Archive of Our Own

“Welcome to the pre-season for the 2022 Formula 1 Grand Prix series! This is Momo, your F1 News MC, and I’ll be covering the entire series for this year’s racing season.” 

“And it’s your girl, Sana, joining in too!”  

“We’re here in Barcelona, Spain today to see all the drivers participate in the pre-season track session! We’ll try to get a few interviews in if they have time, but me and Sana-chan will mostly be recapping the events of 2021 so the audience can prepare for this year’s lineup. Ain’t that right, Sana?” 

“Right, Momo-chan! F1 fans have been keeping an eye on their faves during the off season, and so far the most popular driver seems to be Ferrari’s Yu Jimin! Ever since Ferrari scooped up Jimin from Mercedes two years ago, they have been on a damn good winning streak! The Ferrari driver now has two world championship wins under her belt with plans to make this year her third win.” 

“Those who have been following the then-Mercedes, now-Ferrari driver love how far she’s come! But for those we don’t have a clue what we’re referring to—don’t worry, we’ll catch you up! Like Sana said, it’s been two years since the world famous Mercedes duo—Minjeong and Jimin—split! Six time F1 world champion Minjeong is still a tough adversary in the current F1 drivers lineup but her former partner, Jimin, has been giving her a run for her money in the past championships.” 

“You said it! These two drivers have been neck and neck in the races and it looks like that'll be the trend for this year’s Formula 1 race series as well. The rivalry is still going strong.” 

“The fans are gonna love it! They’ve been watching these two drivers since the infamous Mercedes duo was formed, and it was a hurricane of heartbreak when news of their split was announced. But you can’t deny that the split turned their rivalry into a whole new level. The internet has gone crazy over the whole ‘Mercedes versus Ferrari’ phenomenon!” 

“Especially when the energy translates on the track! We’ll be keeping you up to date on all the F1 news. Head over to the website to see last year’s championship highlights! We’ll be right back! It’s Momo and—” 

“Sana!” 

“—covering all your Formula 1 needs!” 

✦✧

Spain

Pre-Season Track Session 

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona 

Dark eyes are fixated on the leaderboard overhead, Jimin’s eyes lingering on her own name before flicking to the plaque above: Kim Minjeong - Mercedes. Minjeong outscored her by a mere two-tenths of a second, taking the first position for the final day of pre-season testing. The fact irks her; it’s a subtle type of infuriating annoyance, once that worms its way underneath her skin and wriggles until all of her attention is forced upon the intrusion of her inner peace. Annoyance builds in slow waves, pushing and pulling until it swells and swells and swells. 

Licking her lips, Jimin lazily pulls off her gloves and pushes down the upper half of her racing jumpsuit. It exposes her white shirt and the Ferrari proudly emblazoned on her back. She just came off the track having finished testing the set of wet and intermediate tires. The feedback was good and Jimin feels satisfied with the results. 

For now, that is. 

The waves are slow to swell into a tidal wave. 

Second place doesn’t quite have a nice ring as first place does, but this is merely a test session for the F1 teams. 

At least, that’s what she tells herself. 

Knowing Minjeong, the woman would probably gloat the next time they see each other. Jimin huffs a loose strand of hair out of her eyes, a trickle of irritation breaks off from the tidal wave to wash over her briefly. Ugh. Minjeong would probably assume that haughty look while smirking about her results. 

A slap to her back jolts Jimin out of her thoughts, “Oof!” 

Annoyance trickles off her back like water. In a snap, the feeling clears like the sun peeking out of a bundle of soft clouds. 

“You’re thinking about her again.” 

The hand that retreats belongs to Jimin’s driving partner, Hwang Yeji. Her eyes shine bright with amusement, the corner of Yeji’s mouth lifting into a lopsided grin. 

Her voice is calm and smooth as she speaks, “Relax, J. We took second and third, knocking the other half of the Mercedes team down to P5. Besides, these standings mean nothing official. It’s all about technicality and machine feedback for the engineers. Lighten up, will ya?” 

Yeji hands her a chilled gatorade bottle, smiling when Jimin takes it with a pout on her face. 

Jimin merely grunts as she takes a seat, watching as their crew roll the pair of Ferrari cars back into their designated garage. A swig of flavored electrolytes is taken before Jimin swishes the drink in her mouth. She lets it swirl back and forth on the tip of her tongue as she watches their Race Engineer, Aeri, start barking orders to the team, demanding feedback results and immediate solutions to any problems the cars had shown during the testing. 

“See? Aeri’s satisfied. She isn’t yelling at us to scrub the cars’ livery clean—which means we did a good job.” Yeji nudges her with an elbow, the action rough enough to be considered as playful banter between friends. “You’ll have plenty of time to whoop your rival’s ass during the championship. Just enjoy the moment for now, Jimin.” 

“Yeah, yeah, okay.” Grumbling under her breath, Jimin takes another swig of her gatorade, her eyes inevitably drifting to the garage belonging to the Mercedes team. She can recognize Minjeong’s figure anywhere, the cognitive ability burnt into her brain after years of racing with the driver. 

Minjeong looks heartachingly familiar in the Mercedes race uniform. If Jimin looks down, she wonders if she would see her old uniform colors. Memories from years prior swim in Jimin’s mind, and it’s with a reluctant hand that she waves them away. Familiar feelings bubble in her chest before she shoves them away as well. A breath is taken. Jimin’s gaze lingers on her ex-partner before Yeji nudges her again. 

“Let’s go. They want us for an interview.” 

With a nod, Jimin gets up and follows her partner through the Ferrari garage. A glance is thrown over her shoulder. The black and teal and silver of the Mercedes team stays afloat, like an island she cannot reach anymore. Then someone calls her name and her vision pulls away. 

Jimin moves forward. 

She wonders what this year’s championship will hold in store for them. 

“Hello, Ferrari team! How are we doing?” 

After years of being an F1 driver, all the cameras and the microphones being shoved into her face are a familiar occurrence. But that doesn’t mean that she likes it. It’s just another part of the job that Jimin has to deal with. 

“Those lap times are incredible! Ferrari is closing in on the lead that’s being held by Mercedes. Jimin! Do you have anything to say about that?” 

A tight smile. She’s getting tired of hearing about their rivalry. It’s been three years. Don’t they have better stories to cover? 

“It’s just pre-season testing. Our lap times are satisfactory for now. Besides, we don’t want to reveal all of our tricks right out the gate. Am I right?” 

It’s a subtle nudge before Yeji slides in to intercept the next questions smoothly. Relief swells within her. Jimin is grateful that her partner understood her silent request. 

It’s as if fate likes to mock her. At that moment, Minjeong passes by the exterior of the Ferrari paddock. And time seems to slow to a stop. Yeji is still talking to the interviewer beside her, but all Jimin can focus on is Kim Minjeong as the Mercedes driver strolls by. Jimin’s gaze slides up Minjeong’s figure, slow and appreciative even though she shouldn’t be looking upon her ex-partner like that. 

Except it’s always been inevitable for Jimin. 

Her gaze is magnetic, simply drawn to Minjeong since the very first time she’s seen her on the track at their first race together. Dark eyes meet and Jimin involuntarily sucks in a breath behind her teeth. Glimpses of them flash through her eyes, a sheer overlay of memories that ache at her core. Minjeong holds her gaze for a few more fleeting seconds before their connection naturally breaks. The black and silver of Minjeong’s uniform ripples with her movement as she carries on, slowly moving further away from the Ferrari paddock. 

The distance between them stretches, and Jimin wonders why it feels so daunting. So vast and far like a chasm lies between them. A phantom memory of an arm slung over her shoulder and a familiar gaze looking up at her haunts her for a second. Fleeting as it lingers in the hollow of her throat. 

Jimin swallows thickly as she is surrounded by red. 

A ghost of silver and teal brushes along her shoulders before she straightens her posture and dislodges the thickness in her throat. Her gaze flicks back to the cameraman as she tunes into Yeji’s smooth talk. 

✦✧

Bahrain 

Pre-Season Test 

Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir

“And we are here in Bahrain for the pre-season test! For those of you just tuning in for the afternoon, it looks like Ferrari has set the fastest laps since the testing grounds have opened this morning.” 

“And that’s not the only note of interest for today; it seems Mercedes’ cars for this year have taken on a new design for their sidepods. The Silver Arrows have raised eyebrows all along the paddock for their new aerodynamic choice. Let’s see how they fare in today’s teasing session!”  

“Get your ass on the track and get me a decent lap time! I need to see those cars drift through those corners! Chop, chop, losers!” 

Aeri’s voice echoes through the Ferrari team radio, the fierceness of her tone making Jimin laugh as she puts her foot to the pedal. The rev of Ferrari’s F1 hyper engine roars as she blasts down the track of Bahrain International Circuit. Strategic remarks from the Ferrari crew filter through the radio, chiming in from time to time as Jimin makes her way through the sections of the circuit. A blur of red and white passes by her, making Jimin grin at the sight of her partner hauling ass. Aeri can be super scary when she wants to be. 

“Watch turn five, six, and seven. Mercedes on your tail.”  

The grin on Jimin’s face shifts, turning nearly feral at the mention of her former partner. Her fingers tighten their grip on the steering wheel, a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins as she punches it. A rip-roaring noise echoes all along the asphalt as Jimin zooms ahead. Her eyes are laser-focused as she drives effortlessly through the turns Aeri barks in her ears, pride brimming in her chest at her race engineer’s loud approval through the communication channel. 

“Good, good. Nice turns. How are the tires holding up?”  

“Fine. Steady. A bit tight on turn ten.” A comment on the sharpness of turn ten before it goes into a straightaway. 

“Noted. Finish the lap and get me a good track time, Jimin. We’re done for the day.” 

Jimin’s eyes gleam in the afternoon sun. Bahrain is hot as fuck during the day, making all the teams wary of the temperature on the track and how it will affect the tires during the race. But Jimin enjoys the heat, loves the way it challenges her ability to manage her tires and therefore the pace of her racing. 

Good control can make or break a winning lap. 

A flash of teal behind her has Jimin tensing up. Minjeong has always effortlessly tapped into her competitive side. Even when they were partners, Minjeong easily stoked that fire within Jimin with her sharp words and teasing grins and suggestive glances. And it worked. By hell, it worked well. They were like fuel dousing each other’s fire, igniting flames until they were blazing hot as they torched the track under the banner of silver and teal. 

The perfect Mercedes duo.  

Jimin always wanted to get better, to be faster, to win more and more and more. All because of that lazy, confident smirk that Minjeong flashed her when their cars sat on the grid; that gentle, proud smile that slowly carved at Minjeong’s lips whenever Jimin broke a speed record or snatched the lead from her. 

That smile…  

Speed shakes her wide awake, the sound of engines tailing behind her jolts Jimin from her musings. Right, they’re still on the track. Jimin glances at her mirrors, streaks of red and teal follow her. She ups the ante, maintaining a decent gap between them until she crosses the finish line first. 

A whoop in her ear signals Aeri’s joy, which means Ferrari is in good standing for the pre-season testing. Jimin’s smile stretches from ear to ear, widening when she hears Yeji barking out a laugh as she says, “How’s that for second place, Mercedes!” 

✦✧

Bahrain Grand Prix

Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir

57 laps 

Tunnel vision. 

Jimin has her eyes set on the chequered flag. She can feel the air rushing along her racing suit, can practically taste the fizzy bubbles of victory champagne on her tongue. Ferrari has the lead, and Jimin lets herself smirk knowing that Yeji is right on her tail. They can do this, they’ve got it in the bag. 

Speed and adrenaline courses through her veins, a potent mix of ecstasy that awaits her at the finish line. Aeri speaks in her ear. Reminds her of tight corners and the small gap between second and third place. Mercedes is nipping at their heels, and it’s only a matter of time before Minjeong sneaks past Yeji if they aren’t careful with their guard and their strategy. 

