Max, looks up to him, but he’s not sure if that's below or above Checo, who is surely below Liam. And Liam definitely likes Max more than Checo but less than Yuki but Max seems mostly impartial, though he spends more time with Liam than Isack so maybe he has a soft spot for the rookie. Checo and Max are close, not quite Liam and Yuki close but they’re close. But whether they like each other more than Yuki is hard to place.
And Isack’s not even sure he’s allowed to like Max, he’s Team LH, but Max is nice so he thinks it’s probably excusable. 2021 was long enough ago.

That is all to say, Red Bull is complex and they are all so silly and complex, and Isack doesn’t know how to exist with them just yet.
So, there he sits, watching Checo ruffle Yuki’s hair, while Max and Liam chat quietly at their side. The Al Qubaisi sisters are sitting on the couch too, a meter down his left, huddled up with Emely and absorbed in their own conversation. The rest of the VCARB and Red bull teams spread around mingling, their chatter a comforting backdrop of sound.

He doesn’t make an effort to leave his spot on the couch to join any group of people, letting himself simmer in his own contemplation, trying to pick apart the weird dynamic of the group, of the entire paddock. Trying to understand how everyone seems to go through each race cursing each other's souls, just to go out for dinner together immediately after. The way that your own success is driven simply by your friends' failure.
He could barely understand it. Yet it made so much sense.

But he, if nothing else, understands himself, and he understands that he wants a seat, just like how Yuki or Liam must want that Red Bull seat. Like how Horner and Helmut probably want Checo gone. Checo must know it too, there's a sense of acceptance that seems to wash over him as he looks at Yuki, a twinkle in his eyes that looks akin to pride, or even relief.

He’s brought out of his thoughts though by a dip to his right in the couch, Yuki. If he looked ahead, he could see Checo joining Max and Liam, closing off their group from his view. They looked like a group of teenage girls huddled and giggling, if he cared a bit more, maybe he would have felt hurt at the isolation.
He didn’t though, so he turns back to Yuki, finding him already staring back, dark eyes scanning him under lashes, picking him apart in the same way he always does in these quiet moments away from the rest of the team. Maybe he should be embarrassed by the fact that Yuki probably knows about his staring problem but, at the moment, he can’t find it in him to feel anything but proud to be the subject of Yuki’s attention.

He would have been content to just sit there, enjoying the feeling of the short man’s eyes on him against the starry night. But Yuki, never one for silence, had other plans.
“So, end of the season, how are you feeling?”
“Well, haven’t really done anything so, about the same as when it started I guess,” he replied, trying not to let the tone of his voice drop, ending the statement with a smile.

Yuki smiled back, exclaiming “Come on, second in F2 is pretty impressive, especially how close you were to first. I only ever got to third.”
The comment is silly and easy and totally brushes over how Yuki still scored more points at third than he did at second. Regardless, it's nice to be praised, nice to just exist alongside Yuki, his presence making a further warmth spread across his body.

“Yeah. I think I just want an F1 seat now. You know? Like I’m so close, I can feel it.” His reply sparks a bigger grin out of Yuki, the man reaching up to pat Isack on his shoulder goodwillingly.
“You are, we all feel it too. I reckon you’ll be getting the call with Horner for a seat pretty damn soon.” Yuki says, like it’s all so easy, like it doesn’t have any meaning within the current Red Bull family. His face is calm and smiley, an anchor of emotion but Isack doesn’t miss how Yuki’s eyes dart to Checo. A worried look filling his eyes, before returning back on Isack, rapid and bright again.

“You’ll have to look out for Max though. What was it that George said?” Yuki continues with a giggle, “Oh yeah, he’s violent, he’s going to lash out and attack you. Put you into the wall.”
Isack laughs in response, he’s not sure what else he can do. Not sure how to interpret the way that Yuki’s eyes flashed darkly, reminiscent of the interview in Qatar, at the self-imposed mention of George’s post race interview. But again, he looks back to Isack, and his inky eyes are filled with light again.

