PitBabeS2, Chapter 2 pg10

 pg10

   BABE:

   The off-season is the most boring time for me, especially right after the races end. Phii Alan shuts down the garage and practice track, sending all the racers off to rest—a rule stricter than you’d think. Once, I snuck out to practice during the break and got caught by Alan. That time, I was banned from the track for a week. So, no matter how bored I am now, I’m not daring to break that rule again.

   I’ve done everything I can think of—played the simulator, video games, toy race cars, even tried watching movies—but nothing seems to work. The boredom mixed with a slight irritation just won’t go away. It’s like this every time Charlie’s not around. When that glasses-wearing nerd is here, we don’t even do much beyond the same stuff I’ve already tried, but with Charlie sitting there with his goofy face next to me, it’s way more fun. Time flies, and before I know it, it’s dark. But when I’m alone, I can do a thousand things, and only ten minutes pass.

   “Haha, this edit is insane,” I muttered, sprawled on the couch, scrolling through my social media feed like some Gen Z kid. Lately, my timeline’s been flooded with videos about Charlie. That kid blew up from a video an X-Hunter fan took during last season’s race. Honestly, the video’s nothing special—just Charlie stepping out of his car after a race, taking off his helmet and gloves. His face looked grumpier than usual, probably because the car had some issues that day. But somehow, that grumpy expression got replayed nearly five million times, with comments like, “Didn’t think the puppy could get mad!” or “I want Charlie to be grumpy more often.”

   At first, it was funny to me that people were so excited about a Charlie who wasn’t his usual cute, golden-retriever self. That kid’s made that face around me countless times—probably because I tease him a lot. But trust me, Charlie’s way grumpier than people think; he just doesn’t show it to others much.

   After that video went viral, Charlie’s popularity skyrocketed. From the puppy trailing behind me, he became a new star with an official fan club. He’s a bit awkward about it, though. Charlie doesn’t like the attention, so he tries to act oblivious when fans wait for him at the track or scream his name like maniacs. At most, the glasses kid will turn and wave once or twice, flashing a polite smile that’s obviously forced. Still, it’s enough to make the guys and girls swoon.

   As an adult, I’ll admit I get a bit jealous of how much more popular Charlie is becoming. Of course, fans shouting his name from the sidelines doesn’t faze me at all. In fact, I’m happy that so many people love and adore my boyfriend. But the more attention Charlie gets, the more people want to get close to him. Especially now that the kid’s grown up since we first met—taller, broader shoulders, more muscular, with a calmer demeanor. Even I, his boyfriend, secretly admire him every day. So, imagine how others, who don’t get to see him up close, feel. Everyone wants to be near him, to catch the eye of my nerdy pup. But that jealousy is just a small flicker in my heart. I’ve always managed it well, and a big part of that is thanks to Charlie. If he weren’t such a loyal pup, I’d probably be too jealous to function by now.

   “Charlie’s girlfriend… ha, what a name,” I couldn’t help but chuckle at the wildly creative account names from Charlie’s fanbase. Back in the day, it was mostly older fans who doted on him like a son or grandson. Now, the “girlfriends” and “wives” have taken over the scene. I used to be the only one who saw Charlie’s sexiness, but now it’s become public charm. “Whoa! So handsome, how do you even save this?”

   Some might think I’m too obsessed with my boyfriend, but that’s not it. I just appreciate every bit of Charlie’s existence. Even though I see him every day, videos with his handsome face are worth collecting, aren’t they? Saving them to rewatch later isn’t weird, right?

   “Ugh… when’s he coming back?!” When Charlie’s not around, I can let myself be embarrassingly dramatic, like kicking my legs like a kid wanting a toy, frustrated that he’s taking forever to return. But calling to check on him feels like being a bad boyfriend. He already told me what he’s doing, where, and when he’ll be back. If I call to nag, I’d just come off as a clingy, annoying partner.

   But sending a quick text shouldn’t seem too nosy, right?

   [Hey nerd]

   [What you up to?]

   I sent the message in our private chat. While waiting for a reply, I opened Instagram. The top bar showed the usual row of profile circles from people I follow, but the one at the front caught me off guard—it was Charlie’s. A purple-yellow gradient ring circled his goofy profile picture, signaling a new post. That’s rare. Charlie barely uses social media, mostly just to keep up with news (usually for that project of his). He posts a picture once in a blue moon, often of us together. Real-time story updates? Almost never. But today, there it was.

   “Hmm…” Of course, I tapped to check it out, and what I saw wasn’t exactly thrilling. It was a story someone else posted, tagging Charlie’s account, and he’d reposted it. The content was a video of a guy—probably the account owner—holding up his phone to film himself, smiling at the camera before panning to Charlie’s face. It wouldn’t have been a big deal, except the angle showed the guy standing in a way that looked like he was wrapping his arm around Charlie’s neck from behind. My oblivious nerd, sitting at a computer, gave an awkward smile to the camera, letting some cute-faced guy I don’t even know get that close. And he reposted it like it was nothing. “Tch.”

   You can’t call me clingy for this one.

   

Previous

Next