“Come on, Hwang! Stay with me. The finish line is right there!” Jimin shouts into her radio as they turn into the final corner of the track. The finish line is within sight. It’s right there. Her heartbeat quickens, the rush of excitement and anticipation pulsing loud her ears like a war drum of blood. She is the warrior, bold and strong, roaring load as she delves into the battlefield blade-first seeking the taste of victory. 

“I’m on your ass like red on this Ferrari, Yu! Keep pushing!” Yeji’s tone is full of mirth yet an edge clings to her tone, her words raspy as she stays true to her word. Her car trails after Jimin’s nose to tail as they enter a slipstream together. 

They’re unstoppable now with the blessing of physics on their side. Two red Ferraris cut through the air, an elongated red sword that pierces their way to a hard-earned victory. 

A laugh spills out of Jimin as she crosses the finish line, whooping as giddiness floods her veins. She sticks her hand out to wave at the team and the crowd, cheering into the radio proudly. 

“And Ferrari has snatched a 1-2 win! They’re starting the season strong with a first and second place podium win!”  

Blurry is a good description for the winner’s ceremony that follows the race. All Jimin remembers under the influence of the waning adrenaline is the taste of champagne and the shiny glint of the trophy as she holds it in her hands. Before she knows it, it’s time for the winners’ interview. 

Jimin’s smile dims as she enters the room, now aware of Minjeong’s presence as the three of them sit on the couch. Six-time world champion Kim Minjeong casts a large shadow, a giant of a title to live up to among her peers. It’s intimidating even after all these years, the grandeur of Minjeong’s sheer presence. 

Jimin remembers every ounce of it, like it’s ingrained in her blood, a ward that flares a lifetime of memories and emotions every time she so much as glances at the Mercedes driver. 

She sticks to the armrest, grateful for Yeji who sits between her and Minjeong to act as a buffer. 

The air is a bit stilted and she knows everyone has picked up on it. The reporters’ eyes shift between her and Minjeong, like vultures eagerly waiting for a new headline they can spin and sell on their tabloids. Uncaring of the potential damage they might cause through their gossip columns. 

Jimin can feel Minjeong staring at her from time to time, but she doesn’t have the bravery to return it. Not yet. Not right now. Her gaze rests on the reporters, trained on the cameras focused on her. She sees their reflection in the lens, the image of three of them seated on the monitor. 

It’s the only way to look at Minjeong indirectly. 

She is a coward. 

Yes, for all her bravado and public persona as the face of Ferrari, it’s true. 

She simply doesn’t know what to say to her ex-partner. Doesn’t know how to cut through the thick tension of competition. All she has are the dull fragments of a wounded pride that’s been put back together with shaky hands and the slow-acting salve of time. 

The interview passes by like a blur. Jimin relies on her past experience and media training to get through it, answering press questions methodically. Minjeong’s occasional glances feel heavy. It makes Jimin’s palms sweat, her nerves are dancing on the edge. An edge where she has no idea which side is the right side up. She anticipates the questions about their past to come up, but they don’t. Surprising. It’s a relief. 

Jimin wants to run out the room as soon as the interviews are over, but Yeji has a death grip on her wrist. The restraint slows her down. Jimin matches her partner’s strides, a slow gait that is the complete opposite of her pounding heart. Her professionalism keeps her afloat, a buoy that keeps her from drowning in the depths of bittersweet memories. 

“Easy, buddy. We’re almost outta here.” Yeji’s voice is smooth, another buoy that Jimin hangs onto amidst the clamorous sea of staff and reporters that surround them. 

Jimin’s mind works overtime as they make it back to the Ferrari paddock. The schedule of an F1 driver of her caliber is packed from dawn to dusk and there is so much she has yet to do before the day is over. Interviews and video shoots and then team practice followed by physical therapy and then a late night gym session. She slips into her assigned room within the Ferrari paddock, moving mindlessly as she picks up her belongings. Her hand twiddles with the strap of her backpack. A small breather before she dives back into work is all she can afford. 

She takes a deep breath before moving—a knock against the door has Jimin pausing. 

She stares at the door. White noise filters in her ears. The frame of the door looks bigger than usual. Or rather, Jimin feels smaller in confidence at the moment. 

It wouldn’t be Yeji or Aeri. Those two have no qualms bursting through the door to disturb her peace. 

An image pops into her mind and the possibility of it makes Jimin’s heart hammer against her chest. 

Could it be…? 

No way… 

With a soft gulp, Jimin wraps her fingers on the door knob and pulls it open. 

Familiar eyes greet her. Jimin’s breath hitches, her eyes widening at the sight of Minjeong standing before her. She’s here… in the Ferrari garage. What is she doing here? The implication of her rival stepping into enemy territory to see her has her heart setting ablaze. 

Jimin doesn’t know what to think of the notion. Her brain and her heart stutters for a few seconds. Her silence leaves an opening for Minjeong to make the first move. 

“Jimin.” Minjeong averts her gaze for a second, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, and the simple gesture makes Jimin speechless. Their eyes lock and something flutters in Jimin’s stomach, a familiar feeling that she doesn’t name. 

Come on, Yu. Keep it professional.  

“Minjeong.” Jimin gulps, relieved by the way her voice comes out steady. 

“I just wanted to stop by and say congrats.” Seeing Minjeong up close has left her weak. Shaky fingers and wobbly knees and a heart that is beating too damn fast for Jimin to recover her composure. She’s always been like this with Minjeong, and their history isn’t helping her frazzled nerves. 

“Oh… thanks.” Jimin scratches her nape. Words jumble inside of her mouth, but she can’t get any of them out. 

Awkwardness rises between them. It’s a first, and Jimin feels her ears burn as the tension lingers between them. Thick and anticipatory. She coughs into her hand. Shoulders her bag. 

Opens her mouth and says, “Well, I’ll see you next week.” Jimin internally winces. Great job shutting down the conversation. Ugh, she wants to slam her head into a wall. 

“Right.” Minjeong takes a step back, her gaze steady as always. There is something knowing glinting in her eyes. She smiles at Jimin, the corner of her lips tugging upward into something softer. “I’ll see you later.” 

All Jimin can do is nod and wave as Minjeong leaves. Her mouth is dry like cotton clinging to the walls of her throat. Her gaze sticks to the driver’s back until she turns the corner. Now alone, Jimin rests her forehead against the wall, sighing as tension drains from her body. She stifles a groan, feels a bubble of disdain rising in her gut. Why was she so awkward? 

Loser, loser, loser—

“Hey!” 

“Gah!” 

Yeji’s sudden voice makes Jimin jump about a foot in the air. She presses her palm against her chest, feels her heart beating fast as hell from the jump scare. 

“Wow, you look like you’ve seen a ghost. Ready to go?” Yeji grins at her. Snickering quietly at her plight. 

“Yeah, all ready. When’s our flight?” Jimin follows Yeji’s lead, quiet as the image of Minjeong floats in the back of her mind. 

Like a ghost. 

Phantom arms wrapping around her shoulders in a hug. 

She misses her. 

✦✧

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix  

Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah

50 laps 

“Would you look at that! Ferrari and Mercedes have been trading the lead position these past few laps and it all comes down to this final finish!” 

“Careful now, Momo-chan, or you’ll fall out of your seat! I know I’m on the edge of mine for this last lap here in the season’s second race! So much drama already! Oh, here we go—Ferrari and Mercedes are duking it out in the last straightaway of the circuit!” 

“Who’s going to take the win?! It’s… it’s—“ 

“No, no—don’t do this to me now!” Jimin’s tone is tinged with frustration, a desperation echoing in the twang of her words as she wrangles with the Ferrari car. Speed decreases as she enters the final curve of the track, and panic simmers beneath the facade of control she tries to maintain. 

“There’s something wrong with the engine!” 

“Copy. Think you can hold out?”  

“I’m trying but my speed is decreasing.” Jimin grits her teeth and keeps her foot on the accelerator. 

The finish line is right there.  

A blur of teal and black slips by her, and the feeling of defeat that washes over her is palpable. It sinks in her gut like a heavy rock, hard and unbudging. Anger raises her temper before she smacks it down harshly. It was out of her control. Jimin sighs heavily as she finishes the race in second place. 

She hears it on the radio, sees it up on the big screens. 

Half a second. 

Minjeong beat her by half a second. 

Teeth bite down, grinding in irritation, and Jimin stifles a groan as she turns the car into the pit lane. 

“Good job, team. Nice job getting those points.” There is only pride and understanding in Aeri’s tone. And Jimin is grateful. She appreciates the optimism in their Chief Engineer. Jimin knows she would be hard on herself, already blaming herself for a problem out of her control. Maybe if she turned the corner faster, maybe if she was tighter on turn 3— maybe, maybe, maybe…  

“C’mon, Jimin. Get your head outta your ass.” Yeji slaps a hand on the top of her helmet. Her partner is standing by her idle car as she waits for Jimin to get out. 

With a huff, Jimin climbs out of the Ferrari. She feels Yeji’s hands tapping her helmet, patting it like a job well done. 

“Nice job getting second. Those are good points.” Their eyes lock and Jimin softens. Yeji is a good driver and an even better friend. She’s always there when Jimin gets swamped by the demanding expectations of their job. 

“Thanks. Not too bad yourself. P4, hm?” 

“Yeah, yeah, don’t get me started.” Yeji tsks as a scowl covers her face. It’s expressive enough to pull a soft laugh out of Jimin. 

“C’mon, get up there already! I’ll wait for you after the interview.” 

Jimin purses her lips, her pace as slow as a turtle as she makes her way to the stage. 

“Don’t be a baby!” Yeji gives her a good shove. 

“Ack!” 

The smile on Jimin’s lips is half genuine as she takes her second place prize. The other half is a stoic mask of professionalism. Of course, Minjeong is beside her having taken the first place podium. And her glances still feel so heavy. Jimin avoids it as best she can. She is still not ready to look Minjeong in the eyes, her knees still grow weak under Minjeong’s gaze, her heart still wobbles under Minjeong’s attention. 

White flashes of cameras shutter over them as a race official present their trophies and hats and such. Jimin glances over at Minjeong, and feels a stirring in her chest at the sight of gold nestled in the Mercedes driver’s hands. The slope of Minjeong’s nose is the same, as is the proud curve of her victorious smile. Jimin stares quietly; it’s all she can do while being this close to the person who she’s been orbiting around for the past decade. 

Has it been nearly a decade? 

“Congrats on first place.” The words slip out of Jimin’s lips before her brain can register it. Her heart thunders in her chest, in sync to the roaring applause and cheers of the crowd. 

A flicker of emotion zips across Minjeong’s eyes before her gaze quickly turns towards Jimin. There’s a twitch of her lips and Jimin has known her long enough to know that it’s an indication of amusement, a sign of pleased elation. How she still manages to evoke those emotions in Minjeong makes Jimin’s head light and dizzy with the revelation. She can only stare when Minjeong smiles at her, a dazzling and bright expression that is sure to be captured by the reporters’ camera lenses, and feels her heartbeat thundering through her eardrums. 

“Thank you.” The sincerity in those words stir something in Jimin’s chest, somewhere deep in the cavity of her chest. She locks down her emotions before it can overwhelm her. Not here. Not yet. 

She nods dumbly before staring back at the crowd. Jimin finds Yeji within the pocket of red, staring at her and laughing loudly at her awkward expression. Jimin feels the tension loosening from her tense shoulders as the corner of her lips tug into a grin. 

Minjeong’s gaze lingers on her face, soft and warm, and in this moment, Jimin can pretend that everything is alright. 

Like they once were. 

✦✧

Australian Grand Prix

Albert Park Circuit, Melbourne 

58 laps 

“Ferrari in the lead here for the Australian Grand Prix, with Mercedes and Red Bull on the tail—AND WHAT’S THIS?!” 

“We have a collision on the track! Near the pit lane! The lead has changed! Are you seeing what I’m seeing, Momo-chan?!” 

“I cannot believe it but the Ferrari-Mercedes drama is re-ignited! There is debris on the track at the moment. Stand by, folks, we’ll let you know the status as soon as the officials announce it.” 

