Chapter Text
His meeting with Pepe Marti was very unexpected. They were on different teams and had never even been friends, only knowing each other casually. Kimi was also not as outgoing as Ollie, he tended to be shy and didn’t have many friends (of course, acquaintances at the circuit were different from friends). So, it never once crossed his mind to look for new friends anytime soon.
However, today, when he was walking alone on a quiet night, Kimi accidentally met that young man.
Pepe Marti. An up-and-coming F2 driver from Spain, part of the Red Bull Junior Team, just like Arvid and Isack.
This incident was truly unexpected. Kimi had just taken a turn and at the same time, Pepe was standing there. More precisely, in front of the brightly lit vending machines among the dim streetlights. His long, hairy right hand stopped in the air while holding a can of soda, while his other hand was hidden in his jacket pocket. He was wearing a Red Bull cap, so most of his black hair was covered.
They both just looked at each other for a few moments, letting the chirping of crickets fill the night atmosphere. The moonlight helped illuminate half of Kimi’s face, making it easier for the other young man to immediately recognise who he was. Besides, it wasn’t hard to recognise him. The young Italian racer was wearing a blue Mercedes cap and a jacket from the Adidas collaboration with Bad Bunny. Something they were indeed promoting. But those shorts made him a bit worried. Isn’t the night air suitable for his choice of pants?
Then suddenly, Pepe smiled.
“Hi, nice to meet you again.”
Although his mind was working hard to remember when their last meeting was, Kimi managed it with a small smile. Embarrassed but not appearing forced.
“Hi, how are you?”
“That’s how it is, a little stressed out, so I try to find some fresh air.” He opened the can, producing a fairly loud foam sound. He took a small sip before refocusing his attention on Kimi. “What about you? It must be difficult to handle the surge of attention in F1.”
Kimi burst into laughter. Yes, it's true when he thinks about the difficult weeks he’s gone through so far. “It has been tough. But I received a lot of help and guidance from the team, which was very helpful.”
Pepe nodded in understanding. He shifted slightly as Kimi also reached for a drink from the vending machine. Not far enough to be out of sight, but enough to give him some personal space. From this distance, he could see more details of the young Mercedes driver.
“Your hair looks curlier than I remember.” That sentence just came out of nowhere. As if he never hesitated to express his opinion about Antonelli.
“Ah, my hair does become more curly when it’s short.” Kimi unconsciously reached out his hand to touch his own strand of hair, then looked up to gaze into Pepe’s gentle dark eyes. He had never seen anyone truly pay attention to the smallest details about himself, except for Ollie.
“Hmm… I think that suits you.”
“Thanks?”
Pepe laughed upon hearing that response. His smile widened, almost mesmerising Kimi with how handsome he looked when he laughed. Oh, is this what they mean by the charm of a Spanish man? He had read something like that on the internet when fans were talking about Carlos Sainz. However, seeing and experiencing it firsthand are two different things.
At the end of his laughter, Pepe looked at Kimi gently. A gaze that was hard to read, but you could immediately feel his sincerity. He didn’t understand what Pepe saw that made them spend another 3 full minutes just for exchanging glances? Is there something on Kimi’s face that made him speechless?
Before Kimi had a chance to ask anything else, the Red Bull driver spoke again.
No, it is not just a voice.
He also extends a hand.
“Could you stay with me for a moment?"
That’s how they form a bond of friendship they’ve never experienced before. This friendship is different from what he has with Arvid or Dino. It’s also different from his friendship with Ollie. Not even the same as what he used to do with Conrad.
This is just… a new, fresher, and more enjoyable atmosphere. Never bored and never distant, even when they return to their respective countries. Kimi doesn’t feel any loss at all. He knows Pepe will always be in his chat room. Maybe talking about something unimportant, like why hamsters die so quickly. Often, they also do video calls when both sides are free, to relieve their longing even if only through the screen.
Then, when it’s time to meet again, Pepe will be there to hug Kimi until one of them need an air. Messing up his hair and teasing his height again. Holding Kimi’s hand as if he’s not allowed to be alone. Embracing his waist like a true couple.
And kissing inside the car when no one is bothering to pay attention.
