Chapter Text
"T1 earning their legacy again and again and again!
There can be no doubting it. Four players on the rift today making the impossible possible.
Oner, Faker, Gumayusi, Keria and now Doran as well are now World Champions!"
Cheers erupted in the stadium as KT Rolster's nexus shatter.
They had done it. They managed to defend their title for three consecutive years.
A bright blue 'Victory' flashed in their screens, concluding the brutal five-game series. Minhyung pushed back his chair and spun around. Minseok was already there. His support is waiting for him.
There was no thought of past mistakes, benching issues, and certainly no fear of an expiring contract — only pure and overwhelming relief and joy.
Minhyung wrapped his arms around his support, a hug so tight that was meant to last forever.
He could have asked for more but now is not the time.
A hug will do for now.
Their shared brutal climb from Play-ins to Grand Finals letting each team know that they are the best botlane in the world and his unspoken feelings for his support all crashed down on him.
As they were ushered to lift the trophy, every accidental brush of their skin felt electric and amplified. Minhyung knew it was deeper than the joy of winning.
This ecstatic feeling wasn't rooted in the victory but he found it in the promise he made for Minseok — to be the best AD Carry for his Legendary Genius Monster support.
Minhyung stood by Minseok. As they held the trophy, riding the high of victory, he yearned to wrap his hand around Minseok's and never let go. They were so close, if he just had the balls to actually do it in front of everyone, he would.
But he stopped himself. Disrupting their victory with rumors is last thing he wants to happen. He settled for the proximity, the shared weight of the summoner's cup acting as a glorious link between their palms.
Hours flew by with their trophy ceremony, photo shoots, and a short meeting regarding their next skin line.
Still buzzed with euphoria, the bot lane duo walked side by side in their hotel lobby. Minhyung finally broke the silence between them.
"Minseok, we won."
"I know, are you happy? Let me hold your FMVP trophy," Minseok teased Minhyung.
"I will give it to you. Only if you will take me too," Minhyung said sternly. He is willing to give everything in this world for Minseok — his salary, his fame, his future.
Despite years of playing together, it was only now that everything clicked into place. He realized that he loves Minseok.
Minhyung thought it was normal to feel that way. He thought it was normal for their botlane synergy.
"What? No! That's yours. You earned it," panic streaked across Minseok's voice. It's definitely not what I think it is, right? he thought.
"I bet our fans will post some pics of us hugging again and how cute we look!"
He tried to ease the sudden awkwardness that filled the air between them. Little did he know, it was not the right topic to shift into.
"Minseok, what are we?"
Both of them now standing in front of their room.
"We're the best botlane, Gumayusi and Keria-yaang~"
Minhyung can't help himself but laugh.
"Yes. We are the best." he tapped the keycard to his hotel room door. "Would you like to come in?"
"Why? Are you okay? Are you going to cry again?"
"No, I just want to tell you something."
People can say a lot of things regarding Minhyung but coward will never be part of it.
Minseok's heart thumped like a wild drum. He had known that this will happen sooner or later. He knew ever since they won in 2024 that his feelings for his ADC had crossed the boundary of professional partnership. What he feels right now is something dangerous and consuming.
The very reason he also chose to distance himself with Minhyung when he was benched earlier this year.
"Sure, let's go inside."
The room was quiet. Only soft glows of a single standing lamp illuminated the whole room. Minhyung sat on the couch and tapped the space beside him for Minseok to sit.
"What do you want to talk about, Minhyung-ah? Is this about the contract? I told you, we're a package deal don't worry about it too much. They won't let you go that easily," he said assuringly.
"It's not about that. I want to tell you something that … I want to say that I am dumb," Minhyung took a deep breath before continuing his words. "I know it might seem that what we have was special but I thought it was just how our friendship go — a little on the flirty side but I can't pretend anymore that it's a friendly banter anymore."
"Minseokie, I've been wanting to do this since earlier." Minhyung intertwined their hands. He paused for a bit, staring directly into Minseok's eyes laying his whole heart bare and honest.
"I love you. I can't pretend that I don't have any feelings for you. It's okay if you're not going to accept it, I just wanted you to know."
Minseok stared at him, the tears that had been so close all night finally streamed down his face.
"Don't cry, Minseokie. I am not asking you to reciprocate my feelings. I just think it's time for me to name this feeling and not leave you hanging with all the flirting." He held the other man closer. Feeling guilty that he made the best support in this world cry.
"You're an idiot, Minhyung-ah."
"Yes, Minseokie. I'm an idiot for not confessing sooner."
"But you're my idiot," Minseok leaned closer to Minhyung, placing his hand on each side of his face. "When you were benched, I had to work twice as hard to keep my concentration. I was afraid that I was going to lose you that time. I have loved you for a long time Minhyung-ah, why do you think I took your invitation to come to T1? I only realized it last year after winning Worlds but I chose to not entertain it … even ran away from it. I was scared that if I touch you, I won't ever let go."
Minhyung was dumbfounded with the sudden confession. He cannot form words to express how happy he was at that moment. He leaned forward, closing the final inch between their faces.
The kiss was soft and gentle. It was a silent acknowledgement of their nameless flirting was real and genuine. It was a release of doubt, uncertainty, and missed chances between them.
When they finally broke apart, both were breathing hard, smiling.
"That was much better than a hug,"
Minhyung grinned and pulled Minseok closer to him.
"We have years worth of missed hugs and kisses … possibly more, to make up for."
The victory buzz, the screaming crowds, the impending doom of his contract — all faded away. All that remain was the warm, absolute, and undeniable love they both share.