“Gosh, I hope they’re okay. It looks like a massive wreck from here.” 

“What the fuck is your problem?!” 

Smoke rises from the wreck, streaks of teal and red clashing with the debris of two formula one race cars. Jimin is barely out of her car, pushing her helmet visor up before Minjeong’s furious expression is all in her face. Her brows furrow together, irritation brewing hot in her chest before it erupts in reaction to Minjeong’s aggression. 

“Me?! You’re the one sliding and bumping into me! There was zero distance between us on turn seven! What did you think would happen?!” 

It goes back and forth, an endless argument and fingers pointing at each other until it grows too heated. The distance between them diminishes. A high pitch ringing starts in Jimin’s ears and all she can see is Minjeong’s face up close, irritation burning and flashing like embers in the dark pools of her eyes, the ferocious verbal jabs leaving her lips until both Mercedes and Ferrari pit crews spill onto the track to pull them apart. She feels hands on her, dragging her away, Minjeong’s dark eyes boring into her until the sight of her rival disappears behind the mass of the Mercedes team. 

“Easy, tiger. Let’s go.” Aeri’s voice sounds in her ear—calm and soothing—steady like the constant lapping of surf upon a sandy shore. 

Jimin huffs and shakes the hands off her, annoyance rolling off her back in slow waves. She storms back into the Ferrari paddock, her fingers clutching her helmet tight. She flops down on a chair, helmet clattering noisily to the floor as Jimin throws her head into her hands, swearing under her breath. “Fuck… fuck!”  

Footsteps come to a stop by her side, and Jimin knows the familiar stance belonging to her Team Principal. Heaving breaths are taken before Jimin feels a semblance of calm wash over her. Ashamed by the emotions that overtook her on the track, Jimin can only mumble her apology to her team. “...Sorry about that. Fuck, I lost our standing, didn’t I.” Brown eyes peek up, pouty and pleading all the same, “...Please tell me Yeji got a good position.” 

Aeri sighs, “Yes, Yeji managed to snag first place after your wreck with Minjeong. Our team standing remains in the top, although the same can’t be said for your individual score.” 

To which Jimin groans, her own disappointment reverberating in the Ferrari paddock. 

“I talked to the race officials. They sided with us after reviewing the race footage. Minjeong did get too close, colliding her tires against yours during that turn and causing the crash of both cars. Mercedes will be penalized in the next race. I expect your best in the next race, Jimin.” 

Jimin nods, a mix of relief and anxiety stirring in her chest. She shakes her head. She’s better than this. Come on! She knows her rivalry with Minjeong is big but to let that woman get under her skin so easily… to get into a wreck and then a verbal argument on the track during an official race of all places. She is better than this—and she’ll prove it too. 

It feels like they’re back at square one. Irritation and annoyance paint their features as they argue about racing and petty squabbles. Red hot anger seeps into a storm that drags everyone around them deeper into the mess. 

When did it become like this? 

Where do they go from here? 

✦✧

Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix

Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola 

63 laps  

“There’s nothing but action-packed racing here at Imola, Sana-chan. The thrill of spin-outs and collisions sure kept the audience on their toes.” 

“Indeed, Momo-chan. But at the final lap, it appears Ferrari is taking home a 1-2 win for the home crowd! And listen to them celebrate!” 

“Hey, Sana-chan, let’s join in on the celebrations!” 

“I thought you’d never ask.” 

“Ugh, how the stench of pride seeps from your pores.” A playful sneer drips form Yeji’s lips. 

“Am I not allowed to be prideful? We just won a 1-2 standing in the Italy race. Where’s your Ferrari pride?!” Jimin slaps her on the back, wrenching a bark of laughter out of Yeji. 

Yeji flags down the bartender to ask about a drink. Jimin lets her partner chat as she leans back against the bar, her eyes scanning the crowd that has filled the establishment. It’s made up entirely of the F1 teams. Almost everyone is present, mechanics and drivers and staff, enjoying a night out after the race earlier today. 

Jimin inevitably catches sight of Minjeong in the crowd, her gaze drawn to her like a magnet. A double take when she sees that the driver isn’t alone. Seungwan, the other Mercedes driver, is keeping her company. They look like they’re having fun, and Jimin can’t take her eyes off of the smile gracing Minjeong’s lips. She narrows her eyes when the pair lean in close, brushing shoulders together as they laugh at something. 

She didn’t know those two were close like that. 

Emotion wrenches her gut, a feeling that resembles a weight swooping low. Her belly is filled with rocks for a moment, tightening and crumbling the longer she stares at the Mercedes duo. 

And then someone approaches the duo. Jimin’s seen her around before. Seulgi, a Mercedes mechanic she’s seen around the team’s garage. Surprise flickers across Jimin’s face as she watches Seulgi slide into the seat next to Seungwan, her mouth dropping slack when the mechanic proceeds to kiss Seungwan with the affection of a long-time lover. 

She whips her head away like she’s been burned. Jimin deflates at the whiplash of her emotions, something akin to relief flooding her belly before confusion hits her. She rubs her neck, bewildered by her own reaction. Was she… was she jealous? 

“Hey, Champ!” An arm swings around Yeji’s shoulder. It’s out of the blue, abrupt enough to startle both drivers. Eyes widen in surprise when Yeji realizes who exactly is pressed so close against her. 

“Yizhuo, baby!” Yeji’s voice is loud enough to draw the attention of the nearby tables. 

Amusement fills Jimin to the brim as she watches Yeji’s face transform into a lovesick puppy. Ning Yizhuo has entered the bar and everyone is aware of who she is. World renowned supermodel as well as brand ambassador of some very extravagant brands. And Yeji’s current significant other. They’ve been together for a couple of years, long enough to be seen together nearly every weekend despite both of their busy careers. 

“Hello to you too, Yizhuo.” Leaning against the bar, Jimin can barely stifle her snickering at her partner’s obvious heart eyes. 

“There’s my favorite Ferrari driver!” Yizhuo leans in for a quick squeezing hug, affection flowing free in her touch for her old friend. 

“Wha—hey! What about me?” A pout graces Yeji’s lips as her hands encircle Yizhuo’s waist. She pulls her girlfriend to stand in between her legs, back-hugging Yizhuo until they are flush together. 

“You’re my girlfriend—duh. I just saw you the other day.” Yizhuo’s eyebrow rises as she stares at Yeji over her shoulder, but her deadpan expression only lasts for a few seconds before the three of them burst into laughter. 

Yizhuo and Yeji sink into each other with ease. And when they are together, there is no amount of personal space to be seen. Two arms wound around a waist, soft kisses on softer lips, brilliant smiles that hold the other like the center of the universe. It’s like they become one, intertwined in limbs and presence until you can't discern where one ends and the other begins. The pair share a soft and sweet kiss, one long enough that it makes Jimin look away out of politeness. 

Jimin envies them sometimes, envies the ease of their affection that is so blatant for each other. It’s a mindset she tries to imitate: not giving a damn about the opinion of others about her personal life. Some days are easy, and other days Jimin can only do so much before she folds under the pressure of the public and falls in line. 

She doesn’t know what compels her to do so but Jimin glances over her shoulder. Her breath catches in her throat, a cloud of shock and pleasant surprise when she sees how Minjeong’s gaze is already fixed on her. It’s pleasing. Very much so. She holds that magnetic gaze before turning back to the bar to take a long sip of her drink. Her throat is parched still. Thirsty. Jimin drums her fingers on the glass and hums softly, still giddy from the feeling of Minjeong’s stare upon her back. 

Yizhuo draws her into conversation and the Ferrari duo enjoy their time catching up with the supermodel. 

The weight of that gaze stays on her back through the night like a warm hand pressing along the column of her spine. 

Warm and steady. 

Jimin swallows the yearning for more. 

✦✧

Miami Grand Prix

Miami International Autodrome, Miami Gardens

57 laps

“We’re here at the first ever race in Miami and it is electric in the circuit!” 

“And look at Ferrari! There is nothing stopping them as they maintain this brilliant lead. That beautiful start has charged Yu straight to the top of the pack.” 

Miami is a party scene waiting to happen. Anticipation thrums through the crowd, who is already indulging and partying and celebrating before the race has finished. The energy is high and all-consuming. Jimin feels it even as she enters the final five laps of the circuit. 

The race may have had her start in P3 but Jimin pushed past the leaders in the beginning of Turn 1. She built on that momentum, keeping her moves clean and sharp until she was able to overtake Mercedes on Lap 9. From there, it was a battle of endurance to keep P1. 

“Keep it steady. Watch that safety car. We’re entering the final stretch.” Aeri’s nerves are palpable through her clipped words. Short and to the point. No unnecessary advice sprouting in Jimin’s ears. There’s no need—not when she feels the drone of the engine, the crunch of smooth pavement under her tires, the victory that is sweet and decadent on the tip of her tongue. 

Lightning hums beneath her hands, her grip tight on the steering wheel as she laps and laps and laps, until the chequered flag is within grasping reach. Elation fills Jimin’s chest to the brim, ecstatic waves battering against the gate of her sternum. She screams victoriously, and hears her team celebrating in turn. 

The winners’ ceremony is a buzzing hub of activity, reporters and officials and fans crowding the drivers as they stand atop the podium. After the champagne drips down her uniform, Jimin ambles to the room used for the post-race interview. 

Of course, that’s when it goes downhill. 

So far, everyone has been pulling back their punches, beating around the bush about the topic of Yu and Kim. No one has blatantly brought up the topic again for fear of awkwardness and the ugliness of fan-wars and the social media firestorm that would burn everyone involved if anyone addressed it. 

Until now. 

It’s not surprising that it’s a new and young reporter. One too eager to bring back a scrap to the news outlet that tugs at the leash of his corporate collar. 

“Jimin, over here! Mercedes had the lead in the beginning! Do you have anything to say to your ex-partner? Did Kim say anything to you after the race? There’s been instances of tension regarding the two of you again?” 

The mention of tension makes Jimin… well, tense up. Yeji is stiff beside her, and so is Seungwan as they gape at the reporter’s carelessness. Words swirl in her ears until they are muffled, voices ringing like they are underwater as a memory bubbles to the surface. It overtakes Jimin’s mind easily enough, and all she can do is grip the couch’s armrest as she is reminded of the past. 

Minjeong appears in her mind. 

As she always does. 

But this moment is different. This instance has been set in stone, chained to Jimin’s memory like a rattling ghost. 

Silver and teal surround her. They are here once more, in the Mercedes garage, transported three years back in time. Jimin recognizes this moment—how could she not? It is the last fissure that split up the famous Mercedes duo. The crack in their partnership that sent everything shattering to a million pieces. 

Pieces that she left behind, unable to be picked up until a year later. 

“Oh, come on, Jimin. Don’t be a sore loser.” 

The Mercedes garage is empty save for the two of them. Post-race victory had everyone out celebrating, and the stern glare from Jimin had sent the few remaining staff fleeing from the garage anyway. Minjeong leans against her car, nonchalant as she stares at her partner. She has yet to register Jimin’s silent fury, has failed to spot the tension that lines the trembling frame containing the deep well of her anger. 

“Sore loser? Are you fucking kidding me, right now?”  

The venom in Jimin’s tone instantly wipes the smirk off Minjeong’s face. She doesn’t usually curse, and Minjeong’s cocky posture immediately shifts into startled awareness. 

It’s too late. Too late to start to care now. 

“You think this is a joke, Minjeong? Is winning all you care about? I’m not talking about the damn race!” Fingers curl into her palm, digging harsh enough to leave crescent marks on the meat of her palm. 

Emotions wring themselves inside of Jimin, twisting and consuming every bit she has. And she feels so tired. It’s the same feeling every single time before a race, during the race, and even after a race. 

“What are you going on about?” There’s a slight edge to Minjeong’s tone, an exasperation as she tries to figure out why her partner is so incensed. The air seems to thicken in tension as both sides brace themselves for the inevitable. 

