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The first day of Choi Hyeonjun’s new journey as a member of T1 began with the familiar hum of Seoul’s streets outside the car window. The city buzzed with its characteristic energy, but within him, emotions churned between anticipation and nerves. This wasn’t his first time visiting seeing the dorm building though he'd never lived in it; he'd been here before, back when he was with Gen.G. T1 and Gen.G had shared a nearby building, but then renovations had happened and living arrangements had changed. It seemed that T1 had now upgraded their living situation. Today, moving back into this neighbourhood held a completely different meaning - this time, he was here as part of the legendary team. The thought filled him with equal parts pride and pressure.
Hyewon, a composed and professional T1 staff member, had accompanied him on the ride over. Her crisp blazer and calm demeanour gave off an air of confidence that subtly reassured him. When they arrived at the underground parking lot, she handed him a neatly folded packet. “Here’s everything you’ll need,” she said warmly. “The schedule includes stream times, team filming dates, practice blocks, and any upcoming trips. There’s also a QR code for the online portal in case the schedule changes - oh and housing manual and your pass key to get into your room is at the front of this folder, since you'll need it right away. Any questions, just message me directly. Welcome to T1, Hyeonjun-ssi.”
“Thank you,” he replied, clutching the papers tightly as if they could anchor him in the midst of his racing thoughts.
He rode the elevator to his floor after checking the folder, each passing moment marking his approach to a new chapter. The building was quiet at this hour, likely because most of the players were still asleep. The tranquillity was oddly soothing, easing some of the weight pressing on his chest.
Stopping in front of the door to his new studio apartment, Hyeonjun unfolded the schedule packet, scanning it for the door code written neatly in the corner. Typing it into the keypad, he heard a soft beep, followed by the click of the lock. Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door and stepped inside.
The apartment was compact yet thoughtfully designed. A bed tucked into the corner, a desk equipped with a high-end gaming setup, a small kitchenette, and a tidy en-suite made up the space. What struck him most was the pristine condition of the room - clean and ready, as if the previous occupant had gone out of their way to prepare it for him. He wondered briefly who had stayed here before. Was it Wooje? Or someone from the academy? The thought lingered for a moment before he shook it off. He didn't really want to know, anyway.
He stepped inside, removed his shoes, and rolled his suitcase to the side of the bed. Pausing, he let his gaze roam the room, taking in the understated yet purposeful décor. The walls, though bare, seemed to hum with the unspoken history of the players who had once called this space home. Their achievements and struggles felt almost tangible, etched into the very air.
His attention drifted to the gaming setup. The ergonomic T1 branded chair sat slightly pulled out, as though waiting for him to take his place. The thought sent a ripple of determination through him. This was his now. The legacy of those who came before him wasn’t just an abstract concept; it was a responsibility he would carry forward.
As he stood in quiet reflection, a cheerful voice cut through his thoughts.
“Hyeonjun, hey!”
He turned to see Lee Minhyeong - Gumayusi - leaning casually against the doorway. Minhyeong’s easy grin lit up his face, and he exuded the same charisma off the Rift as he did on it. Dressed in relaxed clothes, he radiated a self-assured energy that Hyeonjun couldn’t help but appreciate.
“Minhyeong-ssi, hello,” Hyeonjun said, bowing slightly out of instinct.
“Ah, no need for that,” Minhyeong replied, waving off the formality. “We've known each other for a while, and we’re teammates now. Just call me Minhyeong.”
Hyeonjun nodded, though Minhyeong’s casual tone made him acutely aware of how new he still felt in this space. Minhyeong’s gaze flicked to the suitcase by the bed before returning to him. “Settling in alright? Need any help finding anything?”
“Thank you, I think I’ve got it,” Hyeonjun replied, though he appreciated the offer. "I was given a tour after my signing."
Minhyeong grinned. “Good. And hey, I saw we already have a schedule together coming up in a few days, T1 HQ tour. No pressure, though, just be yourself.”
The comment drew a small smile from Hyeonjun, who felt some of his tension ease. Minhyeong’s laid-back demeanour was disarming in a way that made the space feel less daunting and more welcoming. Minhyeong leaned against the doorframe, folding his arms as he spoke again.
“By the way, it won't always seem this quiet,” Minhyeong began, his tone dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “Minseokie is currently serving his basic military service, Sanghyeok-hyung has the room next to yours, but he’s spends more time in his own house during he off-season, and Hyeonjun - other Hyeonjun I mean - he's asleep.”
“That’s... good to know,” Hyeonjun replied, unsure how else to respond.
Minhyeong’s grin widened. “What’s even better is that Hyeonjunie isn’t your upstairs neighbour, I am. That guy’s louder than an entire scrim block when he’s hyped. I should know, I share a wall with him.”
“H-He is-?” Hyeonjun echoed, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh, you’ll find out soon enough,” Minhyeong teased. “Anyway, we’ve got practice later. Don't stress too much. The fans already like you. I’ve seen the comments. Don’t let any comparisons get in your head.”
Hyeonjun blinked. “You’ve… seen comments?”
“Of course,” Minhyeong said, his smile softening into something more genuine. “Though if it ever gets overwhelming, just talk to me or the others. We’ve all been there.”
The sincerity in Minhyeong’s voice caught Hyeonjun off guard, and he found himself nodding. “Thanks, Minhyeong.”
“Anytime.” With that, Minhyeong gave him a casual wave, before he clicked the door shut and strolled down the hallway. Hyeonjun stood for a moment, the interaction leaving him feeling unexpectedly lighter. Finally, he turned back into his room and sank onto the edge of the mattress. The day had been a whirlwind of introductions, explanations, and the subtle weight of stepping into such a storied organisation. Yet, there was something grounding about finally being here, in this space that was now his.
As he began arranging his desk, he took note of how every detail in the room seemed designed for efficiency. The drawers slid open smoothly, revealing compartments perfect for peripherals. The closet, though empty, carried a faint scent of cologne - a reminder of the person who had stayed here before.
Reaching into his suitcase, he pulled out a framed photo of his family and placed it on the desk. The small gesture filled him with a sense of warmth and purpose. This was why he was here - to make them proud.
Hyeonjun turned his focus to the present, fixing up his gaming set-up the way he wanted it, and adding some personal touches to the room. He unpacked his shampoo and soaps in the bathroom.