Suddenly, a voice appears in front of them.
“Who’s going to lash out and attack Isack?”

Yuki jumps a bit at the intrusion, but recovers quickly.
“Max! Hey, come, sit. Where have Checo and Liam gone?” Yuki says in lieu of an answer, moving closer to Isack so Max can fit in.
Max waves at Isack before practically throwing himself down, cackling as Yuki is forced to press into Isack, who’s trying his very best not to think about the fact his ears are burning.
“They both went off to do something for social media, I ran before I got roped in too. Wouldn’t want to lash out at the admins.”

That makes Yuki laugh, really laugh. Like head back, open mouth, and shut eyed laugh. It was the kind Isack had only seen Yuki do around Max or in videos with Daniel. The sound is a buzzing honey in his ears, inviting him to join, so he does.

The two men continue with their conversation, leaving occasional pauses for Isack to comment but he, for the most part, remains uninvolved, connected but still on the outer edges of a relationship 4 years in the making.
It doesn’t bother him, instead he lets the gentle warmth of their conversation immerse him as he returns to his thoughts of the season, of his wins and of what he didn’t get to do.

The 2024 season is over.

The 2024 season is over and Isack didn’t get to drive an F1 car.
The 2024 season was over and Isack still wanted nothing more than to be an F1 driver.
The 2025 season would start soon and Isack wanted to make Yuki laugh louder than Max.

Chapter Text

The 2024 season was over and the break had begun. Liam Lawson was going to be driving for Redbull Racing and Isack Hadjar was going to be driving for VCARB. Yuki Tsunoda would be driving alongside him.
Yuki had not been given the promotion up to Redbull and Isack was going to be an F1 driver. There were a lot of different feelings.

Yuki seemed to be keeping his mood light as he made cheerful conversation with people around him. But his eyes seemed to be hiding a storm (Gabi would bully him so hard if he ever found out how much Isack stared at the Japanese driver).

And maybe Isack was a bit anxious that Yuki would hold some kind of resentment at being held back another year in the junior team in place of a rookie, held back with him.
But whatever concerns he had were put to rest the moment they met at the factory, Yuki’s eyes cleared of whatever darkness was lurking behind them as he greeted him, replaced by a sparkle of life.
Tension bled from his body at the sight, if Yuki held any badwill to Red bull, Isack would not face it.

And with what felt like a weight on his chest, the day passed easily. Just a constant stream of meetings on meetings of preparations for the coming season. Opportunities to begin to prepare and to meet any new members of the team.

The new reserve driver, Ayumu Isawa, seemed nice. Quiet and slightly guarded but nice. He didn’t quite hit it off with either him or Yuki like they had with each other, but nonetheless seemed a welcomed presence. Him and Yuki especially enjoy being able to slip into their native tongue, chatting comfortably between themselves, leaving Isack to feel only a little bit bitter that he knew only the basics of the language.

Moreover, the team had given them a run down on the goals for the year, preparations and strategies or each race. Though it was really more for him than Yuki.

Overall, he would have considered the days a success. His teammate/ kind of mentor was upset but not with him, the new reserve driver was chill if not a bit detached, and his team seemed lovely, though he didn't really know them. Nevertheless the year looked bright. Things could only really get better.

Plus, him and Yuki were getting along as well as ever, like really hitting it off getting along. Every time he broke a laugh out of Yuki with a joke, or made him smile with a simple gesture, he took it as a personal win, enjoying the warmth of the other man’s merriment. (“First teammates are always special,” Gabi said matter of factly, “They make or break your first season, they shape you”.)
And while it wasn’t quite the same as when Max had made Yuki laugh, it was breaching close.

