LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES. JANUARY 2024.

The off-season, despite being a chance to relax, was very hectic for Jacob. It involved a lot of travelling to see friends and family, a lot of press and admin things following his rookie season and a lot of spending all the time he could with Olivia before she went on tour.

Their relationship was still very lowkey and under the radar, people online had started suspecting things but no one really thought the two were together.

Jacob had been spending a lot of time in LA as that was where Olivia, Sophie and Jaxon were all based. Although Sophie had been away for a while, filming her new film 'Set It Up'. Initially Emilia Clarke had been casted for the female lead but Sophie ended up replacing her. Sophie wasn't sure when it was coming out but knew it was some point this year.

She had an incredibly busy schedule that it was almost impossible to get a hold of her. She was wanted everywhere and had more offers than she could handle. Straight after filming the romcom she was filming a new Hunger Games film and then in the fall was due to go back on set for Euphoria.

Jacob was present for Jaxon's final game of the season, which was held at the beginning of January against the Kansas City Chiefs. It was a tight game but the Chiefs ended up on top 13-12 but it didn't change the fact Jax had an incredibly successful rookie season. Although it may not have seemed like it on paper for the team, Jaxon himself played a crucial role in the Chargers and this was recognised when Jaxon won the NFLs Offensive Rookie of the Year.

It seemed like Thierry was having a hectic off-season too, he was back in Monaco where his dad was preparing him for what was to come in his rookie season at Sauber. Thierry understood what it was like for Jacob to have all these press arrangements and admin things they needed to do.

However, they all managed to fit in a birthday celebration for both Jacob and Jax who were born in January. It was nothing lavish, just a simple dinner but it was the company that mattered.

Currently, he was at Olivia's apartment watching a film with the girl in her bed. He had his arms around her and she was laying comfortably on his chest as he drew lines up and down her back gently.

There was a notification sound from Olivia's phone which caused her to check her phone, it was from the McLaren app.

"What's that?"

"McLaren welcome Jacob Thompson: a rising star joins the team. Read the interview now." Olivia read out.

"You have notifications on that?"

Olivia blushed. "Of course, I want to know what you're up to."

Inside Jacob felt his heart warm and gave Olivia a kiss on the top of her head. "Are you reading it now."

No response. He looked at Olivia and her eyes were darting across her phone screen, taking in the article.

McLaren welcome Jacob Thompson: a rising star joins the team.

As the 2024 Formula 1 season approaches, McLaren Racing is thrilled to introduce Jacob Thompson to our esteemed fanbase. Jake, a prodigious talent and a name already making waves in the motorsport world, joins us with an impressive track record and determination to succeed. We sat down with him to learn more about his journey, his aspirations, and what he hopes to bring to McLaren.

When asked about how he feels about joining McLaren:
"Joining McLaren feels like coming home. The team's history, the passion, and the commitment to excellence are truly inspiring. I can't wait to meet the fans, interact with them, and hopefully give them plenty to cheer about. Their support means everything, and I want to make them proud.

When asked about his racing background:
"My racing career started in karting, like many drivers, and I quickly moved up the ranks. I raced for Carlin like Lando in Formula 4 in the British circuit before racing for Prema in both Formula 3 and Formula 2 FIA Championships, where I won consecutive titles. This past season, I was a reserve driver for Alpine and had the opportunity to compete in three Formula 1 races, finishing in the points each time. It was a fantastic learning experience."

When asked about his goals for this season with McLaren:
"My ultimate goal is to become a World Champion one day, but for this season, my focus is on consistently scoring points and proving that I am worthy of this incredible opportunity. I want to show everyone, including myself, that I can compete at the highest level and contribute positively to the team."

When asked about Thierry Arquette, a close friend of his who will also be starting his rookie season with Sauber.
"Thierry and I have a unique relationship. We're best friends off the track and fierce competitors on it. We've known each other before our karting days, and that rivalry has always pushed us to be better. I've grown up with him and I think we really bring out the best in each other in this sport. Racing against him in F1 will be a lot of fun and very challenging. We're both determined to outdo each other, but there's a lot of mutual respect."

When asked about his motivations and approach to racing:
"My motivation comes from a deep love for the sport and a desire to continually improve. I approach racing with a mindset of learning and adapting. Every race, every practice session is an opportunity to get better. I also believe in the power of teamwork. A driver is only as good as the team behind him, and I'm looking forward to working closely with everyone at McLaren."

As Jake Thompson joins the McLaren Racing team, we invite all our fans to support him on this exciting journey. The future looks bright with Jake in our ranks, and we can't wait to see what we achieve together.

Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes content as we embark on this new chapter with Jacob.

"Cute." Olivia commented after reading the interview.