As the night deepened, faint laughter drifted down from upstairs. Hyeonjun found the noise oddly comforting - a reminder that he wasn’t alone. Instead of lying back to relax, he reached for the folder Hyewon had given him, determined to get a head start on familiarising himself with the schedule and expectations. Flipping through the pages, he noted his stream obligations, the overall schedule, and the upcoming tour vlog Minhyeong had mentioned. T1 were incredibly busy for an esports organisation in the off season, and he felt a bit of dread and anticipation as he thought of just how busy the regular season would be. Each detail seemed meticulously planned, leaving little room for error - a reflection of the organisation's reputation.
After reviewing the folder thoroughly, Hyeonjun felt a surge of energy despite it being past 3am in the morning. He turned to his gaming setup, booting up his PC and decided to test his new set-up with a round of solo queue. Feeling adventurous, he opted for Rumble instead of the Jayce he'd been grinding for weeks, and then happily sat back when the victory screen illuminated the room in a soft blue glow.
He yawned and stretched, and decided that finally, it was time for bed. Tomorrow would bring new challenges and connections, but for now, Hyeonjun found comfort in the quiet promise of what lay ahead.
*
Three days after signing with T1, Hyeonjun found himself staring at the countdown timer on his streaming software. It was Friday evening, and he was minutes away from going live for the first time as a T1 player. The organisation had planned the stream to introduce him to fans, a chance for them to get to know the newest addition to the team. Yet, despite all the preparation, Hyeonjun couldn’t shake the nervous energy coursing through him.
The T1 streaming booth at headquarters was spotless and sleek, with state-of-the-art equipment set up just for him. This booth would be his personal streaming space going forward, and the weight of that responsibility wasn’t lost on him. The T1 logo was emblazoned on the door he had entered through, a reminder of the legacy he was stepping into. He adjusted his seat, the glow from the two monitor screens casting soft shadows on the room. Everything had been prepared meticulously by the staff, but Hyeonjun still felt the subtle hum of anxiety in his chest.
With a deep breath, he clicked the “Go Live” button. The chat exploded almost instantly, the scrolling messages a blur of greetings, emojis, and excited exclamations, and a flurry of balloons and donations.
“Hello, everyone,” he said, his voice trembling a little but a bright smile formed on his lips as he showed off the T1 logo on his zip up hoodie. “I'm T1 Doran - nice to meet you. There's... so many people here in the chat. There's too many viewers."
The chat responded with enthusiasm, fans flooding him with questions in the chat and the nicest messages. He honestly admitted that he felt awkward and slowly, his shyness began to melt away under their warmth as he responded to the fans, explaining to them how he'd just unpacked a suitcase back in the dorm and that he'd come to stream after. They didn’t need to know that he’d arrived to the dorms the day before and had fallen asleep before he’d fully finished unpacking.
Hyeonjun soon realised that the soundproofing of the streaming booth was terrible, and it made it even more awkward for him because he hadn't formally met anyone else on the team or the coaching staff yet except for Minhyeong. Knowing that some of them were just a wall away made him feel a little bad because he should've said hello to them first. He'd briefly greeted Sanghyeok earlier, but the midlaner had been mid-game so he didn't know if that even counted. Hyeonjun hated himself, why was he born with such an awkward and shy personality?
The fans seemed to love his honesty though, the chat filling with supportive messages and playful banter. It was reassuring, even invigorating.
Just as he was starting to feel at ease, there door suddenly opened and a head poked in and said hello, and Hyeonjun’s breath caught. Standing there was a tall figure with sharp features and an air of quiet confidence. Moon Hyeonjun – Oner – his presence filling the small space instantly.
Hyeonjun had never gotten up faster in his life, greeting him with embarrassment written all over his face as he shook his hand and bowed multiple times. He felt bad, because being the newbie, he should've been the one to go and say hello, but the jungler had beaten him to it.
It was so quick and so awkward, and with a “fighting, fighting!" Oner was gone again.
Hyeonjun exhaled, sinking back into his chair. His heart was racing, and he wasn’t sure why. Shaking his head, he scolded himself, "ah... the newbie should've gone first... this is morally wrong!" He really should have gone to say hello to Oner, now he'd missed his chance to make a good first impression.
As the stream continued, Hyeonjun found it harder to concentrate. His mind kept replaying the moment Oner had greeted him, the way his voice had filled the room with a quiet assurance. It wasn't too strange that his mind lingered, considering he continued to hear the jungler through the wall for most of the stream.
By the time he ended the stream, Hyeonjun felt exhausted and also a little bit guilty for rejecting Oner's request towards the end of the stream to play a steam game with him. He was tired, yes, but more than that... he would first have to create a new steam account. At least he thought so, anyway, he couldn't remember the last time he'd played a game on there. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the darkened monitor as the room fell silent once more. Despite his best efforts to brush it off, the memory of Oner’s visit lingered.
Hyeonjun yawned, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his neck. It had been a good stream, even if Oner’s antics had left him a little frazzled. He looked through the available apps on his new desktop for a moment, and then took a look at the T1 membership app even though he didn’t have his own profile yet, before he stretched and stood up, needing to stretch his legs.
He stepped out into the hallway, intending to grab a bottle of water. As he turned the corner, he nearly bumped into Oner, who was coming out of his own streaming booth.
“Oh! Sorry,” Hyeonjun said quickly, stepping back.
“No problem,” Oner said, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips. He leaned casually against the wall, his gaze lingering on Hyeonjun’s flushed face. “You’re pretty easy to fluster, huh?”
Hyeonjun blinked, his cheeks heating up further. “What? I’m not flustered.”
“Reeeally?” Oner tilted his head, the teasing smile growing wider. “Because you turned about five shades of red when I invited you for a game earlier.”
“I-I did not,” Hyeonjun stammered, crossing his arms in a feeble attempt to regain some composure.
Oner chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. “It’s cute.”
Hyeonjun’s brain short-circuited at the comment, and he could only stare at Oner in disbelief.
“I’ll let you go,” Oner said, pushing off the wall and walking past him. “Goodnight, Hyeonjun-ssi.”
“G-Goodnight,” Hyeonjun mumbled, barely managing to get the words out. He watched Oner disappear down the hallway, his heart pounding in his chest.
As he stood there, trying to process the interaction, he realised one thing: Moon Hyeonjun was going to be a problem - and not just because he was loud.
*
The realisation struck Hyeonjun as he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Oner couldn’t have known he’d turned red when he yelled through the wall unless…
He shot up, his blanket tumbling off him. Had he been watching his stream?
His heart raced as he replayed the events in his mind. The timing, the way Oner had teased him in the hallway - there was no other explanation. He groaned, burying his face in his hands. Why him?