Laurent told him later through a knowing grin that Yuki hadn’t hit it off with a teammate like he had with Isack since Pierre, throwing in some joke about the French that Isack was too animated to hear (Gabi could never find out how happy this made him, god he would never hear the end of it).
No one said anything about the energy in his steps for the rest of the day. Yuki noticed, Isack saw that Yuki noticed. Yuki definitely knew that Isack saw that he noticed, he always seemed to know when Isack stared. He never questioned it and he didn't start then. It was another day that ended well.

But Laurent’s comments about Yuki’s past teammates stuck with him. He was well aware of the man’s roster of past partners, he knew he wasn’t the first driver to work alongside Yuki, he probably wouldn't be the last, but still the idea tickled at him. Yuki’s past: Pierre; Nyck; Daniel; Liam; they all seemed so distant to him, but they used to be in his place, by Yuki’s side.
They used to be what he was to Yuki and then they were gone, from the seat, from the sport. Would he be the same? Just another face who shares a garage with Yuki until one of them moves on?

The question ate away at him and Yuki noticed, eyes sharp, studying his face as they rested for lunch.
“What do you want to ask?”
“What?”
“What do you want to ask me Isack? It’s all over your face, there’s something on your mind so just ask me.”

So much for subtlety. Might as well get it out now, preserve as much dignity as possible by phrasing it himself.
“Well, I guess I was just…”
“Yes?”
“What were your past teammates like? Like Pierre and Liam and all of them.”
“Oh. That's it? That's your question?
That obviously wasn’t what Yuki was expecting, face shifting, confused for a moment before returning back into his usual casual grin.
“Uh well, it depends on the person but I was always close with my teammate. Nyck was nice, I still talk to him. Try to keep up with his racing, y’know?”

Isack nodded, listening intently.
“Daniel was nice too and mature. He was good for me, helped me grow and settle. I liked working with him a lot, I’m very grateful for everything he taught me.”
Then his face shifted, the clouds returning to his eyes as he said:
“Redbull should have treated them better. Everyone should have.”

Before Isack could really say, or even deduce, anything Yuki’s ever expressive face had shifted again. A new look, one that he had never worn around Isack at least. It was warm and dreamy, like he was recollecting old memories, good ones.
“Pierre was the best though, ‘first one is special and all that’.”

Accentuating the latter half with air quotes.
“He became my best friend on the grid, still is one of my closest friends. I’m glad I got to drive with him.”
A moment of silence.
“I’m even more glad he got to leave Redbull. They were horrible to him.”

Yuki’s eyes had stars in them now, bright as he spoke about Isack’s fellow country man. The sight made his stomach twist in a way he didn’t quite understand nor that he was ready to unpack.
But he knew he wanted it. Wanted Yuki to mutter his name with the same light herdedness he said Nyck’s, the same gratefulness he said Daniel’s, and the same affection that he said Pierre’s.
He wanted to earn that place in Yuki’s memories next time he had to list his past teammates, he wanted to be spoken about accompanied by a light in Yuki’s eyes too.

A light flick to his forehead brought him out of his thoughts, leaving him rubbing his forehead as he stared at Yuki’s amused expression. He must’ve been out of it for a second. But as usual, Yuki didn’t ask questions. He just got up and waited expectantly for him.
“Come on, Laurent wants us.”
If Yuki could avoid asking about his staring problem, he would avoid asking why Liam wasn’t on the list. Especially because he knew the answer.

Chapter Text

The restaurant was nice. Some high end, intimately lit assortment of rooms only a 10 minute walk from their hotel. Maybe going out the night before his debut race was a bad idea, he should be resting, but Redbull had organised and had insisted on it, a celebration before the first race. Plus being there with Yuki was nice, he hadn’t spent as much time as he would have liked with him in Australia, outside of what he would have considered work.
The way he smiled at him from across the table brought warmth that startled butterflies that he chose to continue to ignore.

The Japanese man was in a good mood. Their qualifying had gone well, Yuki in P5, after missing the Redbull seat, and Isack in P11 as the highest placed rookie, things were looking good for the race the next day.