“You seem to prioritize winning more than anything else! Is that how you truly feel?” Jimin breathes heavy, her mouth opening and closing as if the words are stuck in her throat. She can’t get them out quick enough, can’t relay the tumultuous feelings that have been wreaking havoc on her heart for months now. 

“Jimin, this is our job. Winning is what we are paid to do—what we strive to do! What else is there?! What else is so important to have you throwing a tantrum like this?” Minjeong’s brows twist and knit themselves in confused irritation, like she truly has no idea the source of Jimin’s ire. 

True or not, the ignorance is the last straw that has Jimin snapping. 

“What else is there? A fucking tantrum?” It feels incredulous. How dare she say that? Does she really not see what’s been happening between them? Jimin swallows hard, anger and disappointment growing like a lump in her throat. “Oh, I don’t know—maybe our relationship, you jackass! I can’t keep going to work everyday and get brushed off just because of your fucking ego!” 

Her shoulders tremble, a mantle of fury and hurt draped over them. She feels her eyes prickling with an onslaught of unshed tears. No, she doesn’t want to cry. But Minjeong’s bullheadedness feels too large to avoid. 

“If the championship is more important to you then maybe… maybe we need a break.” Jimin’s voice cracks on her last words. 

“W-What… wait!” Minjeong takes a step forward, arms raising up as if to grab onto Jimin. Her expression cracks like broken glass, and Jimin’s heart aches knowing that this split is inevitable. They’ve reached the point of no return. No amount of pleas and begging can undo the damage Jimin has already endured for months. 

Months of choosing work over her. Months of missed date nights and missed reservations. Months of time spent in work meetings rather than at home with her. 

Hell, she’s sure Minjeong has spent more time driving her car than she has with Jimin.  

This isn’t a loving relationship anymore. This has turned into colleagues sharing a home. A home that only Jimin is inhabiting at the moment. And even though she spends work with Minjeong, she’s never felt more alone than she has now. 

“A break? You—You can’t be serious.” The tears brimming in Minjeong’s eyes and the tremble in her voice has Jimin pausing. It hurts to see her love like this. But there’s also a small part of her that is reveling in the pain, in the satisfaction that Minjeong is hurting too. 

“No, I am. Dead serious. I can’t… I can’t work with you anymore. Not like this. Certainly not on the same team.” Jimin claps a hand over her mouth when she feels her bottom lip tremble. She doesn’t want to cry, but fuck, she can’t handle this anymore. Everyday feels like a battle for recognition, and she doesn’t want to—shouldn’t have to feel like second place in the eyes of her partner.  

She turns and runs out the door, the cries of her name slipping down her back. She leaves them unanswered. 

“Jimin… Jimin!”  

“Jimin… are you with us?” 

A blink and Jimin is back at the interview room, a sea of handheld microphones and cameras trained on her as news reporters wait for her answer. That day still feels so visceral. She smiles tightly, “Sorry, I’m not going to rehash that topic.” 

She doesn’t answer any more questions for the day. She doesn’t expect them to understand the toll of her then strained relationship. That’s between her and Minjeong. 

Yeji and Seungwan cover for her by taking the rest of the questions and for that, she is forever grateful. The three of them leave the interview room as a tightly guarded group. The image is almost funny—two guard dogs nearly foaming at the mouth as they escort Jimin out to the team paddocks. The tension leaves Jimin’s body once she is back in her room at the Ferrari paddock. 

“Yo, you’ll be okay here?” Seungwan claps her shoulder, firm fingers squeezing affectionately. Jimin nods and gives her an easy smile. 

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Thanks, Seungwan unnie… for back there.” A finger scratches at her nape, the twinge of embarrassment feels like heat traveling down her neck. 

“Hey, it’s nothing. I know Minjeong wouldn’t have appreciated the question too.” There’s a flash of understanding as they lock eyes, and Jimin feels the uneasy knot in her chest ease at the softness in Seungwan’s gaze. It’s unspoken kindness, and Jimin latches onto it like it’s a godly gift. She gives a full head bow, speechless at the development. 

Seungwan leaves with a kind smile and a friendly wave. 

“Aww, look at that—you’re making friends!” Yeji is back in casual clothes and comes to nudge her side with a cheeky smirk. It’s annoying yet full of fondness at the same time, and Jimin can’t help but roll her eyes playfully. 

“God, you’re annoying.” 

“And you love it!” 

Jimin stills as the glint of the trophy catches her eye. She admires the weight of it, her thumb tracing over the engraving of her name on the gold. All of this for the glory of winning. Memories of Minjeong filter in without pause, and Jimin lets out a soft sigh. 

It’s been a few years since that day. She likes to think they’ve made progress since then. Is it enough though? Have they done enough to repair their professional relationship? 

Regret lies in her chest, broken remnants swirling and throbbing with an ache as she remembers the harsh words she had unleashed that day. Months of neglect and broken promises had been building, pent up inside of her, crashing and roiling like a turbulent storm. Of course it broke loose during their argument. Don’t get her wrong—she was glad to get everything off her chest. She just wished she went about it in a calmer manner. Minjeong didn’t deserve all that pent up malice tinting her words. 

Maybe then their fallout wouldn’t have been as bad. A year of stony silence, nearly turning into six months of animosity on the track and press events before they calmed to a tentative peace during the second year. This year is the third year since the split, and it’s looking better than ever compared to before. 

There are still things that need work between them—that awkward tension between them comes to mind—but it’s looking hopeful to Jimin. 

Jimin twists the ring on her finger, playing with the golden band as nerves drum along to her heartbeat. 

Gold sits on the table, heavy and extravagant, the weight of its title imposing to all who set their eyes on it. Jimin leaves it there. Someone will collect it and send it to her residence. 

A heavy knock on the door jolts Jimin from her internal monologue. She lifts her bag onto one shoulder and takes a glance at the entrance. 

“C’monnnnn! Let’s go celebrate! We’re in Miami!” Yeji croons from the threshold of the door. Excitement gleams in her eyes, palpable energy radiating off of her figure. 

Jimin can’t help but grin. “Alright, alright, I’m ready. Where is the team celebrating?” 

“Are you kidding me?! It’s Miami! They’re celebrating all over the streets! We can’t miss it!” Yeji swings an arm over her shoulders and drags her out of the shadows. Now unhindered, the taste of victory surges forth to spill on her tongue and she lets her partner drag her out to bask in the light of glory. 

Tonight, she is Yu Jimin, first place podium winner of the Miami Grand Prix. 

Tonight, she leaves the shadows of her past behind, where they ought to lay to rest. 

✦✧

Spanish Grand Prix 

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona

66 laps 

“And Mercedes has taken the podium here in Barcelona! What an exciting race it has been!” 

“I agree! That collision that Ferrari’s Yeji had sent her back to P19 but she made a remarkable recovery to P5 by the last lap. And of course, we have Ferrari and Mercedes contending for the lead. Aston Martin’s Myoui Mina kept a tight grip on P3 as the two leads traded blows in every lap.” 

“It was a tight finish too! We have the slow-mo footage here and it’s Mercedes’s Kim that finishes ahead of Ferrari’s Yu by a mere two-tenths of a second! Spectacular racing today, Sana-chan!” 

Jimin and Minjeong are standing side by side, awkward and stiff as they pose for official pictures. She nabbed second place from the clutches of Aston Martin, and as a result, there’s barely centimeters separating her from touching Minjeong’s side as they stand on the podiums. 

“Stop being so stiff.” Minjeong mutters under her breath once they get a moment’s reprieve from the photographers. 

Jimin can only shuffle from one foot to the other, a hand rubbing her nape. A habit she’s picked up ever since their go-kart days as young, talented children being molded for the pinnacle seat of formula racing. It’s warm where her fingers brush along her skin. She hasn’t been this close to Minjeong in public in a while. She still tenses up before forcing herself to relax. 

She doesn’t give an answer other than a huff of breath. The photographer motions to resume and Jimin finds herself moving closer. There’s still space between them. The smile on Jimin’s face is a trained smile, bright and disarming, perfect for the commercial side jobs that come with the territory of being an F1 driver. 

A hand presses on her lower back and if Jimin wasn’t stiff before, well, she certainly is now. Her back is ramrod straight, a bit shocked that Minjeong has made the first move. A touch of warmth seeps in, like liquid heat in the shape of Minjeong’s hand. She doesn’t comment on it. They’re positioned closer now, bodies melting into each other’s personal space, a habit of driving together for years that’s still ingrained deep in her muscles and bones. It’s like second nature. Jimin doesn’t know what to think or how to feel about it. 

She lets herself run on autopilot, posing together for the press, her lips stretching into a perfect smile. It feels familiar, a distance memory, a ritual they went through for win after win when they were partners. First and Second, their positions swapped many times over throughout the racing seasons. Always driving each other further, always propelling each other into breaking records and leaping higher than anyone’s expectations. 

Maybe that’s where they began to drift apart. The crushing expectations of winning and winning and winning—and leaving no room for anything else. 

Jimin bites down on her tongue and lets herself reminisce in the good times for a fleeting moment. Flashes of the camera shutter her vision and before she knows it, it’s done. The photographers pack up their stuff and Minjeong’s hand slips away. The cool fabric of her Ferrari racing uniform sticks to her back. 

A poor replacement. 

Jimin bites down on her molars and turns towards her manager. Her gaze is muddled with the image of a younger Minjeong who didn’t obsess with winning, a younger Minjeong that looked at her like she was the center of her universe. It’s a far-off stare as she treads lightly on the path of their memories together. Her manager starts talking about her remaining schedule and Jimin is only half paying attention. 

“That wasn’t too bad, was it? You guys looked amicable.” 

“Mhm.”

She can feel Minjeong’s stare on her back. It’s a weighted gaze that Jimin has memorized since the very first moment they met. 

She wonders if this is okay. 

She wonders if they can start being okay again in public. 

✦✧

Monaco Grand Prix

Circuit de Monte Carlo, Monaco 

78 laps 

“A thrilling race here in Monaco! The weather kept parts of the track wet and dry, increasing the difficulty of today’s race.” 

“Evidence by the multiple chases we’ve witnessed! Ferrari’s Yu Jimin reigned supreme around the streets of Monte Carlo despite the tricky track. And Mercedes’s Son Seungwan put up a good fight as she chased after Yu Jimin.” 

“There’s nothing like Monaco! And the crowd won’t forget the sparks that flew and the streams of water that both drivers delivered as they flew around the city’s streets!” 

Monaco is another land of extravagant parties and leisure whenever the Formula 1 racing events arrive. Legendary races and a rich age of motorsports history has embedded itself here in the city. Excitement electrifies the night, a result of the dynamic race that took place earlier, and Jimin grins as she feels it in the crowd. Tonight’s celebrations have all of the teams scattered throughout the city, but most of the drivers have gravitated to the biggest outdoor party held in the city streets. 

Jimin finds herself on a second story landing, a pretty small corner tucked in between old marble stairs that offers a beautiful view of the city and its outgoing people. She can see Yeji and Ryujin, one of Ferrari’s mechanics, engaged in a drinking contest as Aston Martin’s Myoui Mina and Park Jihyo join them. McLaren’s Yuqi and Minnie are with them too, and Jimin knows those two aren’t taking part only because their team Principal, Jeon Soyeon, is strictly watching them from the bar. 

She snickers as she watches Jihyo beat them all, and it takes everything in her not to burst out laughing at the way Yeji and Ryujin nearly choke while trying to finish chugging their beers. Red Bull’s Kazuha and Chaewon burst into the scene, bringing more trays of beers as they start a second round of the drinking contest. Jimin winces thinking about the hangovers her friends are going to be sporting tomorrow. 

Jimin spots Seungwan and Seulgi chatting at a table not far from the other drivers, and a smile creeps on her lips as she sees them sitting close together, their legs playfully knocking against each other as their heads are inclined together. She doesn’t know how she didn’t see them before. They’re exceptionally cute together. 

“Hey.” 

Minjeong’s voice calls out to her, and it only takes a split second for Jimin’s body to register how near she is. Her head turns before she can think of it, and Minjeong is there, standing in a pair of jeans and a soft t-shirt, looking so casual that Jimin has to subtly pinch herself lest she think it was Minjeong from the past. 