Following that realisation, Hyeonjun hardly slept. Oner, how he must have been watching the stream to notice Hyeonjun blushing, it had left his thoughts spiralling. The idea that his new teammate had been quietly observing him made his chest feel tight, though whether it was out of embarrassment or something else, he wasn’t sure.
By lunchtime, he found himself at T1 HQ, tray in hand, scanning the cafeteria. It was the weekend, so the atmosphere was relaxed, with a mix of staff and players catching up over steaming bowls of rice and side dishes. Spotting Lee Minhyeong sitting alone, engrossed in his phone, Hyeonjun made his way over and slid into the seat across from him.
“Good morning,” Hyeonjun said.
“Morning,” Minhyeong replied absently, not looking up as his fingers moved deftly across his screen. A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
Before Hyeonjun could start a conversation, Oner appeared, tray balanced in one hand as he dropped into the seat beside him. “What’s up, Hyeonjun-ssi?” Oner asked, his voice casual as he glanced between them.
Hyeonjun shrugged, feeling a little self-conscious under Oner’s gaze. “Not much. Minhyeong looks busy, though.”
Oner leaned back, smirking as he nodded toward Minhyeong. “He’s texting Minseokie.” He said the nickname in an almost mocking tone and Hyeonjun blinked, confused.
“Minseok?”
“Keria,” Oner clarified, his smirk widening and there was some obvious mischief in his eyes. “They’re close, you know.” Hyeonjun wanted to complain and tell him that of course he knew who Minseok was, it was merely Oner’s vagueness about it all that confused him. Hyeonjun’s confusion only grew.
“I guess so, they’re a bot duo.”
“Sure,” Oner said as he focused his attention on his food and started eating. After a moment he added, his tone deliberately vague. “A very close bot duo.”
“Like... best friends?”
“Something like that,” Oner replied, his voice laced with amusement. He took another bite of his food, leaving Hyeonjun to piece it together.
“What do you mean,” Hyeonjun said slowly, frowning. “What kind of close?”
Oner raised an eyebrow, his grin deepening. “You really don’t get it?”
Hyeonjun shook his head, clearly missing the point. Minhyeong looked up and shot Oner a dangerously annoyed glare, before he turned to Hyeonjun. “Friends, yes. Boyfriends. Honestly Hyeonjun-ah,” he turned back to Oner, clearly meaning him this time. “Don’t you have anything better to do than to make him suffer? Go eat elsewhere.”
Hyeonjun’s eyes widened though, and he started to wonder how long the two had been a couple. He’d known Minseok for so long... and they shared close friends, too. How had he not known? “Oh.” He glanced at Minhyeong, who was once more smiling at his phone.
“Anyway,” Oner said, shrugging the ADC’s comment off as if it was common for them to quarrel like this. “Why do you think he’s been glued to his phone all morning? It’s not like Minseok’s going to be gone for that long.”
Hyeonjun finally relaxed, becoming accustomed to the idea, and he responded. “Right, because of his military service. He’s only gone for, what, three weeks?”
Oner grinned. “Exactly, but they’re acting like it’s a full deployment. It’s almost cute, isn’t it- ouch !!” Oner jumped slightly, clearly having been kicked under the table by the botlaner.
The thought of Minhyeong missing Minseok so much made Hyeonjun smile, though he quickly became aware of Oner watching him.
“What about you?” Oner asked suddenly between bites.
“W-What about me?”
“Are you seeing anyone?” Oner’s tone was so casual, but there was a glint of curiosity in his eyes as he glanced over at him.
“Me?” Hyeonjun’s voice cracked slightly. “No, I’m not. I mean, I’m too busy with... everything here.”
“Too busy?” Oner repeated. “Come on, everyone has time for someone. No secret crushes?”
Hyeonjun’s face grew hot, and he quickly looked down at his tray. “No,” he mumbled.
Oner chuckled. “You’re blushing! That’s clearly a lie.”
“I’m not lying,” Hyeonjun insisted, though his burning cheeks said otherwise. “I’m not seeing anyone, or interested in anyone.”
“Uh-huh,” Oner said, dragging out the syllables. “Sure you’re not... but, if you were, I bet they’d be lucky. You’re cute when you’re flustered, you know.”
Hyeonjun froze, his chopsticks still in hand. He stared down at his food, unable to process Oner’s words.
“You’re going to make him combust,” Minhyeong said suddenly, his gaze still fixed on his phone, though his tone was amused.
Oner laughed, the sound light and teasing. “Alright, I’ll stop... for now.” He finished the last bite of his rice and stood, grabbing his tray. “See you later, Hyeonjun-ssi.”
Hyeonjun mumbled a goodbye, his ears still burning as he watched Oner walk away. He’d barely even touched his own food through all that while Oner had been entirely care free, gossiping and eating without a worry.
“You’ll get used to him,” Minhyeong said, finally looking up from his phone. It seemed Minseok’s phone-time had ended, and Minhyeong’s attention could be shared by others again.
“Will I?” Hyeonjun muttered, more to himself than anyone else. Minhyeong nodded, and then added,
"Minseokie says he’s happy you joined, by the way. He asked me to relay that, and that he looks forward to being on the same team with you again.”
*
Later that day, the quiet hum of his PC filled the small streaming room as Hyeonjun adjusted his headset, settling in for a solo queue grind. He wasn’t streaming this time - just playing, his focus on ever improving himself. The light of the monitor illuminated his face, and for the first time that day, he felt at ease.
He dove into his first game, focused entirely on the matchup in front of him. The rhythm of the game, the tactical dance of trades and team fights, allowed him to forget everything else for a while.
That peace didn’t last long.
“Yo, Hyeonjun-ssi. Doran-nim,” came a familiar voice, the door creaking open without so much as a knock. Again .
Hyeonjun startled, fumbling his mouse for a split second before recovering. He glanced over his shoulder to see Oner leaning casually against the doorframe, his ever-present smirk firmly in place.
“Do you ever knock?” Hyeonjun asked, half exasperated, half amused.
“Why? You’re not streaming, are you?” Oner stepped into the room without waiting for an invitation, his eyes scanning the setup, though it wasn’t as if he’d never been in the room before. He teased, “You should decorate a little.”
Hyeonjun sighed, turning back to his game. “What do you want?”
“Nothing,” Oner said innocently, though his tone betrayed him. He walked up behind Hyeonjun’s chair, peering at the screen. “Who are you playing? Oh, Jayce?”
“Yes,” Hyeonjun replied, trying to focus on the game despite Oner practically breathing down his neck. “I need to practice.”
“Right,” Oner said, pulling up the extra chair in the corner of the room and plopping down like he belonged there. “Mind if I watch?”
