Mila rushed around her room nervously as she prepared for the party. Today was Yuki's 23rd birthday, and all the Grid drivers were gathering to celebrate at a private club in Miami's outskirts.

Lando had suggested introducing Mila to everyone tonight, since some of the other drivers were bringing their girlfriends along as well. Despite her feeling hesitant and anxious, they both agreed it would be a good chance to see how well they could act as a couple in public.

Lando hadn't told the other drivers much, just that he would be bringing Mila along. Some of the nosy drivers, like Charles, Pierre, and Oscar, had many questions, but Lando decided to ignore the group chat after dropping the news.

He was currently in his hotel room, getting ready and feeling nervous about tonight. He wasn't sure if any of the drivers would figure out they were faking the relationship. He was especially worried about Carlos and Max, as they could read him well, and he feared they might easily see through their lie.

Feeling anxious, Lando sighed and picked up the bouquet of lilies he bought for Mila, along with Yuki's gift. He left his hotel and drove to Mila's apartment complex, leaving her a text saying he was on his way over.

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After a 10-minute drive, Lando reached Mila's place. She had texted him that she was ready, so he waited downstairs, not wanting to waste time going up since they were already late. After a few minutes, Mila got into the car with a smile.

"Hey," she greeted him warmly.

"Hey," Lando replied, feeling in awe of her. "You look beautiful, Lani."

He meant it. She truly was beautiful, Lando had no doubt in admitting that, but lately, he had been noticing it more than usual- how her hair always framed her face perfectly and she always had such a warm smile on her face. He was lost in thought until she asked him some question again.

"Uh, sorry, what did you say?" he asked, starting the car.

"I asked how you're feeling," she said, looking confused.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Lando replied as he drove. "And you? Nervous?" he asked her.

"Obvi," she replied with a nervous sigh, "I have no idea how tonight might go."

"It'll be fine. I'll be with you the entire time," Lando reassured her. "And if you want to leave at any point, just let me know. Okay?"

Mila nodded as she glanced at the back seat and asked, "Is that Yuki's gift?"

"Yeah, I'll say it's from both of us," Lando replied.

"If you had told me about the plans beforehand, I could've gotten him a gift myself," Mila pointed out with a joking tone as Lando rolled his eyes.

"Are the flowers for him too?" she asked, noticing the bouquet, but Lando quickly shook his head.

"Oh shit, I forgot to give them to you," he cursed. "They're for you."

"Aw, thank you," Mila said, smiling warmly as she took the bouquet, admiring it. "You don't have to get me flowers every time we go out, you know."

"If I don't, that would make me a terrible boyfriend," Lando joked. "Do you think I'm a terrible boyfriend, Lani?"

Mila laughed and shook her head. "No, you're a great fake boyfriend, Lando," she joked back, and Lando smiled, relieved that they could still joke and be good friends despite the new circumstances.

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A long drive later, they finally reached the club where Yuki's birthday bash was happening. As soon as Mila stepped out of the car, paparazzi swarmed around her, snapping photos and shouting questions. Lando quickly came to her rescue, guiding her away from the crowd and into the club through a back entrance.

"Sorry, I parked at the wrong gate," he apologized, feeling guilty. "I didn't expect so many paparazzi."

"It's okay, Lando," Mila reassured him, finding his concern amusing. "I'm used to it."

Though Lando felt sad that she was accustomed to such things happening to her, he held her hand tightly as they entered the club and headed upstairs to the private booth where their party was in full swing.

As they walked in, the first person they saw was Max, who hugged Lando.

"Hey man, you're finally here," Max shouted over the music. Then, he turned to Mila. "Hi Mila, I'm Max, Lando's neighbor in Monaco! It's nice to finally meet you!"

"Hi Max, nice to meet you too," she said with a smile. Before Max could say more, Pierre and Kika joined them.

"Lando, you made it!" Pierre exclaimed, sounding a bit drunk. "Where's your girl?"

Before Lando could respond, Pierre greeted Mila. "Hi Mila, nice to finally meet you!"

"Hi Pierre," she laughed, sensing Lando's discomfort at his friend's behavior. Kika shot Pierre a look, silently warning him not to be too nosy, then introduced herself to Mila.

Soon, Mila had met everyone at the party. She chatted with Kika, Pierre, and Yuki, while Lando stood by her side, holding her hand. He looked ready to step in if someone asked intrusive questions. But Mila seemed to be enjoying herself, which made Lando feel relieved.

As the conversation continued, Lando suddenly sat up straight when he saw Carlos arrive at the party. Mila noticed his change in demeanor and looked at him with concern.

"Is everything okay?" she whispered in his ear.

"Y-yeah, everything's fine, Lani," he replied with a weak smile. Mila wasn't entirely convinced, but before she could ask further, Carlos approached the group, diverting her attention.

Carlos greeted Yuki with a hug and then turned to Lando, hugging him too. He then smiled at Mila.

"Hello Milana, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard great things from Lando," he said over the music as Mila warmly smiled back.

"Likewise," she replied, "oh, and please call me Mila."

Carlos nodded before turning to Lando, who avoided eye contact with him.

"So, how long have you two been..." he paused, unsure of how to phrase it, "don't get me wrong, Lando always talks about you to us, but he never mentioned that you two were... romantically involved, so it's a bit of a surprise."

"It just happened, maybe that's why," Mila explained, "we've been friends for so long. I guess we didn't realize there was more to it until it actually happened."

Carlos nodded in understanding. "Well, congratulations," he said with a big smile, patting Lando's back, "he's a very special guy. I'm sure you will make each other very happy."

Mila smiled gratefully at him as Lando forced a smile too. Since his early days at McLaren, Carlos had been like a big brother to him, and he felt guilty about keeping this secret from him. But he convinced himself it was for the best. He was afraid of Carlos' reaction if he found out the truth. Seeing Carlos not suspicious so far gave him some relief.

Maybe they could manage this secret after all, he thought to himself.

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kellypiquet added to their story!

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yukitsunoda0511

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23🎂

Comments

danielricciardo Happy Birthday, mate🎂🎂 Bummed I missed the party
↳ yukitsunoda0511 Thanks, Danny

maxverstappen1 Cheers, mate🍻

milacooper Happy Birthday, Yuki. Thanks for such a fun party🎊
↳ yukitsunoda0511 It was great to finally get to meet you, Mila😊

pierregasly Such a great night🍻🪩

user1 Happy birthday to the cutest driver of the Grid🥳🥳

user2 They all got together to celebrate his birthday 🥹

user3 MILA WAS AT YUKI'S PARTY
↳ user4 YES PAPS SPOTTED HER ARRIVING WITH LANDOOO
↳ user2 THEY HAVE TO BE DATING AT THIS POINT. All the drivers stared following her last night!
↳ user5 It's sad she can't go anywhere without paps swarming her. As fans, we should respect her privacy and not encourage this behaviour by the paps
↳ user4 True😞 It was adorable how Lando immediately stepped in and moved her away from them
↳ user6 my #Milando heart is finally getting what I prayed for🥹😩

carlossainz55 23 looks good on you, man🎂

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rydercooper replied to your story!
↳ You seriously took my sister to a club?? I thought you said you don't drink??