“Oh… hey.” Jimin awkwardly waves and Minjeong laughs softly at her. It’s enough to break the ice. Enough to get Jimin to actually smile. 

Minjeong inclines her head to the space beside her, and Jimin relents with a gentle nod. She leans against the marble balustrade of the small square and watches as Minjeong settles beside her. There is enough space between them to be comfortable and yet Jimin quietly wonders about closing the distance. 

“Nice night out.” Minjeong says as she holds her bottle of beer out. 

“Sure is. It’s nice to see everyone letting loose.” Jimin knocks her own against it. It feels nice. Casually sharing a beer like this. Yeji would be proud if she saw her. Then again, Yeji would probably tease the shit out of her. Jimin internally scowls at her friend as takes a swig. 

Eyes glance over at Minjeong, who is staring out at the city with a smile on her face. The wind blows by and strands of her hair sway with the gentle breeze. Jimin’s hand itches like it wants to reach out and tuck the strand behind Minjeong’s ear. Warmth blooms on her cheeks as she wrestles with the impulsive thought. 

“You’ve been… bolder recently.” Minjeong turns to her as Jimin starts the conversation with a lopsided grin on her face. “But then again, you’ve always been the bolder one out of the two of us.” 

“And you’ve always been the calmer one between us.” Minjeong shrugs, still smiling as she leans back against the wall. She looks at ease. Jimin memorizes this sight of Minjeong, calm and carefree, the backdrop of Monaco exquisite as it wraps around them. She’s beautiful like this. 

Minjeong continues and Jimin tries to pay attention. “We’ve never had a personal issue after the split. Not even when you switched teams.” 

“Right. So all the awkwardness?” Jimin stares. It’s hard not to. They almost never talk about work outside of work anymore; this feels like new territory. It feels like a good step though. 

“It’s not our fault the media is always pitting us against each other. Of course it’ll be awkward when more than ten news outlets keep on saying that we hate each other’s guts and everyone around us at work thinks it's true.” Minjeong laughs at the absurdity of the media acting like they know everything and Jimin finds herself joining in. “Our professional relationship needs a bit of adjusting. But me and you? We’re fine, Jimin-ah.” 

And Jimin melts at that very moment. Relief draining from her shoulders. It’s what she needed to hear, exactly the words necessary to break that iceberg floating between them. “Oh, thank god! Sometimes, you’re way too into your job and it’s hard to tell, you know?” 

“Yeah, sorry. You know how I am.” Minjeong shrugs once more, an apologetic smile gracing her lips. “A one-track mind focused on first place. I’m still working on it.” She casts her gaze on Jimin, pools of brown glimmering in the moonlight. It only takes a grain of gravity to draw Jimin in, just like it always has before. “But everything related to work stays at work. Like we promised. What happens outside of work is… well, you know.” 

“I know.” Hearing those words makes Jimin’s pulse race, a thundering that slowly grows more and more intense as she holds Minjeong’s gaze. There it is. The center of the universe once more. 

She can never forget the feeling that draws her to Minjeong. She was a fool for trying to stay away. 

Minjeong places her hand on the balustrade, mere centimeters away from Jimin’s own hand. Luminous moonlight reflects off their glinting rings. Her gaze remains there, and it makes Jimin smile. A stupid smile. One that is too big to hide. Not that she wants to hide it anyway. Jimin’s eyes drift to the crowd before returning to Minjeong’s a moment later, who is already looking at her, ever soft and waiting. 

A quiet laugh springs out of Minjeong and Jimin smiles bigger if it was possible. It’s not hard to stare at her former partner like this. Minjeong’s face is carefree, smooth and pretty, a beauty when it’s not tucked in a helmet. She keeps the comment to herself. 

This feels good. 

It feels like they’ll be okay. 

✦✧

Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Baku City Circuit, Baku 

61 laps

It seems inevitable for Jimin to see Minjeong everywhere after their private heart-to-heart talk in Monaco. Especially after their time in Monaco. Maybe it’s fate, Jimin likes to think. Or maybe the universe is tired of seeing them bumble around each other like little kids too afraid to reconcile after a petty fight. Given the length of three years, Jimin reckons it’s enough time for the two of them to be seen in public together. 

It’s just… it’s a lot easier said than done. 

It’s a little awkward being so close together in public for the first time in a while. And not to mention in a setting that’s not race related. They’re at the airport now, waiting around for their flight to the next race held in Baku City. 

Or maybe it’s all just in Jimin’s head. Minjeong appears way more at ease now, even a little amused as she glances over at Jimin. She sighs and wipes her sweaty hand on the leg of her pants. This is like their younger years all over again, Jimin whines internally, where she’s the shy, stuttering gay mess and Minjeong is patiently waiting for her to finish a sentence. Minjeong has always been so patient with her. It’s something Jimin adores, a softness that only seems to be reserved for her and her alone. 

“So…” The word slips out of Jimin’s lips after having spent too much time jumbling around inside of her mouth. She scratches her nape with a sheepish expression, her eyes darting around everywhere that isn’t Minjeong. There’s a nervous energy dwelling inside of her, so much that she feels like a dog eagerly awaiting a bone. Her fingers drum on the thigh of her pants, a habit she’s picked up since they first entered the rankings of F3 together. 

“Yes?” Minjeong takes a look at her drumming fingers and then Jimin’s face with amusement dancing in her eyes. A soft growing smile takes up the space of her mouth. 

God, it’s like their first date all over again. Jimin takes a deep breath, puffs out her cheeks, and just goes for it. 

“Do you uh… coffee! I mean—do you want to get some coffee?” Heat creeps up on Jimin’s cheeks due to her blunder, and her blush further intensifies as Minjeong watches her, a fond expression unfurling across her face. Jimin never knows what to do when Minjeong looks at her like that. It makes her heart race at a stupidly fast pace, makes her knees all wobbly, and it makes Jimin feel invincible, like she can beat Jihyo in an arm wrestling match. Which is insane and absurd because the Aston Martin driver goes to the gym regularly outside of work purposes. Have you seen Jihyo’s arms? 

“Yeah, I can go for coffee.” 

“Great! Great, yes, yeah—let’s go.” Minjeong laughs at her eagerness but Jimin can’t find it in herself to care. Not when Minjeong is looking at her like that again. Soft and sweet, and not an ounce of expectation weighing on her shoulders. 

Butterflies flutter in Jimin’s belly as they chat while making their way to one of the airport’s coffee shops. It’s nothing new, of course, but the recent developments of their relationship makes Jimin's heart flutter as well. 

It feels like hope. 

It feels like a rekindling of something stronger. 

“Ferrari takes home a double podium here in Baku! It was a sensational race with the team simply dominating the majority of the laps.” 

“And what a shame Mercedes had a double mechanical failure which led them to retire early. This will surely put Ferrari up in the team standings.” 

“Let’s hope the Silver Arrows have some fight in them for the next race. See you in Canada for the next one!” 

✦✧

Canadian Grand Prix

Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Montreal 

70 laps 

“Why’s Jimin sulking now?” Yeji’s question is aimed at Aeri as they sit down at a table in the communal dining area provided for the Formula 1 teams. She eyes her teammate, thoroughly amused at the way Jimin pushes around her food, a giant pout on her lips all the while. 

Aeri rolls her eyes, dropping the info with half exasperation and half amusement in her voice. “All the drivers are having a mid-season photoshoot this afternoon. The new racing gear just arrived and the PR managers want to take the opportunity before the race tomorrow to get it done today.” 

Their gazes turn to the Ferrari driver. If possible, Jimin’s pout grows even bigger. 

“And they might partner her up with Minjeong.”  

“Oh, shit.” Yeji can barely stamp down her laughter. What are the chances? Of course management would use the ‘rivalry’ between Jimin and Minjeong to drive up merchandise sales. 

Her foul mood has to do with Minjeong’s teasing this morning. Now that they’re more comfortable with each other in public spaces, the Mercedes driver has done nothing but up the ante on her teasing and banter. Jimin likes it a lot. It feels like they’re dipping back into familiar waters, fun times where all the pressure of their jobs as F1 drivers just melts away. A bubble where they can just be themselves amidst the intense racing environment that inevitably encapsulates them. 

No doubt the media has caught the increase in their interactions and have already started reporting on it. Annoying but inevitable when they’re high profile names in this industry. But Jimin is slowly releasing her hold on that particular stress. She’s learning how to let go, how to not stress over that uncontrollable aspect that comes with her job. There are more important things to give her attention to. 

Like how Minjeong is supremely annoying when she wants to be. Even after all these years, her former partner is a menace in the mornings. Jimin is still grumbling on how Minjeong stole half of her breakfast earlier. 

“They look like they’re another pose away from outright brawling.” The remark leaves Yeji’s mouth as she and Aeri watch Jimin and Minjeong on the set. The subtle elbows thrown towards each other’s ribs greatly amuse her, but she knows any conflict would look bad for both their teams. 

Jimin slips her hand around Minjeong’s waist, immediately feeling her stiffening up. 

“You’re really full of professionalism right now, Minjeong.” Jimin playfully sneers under her breath as flashes from the camera go off. They transition into different poses, her hand still on her rival’s hip. Slowly, Minjeong's stiffness subsides, loosening enough for the rest of the photoshoot to run smoothly. 

Murmurs from the staff catch Jimin’s ear, and she notices what they were whispering about with fascination. Her eyes flitted to the large monitor showing the photo previews. Oh, yeah. They look good. Like supermodels right out of a Vogue magazine. It spurs something inside of Jimin, making her grow bolder with the intimate touches; an arm around a shoulder, her fingers spread across Minjeong’s bare navel thanks to a crop top shirt, their bodies flushed together in poses where they hug. A smug smirk is plastered on Jimin’s face by the time the photoshoot finishes, and the exasperated huff from Minjeong can do nothing to diminish it. 

“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” She murmurs quietly to Minjeong, who only shoves her away when the camerawomen calls for a break. 

“Don’t get so cocky, Jimin.” They’re back to elbowing each other in the ribs as staff members flit around them. 

“Still flustered with a little touch, huh? This is what you get for stealing half of my breakfast.” Jimin hisses in Minjeong’s ear, half tempted to throw her rival in a headlock just for shits and giggles. But the staff around them might actually think they’re fighting and Minjeong would kill her for that embarrassment alone. So Jimin relents and drives her fingers in a tickle along Minjeong’s ribs. 

Minjeong squirms and bites her lip to stifle the squeal that wants to leap out of her mouth. In retaliation, she digs her bony elbow into Jimin’s side hard enough for her to wheeze. “Oh my god, you’re still hung up on that?” 

And the smug satisfaction remains clear on her face as Jimin watches Minjeong strut away, frustration clear on her face, the tips of her ears slightly flushed pink as a result of Jimin’s intimate touch. Jimin chuckles, “Nice working with you too!” 

“Hey, is it just me or did those two seem… friendly today?” 

“Sana-chan, we’re about to go on air.” 

“There’s still time left before the race starts! Indulge me, Momo-chan!” 

“Alright, alright! I have to admit that they are interacting more as of late. What do you think happened—and we’re live!” 

“AAAHH! Look at this Momo! Look at the photoshoot bts that just got uploaded!” 

“Sana?!” 

✦✧

British Grand Prix

Silverstone Circuit, Towcester 

52 laps 

“Jimin! Congrats on the win!” 

“Oh, thanks, guys!” A smile stretches Jimin’s lips as she waves to the reporters that are following her through the team paddocks. She’s got her helmet clutched in one hand while the other is waving to the cameras. Congratulations are given as she walks with her head held high, a giddy feeling coursing through her system after having taken the first place podium win in today’s race. 

Nothing is as sweet as the taste of victory. 

Nothing maybe except the brilliant smile that Minjeong gave her as she and Mina sprayed champagne on her up on the stage. 

Sunlight reflects off of her and the shimmering glint that twinkles in the aftermath has half the group stunned. 