Yuki was in such a good mood, that Isack could almost pretend that Liam wasn’t sitting next to him with an air of despair drenching him. They had exchanged a few words when they were first shown to their seats but Isack was left sitting silently, and contently, watching Yuki and Max tell each other jokes that barely made sense between their bursts of laughter but seemed to entertain them nonetheless while he tried to ignore the way the temperature dropped, just a bit, the closer he sat to Liam.

Liam’s qualifying had not gone as well as the VCARB garages had, P18 in the Redbull. It wasn’t a good look for Liam. No one had expected pole but it was still an underwhelming result.
“Shitty Car”, Yuki had said, unflinching, when Isack asked him what he thought about it. He paused for a second before adding “Even shittier management. If you're not Max, you’re not worth anything. Checo told me all about it.”
He was looking forward, as if pondering something of greater importance than their conversation, as if he was having another with someone that only Isack couldn’t see. His face had dropped slightly from the grin he was sporting moments earlier and he seemed to barely register Isack’s attempts to revive the conversation again.
And just as Isack was scrambling for another topic, Yuki looked down at his watch, looked back at him and smiled sympathetically. It was wide enough and bright enough that Isack’s brain stuttered for just a second in its crusade in talking points, for long enough that Isack almost missed what Yuki said next.

“Sorry Isack, I have to go. See you later, ok?”

And then he wandered off, Isack wasn’t sure of where he went, but he knew that the no. 30 garage was in the same direction.

He was drawn from his thoughts when a faceless set of arms placed his meal in front of him, some mouthwatering meat dish that Yuki had insisted that he would like (No Gabi, he wasn’t pathetic or a simp, he just appreciated recommendations).
The first bite was heaven. Like actual heaven. He felt like he was floating, must have looked like it too from the way Max was smirking at him. He had exchanged a look with Liam earlier, when Isack was getting Yuki’s recommendations, and now it looked like he was trying to catch the Kiwi’s eyes again. God, those two probably gossiped behind their backs.

The rest of the meal was peaceful, with light conversation that ricocheted across the table, even bringing some warmth back into Liam’s face. Isack would have been happy to sit there for hours longer, the ambience of the now quiet restaurant against the warmth of the atmosphere between the four of them was enchanting. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to sit for hours more or let himself drift off in comfort.

And sure, part of him was also thinking about how nicely the lights were reflecting off of Yuki’s face and how much he wanted to come here again with just the two of them. How easy it would be to just listen to him against the quiet music of the restaurant.
He would not think about how he wanted to share the dessert that he had seen earlier that he knew Yuki would like.

Isack was dragged out of his mind for the second time that night, this time by Liam, who was looking at him with an amused expression fluttering across his face. The other two had begun moving towards the exit way, the paid bill probably already halfway across the restaurant.
“Zoning out a lot tonight, aren't you?” Liam teased, punctuating the end of his statement with an elbow to his side. Isack only rolled his eyes, as he fought the smile creeping onto his lips, choosing to move towards Max and Yuki.

In lieu of a response, Liam continued “Even Max noticed mate. Yuki’s been checking up on you all night. You know if you want his attention, you just need to ask.”
God, Isack didn’t even need to turn around to see the smirk he knew was on Liam’s face. It was probably for the best too, he didn’t want to give the Kiwi the satisfaction of seeing the way his face and neck were being rushed with heat.

He considered ignoring him. He really did, but the benefits of that choice seemed to be dwindling if Liam planned to continue with his chosen coping mechanism of the night.
He was about to finalise his chosen plan of action when a hand landed on his shoulder.

Liam’s.

Max and Yuki were already out of sight, it was just the two of them standing in a basically empty collection of tables and chairs. Looking up at Liam’s face, he didn’t look as smug as Isack had expected. It was there, just more subdued. He looked more like a proud older brother, like how Max looked at Yuki.
“Look, mate. I don’t mean to intrude but…” His voice wavered, he looked unsure.
“Yes?”
Liam still looked unsure, but whatever debate he was having seemed to have been settled. “I-... You like Yuki don’t you?”