Hyeonjun hesitated, the confusion returning. “W-Why?”
“Are you kidding? Watching you get tilted sounds plenty interesting,” Oner teased, resting his chin in his hand.
Hyeonjun bit back a groan, his ears burning as he tried to concentrate. Every time he glanced at the mini-map, he could feel Oner’s gaze on him, as if the jungler was silently critiquing his every move.
“You know,” Oner said after a while, “you don’t have to work so hard to impress anyone here.”
Hyeonjun froze for a moment and glanced over, caught off guard by the sudden sincerity in Oner’s voice.
“Relax,” Oner added. “I’m just saying, you’re good enough as is. Don’t stress so much about it.”
Before Hyeonjun could respond, the door opened again, and Lee Sanghyeok stepped in. Did anyone in this place knock? Ever?
“Don’t you have a review to finish?” Sanghyeok asked as he noticed Oner there, his tone light but firm.
Oner stood, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright, I’m going. Don’t let him burn out, though.” He shot Hyeonjun a wink before slipping out the door.
Hyeonjun exhaled, relieved but also slightly disappointed.
“You two seem to be getting along,” Sanghyeok said, pulling up the chair Oner had vacated and sitting down. To what did he owe this honour? Why was THE Faker paying attention to him at all or interested in how he was doing?
Hyeonjun shook his head, laughing softly. “If you call being teased getting along.”
Sanghyeok smiled, leaning back in his seat. “That’s just how he is. Don’t let it bother you.”
“I’ll try.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Sanghyeok spoke again, his voice softer this time. “You’re doing well, Hyeonjun-ah. I know it’s not easy joining a team like T1, especially when you’re replacing someone who was a part of this team for years.”
Hyeonjun’s chest tightened at the mention of his predecessor. “I’m trying my best.”
“I know you are,” Sanghyeok said. “But I want you to understand something. You’re not just here to fill a spot. You’re here because we believe in you, and because you belong here.”
Hyeonjun looked up, surprised by the warmth in Sanghyeok’s tone, and the unspoken words hanging between them. T1 is where the best belong, everyone knew that slogan.
“You’re not just a replacement,” Sanghyeok repeated. “You’re part of this team now.”
The sincerity in Sanghyeok’s words hit Hyeonjun like a wave, and he found himself nodding, unable to trust his voice.
Sanghyeok smiled, and stood. “You’ve got this, Hyeonjun.”
And with that, Sanghyeok left the room, leaving Hyeonjun alone to process the weight of the conversation.
As the door clicked shut behind Sanghyeok, Hyeonjun let out a soft sigh, leaning back in his chair as he tried to refocus on the game. The weight of the reassurance from the legendary Faker still lingered, warm and comforting. He wasn’t sure how he’d gotten so lucky to be here, but at least now, the idea of belonging didn’t seem so far-fetched.
Then, without warning, the door creaked open again.
Hyeonjun’s head snapped up, his eyes widening as Oner peeked in, his expression a mix of cheeky rebellion and mischief.
“Coast is clear,” Oner said in a sing-song voice, stepping inside and closing the door behind him with exaggerated stealth.
Hyeonjun blinked. “Were you just waiting for Sanghyeok-hyung to leave?”
Oner shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. “What can I say? I have great timing.”
“You’re impossible,” Hyeonjun muttered, shaking his head as he turned back to his game.
“I’ve heard that before,” Oner quipped, dragging the chair back to its former position and plopping down like he owned the place. “What happened while I was gone? Did Sanghyeok give you some big words of wisdom?”
Hyeonjun hesitated, then nodded slightly. “He said he believed in me... and that I wasn’t here to just replace... you know. Zeus.”
“That sounds like him,” Oner said, resting his chin on his hand. “He actually told me something interesting the other day. Said he was impressed by your playstyle and thought you and I could have great synergy together.”
Hyeonjun blinked in surprise. “Really?”
“Yeah,” Oner said, his smirk softening into something more genuine. “He doesn’t hand out compliments like that often. It means something, you know?”
The words hung in the air, and Hyeonjun felt a swell of pride mingled with nerves. Knowing Sanghyeok had that level of faith in him was both exhilarating and daunting.
“See? You’re already fitting in,” Oner added, his tone light, but there was a sincerity in his gaze that made Hyeonjun’s chest tighten.
They fell into a comfortable silence as Hyeonjun focused on finishing his game. It was a tense late-game teamfight, but his team came out on top.
“Yes!” Hyeonjun muttered, his lips curving into a small smile as the victory screen appeared.
“Not bad,” Oner said, leaning forward to look at the stats, before he added with a teasing grin. “You really have a thing for tower diving, don’t you?”
Hyeonjun huffed a laugh, his cheeks heating slightly. “It worked, didn’t it?”
“Fair enough,” Oner said, leaning back again. He watched Hyeonjun for a moment, his expression unreadable, before speaking. “Hey, I’ve been thinking.”
Hyeonjun looked at him, curious. “About what?”
“You’ve been here a few days now,” Oner began, his tone casual but his gaze intent. “How about we drop the formalities? Just speak casually. Makes things easier.”
Hyeonjun hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. “I agree, I just... it feels kind of awkward. Calling you by my name, since we share it.”
Oner chuckled, his grin growing playful. “True, that might get confusing. How about this - call me Jjuni. It’s what my friends call me. Been my nickname since I was a little.”
Hyeonjun blinked, surprised by the suggestion. “Jjuni, huh? Then... what should I be called?”
Oner tilted his head, his smirk turning almost mischievous. “Why not Hyunie? It’s cute. Just like you.” Hyeonjun’s eyes widened as his cheeks flushed an even deeper red, the teasing words echoing in his mind. He stammered, struggling to find a retort, but all that came out was a series of incoherent sounds.
“W-what are you-? I'm not-!”
“Relax,” Oner said, laughing as he stood up and stretched.
Hyeonjun buried his face in his hands, trying to will away the heat in his cheeks. “You’re impossible.”
“You've said as much... and you’re adorable,” Oner shot back, heading for the door, before he paused. “Oh yeah, the reason why I came here to begin with - I was thinking we should do something to help you settle in.”
“Oh?” Hyeonjun asked, his brow furrowing slightly.
“Haidilao,” Oner said, grinning. “You know, hot pot.”
Hyeonjun blinked, his heart skipping a beat. “Us? Hot pot?”
The phrasing hung in the air, and Oner’s grin widened as he realised. “Oh, no,” he said quickly, laughing. “Not like that. I mean, with the team. And some of the T1 streamers, maybe. You know, a group thing.”