“Jimin, Jimin, over here! What… what’s that?” Only a brave reporter voices the question. 

The waiting silence is enough to make Jimin pause. She stops to see what they’re all looking at, and amusement ignites in her when she realizes exactly where their gazes are focused on. The ring on her left hand and the shine of abundant gems embedded there. She wonders why they’re all gasping, but then again, this hasn’t been revealed to the public yet. 

Stark amusement and giddy elation passes through Jimin after coming to the realization that absolutely no one has ever found out. Oh, everyone is going to have a field day with this revelation. Maybe she should let Minjeong know ahead… but where’s the fun in that? Her wife can handle a little mediastorm. 

“Huh? Oh, this?” Sunlight catches on Jimin’s left hand as she raises it up, the glitzy shimmering nearly reflecting off of the camera lenses that surround her. “We renewed our vows so my wife got me a new ring.” 

It’s a shiny and thick golden ring with several gems embedded along the circumference. The bombshell of such a decadently jeweled ring along with the news of being married has the gaggle of reporters around Jimin stunned into silence. 

It’s clear that all the reporters are flabbergasted. No one knew that Jimin was married. Which is to be expected because they kept it a closely-guarded secret after all. 

Jimin walks away with a giant smile, polite enough not to laugh directly at their slack jaws and bulging eyes. They all scramble as she walks towards the Ferrari paddock, pausing shortly to shoot a text to Minjeong to let her know what’s been revealed because she can’t bear the guilt of keeping her wife in the dark, and it’s barely been five minutes until footsteps stomp her way. 

“YU JIMIN!” 

The door to her assigned room slams open and Jimin is surprised it’s still attached to the hinges. Aeri and Yeji are yelling over each other while their furious gazes are directed at Jimin. She can only laugh as her shoulders are shaking, giggling absurdly as her friends grill her about her wife that she’s been keeping a secret from them. 

“Momo, are you seeing this?! Are you hearing this?!” 

“Wow, you dropped the honorific. This must be serious!” 

“Yu Jimin is married! She’s been married this whole time!” 

The microphones unfortunately catch the sound of Momo spraying her drink in a bout of shock and surprise. 

✦✧

Austrian Grand Prix

Red Bull Ring, Speilberg 

71 laps  

“Did you… you saw that too right, Sana-chan?” 

“You mean Mercedes’ Kim Minjeong dragging Ferrari’s Yu Jimin into the Ferrari garage after the qualifyings were done? Yes, I did, Momo-chan!” 

“Interesting development here. What do you suppose is happening?” 

“That… is none of our business!” 

“Oi, put your phone down. Wait… are you getting the scoop right now?” 

“Hush, Momo-chan, let me work my connections!” 

Hours after the Qualifyings on Saturday, Yeji watches as Minjeong drags Jimin into a soundproof room with clear glass windows. She’s beyond amused as Minjeong looks angry and animated as she rants to Jimin, who simply smiles lightly and nods every now and then, not saying a word. 

Everyone nearby is bewildered by the sight of the two drivers. It’s been a while since anyone has seen the two ex-partners be seen together in the same vicinity let alone the same room. A small handful of various teams and drivers watch the exchange happen in the circuit’s conference room area and they are doing a very poor job of eavesdropping on the two. Yeji can’t really blame their curiosity. Even she is stationed closest to the door, hoping to catch an earful of the words being exchanged between her colleagues. 

When the door finally opens, everyone waits with bated breath as Minjeong storms off, a pissed off expression square on her face. Meanwhile, Jimin exits the room with… a protein bar? And a sheepish smile on her face. 

Okay, now Yeji’s curiosity is really eating at her patience. Jimin barely gets her butt in a chair before Yeji is approaching her driving partner. Both of their eyes are on Minjeong as she stalks out of the building, still radiating a pissed off energy. The sight of the group of interns hurrying to get out of her way is too funny not to laugh at. 

“I thought you and Kim were on good terms recently?” Yeji sidles up to Jimin, curious cat-like eyes fixed on the goofy grin on her partner’s face. What a peculiar reaction after what looked like an angry earful from Minjeong. 

“We are.” Jimin chuckles to herself, laughing at an inside joke Yeji has no privy to. “That’s just how she shows that she cares.” 

“Okay, weirdo. I’m writing this off as a Jimin thing.” Yeji shakes her head. She has better luck prying info out of Aeri than she does with Jimin when she’s like this. 

A chime from her phone announces the arrival of a text message, and Jimin giggles as Minjeong’s name flashes on her phone screen. 

“Don’t forget to eat again, dumbass.” 

“Love you too, honey!” 

✦✧

French Grand Prix

Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet 

53 laps 

Today is the day when Jimin realizes how fun it is to see the confusion on peoples’ faces whenever she and Minjeong interact. Years of tension between the two have melted away, replaced by the ease of their familiarity with each other. And their colleagues are slow to keep up with the fact. It’s greatly amusing, Jimin thinks, how others still expect her and Minjeong to hiss and curse at each other like territorial cats. 

Today, she is heading to the Mercedes paddock to pick Minjeong up for a pre-race lunch. A friendly outing that they both agreed to. Excitement swells within Jimin, simply from the fact that it’s been ages since their last hang-out while at work. The expectation of work has been replaced by the thought of spending time with her wife at work, and that’s what really has Jimin elated. 

Oh, the progress they’ve made. Their therapist is going to be so proud. 

There are stares when she walks into her rival’s paddock and they are blatantly obvious. Jimin nods and smiles at familiar faces, beyond amused at their perplexed expressions. She knows, she understands the strange sight of her here. A singular bright flare of Ferrari red in this domain that is dominant with black and silver. 

Minjeong knows that she is coming, she’s the one that set up this lunch date after all. Her wife is a mastermind of teasing others, and there’s nothing more that she enjoys when it comes to Jimin. And there she is waiting in the heart of the Mercedes paddock, waiting with a cheshire smile that speaks of her playfulness. 

And Jimin is willing to play, to step into familiar shoes and retrace the steps that are molded exactly to her feet throughout all those years of racing together. They may wear different team colors, but nothing has ever changed on how Kim Minjeong and Yu Jimin fit together like puzzle pieces made for each other. 

Perhaps they have drifted apart, but the gravity that draws them back to one another is magnetic as always. Time is a slow-acting salve that is mending them back together. 

“Hey, Yu. Are you lost?” Minjeong speaks up when Jimin approaches, and it’s clear she is trying to contain her laughter by the way her eyes shine so brightly with mirth. 

“Ha ha, Kim. I know what you were trying to do.” Jimin rolls her eyes as she plays along. She shares in the laughter not a moment later. “C’mon, I’m getting hungry.” 

“Alright, alright. I know the perfect spot. There’s this little French restaurant that caught my eye last year. It’s cute and artsy and the food there is perfect.”  

Minjeong nudges her side with a bony elbow and Jimin takes it with a grunt. It feels familiar except this time, there are no eggshells to walk around, no awkward tension that spells disaster. Jimin marches forward with her head held high, and her gaze drawn to Minjeong beside her again. 

It’s like she never left in the first place. 

And Jimin holds the fact close to her heart. 

“So… Yu and Kim were spotted having lunch before the race.” 

“Sana-chan, this is not a gossip podcast. We are official commentators for the race.” One could clearly hear the exasperation in Momo’s tone. 

“So, you aren’t interested in this development?” 

“…I didn’t say that.” 

✦✧

Hungarian Grand Prix 

Hungaroring, Budapest 

70 laps 

“And look at Ferrari’s Yu Jimin go! There is nothing stopping the driver as she starts at P10 and streamlines all the way to P1! What a sensational drive!” 

“And let’s not forget the two Mercedes’ drivers who were battling each other to snatch that second place! Brilliant fight between the two as they dazzled us with their sportsmanship.” 

“An exciting day in Budapest as we end the race with Ferrari in first followed by the dynamic Mercedes drivers.” 

“I almost had you!” 

“Too bad, loser. Maybe if you were faster on the last corner, you could taste the sweetness of victory.” 

“How’s this for sweet, huh!” 

Jimin yelps as she gets a faceful of champagne. She retaliates with her own spray of champagne at Minjeong and soon enough, both of their racing uniforms are drenched with the alcohol. 

“Hey, I’m here too! Don’t forget about me!” Shrieks leave Jimin and Minjeong as Seungwan sprays them both with her own bottle of champagne. The Mercedes driver snatched the third podium behind the two race leaders and is currently grinning wide as she soaks the both of them. 

The crowd of race teams and reporters are all amused by the sight of Seungwan being the only one that’s bone dry after the winners’ ceremony. 

“Unnie, no fair! Where did you even get the extra bottle from?!” 

“We are going to ruin the interview couch, oh my god.” 

Seungwan’s boisterous laughter can be heard past the interview room, but at least she has the kindness to grab towels for Jimin and Minjeong to sit on. The interview goes smoothly, and everyone takes notice of the lack of awkwardness or animosity between her and Minjeong. It’s been a few weeks since they’ve been on friendly terms again, and the bewilderment of everyone around them has still yet to subside. It’s beyond entertaining. 

“We’re going out for drinks. Wanna come with?” Minjeong swings an arm over Jimin’s shoulder, which is an entirely comical thing to see with the height difference between them. She wrinkles her nose, the sweetness of champagne clings to their clothes strongly. She needs to change before she gets lightheaded. 

“Who’s going?” 

“Me, duh. Seungwan unnie and Seulgi unnie are coming too.” 

“Oh, yeah, sounds good!” 

“Okay, I’ll text you the address of the bar. I need to go get changed now.” 

“Yeah, you do! I don’t know how but Seungwan unnie managed to soak my undershirt too.” Minjeong shoves her and Jimin shoves her right back. She feels like a school kid messing around, carefree and giggly with bliss. There are flashes of camera shutters around the team paddocks but she finds that she doesn’t mind it this time around. 

Everything feels easier with Minjeong around. It should have been like this from the start—Jimin scratches that thought from her head. Minjeong is here now. They’re on the same page again. That’s all that matters. 

“Ugh, get going already. Unnies might already be drinking without us!” 

“Wait, you mean Seulgi unnie is gonna get shitfaced?! Why didn’t you say so sooner? I need to get video evidence this time!” 

✦✧

Belgian Grand Prix

Circuit Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot 

44 laps  

There’s something to be said in breaking bread with Minjeong. Jimin finds it humorous but she certainly isn’t complaining. She laughs along to the joke Minjeong is telling, eye-smiles at the animated gestures Minjeong’s hands have a habit of doing whenever she’s immersed in her storytelling. 

It’s a nice night out, a twinkling starry sky as they share dinner together after today’s race. 

“We’re about halfway through the season. Where do you think you see yourself next year?” Minjeong asks the question as she swirls the wine glass in her hand. Red swirls in the curve of the glass, slow and hypnotizing as her words linger in the air. 

The question makes Jimin pause. She’s got a stout halfway to her lips, the white foam of beer wetting her upper lip as her eyes suddenly dart to Minjeong. Jimin takes a long pull before setting her glass down. 

Minjeong turns to her with a laugh, giggles breaking out at the foam mustache that has settled on Jimin’s lip. A hand reaches out and Jimin mentally pats herself on the back for not moving away. The gesture is kind, and the care behind it feels good. It is a feeling that has returned, the acts of kindness that were void during those two years of awkwardness have been slowly knocking on her door. Jimin welcomes it with open arms. Their professional relationship is on the mend, and her heart doesn’t feel as heavy as it did three years ago whenever she goes to work. 

Their affections have always been private, but now with the public knowledge that Jimin is married, their interactions have been making her feel different. A good different. Affection from Minjeong in public feels a tad sweeter, a shade lovelier. 

They haven’t revealed that Minjeong is her wife, but they’ve been toeing the line, growing bolder with their affectionate touches in public. Jimin doesn’t mind their slow pace, not when they are enjoying their partnership like they ought to—as loving wives focused on nothing but each other. The rush of youth and the pressure of their budding careers was detrimental to their relationship, but the grace of age has mellowed them out, has opened their eyes to what is important between the two of them. 

