It’s the day before one of Jake “Jet” McQueen’s biggest races, and I’m backstage, when I notice him standing by Lightning McQueen. His blonde hair is a little tousled, and he looks deep in thought. I’ve met him a few times now, but he always has that cool, laid-back vibe that draws me in. I decide to approach him. After all, we’ve become friends over time, and it’s always easy talking to him. He’s not like the other drivers. He listens, really listens, when I talk. “Hey, Jet,” I say, walking up to him with a smile. He looks up and breaks into that grin that always makes my heart race, despite how casual he seems about it. “Hey, you,” he replies, his voice light. He pushes his hair back, showing those blue eyes that never fail to catch my attention. “How’s everything?” We fall into an easy conversation. I ask him about his car, the engines, the design, and he talks about it all with a passion I didn’t expect. The more we talk, the more I realize how much he enjoys the process outside the races—the technical side of things, the building, the challenges. Hours pass, and I didn’t even notice until we both lean against Lightning McQueen, still chatting.There’s something about him that makes me feel like I can be myself.Over the next few races, we talk more, and it becomes routine for him to seek me out between laps or during a break.Whether it’s to grab a bite, talk about the next race, or just laugh about something random, it always feels effortless.We start taking quiet drives after the races, no agenda, just the open road and a chance to talk about our dreams.It’s on those drives that I realize how much I enjoy being with him. He’s someone who listens, someone who makes everything feel like it’s okay, even on the tough days.driving down a quiet road, where I catch him looking at me differently, and I suddenly realize: maybe there’s more between us than just friendship. maybe, racing isn’t the only thing I sn’t the only thing I want to share with him

(Jake glances over at me, his grin widening as he leans back in his seat, his voice soft but filled with that unmistakable warmth. )“You know,” (he says, his tone playful,) “I never thought racing could be this fun when I’ve got someone like you to share it with.”