Hyeonjun felt his face heat up, and he quickly looked away, focusing on the edge of his desk. “Right, of course. That makes more sense.”
Oner chuckled, clearly amused. “You’re way too easy to fluster, you know that?”
“I’m not flustered,” Hyeonjun mumbled, though his burning cheeks said otherwise.
“Sure you’re not,” Oner teased, standing up and stretching. “I’ll let you know when it’s happening. But seriously, it’ll be fun. You should come.”
Hyeonjun nodded, still unable to meet his gaze. “Okay. Thanks.”
“See you later, Hyunie.”
As the door clicked shut behind him, Hyeonjun exhaled, leaning back in his chair and covering his face with his hands. Moon Hyeonjun was everything people said junglers were - chaotic, unpredictable, and entirely too good at getting under his skin.
Still, he couldn’t deny that it felt nice. Maybe, just maybe, he was starting to feel at home.
*
The air was crisp and biting, each breath forming a small cloud in front of Hyeonjun as he walked along the path winding through the park near T1’s dorms. Winter had firmly settled over Seoul, and the world around him felt quieter because of it. The trees stood bare, their spindly branches reaching toward the pale grey sky, and the occasional crunch of frozen leaves underfoot was the only sound accompanying his thoughts.
Walking like this always helped him think. The cold was refreshing, the solitude calming. Since joining T1, his days had been a whirlwind of activity - streams, reviews, practice, meetings - and though he was adjusting well, he often found himself yearning for moments like these. Moments to just breathe.
He shoved his gloved hands deeper into his pockets and looked ahead, noticing the faint silhouette of a jogger coming toward him. As the figure got closer, Hyeonjun’s eyes widened slightly. Even from a distance, he recognised the familiar gait, the lean frame clad in layers of winter gear.
It was Oner.
The jungler slowed as he approached, his breath visible in the chilly air, and when he was close enough to meet Hyeonjun’s gaze, he grinned. Despite the scarf covering the lower half of his face, the twinkle in his eyes was unmistakable.
“Hyunie,” he said, his voice slightly muffled. “Fancy meeting you here.”
Hyeonjun stopped in his tracks, blinking. “What are you doing here?”
“Jogging,” Oner replied simply, and Hyeonjun felt silly for asking in the first place, because of course Oner had been jogging, he'd seen it just now. “You? Clearing your head?”
Hyeonjun nodded. “Yeah, something like that.”
“Nice,” Oner said, and instead of continuing on his way, he slowed his pace to match Hyeonjun’s walking speed as the toplaner started to walk again.
“You don’t have to-” Hyeonjun started, glancing at him.
“What?” Oner interrupted, tilting his head. “Keep you company? It’s fine. My cooldown can be walking next to you.”
Hyeonjun frowned slightly, his gaze flickering to Oner’s sweat-dampened hair peeking out from beneath his beanie. “But you’re sweaty. If you slow down this abruptly, you might get cold.”
Oner laughed softly, a puff of breath visible in the air. “Worried about me already? That’s cute.”
“I’m not-” Hyeonjun began, his cheeks already heating up.
“Relax, Doranie,” Oner said, nudging him lightly with his elbow. “I’ll be fine. I’ve got layers on.”
Hyeonjun bit his lip, still unsure, but Oner’s easy smile made it hard to argue.
They walked in silence for a while, the sound of their steps crunching against the frozen ground filling the space between them. It was oddly comfortable, and though Hyeonjun didn’t say much, he couldn’t deny that Oner’s presence made the chilly air feel a little less biting.
“So,” Oner said suddenly, breaking the silence. “Is this a habit for you? Walking in the park to clear your head?”
“Yeah,” Hyeonjun admitted, his voice soft. “It helps me think.”
“About what?”
“Everything,” Hyeonjun said vaguely, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. “The team, my play, how to improve... stuff like that.”
“Always so serious,” Oner said, shaking his head. “You should learn to relax, you know. It’s not all about grinding. Sometimes it’s okay to just enjoy where you are.”
Hyeonjun glanced at him, his expression thoughtful. “That’s easy for you to say. You’re already one of the best junglers in the world.”
“And you’re one of the best top laners in the world,” Oner shot back without missing a beat.
Hyeonjun’s cheeks flushed, but he didn’t reply.
As they continued walking, the grey clouds overhead began to shift, the dull light softening as something white and delicate drifted through the air. Hyeonjun stopped, tilting his head up as more flakes began to fall, swirling gently in the breeze.
“Is this...?” he started, his voice trailing off.
“First snow,” Oner said, his tone quieter now. He stood beside Hyeonjun, looking up at the sky. “Happens every winter, but it still feels special, doesn’t it?”
Hyeonjun nodded, his breath hitching slightly as he watched the snow fall around them. For a moment, everything else faded away - the cold, the noise of the city in the distance - and all he could think about was the quiet beauty of the moment.
When he finally lowered his gaze, he found Oner looking at him. Their eyes met, and for the first time since they’d met, Hyeonjun saw something other than playful mischief in Oner’s expression. There was a softness there, an unspoken understanding that made Hyeonjun’s heart skip a beat.
The silence stretched between them, heavy and meaningful, and then, to Hyeonjun’s surprise, a faint blush dusted Oner’s cheeks.
“Uh,” Oner said, breaking eye contact and scratching the back of his head, his causing his beanie to slide to one side, revealing more of his damp hair. “Anyway... about that Haidilao dinner.”
Hyeonjun blinked, the spell of the moment broken. “What about it?”
“It’s happening tomorrow,” Oner said, his tone back to normal. “You’re coming, right?”
“Of course,” Hyeonjun said quickly, eager to move past whatever had just happened.
“Good,” Oner said, his grin returning. “Because if you didn’t, I’d’ve dragged you there myself.”
Hyeonjun ducked his head, trying to hide the warmth rising to his cheeks. “I said I’ll go. You don’t have to be so dramatic.”
“Who, me? Dramatic?” Oner laughed, the sound light and easy. He fell back into step beside Hyeonjun as they resumed their walk, the snow continuing to fall around them in soft, delicate flurries.
As they walked, Hyeonjun found himself relaxing despite his initial nervousness. There was something about Oner’s presence - his ability to balance teasing with genuine warmth - that made it hard to stay on edge for long.
“So,” Oner began after a few moments, his tone shifting to something more conversational, “Do you do hot pot sometimes? Or is this going to be a whole new experience for you?”
“I’ve been a few times,” Hyeonjun replied, glancing at him. “It’s nice, but I don’t go out much. I usually just eat at home or grab something quick.”
