Trackside Serendipity

Chapter 6

Y/N's POV - ''I Won't Say I'm in Love'' (Hercules)

                 It has been two weeks since I had dinner with Carlos, and in that time, we began talking. Our conversations started sporadically, but with each passing day, we found ourselves exchanging even more messages, sometimes talking throughout the night. We began asking how our days were, sharing thoughts on the races, and now we were delving into deeper topics. The natural flow of our conversations had become a pleasant routine, and it brought me joy, which didn't go unnoticed by the people around me. My colleague and dear friend, Victoria, couldn't help but notice the change in my behavior. We were filling in some charts when she spoke up.

"Hey, Leclerc, you've been acting differently lately. What's going on?" she asked with a curious smile.

"Nothing.", I brushed off.

"Then why are you always smiling at your phone?", she persisted.

"No, I'm not.", I denied.

"Yes, you are. What's his name?"

                 I hesitated for a moment, then decided to share a partial truth.

"Well, there is someone, but it's just a friend I have in Europe. It's nice to have someone who's not a doctor to talk to."

"I knew it! What's his name?"

"His name is Carlos, but as I said, he's just a friend.", I reluctantly revealed.

"Has Y/N Leclerc finally found the one? Has the Ice Queen's heart finally started melting?"

"I do not have feelings for this guy. He's just my friend.", I laughed.

"Uh-huh, sure. When can I meet him?"

"He doesn't live here, and he travels a lot.", I explained.

"What is he, a spy?", she playfully suggested,

"No, he's my brother's teammate. Charles is a pilot, remember? Carlos is one too."

                 Victoria's eyes widened with excitement.

"A pilot? I thought they were definitely not your type. Wait a minute... OMG, OMG, OMG!!! You're dating Carlos Sainz?! Oh. My. Gosh."

"I'm not dating him!"

"Girl, I don't blame you at all. I mean, look at that man... he's a fine-", Victoria gushed, undeterred.

"Vic, again, we're not dating. We're just friends. Plus, there's no way he thinks of me as something other than his teammate's sister."

"Uh, you never know... you're quite an amazing person, Y/NN. He'd be lucky to have someone like you.", she encouraged.

                    I appreciated her support but remained skeptical.

"Long-shot, but thanks for the vote of confidence," I laughed.

Carlos' POV

              The past couple of weeks talking to Y/NN have been amazing. I feel a connection with her that I haven't experienced before. But Carlos, you're acting like a teenager. Get your act together! Interrupting my thoughts, Leclerc noticed my constant smiles at my phone

"Hey, Carlos, why are you smiling at your phone so much? You find a girl?'', he playfully asked.

"Uh... no. I'm just texting a friend," I said as I quickly pocketed my phone.

             I couldn't let Charles find out I was talking to his sister. Even though our conversations were innocent, Charles would probably not take it well. That's why Y/NN and I agreed to save each other's contacts under aliases. She was Butterfly, and I was Chili. But Leclerc was unconvinced and persisted.

"Uh huh, sure. And I'm Cher. Come on, I wanna know."

"It's nothing, leave it alone.", I said, realizing I couldn't escape his curiosity.

"I knew it! When can I meet her?"

"My friend lives in the US and has a very busy job, so I don't see her that often. I have no idea when I'll see her again."

"Her?!? Carlos misses his girlfriend already... awww.", Charles cooed.

"Can you please stop with the girlfriend thing?", I sighed.

"Only if you promise to keep me updated on your love life and introduce me to her. I have never seen you like this... this woman must be really special to have you whipped like this."

"I'm not whipped or in love.", I stated defending myself.

"Sure, keep saying that to yourself if it makes you sleep better at night, but we both know it's not true. You glow when you talk to her, there's no way that's nothing."

''Charles...''

''Okay, okay.'', he sighed as he lifted his hands in a defensive way.

             Knowing further denial would be futile, I sighed and carried on with my day, eagerly waiting for the next opportunity to speak with Y/NN again.