EVERMORE , Max Verstappen

four

"Work harder, tiger." Those words had lingered in Max's mind ever since Ahri had playfully spoken them during their practice session. It was an invitation, a challenge, and Max was never one to back down from a challenge.

In the weeks that followed their encounter on the court, Max had been on a mission to figure out how to get Ahri's number or, ideally, secure a date with her. He had always been relentless on the racetrack, and now he applied that same level of determination to win over the woman who had captured his attention.

He knew that charm and charisma alone wouldn't be enough; he had to show her that he was genuinely interested in her, not just as a tennis champion but as a person.

"Hey, Phil, can you get me Ahri Kim's final tickets for the Australian Open?" Max asked, his determination evident in his tone.

Philip raised an eyebrow. "I thought the Australian Open had just started. Is the final fixture already out?" he inquired, curious about Max's urgency.

Max grinned, displaying his characteristic confidence. "Oh, no, there's a long time for that," he admitted cryptically.

Philip couldn't help but chuckle. "But how do you know she'll end up in the finals?" he questioned, knowing that predicting the outcome of a tennis tournament was far from certain.

Max leaned in with an air of certainty. "Intuition, Phil, and also, given her incredible record, it's kind of obvious," he explained, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

However, Philip, the practical one in the duo, was quick to bring up a counterargument. "But what if she doesn't? It's a game, after all," he reasoned.

Max's face turned serious as he leaned even closer to Philip. "Do not put that negative energy out there," he admonished.

Philip chuckled again at Max's determination but agreed to his request. "Fine, I'll arrange a ticket. But hypothetically, what if she doesn't end up in the finals?" he pressed further.

Max leaned back in his chair, a confident smile on his face. "Then I don't attend. But get me a ticket, Phil. I have a feeling I'll see the finals with her playing," he declared

"So, Charles wasn't kidding when he said you're in love with a girl you kissed once in Seychelles, which I somehow missed," Phil joked, raising an eyebrow with playful curiosity.

Max scoffed at the suggestion, leaning back in his chair. "I'm not in love with her, and also, you missed it because you were all over that blondie. Wait a sec, do you and Charles gossip about me behind my back?" Max asked with a teasing grin.

Phil chuckled, shaking his head. "We don't gossip, Max. We just share news about your life," he clarified.

Max couldn't resist a sarcastic retort. "What, are you Sky News now?" he quipped.

Trying to steer the conversation Phil asked a more practical question. "How many tickets to the Open, Max?"

Max considered the options. "Two. Or just ask if Charles wants to come along," he suggested.

Max's dedication to following Ahri Kim's matches had taken on a new level of intensity. He didn't miss a single game, tracking her progress through the tournament. As Ahri continued to win, Max, Charles, and Phil found themselves on a private plane heading to Australia, their excitement palpable.

With the semi-finals underway and Ahri's match on the screen, Max was on the edge of his seat, fingers crossed, and heart racing. When the final point was won, securing Ahri's place in the finals, Max couldn't contain his excitement any longer.

"SHE WON!" Max shouted, unable to contain his jubilation. His shout of triumph echoed through the plane.

Charles, who had been immersed in his phone, was momentarily startled by Max's exclamation. "Really? Yes, that's wonderful!" Charles replied, matching Max's enthusiasm.

Phil, always the more composed and pragmatic one, couldn't help but smile at Max's excitement. "Simply lovely, Charles. Didn't I say to you, Phil, that I had a feeling she was going to be in the finals?" Max declared a sense of vindication in his tone.

The trio had landed in Australia, eager to witness Ahri 's performance finals. Charles, displaying his excitement, couldn't help but inquire, "Should I call her now?"

Max, however, had different plans. He wanted to make sure their arrival was a surprise, a gesture that would catch Ahri off guard. "No," Max responded, shaking his head, "I told you we were going to surprise her. I meant to surprise her at the court tomorrow."

Charles couldn't resist teasing Max about his eagerness. "You are down bad, you know," he pointed out.

Max, unapologetic, simply shrugged. "Well, so what if I am, Charles?"

Phil, always the voice of reason in their group, intervened. "Let's go rest, boys," he suggested, guiding them toward the waiting car that would take them to their hotel.