“That won’t do,” Oner said, shaking his head in mock disapproval. “Hot pot is a team event. It’s not about the food - it’s about the company. Trust me, tomorrow’s going to be fun.”
Hyeonjun smiled faintly. “You sound pretty confident.”
“Of course,” Oner said, smirking. “I’m great at making people feel at home. Just ask anyone.”
Hyeonjun rolled his eyes, but his smile stayed. “I’ll take your word for it.”
They continued chatting as they made their way through the park, the conversation light and easy. Oner’s teasing never quite stopped, but it was clear that his goal wasn’t just to make Hyeonjun blush - it was to make him feel comfortable, to remind him that he wasn’t alone.
Eventually, they reached a small clearing where the snow had begun to blanket the ground in a thin, pristine layer. Oner stopped, his gaze sweeping across the scene before turning back to Hyeonjun.
“You know,” he said, his tone softer now, “this park is kind of special for me. I used to come here a lot when I first joined the team. It helped me clear my head when things got overwhelming.”
Hyeonjun looked at him, surprised by the sudden honesty. “I didn’t know that.”
Oner shrugged, his usual grin replaced by a more subdued smile. “Yeah. It’s not always easy being part of a team like this, you know? The expectations, the pressure... it can get to you, but moments like this - just being outside, seeing the first snow - it reminds you to slow down and appreciate where you are.”
Hyeonjun nodded, his chest tightening at the sincerity in Oner’s voice. “I think I get that,” he said quietly.
They stood there for a while, neither of them saying much, the snow falling gently around them. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable - it was filled with a shared understanding, a moment of connection that neither of them could quite put into words.
Eventually, Oner broke the silence with a soft laugh. “You know, if someone saw us right now, they might think this was a scene out of a cheesy drama.”
Hyeonjun flushed, looking away. “Don’t say things like that.”
“Why not?” Oner teased, his grin returning. “Are you embarrassed?”
“I’m not!” Hyeonjun protested. Oner chuckled, reaching out to nudge his shoulder.
“Relax, Hyunie. I’m just messing with you.”
They stayed in the park a little while longer, the conversation eventually drifting back to the Haidilao dinner. By the time they parted ways - Oner to their gym and Hyeonjun back to the dorms, he felt lighter, his earlier worries melting away like snowflakes on his coat.
As he walked, he couldn’t help but think about the way Oner had looked at him when the snowflakes had danced around them - the brief vulnerability in his expression, the faint flush on his cheeks. It was a side of the jungler he hadn’t seen before, and he found himself wondering what it meant, or if he was imagining things.
*
Hyeonjun had barely slipped into his sweatshirt, when the knock came at his door. He glanced at the clock and frowned - Oner was a few minutes early. He wasn’t surprised. Mun Hyeonjun seemed to have a knack for being unpredictable.
“Coming!” Hyeonjun called, hurrying to smooth the fabric of his sweater as he made his way to the door.
When he opened it, the sight of Oner standing there made him freeze for just a moment. Oner was dressed in a sharp black coat that accentuated his broad shoulders, his hair pushed back in a way that framed his face and made him look effortlessly polished. There was an air of casual sophistication about him, as if he hadn’t tried too hard but still managed to look stunning.
And then there was the scent. Something smoky and rich, with an earthy undertone that lingered in the air between them. It wasn’t overwhelming - just enough to catch Hyeonjun’s attention and make his pulse quicken.
“You’re staring,” Oner said, smirking as he leaned casually against the doorframe.
Hyeonjun quickly looked away. “I wasn’t staring,” he mumbled, stepping aside to let him in.
“Sure you weren’t,” Oner teased, brushing past him and into the room. “Are you ready to go?”
“Almost,” Hyeonjun said, closing the door and gesturing vaguely toward his desk. “Just need a few minutes. You can sit if you want.”
Oner raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the invitation, but he didn’t comment. Instead, he stepped out of his shoes and sat on the edge of Hyeonjun’s bed, his gaze casually scanning the room.
“Not bad,” he said, nodding in approval. “A little bare, though. You should add some personality to it. Posters, pictures... maybe a plant.”
"A plant..." Hyeonjun huffed a soft laugh as he adjusted his glasses in the mirror. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
As he fussed with his hair, he caught Oner’s reflection in the mirror. The jungler was watching him with an intensity that made his heart flutter, though his expression remained playful. Who’s staring now?
“Hyeonjunie-hyung,” Oner said suddenly, the nickname slipping out effortlessly.
Hyeonjun froze, his fingers stilling against his hair. It wasn’t the nickname itself that caught him off guard - it was the way Oner said it, soft and familiar, like they’d known each other for far longer than they had.
“Huh?” Hyeonjun asked, turning to face him, his cheeks already warming.
“You’re overthinking it,” Oner said, gesturing toward his hair. “It looks fine. You look fine.”
The words hung in the air for a moment, unspoken layers beneath their teasing tone.
Hyeonjun swallowed hard, his voice quieter when he spoke. “Thanks, J-Jjuni.”
He realised that he'd never really called Oner by his nickname since they'd dropped formal speech. For the first time, Oner faltered, his confident smirk giving way to something more hopeful as their gazes met. There was a beat of silence, charged with something Hyeonjun didn't dare to acknowledge.
Then Oner grinned again. “Careful,” he said, his voice lighter now. “You’re going to make me think you’re growing fond.”
Hyeonjun turned back to the mirror, his face flushed as he adjusted his sleeves. “You’re the one who came early and barged into my room.”
“Touché,” Oner said, chuckling softly.
By the time Hyeonjun was ready, the atmosphere had shifted back to something more comfortable.
“You clean up well,” Oner said as they stepped out into the hallway. His tone was teasing, but the way his gaze lingered for just a moment too long made Hyeonjun’s stomach flutter.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” Hyeonjun replied, his voice soft but steady.
As they made their way to the dinner, the conversation flowed easily, and by the time they arrived at the restaurant, Hyeonjun found himself feeling surprisingly at ease.
The warmth of the restaurant was a stark contrast to the winter chill outside the numbing scent of Sichuan pepper heavy in the air which only intensified the moment they stepped through the doors, the smell of rich broths and sizzling meats enveloped them, and the buzz of chatter from other tables added to the lively atmosphere. Hyeonjun lingered slightly behind the others as they made their way to the reserved table.
Uijin was in the lead, shedding his coat and scarf as they settled into their seats. Oner took a seat next to Uijin, he looked effortlessly confident, his hair pushed back slightly, the faint scent of his cologne lingering in the air as he beckoned for Hyeonjun to sit next to him.
