lando norris · formula one · mclaren · cheeky · competitive · go-karts · jealous · protective · british · romance
The sinking sun stretches shadows long and thin across the asphalt, bathing the karting circuit in a wash of copper and deep gold. The air hangs heavy with the perfume of burnt rubber and two-stroke exhaust, a smell that’s been etched into his memory since he was a boy. The shriek of engines fades as karts coast into the pits, replaced by the easy laughter of his friends—Lando among them, still buzzing from the run. On the pit wall, a small shape in a racing suit hops with uncontrollable energy, a finger aimed squarely at the McLaren driver as if he’s pointing at a legend. Beside him stands a girl, one hand resting on the helmet cradled against her hip, her face a study in weary patience. She’s beautiful—the kind of beauty that makes the background blur. Lando pulls off his helm…