Chapter Text
It was a normal day for Jeong Jihoon and Lee Sanghyeok. A walk toward their dorm, after their day out. They have been spending their time together more often ever since they got to know each other better during Asian Games. At first their relationship was casual, but it started to develop in a more intimate direction as they both find themselves comfortable with each other, more than they expected.
Jihoon always presents himself as a friendly, carefree and playful person toward others, as it is the best way to be accepted by others. Of course he knew that for a fact. He always does that while maintaining comfortable distance toward others (he still prefers being alone to maintain his sanity, of course). His strategy works all the time each time he switched to new team, with new teammates. His strategy works for all his fans, since he found himself being adored for his goofy acts.
With Sanghyeok, he feels like he doesn’t need to follow that strategy. He can simply be himself. Maybe it’s because they are quite similar in some ways. They’re both deep thinkers. They both know how exactly their “world” works, and what they did to thrive in it. A fabricated act and words toward each other would be ridiculous, since they both know they can easily detect the truth. So he let his act and thoughts free, which is a rare thing for him to do.
“You know hyung, they always call me a farming robot. But…”
“That’s because they are not capable of thinking 2-3 steps ahead, while listing the possibilites of occurence on taking those steps.” Sanghyeok immediately cuts him.
It was unexpected.
An unexpected response. Jihoon couldn’t help but feeling amused. He originally intended to make a silly joke out of that statement. But now, hearing Sanghyeok’s sincere response somehow gave him a weird feeling. a good, weird feeling.
Someone actually understands him.
“…or how much gain and loss in all those possibilites of occurence.” Jihoon added, as his approval. He peeked at Sanghyeok, curious. Wanting to know where this conversation leads to.
Sanghyeok just nodded at him.
“They simply couldn’t reach the logic behind your decision-making.” he continued.
“Hyung, Is this a flattery?”
Sanghyeok chuckled. “I know how your mind works, Jihoon-ah. You observe, calculate, and strategize in the most efficient way. But the thing is, there is a small factor that can’t be rationalized. Such as gut, which would lead to luck, or… simply badluck.”
“…that is something I struggle with, indeed. Though I’d never imagine myself relying solely on luck.” the younger shrugged.
another chuckle as a response. “Well I wouldn’t recommend that either, Jihoon-ah. But you can have better chance with your gut by gaining experience overtime.” The older responded, while lightly patting Jihoon’s back.
“ Don’t you think it’s unfair? We both know I’d never find myself with more experience than you, since you obviously started earlier. Logically, there’s no way I can beat you solely with guts. “ Jihoon responded jokingly.
“You did beat me already on several games.” the older pointed out. “There’s no reason for putting me as your winning indicator.”
Oh, Dae-Sanghyeok.
Sometimes he just forgets how great he is. Everyone aspires to surpass him. Most of them just ended up succumbing . And here is Jihoon. He prevailed, standing tall enough to be considered as his rival.
“Well, we both have reputation to maintain. They have their eyes on us, comparing us in every possible way.”
“Well, I do enjoy our rivalry. But you should focus more on your own growth. You’ve been steadily improving each time we face of in games. You’ll do great.”
A classic Faker with his wise word and cool demeanor. He is just so good at crafting words, just like how Jihoon is in crafting his acts. A worthy opponent.
Jihoon made a pouting expression, then shifted to smile at the older.
“Thanks, hyung.”
He leaned down, looking straight at sanghyeok’s eyes with a playful expression.
“ But Sanghyeok-hyung, we are not here for a coaching session. We’re on a date, remember?”
A date. Hearing that word comes out from his own mouth is still bizzare. But Jihoon himself is the one who insisted to meet up. Just the two of them. And Sanghyeok agreed. So it’s technically a date, right?
Jihoon could detect a brief hesitation forming on Sanghyeok’s expression
“ What? you’re the one who started this conversation. I simply responded to your need.”
“And what if I need your attention?”
“You’re aware that I am paying attention to you right now.”
“not that kind of attention.”
“This…”
Jihoon slowly reached Sanghyeok’s hand, holding it gently. If they were lovers, this would be considered as a subtle act. But with their current relationship, it’s a bold act. A challenge for the opponent. An offer to explore another take on their relationship.
“What? Is this part of your strategy too? playing with your opponent’s mind?” Sanghyeok’s response was nonchalant, but a little wavering in his voice was intriguing enough to Jihoon.
Interesting.
“What strategy? I am simply following my gut, like you told me.” The younger just put on his playful innocent expression, while the older just stare at him.
He leaned closer to Sanghyeok, as he whispered to his ears
“I’m looking forward to gain more experience.”
He smirked, feeling satisfied, as he watched a change of colour in Sanghyeok’s ears.