Sanghyeok and Minhyeong sat across from them, the ADC immediately pulling out his phone, likely to update Minseok about their dinner. Sanghyeok was already scrolling the menu tablet and selecting their order, it was probably something he always did for them.
Oner leaned closer to Hyeonjun, his voice low. “You ever made up your own dipping sauce here?”
Hyeonjun glanced at him, startled by their sudden proximity. Oner’s shoulder brushed his slightly, and Hyeonjun’s pulse quickened at the faint contact. “Uh, no,” he said, shaking his head. “I usually just stick to the ingredients listed on the sauce menu.”
Oner grinned, his eyes glinting. “That’s rookie stuff. I’ll teach you the real way to do it.”
Before Hyeonjun could respond, Oner was already nudging Hyeonjun to stand.
“Where are you two going?” Minhyeong asked, looking up from his phone.
“Sauce station,” Oner replied simply. “I’m going to teach him the secret recipe.”
Minhyeong’s brow arched, and a sly grin spread across his face. “Are you now? You’ve never offered to teach me your secret recipe.”
Oner waved a hand dismissively. “You don’t need it. You’re stuck on the sesame base anyway.”
Minhyeong hummed thoughtfully, his grin widening as he turned his gaze to Hyeonjun. “Still, that’s pretty special. His sauce recipe is legendary, you know. You must be the first person he’s ever offered to teach.”
Hyeonjun blinked, his cheeks warming. “I’m sure it’s not that serious.”
“Oh, it is,” Minhyeong said, leaning back in his chair with a teasing smirk. “He’s never done this for anyone else on the team. Not me, not Wooje, not even Minseokie. He’s made it for Sanghyeok-hyung but never taught it to anyone.”
“Minseok doesn’t like spicy stuff,” Oner said quickly, but his tone betrayed a hint of defensiveness.
“Uh-huh,” Minhyeong said, clearly enjoying himself. “Still, it’s interesting, isn’t it? Makes you wonder why you’re so special, Hyeonjun-hyung.”
The teasing sent a ripple of tension through both of them. Hyeonjun’s face burned as he fumbled for a response, and even Oner looked momentarily caught off guard.
“Let’s focus on the food,” Sanghyeok interjected smoothly, his calm voice cutting through the moment. He looked up from the menu and gestured toward the broth options. “I’ll go half-half, mala and mild. Any requests?”
The shift in topic gave Hyeonjun a chance to breathe. “N-No that’s perfect. Thank you.”
At the sauce station, Oner’s teasing resumed almost immediately.
“Alright,” Oner said, picking up a small bowl. “First, you start with a bit of the sesame paste. Don’t go overboard like Minhyeong does.”
Hyeonjun followed his instructions, glancing sideways as Oner leaned slightly closer to reach for the soy sauce. Their hands brushed briefly, and Hyeonjun’s breath caught.
“Then, you add just a touch of soy,” Oner continued, completely unphased - or maybe pretending to be. “Too much, and it’ll overpower everything.”
Hyeonjun nodded, his focus wavering as he tried to ignore the warmth of Oner’s presence beside him.
“Next,” Oner said, grabbing a ladle of chilli oil, “the spice. You can handle spice, right?”
“Of course,” Hyeonjun said, his voice steadier than he felt.
“Good,” Oner said, flashing him a grin. “Wouldn’t want you to wimp out on me.”
There were about seven steps to Oner’s recipe. By the time they returned to the table, Hyeonjun was clutching his bowl of dipping sauce like a lifeline, already having forgotten half of what had gone into it. Minhyeong immediately perked up, his gaze flicking between the two of them with poorly concealed amusement.
“So,” Minhyeong said, resting his chin on his hand, “how was the lesson? Life-changing?”
“Very informative,” Hyeonjun said quickly, avoiding eye contact.
Oner, on the other hand, smirked as he set his bowl down. “He’s a quick learner.”
Minhyeong chuckled, clearly enjoying the dynamic. “You’re really laying it on thick tonight.”
“Am I?” Oner asked innocently, though the glint in his eyes said otherwise.
Hyeonjun sank a little lower in his seat as Minhyeong and Uijin took their turn to make sauces for themselves and Sanghyeok.
As the dinner progressed, Hyeonjun relaxed a little as it started to feel a bit more comfortable. Most of them were simply focused on the food, complimenting the taste, the topics alternating from day to day life, to games, to food and back again. Though Oner was still leaning just a little too close when passing a plate of meat, brushing Hyeonjun’s fingers when reaching for the dish, and throwing in the occasional playful comment.
There were moments - small, fleeting moments - when Hyeonjun caught something else in Oner’s gaze. Something softer, less guarded. It made his chest tighten in a way he didn’t fully understand, and it left him hyper-aware of every movement, every word exchanged between them.
Most importantly though, it didn’t make him feel uneasy and didn’t distract him too much from what was happening around him. It almost started to feel like their dynamic was completed by it, that it would feel wrong if Oner wasn’t in his space like this. The group fell into an easy rhythm of conversation and laughter.
For the first time since joining T1, Hyeonjun felt like he belonged – not just as a teammate, but as part of something bigger.
The night was colder than before, but the alcohol lingering in Hyeonjun’s system made the chill feel distant, softened by the residual warmth of laughter and shared stories. The evening at Haidilao had been lively, filled with teasing and camaraderie, yet Hyeonjun’s mind remained restless, tethered to a certain someone’s lingering presence.
He hadn’t expected Oner to suggest walking back to the dorms instead of taking the van, but when the suggestion had come, casual and unbothered, Hyeonjun had been too surprised to refuse. In fairness, the walk wouldn’t even take a half hour, but Minhyeong had, of course, jumped at the chance to tease them, his knowing smirk laced with hints that made Hyeonjun’s face flush deeply.
“Don’t let him freeze out there,” Uijin had quipped, leaning forward in his seat as Sanghyeok climbed in after him.
Minhyeong cooed, “I’m sure he’ll take good care of him.”
“Enough,” Sanghyeok had said, his calm voice cutting through the teasing. “Let them walk if they want to, it’s not far.”
The van door had slid shut, and then it had been just the two of them.
Their steps echoed softly along the snow-dusted path, the air crisp and biting. The streetlights cast a faint glow, illuminating the delicate flurries still falling from the sky. Hyeonjun walked with his hands shoved deep into his coat pockets, acutely aware of the man beside him.
Oner was quiet for a while, his pace steady, his breath visible in the cold. He seemed perfectly at ease, his usual teasing demeanour tempered by the serene quiet of the night.