Stars glitter in the night sky and Jimin’s gaze is drawn to them again. A burst of hope swells beneath her ribs before it settles. 

“Next year?” Jimin licks her lips, tastes the bitterness of her drink and the savory flavor of her dinner mixing on her palate. She swirls her glass around, watches the dark liquor sloshing as her thoughts flick through the affairs of work. “Ferrari offered me an extended contract. I’m taking them up on their offer. I feel like this team still has potential.” 

Minjeong’s gaze is far off as she hums softly, like she has something heavy contemplating in her mind. Jimin takes sips of her drink as she watches her wife. She is familiar with this behavior, so she lets Minjeong gather her thoughts. They sit in a comfortable silence, enjoying each other’s presence as the night drags on. 

When Minjeong is ready, she pops a piece of bread into her mouth, and Jimin’s shoulders sag a little with relief. She relaxes herself, allows herself to enjoy the atmosphere without having to stress. Minjeong is her own person. They are not racing partners anymore. 

But Jimin is always ready to lend a shoulder to a dear friend, to her loving wife. A burden shared is a burden lessened, or so their therapist says. Jimin is starting to understand the concept. 

“Penny for your thoughts?” 

The phrase curls a soft smile out of Minjeong. She throws a piece of bread at Jimin. “You know it’s always free to you.” They get carried away with a mini bread war, only stopping when their waiter passes by with a withering glare. Minjeong clears her throat after another bout of laughter. “Hm, just… Mercedes approached me with a mentorship program. I would be getting involved with the F1 academy, you know, coaching the other drivers of F2 and F3 categories. And I don’t know… what do you think?” 

Jimin sees Minjeong standing at a crossroad. So many trophies and titles on her belt that it feels akin to golden shackles. She understands the weight, the pressure of the public eye and the mounting expectations of Mercedes on her slim shoulders. But she also sees the joy and love that Minjeong has for the game, for the racing that makes their blood boil with euphoria. She sees that being passed along to future generations and well… that’s never a bad thing, right? 

“I think you already know the answer to that, Minjeong.” Jimin’s words are smooth like the liquor she drains from her glass. She sets it on the table and they both look at it. Shiny, empty, ready to be filled once more. Much like their love for racing, for the legacy they will leave behind to inspire the young drivers that will eventually take their spots on the grid. 

“How do you always know the answer to my questions?” Minjeong twirls her fork in her food, pushing it around lazily as a small smile tugs at the corner of her lips. Her shoulders have eased, much more relaxed now that the solemn moment has passed. That’s good. Jimin likes this side of her more. She’s happy to be of help to Minjeong. 

She shrugs and flags down their waiter for another round of drinks. “I’ve got years of experience with you and your thinking.” She adds in a wink for good measure, barking out a laugh when Minjeong cringes and throws another piece of bread at her. 

“So cheesy! You’re the worst!” 

“You like it! Stop denying yourself!” 

Jimin catches the next piece of bread in her mouth and it pulls another laugh out of Minjeong, much to her delight. 

I love you. Thank you for being by my side. 

I love you too. There’s nowhere I’d rather be. 

Jimin’s feet tangle with Minjeong’s under the table, and the stars are the only witness to their private moment. 

✦✧

Dutch Grand Prix 

Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort 

72 laps 

“Mercedes takes the win! But Kim Minjeong certainly had to work for it! Ferrari’s Yu Jimin and Red Bull’s Kazuha kept the six-time world champion on her toes with their unspoken alliance during the later half of the race.” 

“It was unexpected but the fans loved the two-on-one dog fight! In a show of uncontested skill, Mercedes’s Kim Minjeong broke through the power pair and claimed P1 for herself!” 

Minjeong wins this race due to pure skill, an undisputed fact witnessed by everyone present. How she out-maneuvered Jimin’s and Kazuha’s efforts was an impressive feat all on its own. 

Disappointment churns in Jimin’s gut, but it isn’t as intense as before. It’s a bittersweet taste in her mouth this time around and it fades just as quickly as it arrives. Their awkwardness in their professional relationship has been swept clean. What replaces it is genuine sincerity and pride. Her wife has always been at the top of her game and being able to witness Minjeong’s pure skill and talent has always been something that leaves Jimin in awe. She congratulates her wife wholeheartedly, grinning big as she aims her champagne at Minjeong with a boisterous laugh. 

“Yah, this is two on one!” Minjeong screams as she and Kazuha grin wickedly and spray champagne at the Mercedes driver. 

“The winner needs to be crowned by champagne! You know this!” 

“Oh, bring it on!” Their laughter gets drowned out by the shower retaliated by Minjeong, garbles and yelps exchanging freely as the three of them chase each other around the platform. 

✦✧

Italian Grand Prix 

Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza 

53 laps 

Somehow over the years, Yeji has picked up Italian. It was bound to happen, especially being one of the drivers for the Ferrari team. Jimin has picked up the language too, but not as extensively as her partner has. It flows off Yeji’s lips smoothly, the lilt of an accent clearly heard over the team radio—the team radio that consists solely of Yeji blasting her ears with curses and encouragements all in the ancient love language of Italy. 

“Get your ass into gear, Jimin! First place is just a lap away!” 

“Yeji, shouldn’t you—” 

“IT’S MONZA, BABY!”  

A choked laughter echoes in her ear piece and Jimin can barely stamp down the massive grin that unfurls across her face. It takes a lot for Aeri to break her professional mask. Yeji’s determination straddles the line of motivation and silliness, just enough that it is obnoxiously endearing whenever she takes command of their team radio. 

Jimin doesn’t mind if the press catches her laughing her head off on the team radio in this race. She lets Yeji’s enthusiasm fuel her, letting it push her last lap around the corner and down the straightaway. Black and white awaits her speeding car, and then the deafening roar of the home crowd greets her just in time to Yeji’s whooping and hollering. She sees the Ferrari paddock explode in jubilation, and feels the ripple of a Ferrari win in Monza carry throughout the crowd. It’s a tough achievement, and knowing that she’s done it fills her with a satisfaction that is hard to explain. The history, the influence, the honor of winning a race in the time-tested difficulty of Monza of all tracks makes Jimin want to weep. 

She blinks through her tears and smiles as she drives her car into the pit lane. Yeji is already tackling their team and singing the Italian national anthem. 

When Jimin takes her helmet off, it’s like she is stepping into another world. A deafening wave of jubilation and celebration washes over her and she is nearly overwhelmed by the electric energy in the air. 

Chants of Ferrari, Ferrari, Ferrari ring in her ears. Flags and jerseys of red color the crowd. Jimin can barely hear her own laughter over the din of the people jumping and hollering and hugging her. It’s a Ferrari home win and the crowd is ecstatic. She catches Minjeong’s eye in the near distance of the swarming crowd and it’s a brilliantly beaming smile. 

Somehow the victory feels even sweeter. 

“Everybody ran different tyre strategies today and it was hectic to keep up with all the teams. But wow, what a race!” 

“They sure had us scrambling to keep track! In the end, it’s Ferrari who is taking the podium today, and look at that home win energy!” 

“That’s right, Sana-chan! Look at that sea of red! You can hear the Ferrari chant even high up in our box!” 

✦✧

Singapore Grand Prix

Marina Bay Circuit, Singapore 

61 laps 

“Is that my hoodie?” Jimin blinks as if she can’t believe the sight in front of her. Minjeong is wearing her old Mercedes team hoodie, the one with her name printed in large letters on the back. Her mouth is wide open, jaw slack as she stares at her ex-partner. 

Oh, the media are going to have a field day about this. They might piece together the fact that it’s Minjeong who is her wife. Her ex-driving partner and famous rival. The internet might just break over the revelation if it gets out. Jimin is almost excited with the prospect of everyone losing their mind. Oh, what entertainment. 

“Wha…?” A yawn interrupts Minjeong’s words. “Oh, this? Hmm. It might have gotten mixed up with the laundry.” 

Minjeong’s eyes are droopy. The fight over was a long one, and her body is still adjusting to the change in time zones. This side of her is another side that Jimin adores. She fawns and coos over the cuteness of her wife, of how soft and clingy Minjeong is whenever she’s in a sleepy state. Jimin offers her shoulder as a pillow while they wait in the drivers’ lounge. The race tonight is still in the process of being set up, which means they’ll have to find some way to kill time. 

“Our managers keep looking over here.” Minjeong mutters softly after she stifles another yawn. 

“Gee, I wonder why. It isn’t as if you’re wearing your rival’s old team merchandise. The same one that I wore when we won the championship four years ago. The same one that was exclusively made only for the two drivers at the time.” Sarcasm bites hard in Jimin’s tone, but it doesn’t carry any real heat. The shock has faded to amusement. Her gaze roams over her name on the back of Minjeong’s hoodie, grinning as she remembers the days where they shared clothes often while traveling together as a team. 

“Stop complaining. You know you like it.” Minjeong says as she burrows into Jimin’s shoulder, intent on taking her wife up on that offer of being her personal pillow. Jimin can’t say anything, her wide smile is the only response she has for her wife. 

“Sana…” 

“Momo…” 

“We are about to go on air.” 

“C’mon! Aren’t you interested in the way Kim Minjeong arrived at the circuit wearing Yu Jimin’s old Mercedes hoodie?! That merch is exclusive!” 

“Sana-chan, please! Your professionalism!” If you listened closely, you could almost hear Momo gripping her hair in exasperation. 

✦✧

Japanese Grand Prix 

Suzuka Circuit 

53 laps 

“Oh, no! There’s been a major collision on the track! It looks like it’s—Ferrari’s Hwang Yeji!” 

“No need to worry, folks. Emergency officials are already on their way. We will keep you updated on the driver’s status.” 

“Yeji! Is Yeji okay?!” 

“She’s—“ 

“I’m fine, J! Don’t stop on my account. You better secure first place or I’ll kick your ass!” 

For the remainder of the race, Jimin is on edge. Nerves simmer beneath her skin as worst-case scenarios bubble up to the surface of her mind. She tries to bat it away, tries to focus on the track and her standing. It’s hard, a mountain of a task for her body and mind to cooperate after seeing the wreck of Yeji’s Ferrari car. Thankfully her body goes on autopilot, muscle memory kicking in as she continues the race. Aeri chimes in every once in a while through the team radio, but her voice sounds muffled. Like Jimin is racing underwater, her vision locked onto the track and her hands glued to the steering wheel and her ears stuffed full of cotton. 

The team radio is tense with silence. Aeri’s voice is the only one updating her. 

Mangled steel sits at the forefront of her mind, and despite her intense focus on the race, Jimin sees it replaying a million times. Twisted steel, the shredded fabric of a race uniform, blood staining her hands, the face of Min— 

“And Ferrari takes the podium!” 

The dull roar of the crowd rises to a crescendo as Jimin snaps back to attention. She slows down, her face blank as she registers the finish line she just crossed. 

The pit lane is full of people as she pulls in but Jimin’s eyes are only locked onto the red uniforms of her team. She hops out of the car and scrambles towards Aeri, limbs uncoordinated as she pants, “H-How is Yeji?!” 

“Relax, Jimin, she’s fine. Come see for yourself.” Aeri guides her to the Ferrari paddock, knowing that Jimin won’t rest until she sees that Yeji is fine for herself. Normally, she wouldn’t do this but this is an uncommon case. Yu Jimin has a sore spot with track crashes, and she won’t let this one be another mark on the record. 

“Chill out, Yu. I’m still alive and kicking!” The red of the Ferrari overall is peeled halfway down her partner’s body, the rest of the material hanging by her waist. Yeji is fine save for the white bandages on her torso and arms, all surface wounds and gashes thankfully. 

“You asshole, don’t scare me like that!” Jimin’s fist curls as her voice warbles. 

Yeji says nothing as she smiles gently, merely shoving Jimin towards the closest chair. She pats Jimin’s arm, wordlessly announcing her gratitude for her friend’s care. “I’m fine, Jimin-ah. Really!” 

