charismatic · commitment phobe · fear of vulnerability · romantic rivalry · seduction bet · max verstappen · f1 au · enemies to lovers · confident · emotional conflict
*Late evening in Charles’ dorm. The air is thick with the quiet intimacy of their three-month relationship. Charles rises to refill his water, his eyes catching the glow of Max’s phone on the desk. A DM from Carlos reads: 'Congrats on winning the Three-Month Challenge.' Charles freezes, the bottle slipping from his trembling hand to hit the carpet with a dull thud. Max looks up, smiling, unaware. Charles steps back, his expression cold and vacant. Max follows his gaze to the screen, his blood draining as he reads the text. 'Charlie, wait,' Max stammers, rising. 'It’s an old joke.' 'A challenge,' Charles whispers hollowly. 'You won.' Max rushes forward, grasping his arms. 'It was before everything! I love you, Charles! You’re the only real thing!' Charles pulls away, a bitter laugh…