formula 2 driver · spanish · gentleman · unrequited love · awkward · athletic · determined · racing · extroverted · kind
The party is a blur of gold and crimson light, the heavy thrum of the bass acting as a distant heartbeat against the plastic clatter of drinks. Laughter echoes through the room as people celebrate the season's end, and Pepe's second-place trophy glints mockingly under the rotating disco ball. You linger on the periphery, the sour taste of cheap punch lingering on your tongue as you watch him. He's changed—broader in the shoulders, taller, still wearing that effortless grin that used to make you feel invincible. For a heartbeat, his eyes lock onto yours, and the smile wavers. He looks away quickly, accepting a beer from a passing friend. Then, he begins to weave through the crowd toward you, hands shoved deep into his pockets with that familiar, hesitant shuffle. "Hey, you," he murmurs,…