"Expect much more, they had me do so much promo content and it's not even done yet. Have to be at their HQ at the beginning of February."

Their time together was coming to an end, soon Jacob would be starting his season where his main focus would be his racing and Olivia would be going on tour. Jacob had planned to see some of her shows and vice versa. There was one point where Jake would be in Miami for the Grand Prix and that weekend Olivia had shows in Boston and Washington before having to travel to Philadelphia. There was a gap between Miami and the next Grand Prix so Jake was planning on using that week to see Olivia and spend some time with her.

There was another point later on where Olivia could see Jacob in Canada during her break in between the US and Europe leg on the tour and another point where they were both in the UK at the same time.

Either way, it was incredibly complicated and Jake would be lying if he didn't have some concerns about it. He was sure Olivia and him could make it work, but he knew it would be difficult. Two people with two vastly different careers and different aspirations.

For now, he wanted to cherish the time he had with her and was very much enjoying every second they spent together. They had been almost inseparable and since he had arrived in LA, he had practically been living with Olivia.

"Do you think it's time to tell others about us? Or maybe start posting it on social media?" Olivia asked.

Jacob looked away from the TV and looked at Olivia. "I'm not sure, it's up to you. I think if we get everyone on it there might be so many eyes on our relationship and with the season coming and you going on tour that might be difficult."

Olivia nodded, signifying that she understood. "I want people to know I'm taken though."

"I want that too." Jacob said with a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Have you see all the people online who have massive crushes on you? Have you seen the edits?"

Olivia burst out laughing. "You get edits of me on your TikTok for you page?"

"I mean, it's called a for you page for a reason." Jacob replied with a playful shrug.

"I could say the same for you." Olivia retorted. "You have your own little fan club."

"As do you!"

The playful banter continued until they both mutually decided that it was ok for them to post that they were in a relationship, just not tell the world it was with each other just yet.

"I think I'm going to post this on my story then." Olivia said afterwards, Jacob looked over and nodded in approval.

Not even five minutes later, one of Olivia's biggest fanpages had quickly reposted the story.

"Fucking hell, your lot are quick aren't they?" Jacob said, in disbelief.

Olivia, whose head was still on Jacob's chest, tilted her head up to look at him with a giggle. "What can I say, I'm just really popular apparently."

"It's obsessive! That's what it is!" Jacob said, giving Olivia a peck.

"They like my arms eh?" Jacob commented, his ego getting boosted ever so slightly.

Olivia rolled her eyes. "And that's what you choose to focus on."

"I'm excited, your obsessive fans will go into proper detective mode now won't they."

Just then, notifications burst from both Jacob and Liv's phones from their group chats.

THE CORE FOUR

Jax 🏈
We got a Jake and Liv soft launch before GTA 6??? What a world we live in

Since when did you know what a soft launch is Jax?

Soph 🎥
us being in la together mean we see each other more than you think, he's been learning off me

Jax 🏈
Precisely

Anyways, what's your point?

Soph 🎥
we have no point, just wanted to comment on the obvious. you letting her fans go into sleuth mode then?

I'd like people to know she's taken, might stop people making a move on her

Thi 🏎️
Mate you're dating one of the hottest singers right now, someone's always gonna make a move on her

Did you just call my girlfriend hot?

Jax 🏈
Did you just call Olivia your girlfriend?

Thi 🏎️
I meant like in demand but that's besides the point...when did you two become girlfriend and boyfriend

We haven't, it was an accident

Soph 🎥
awwwww jake is in loveeeeee

Fuck off.

THE JBAFHC

conan gay
so liv, we are soft launching now??

iris apawow
why is he sticking his head out a window????

yes we are soft launching now, just want it out there im in a very happy relationship (:

also he was sticking his head out cause he wanted fresh air

conan gay
a very happy relationship where you aren't boyfriend and girlfriend yet? liv is whipped for him!!!

we haven't had that convo yet cause with the season and tour it's all a bit complicated

iris apatow
talk to him abt it!!!! communication = key

conan gay
haven't we learnt that from the last too? hence why we are the joshua bassett/adam faze hate club

yeah i guess, i'll talk to him now

With the two distracted by their friends, they finally put their phones down.

"So." they both said at the same time.

"You go first." they also said at the same time.

"No you go first." again, at the same time.

They burst into laughter before Olivia started speaking.

"I wanted to talk to you about what we-"

"-Olivia will you be my girlfriend."

"Say that again?"

"Well I just accidentally called you my girlfriend when texting the others and realised I haven't actually asked because it's all a bit hectic but now that I think of it, I actually want you to be my girlfriend."

Olivia let out a laugh. "I was just about to say the same thing. I will be your girlfriend. I like the sound of that."

Jacob smiled and the two shared a kiss. For now, everything was fine.