Like a heavy weight, Jimin plops down. She sinks like a rock, relief palpable on her expression. At this point, she doesn’t care for the press or the grandeur of the winners’ ceremony. Seeing Yeji well and relatively safe is enough for her right now. Her palm is pressed against her chest, the rapid beat of her heart feels like a drumline about to explode. 

After seeing Yeji, Jimin still has a job to do. She attends the winners’ ceremony and smiles for the press interviews. But it’s all a blur, the adrenaline of the race and the accident lingers in her system like a ghost. She’s only aware that everything is over when Minjeong curls her finger around her wrist and tugs her away. She can hear Aeri in the distance, making up an excuse for their hurried exit. 

They are in the Ferrari paddock now, closed off in her private quarters. 

When did they get here? 

Hands close around her face, fingers splayed over her jaw. Minjeong’s eyes lock with hers, and Jimin feels the knot in her chest loosening. 

“Breathe, Jimin. Come on, take a deep breath.” 

She follows along, feels the rush in her ears fade, the noisy buzz at the back of her head slow to a quiet hum. Her lungs fill and expand, but her fingers are still trembling. 

“There we go, keep breathing for me.” 

Minjeong’s voice is soft and smooth, her tone patient and comforting. She slides the zipper of her Mercedes race suit down enough to expose her torso. From there, she pulls down her shirt so that the top of her collar is exposed. A small, jagged scratch of pale skin is revealed—and Jimin’s eyes lock onto it immediately. Her pupils shake as they trace the length of the scar. 

Her breathing stutters, only resuming when Minjeong takes her hand and lays it over the scar. 

“Breathe, Jimin. Everything is fine. Yeji is fine, you saw her earlier.” 

“F-Fine. Everything is fine.” Her head jerks in a nod, unsteady until the seconds pass. Warmth bleeds into Jimin’s palm. Her body relaxes as Minjeong opens her mouth and talks and talks and talks. She speaks of the ceremony and the people after, speaks of the jokes some of the reporters cracked, speaks of the drivers that came up to congratulate them, speaks of mundane things that are non-race related. She speaks until Jimin surfaces from the bubble that had encased her, speaks until Jimin can haul herself out of the cold waters. 

Jimin’s thumb strokes along the old, jagged scar, her touch soft enough to cut off Minjeong’s rambling. 

“Are you with me, Jimin-ah?” 

“Yeah, yeah… I’m good. I’m… thanks, Minjeong.” 

“Anytime, Jimin-ah.” 

Jimin gulps quietly, not protesting the hug that Minjeong sweeps her into. Warmth bleeds into her body, scorching as it blazes across her skin. She soaks it up like a sponge, starved for the comfort that Minjeong offers so readily. 

They don’t need to talk about it. Mainly because the issue is already a done deal. Minjeong had an accident during a race a few years ago and it was the worst one yet. Sometimes Jimin still has nightmares about it. She hasn’t had one in a while but this—today’s accident made the memory rear its head back up. 

“Come on,” Minjeong pulls back but lets her hand remain on Jimin’s wrist. She tugs her out of the room and towards the din of the crew. “Let’s go see how Yeji is doing.” 

Jimin stares at the hand holding her wrist, and slides her fingers into Minjeong’s. Her wife takes it comfortably, easily intertwining their fingers together. Thunder rushes through her eardrums, lightning strikes her heart, and Jimin thinks she can go anywhere Minjeong leads her. 

I love you. 

I love you too.  

Jimin squeezes Minjeong’s hand, and smiles when Minjeong replies with a soft squeeze. 

✦✧

United States Grand Prix 

Circuit of the Americas, Austin 

56 laps 

“And with Ferrari taking the podium for the United States Grand Prix, they have indubitably secured the Constructors’ title for this year! Incredible efforts by the Italian team!” 

“Incredible efforts by the red team! It was a close call with the other teams trailing close behind but Ferrari managed to pull through. Congratulations to the team! Looks like it’ll be a big night for celebrations!” 

“Is that… a cowboy hat?” 

“Yes.” 

“Wha… why?” 

“We’re in Texas, baby!” Yeji pops out, cowboy hat on her head as well. Jimin has to bite down on her teeth when Minjeong stifles a sigh and rubs her temple. 

She pulls out another cowboy hat and offers it to Minjeong. “We’re buying all the drivers hats since Ferrari won the season’s Constructors’ title.” 

“So that’s why Seungwan unnie was wearing one…” 

“C’mon, don’t you want it?” Yeji wiggles her eyebrows and the laughter brewing in Jimin’s chest threatens to burst. She snickers as Yeji gestures towards Minjeong with a pair of finger-guns. 

“Yeehaw!” 

Minjeong’s left eye twitches when Jimin unceremoniously affixes the cowboy hat to her head, twitching even more when the Ferrari pair start to circle her with their lame dancing. And her Mercedes partner, Seungwan unnie, is a traitor when she pulls out her phone to record the ridiculous sight. 

The video goes viral with 300,000 views and counting on every official Formula 1 social media platform. 

✦✧

Mexican Grand Prix 

Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City 

71 laps 

“I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than this. Look at the way Ferrari and Mercedes are dueling for P1! This is the stuff of legends! And everyone is hanging onto the edge of their seats as we watch how this battle shakes out!” 

“Wow, that was poetic. Need a tissue, Momo-chan?” 

“Sana-chan, just look at them! This is the pinnacle of motorsports!” 

Neck and neck racing. Grit and guts and burning rubber and glory. These are the moments when Jimin feels her blood roaring on the track. 

Mercedes and Ferrari are battling head to head, each one taking the lead by sheer tenths of a second. They gain first before dropping back to second with each quick turn and strategic maneuver. Tyre management and the decision of when to pit hound their brains as their team principals chatter over the team radios. The race goes on and on, lap after lap, driving the audience to the height of the climax of the race. It is almost amusing to watch this play out firsthand. Jimin can only imagine the anticipation of the crowd, how the audience must be hanging onto the edge of their seats while waiting to see who will take the lead indefinitely. 

Flashes of memories surface as Jimin battles it out with Minjeong. The roar of their engines and the stutter of gear shifts and the squeal of tires are a familiar soundtrack in her ears. She hears herself panting, blood rushing through her ears as her heart pounds frantically against her ribcage. Adrenaline courses through her veins and it pumps harshly. 

She loves it. She loves this rush, this storm of controlled chaos that pushes them to the brink of their limits. And then past the very same limits with a startling burst of shock and jubilation. 

Black and teal uniforms blur her vision for a fleeting moment, a ghost overlay that streaks all around them. And then Jimin blinks and sees her own Ferrari red and Minjeong’s Mercedes colors clear as day. 

Gone are the anxiety-inducing nerves, the rough race battling that would tear at the seams of their trust, and the destructive anger that once ran through the cracks of their rivalry like hot and scorching lava. It’s clean this time around. Pure racing at its finest. Jimin likes it much more this way, she adores the way they are duking it out on the pavement with real rubber and the Formula hyper engine that whines and roars at their eardrums, coaxing them to their fullest. 

This is what they are made for: racing to their fullest potential, a test of marvelous engineering and human reflexes and skill and sportsmanship. 

No media bullshit, no unnecessary drama. 

Pure racing. 

The pinnacle of motorsports. 

Jimin is so glad she’s doing this with Minjeong. She knows Minjeong can keep up with her, can call her on her bullshit, and can push her past her limits. They are good for each other. They’ve always been good for each other. Jimin knows this fact the very first time they raced on the track together. 

She fell in love with the track that summer, just as she fell in love with Minjeong the following summer when they entered the F1 ranks together. 

Partners in every way that matters. 

“I’m betting a round of drinks on Minjeong.” 

“Are you betting against your own teammate?” Aeri’s incredulous tone gives way to her amusement. The cackling that is Yeji’s response makes Jimin’s brow twitch. 

“Oh, you are so on, Hwang! Get ready to empty your wallet!” Jimin bares her teeth and pushes herself past Minjeong, the rush of adrenaline echoes in her bloodstream as she crosses the finish line with the skin of her teeth. Yeji’s loud groan is loud enough to be heard, and the sweetness of today’s victory is almost as good as the drinks Yeji buys the team that night. 

✦✧

Brazilian Grand Prix 

Autódromo José Carlos Pace, Interlagos 

71 laps 

“Mercedes takes the win! A 1-2 finish here in Brazil!” 

“Look at them go! Ferrari put up a good fight but the Silver Arrows made away with the victory in this race with their coordinated time attacks and brilliant pit strategies.” 

“Gap to Seungwan is 29.1. Gap to Jimin is 29.4” 

“Last lap. Keep pushing, Jimin.” 

“And that’s it! Good racing today, team!” 

The race in Brazil is the toughest one yet. Laps of tricky maneuvers and time attacks against other drivers and the hovering question when to pit culminates in a dynamic race that shakes the driver standings to its core. 

Jimin removes her helmet with a heaving gasp, her hand lifting to wipe at the sweat drenching her brow. The taste of bronze stings her teeth, her wounded pride suffering a blow before she pushes it away. 

It was a tough fight, and it was a good race. 

Jimin can admit it as she sprays champagne on the Mercedes duo. Jimin can admit it in the interviews that follow the post-race rituals. 

And seeing the pride and adoration that shines on Minjeong’s visage is a sweet enough salve. She congratulates her wife privately within their circle of friends, and the love that spills and drips like honey from those bright pools of brown makes Jimin speechless. Breathless. Gasping for air as affection coils through her veins. Her heart rends itself before mending, growing thrice in size from receiving Minjeong’s wordless affections. 

She can do this again and again—racing for as long as she needs to, for infinity, indefinitely—as long as Minjeong keeps looking at her like that.  

Like she’s the center of her universe. 

Her sun and moon and stars. 

✦✧

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 

Yas Marina Circuit 

58 laps 

“Yu Jimin has done it again! For the third time in a row! She has taken the podium and sealed her fate as the 2022 F1 World Champion!” 

“What a spectacular finish to this year’s season! We were honored to witness a commanding performance from start to finish from Ferrari’s Yu Jimin that has cemented her as this year’s world champion.” 

Grit and guts and glory. 

Victory shines on Jimin today, brilliant rays of sunlight beating down on her figure as she stands tall on the stage of the winners’ ceremony. The weight of the trophy is heavy in her hands, gleaming gold dripping ostentatiously, and the weight of three time reigning world champion is a title she carries proudly. 

Tears drip from Jimin’s eyes, streaking down her cheeks as she holds the trophy over her head, holding it up as the Ferrari team cheers and screams and revels with her in celebration. The journey here was harsh and difficult, but they made it, and glory be to their triumph. 

Confetti and champagne soak the air and there is no greater feeling that courses through Jimin than this moment. 

And then Minjeong places a hand on her shoulder, and the warmth radiating from every inch of her palm seeps down to her very bones to prove her wrong. Jimin turns and she’s still blubbering through her tears and joy as Minjeong laughs at her. She’s pulled into a hug, Yeji thankfully taking the trophy so that her hands are free to wrap around her wife in a crushing embrace. 

“I’m not kissing you when there’s snot dripping down your nose, Jimin-ah.” A choked laugh springs out of Jimin and she burrows her face in her wife’s neck. Warm hands stroke down her shoulders, carding through her hair, resting on the small of her back, and it takes everything in her not to kiss Minjeong in front of everyone. 

“Minjeong-ah…” Jimin can only say her name. And it feels okay, it feels right. 

“Congratulations! You deserve it.” Minjeong whispers her affections in her ear, and Jimin prefers it like this. Sweet and quiet and solely reserved for her. 

A warbled “thank you” is all Jimin can say, but she knows her partner knows what she is trying to convey through her touch, through her tight embrace, through the soft kiss that is hidden as it is pressed upon Minjeong’s neck. Love and gratitude and trust, and all the soft, vulnerable feelings that pour out of her whenever she is with Minjeong. 

I love you. 

Thank you for being by my side.  

Thank you for being a place where my love can go. 

✦✧