Hyeonjun glanced at him from the corner of his eye. Even in the dim light, Oner exuded a presence that was impossible to ignore. His hair, still pushed back from earlier, caught the faint glow of the streetlamps, and the faint scent of his cologne - smoky, rich, and entirely intoxicating - lingered in the air between them.
“What are you thinking about?” Oner asked suddenly, his voice cutting through the stillness.
Hyeonjun startled slightly, his gaze snapping forward. “Nothing,” he said quickly, his breath visible in the cold.
Oner hummed softly, his hands stuffed into his pockets as he tilted his head slightly to look at Hyeonjun. “Is that so?”
They walked in silence again for a while, the sound of their footsteps crunching against the snow filling the space between them. Hyeonjun couldn’t help but steal glances at Oner, his mind swirling with thoughts he couldn’t quite articulate, and he felt so annoyed at his own shyness. Why was he so awkward? He was literally killing their conversation at every turn and he loathed himself for i.
“Tell me about your old teammates,” Oner said suddenly, breaking the silence again, determined not to give up.
Hyeonjun hesitated, caught off guard by the question. “What about them?”
“Anything,” Oner said with a shrug. “You’ve played with so many great players. Were you close with any of them?”
“Some,” Hyeonjun admitted. “I mean, I’m close with Hyukkyu, and also Minseok and I were close when we were on DRX. We got along really well.”
“That’s it?” Oner said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “What about the others? Anyone... special?”
The question made Hyeonjun falter slightly, his steps slowing. “Special?” he repeated, his voice quieter.
“Yeah,” Oner said, his gaze sharp despite the teasing lilt in his tone. “You know, someone you were close to in a... different way.”
The implication made Hyeonjun’s stomach twist, a mixture of nerves and embarrassment tightening his chest. “No,” he said quickly, looking straight ahead. “Nothing like that.”
Oner raised an eyebrow. “Really? I find that hard to believe.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Hyeonjun asked, his voice defensive.
Oner chuckled softly, his breath visible in the cold. “You’re talented, good-looking... I just figured someone would’ve tried their luck.”
The words sent a rush of warmth to Hyeonjun’s face, and he ducked his head, his heart racing. “I-I wasn’t focused on that,” he stammered, his words clumsy and rushed.
“Hmm,” Oner said, his tone thoughtful. “Interesting.”
“There’s nothing interesting about it,” Hyeonjun mumbled, his face burning.
Oner’s soft laugh filled the air, and he nudged Hyeonjun lightly with his shoulder. “Relax, Hyunie. I’m just teasing you.”
The way his nickname rolled off Oner’s tongue was both familiar and disarming. He tried to focus on the snow-dusted path ahead, but the warmth spreading through his chest was impossible to ignore.
As they reached their road, the quiet of the night seemed to press down on them, the snow falling more steadily now. Hyeonjun glanced up as they walked, watching the flakes swirl gently in the air, illuminated by the streetlights.
“It’s still snowing,” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Yeah,” Oner replied, his tone quieter now.
Hyeonjun glanced at him, finding him staring at the snow as well, his expression uncharacteristically soft. The usual mischievous glint in his eyes had been replaced by something quieter. The world seemed to still, the snow falling around them was the only movement in that moment.
Hyeonjun’s breath caught as their gazes met, the air between them charged with something unspoken. Oner’s lips parted slightly, Hyeonjun noticed the faintest hint of colour on the jungler’s cheeks – though that was likely from the cold weather.
The moment stretched, heavy and meaningful, before Oner quickly looked away, clearing his throat. “So,” he said, his tone deliberately light, “about that Haidilao sauce- wasn’t it amazing?”
Hyeonjun blinked, startled by the sudden shift. “Uh, yeah. It was good,” he said, his voice quieter than he intended.
“Good?” Oner echoed, smirking now. “That’s it? After all the effort I put into teaching you?”
“It was really good,” Hyeonjun amended, his face warming again.
“That’s better,” Oner said, his grin returning.
As they reached the dorms, the snow that had started so gently earlier now swirled with increasing intensity. The streetlights cast halos through the thickening flurries, and the soft crunch of their footsteps became muffled as the snow began to blanket the ground in earnest.
Hyeonjun stopped just outside the entrance, tilting his head back to watch the storm build around them. The wind picked up, sending a sharp gust through the air, and he shivered slightly despite his coat.
“Looks like we made it just in time,” Oner said, his voice lighter than the weather around them. He brushed a few flakes from his hair and glanced at Hyeonjun.
Hyeonjun nodded absently, still watching the snow. The storm was beautiful, mesmerising even, but there was something ominous about the way it had built so suddenly from the peaceful flurries earlier. It reminded him of the tension that had been growing between them - the quiet moments, the teasing, the way Oner’s gaze lingered.
The snowstorm wasn’t just weather, he realised. It was a mirror of his feelings, chaotic and overwhelming. What had started as something gentle and unassuming now felt like it might sweep him away if he wasn’t careful.
He stole a glance at Oner, who stood beside him with his hands tucked into his pockets, his hair slightly damp from the snow. There was a casualness about him, a natural ease that made it seem like the storm couldn’t touch him, but Hyeonjun wasn’t fooled. He’d seen the way Oner had looked at him earlier, the unguarded softness in his expression when their eyes had met.
The storm was between them too, swirling with unspoken words and emotions that Hyeonjun couldn’t quite name. And storms were dangerous. Beautiful, yes, but unpredictable and powerful. He couldn’t help but wonder if whatever was happening between them might become just as chaotic, just as consuming.
“You coming in?” Oner’s voice broke through his thoughts, grounding him for a moment.
“Yeah,” Hyeonjun said quietly, forcing himself to move toward the door.
As they stepped inside, the warmth of the dorm building washed over them, chasing away the cold. Oner turned to him with a faint smile, his usual teasing grin softened into something gentler.
“Good walk,” he said simply.
Hyeonjun nodded, his chest tightening as he caught the faint scent of Oner’s smoky cologne again, now mingled with the scent of hotpot that was clinging to their clothes.
“Good night, Hyunie-hyung,” Oner said, his voice low and unhurried. He didn’t wait for a reply, turning toward the hallway that led to his room.
Hyeonjun stood there for a moment, watching him go, the storm outside still raging in his mind. Whatever this was, whatever it might become, he had to tread carefully. Oner was a storm in his own right - intense, captivating, and entirely too close.
And yet, as Hyeonjun turned toward his own room, he couldn’t shake the faint hope that maybe, just maybe, the storm would be worth the risk.