What.
“WHAT? YOU CAN”T JUST SAY SHIT LIKE THAT OUT OF NOWHERE MATE!”

Ok, so Isack was yelling now, the few people in the area were sending him dirty looks and Liam had obviously gotten over whatever mental hurdle he needed to because his face had once again returned to the loose smirk. Isack returned the look with a glare he hoped held every ounce of murder he was feeling. They had reserve drivers, it would be fine. God, just a few more steps and they’ll be out of this restaurant and Isack can throw himself in bed and pretend this never happened.

Liam, unphased, continued.
“Well seeing how you've been staring at him like he hangs the stars all night, I thought it was obvious. I mean you used to follow him like a duckling last year. So sue me for connecting some dots.”

Well damn.
That was… something. Something that entered his ears and ricocheted around his brain like a bouncy ball. ‘He thought it was obvious’. Obvious.
And fuck. It was. It was something he already knew, had always known. It wasn’t a key going into a lock or the final piece of a puzzle but the simplest truth.
And it was obvious.

A cool wind hit him suddenly, as did the noise of the street. Liam stood next to him, eyes amused but eyebrows tilted in concern.
“I didn’t think that you didn’t know. I’l keep my mouth shut for now, at least until you’ve figured this all out,” gesturing around Isack with his hands, “But when you do, I’m happy to chat.”

Barely knowing what to say, Isack forced out “Yeah, thanks,” nodding his head as best he could to at least pretend he was still the same as he was earlier that night.
Liam chuckled quietly, then tugged Isack over to where Max and Yuki were waiting for them, both looking back as they paced over.

“Took you two long enough, I was beginning to think that you’d left through the back.”
“Whatever Max, we’re here now atleast,” Liam replies for them, tone light.

The two eventually sped forward a couple paces, leading the stroll back to the hotel. Maybe they should have driven, avoided the risk of people recognising Max, but for now, it was nice. Yuki stepped in tandem next to him, he was humming gently to himself. A song that Isack had only ever heard Yuki butcher in Japanese when he felt like being annoying.
And under the street lights, surrounded by only Yuki’s gentle comfort and the rage of his own mind, Isack could only really smile.

So, moving on instinct that had developed in such a short time, he lifted his arm up and over Yuki’s shoulders to pull him closer. He was talking now, telling a story or a joke or something that he couldn’t hear past the melody of Yuki’s laughter. He didn’t dare look down, didn’t dare indulge himself on such a sight.
He just focused on Liam and Max’s backs, watching the way they talked and smiled. The way that Liam said something that made Max stutter for only a second. The Dutchman looked back at him and Yuki, smiling knowingly at Isack before going back to laughing with Liam. Isack wasn’t sure what he said but he thought he heard the words ‘Can’t believe he didn’t know’.

Yuki was pulling away from under his arm now, grabbing it just as he slipped away before running forward to Max and Liam., smile still bright on his face. Making the group form into an uncomfortably long line.
And that was it. That sight alone settled the butterflies and the nervousness and the fear of the unknown that plagued Isack.
Because, in one night Isack had finally heard, realised and accepted what he had always known. Accepted the simple nuance of how he felt. Had found himself wanting just another thing after getting so far.

Isack Hadjar had always wanted to be a racer, someone who lived on the edge of speed and adrenaline. And all his life he had worked to get to F2. But he wanted more, he wanted to be an F1 driver, the peak of motor sports, and now, he was. He was about to start the final day of his first weekend. The final day of many more.

So maybe it was selfish to want anything else. But that had never stopped him before. And he would never let it.
And maybe this would work out, just like everything else had. Just like how he usually got what he wanted through sheer force alone.
But this time, he didn’t want a seat in a car or his name on a billboard.

He wanted Yuki. He could only hope Yuki wanted him.