Chapter Text
Making it to worlds is an arduous journey for the team, marked by misunderstandings, doubts, and conflicts. However, they recognize that these challenges are a normal part of the process, and at the end of each day, they simply need to communicate and share a meal together. And that's exactly what they did, as they stood one game away from making it to the Finals again.
T1 team arrived at the arena, buzzing with energy as they prepared to face off against TES.
Meanwhile, Sanghyeok's mind was preoccupied, his thoughts wandering to the previous night. He gazed blankly at the screen in front of him, unable to shake the memory of his other half, Jeong Jihoon. Jihoon's devastated expression, the look of defeat in his eyes as he lost the game the day before, lingered in his mind.
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He knew Jihoon was blaming himself, and it was breaking his heart.
As member of the T1 and as a boyfriend, he had watched the game between GenG and KT with bated breath, feeling every moment of tension, every surge of excitement, and every pang of disappointment. Before the last turret exploded, he had risen from his seat, eager to see Jihoon, hug him, and tell him how well he played.
Sanghyeok found himself inside the hotel room where Jihoon stays, trying to compose himself, thinking about what to say to him.
He didn't know how many hours he had waited, but his phone has been buzzing for almost an hour. His teammates, coaches, and manager had texted and called, asking where he went, as he needs to rest early for their match the next day. It doesn't stop until he calls Minseok, assuring him and conveying to the team that he's okay and in good form for tomorrow.
He lied. What matters now is Jihoon. Tomorrow can wait.
They had been one game away from the Finals, and he knew how much Jihoon wanted this. He had been working towards this goal for months, for years, pouring his heart and soul into every practice, every game.
He sat in the edge of the bed, his eyes fixed on the door, waiting for Jihoon to return. The match had ended hours ago.
The sound of the door creaking open jolted him back. Jihoon's eyes met his, and he saw the pain and disappointment etched on his face. His heart ached for him, and he knew he had to be there for him, to support him, to comfort him.
"Jihoon-ah," he whispered, his voice barely audible, as if afraid to break the fragile silence.
Jihoon's eyes dropped, his shoulders slouching under the weight of his own disappointment. Sanghyeok opened his arms, and Jihoon fell into them, his body shaking with emotion.
Sanghyeok held him close, feeling Jihoon's tears soak through his shirt. "You did great, Hoonie," he whispered, his voice full of conviction. "You played well, with your soul. I am so proud of you!"
Jihoon's tears fell harder, and Sanghyeok felt his body tremble with each sob. He held him tighter, his hand on the back of Jihoon's head, supporting him, caressing him close.
"I...I don't know if it's enough, Hyung," Jihoon stammered, his voice cracking. "I feel like I let everyone down."
Sanghyeok tightened his hold on Jihoon, his heart aching for him. He took a deep breath, his voice firm. "You didn't let anyone down, Jihoon. You gave it your all. You played your heart out, that's all that matter. You're an incredible player, an incredible person. Don't let one loss define you. You're so much more than this one game."
They stand still, they didn't know how long they've been hugging. Sanghyeok is telling him how proud he is of him, how good he is, and how he loves him. Until Jihoon calms down. Jihoon's tears slowly dried, and he looked at Sanghyeok, his eyes red-rimmed.
"Hyung...I don't know what I'd do without you"
Sanghyeok smiled, his eyes shining with love. "You'll never have to find out, Hoonie. I'll always be here, for every win, every loss, every moment. You're not alone. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. I'm here for you, and I'll always be here for you."
Just as Sanghyeok guide Jihoon to bed. Jihoon panicked at the realization. He clasped Sanghyeok hand.
"H-hyung, thank you for being here, but I think you should head back. It's super late now, and you have a game to win tomorrow – I mean, later. So yeah, I'm good now. I think I'll be fine."
Sanghyeok's arms tightened around Jihoon. "Can't I just stay tonight? I want to be with you."
"Hyung, you have a game tomorrow," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You need to rest and be ready. You can't be here with me now."
Sanghyeok study his face and smiled, his eyes shining with love. "I'll be okay, Hoonie," he said. "I'll at my hundred percent when I'm with you. Right now, I just want to be here for you."
Jihoon shook his head, but Sanghyeok could see the gratitude in his eyes. He knew Jihoon needed him, and he was happy to be there for him.
Jihoon smiled, a small, weak smile, but it was enough. "Okay, Hyung. Stay."
He squeezed Jihoons hand. He guide him to bed and he settled beside him, hugging the latter. Jihoons quiet sighs makes Sanghyeok realized that Jihoon was down yet he was worried about him, worried about his game tomorrow. He smiled, his heart full of love for the man in his arms.
"Hoonie, I want you to focus on yourself right now," he said, his voice gentle. "Don't worry about me or the game tomorrow. I'll be fine. I'll win for you, and I'll make it to the Finals."
Jihoon's eyes lit up at that, and he looked at Sanghyeok with a hint of determination. "Hyung, please win tomorrow," he whispered. "Please make it to the Finals again. Beside me wanting it, I want to see you lift that trophy."
Sanghyeok smiled, warmheartedly. "I will," he said, his voice filled with assurance. "I'll win for you, and I'll make it to the Finals again. And when I do, I'll be thinking of you."
Jihoon smiled, his eyes shining with tears, and Sanghyeok knew that he would do everything in his power to win tomorrow, to make Jihoon proud.
As Jihoon's breathing slows, and his eyes drift shut, Sanghyeok's eyes remain open, watching Jihoon sleep, his heart full of love and adoration. He gently strokes Jihoon's hair, feeling a sense of peace wash over him.
The room filled with the sound of Jihoon's gentle snoring, and Sanghyeok's soft breathing. The darkness is calming, and the silence is peaceful.
As the night goes on, Sanghyeok's mind starts to wander, thinking about the game tomorrow, the Finals, and the what-ifs. But he pushes those thoughts away, focusing on the present moment, on the man in his arms.
He looks at Jihoon, his face peaceful, his eyes closed. He can't help but smile, thinking about their future together, about the wins and losses, the struggles and triumphs.
"I'll be here for it all, I love you, Hoonie. I'll always be here, holding you, loving you, and supporting you. You're my everything, Jihoon-ah." Sanghyeok finally closes his eyes, a quiet stillness settled within him. He knows that no matter what tomorrow brings, he'll be ready, as long as Jihoon is by his side.
The darkness of the room enveloping them, but their love and support for each other shining like a beacon in the night. Wrapped in each other's arms, ready to face the challenges of the day ahead.
The morning light filters into the room, casting a warm glow over the sleeping pair. Sanghyeok stirs, his eyes opening slowly. He looks down at Jihoon, who is still sleeping peacefully.
He smiles. He knows that today is going to be a big day, but he's ready. He's ready to face whatever comes next.
With a gentle movement, he leans down and kisses his boyfriend's forehead. Jihoon stirs slightly, a soft murmur escaping his lips, but he doesn't wake up. Sanghyeok smiles, feeling a pang of love for the sleeping man.
He reaches for his phone, which he muted after the call with Minseok, lying on the nightstand. He checks it, seeing the numerous messages from his teammates and coaches. He sighs, knowing he needs to get back to the team. They have a match in 5 hours, and they need to prepare.
He quickly types out a message to Minhyung, letting him know he's on his way.
He doesn't want to wake Jihoon, so he carefully gets out of bed, trying not to disturb him.
He looks around the room, spotting a pen and some papers on the drawer. He grabs them, writing a letter to Jihoon.
"Hi baby,
I'm sorry you have to wake up without me by your side. I know yesterday was tough, but I want you to know that you have me. You're strong, you're talented, and you deserve all the happiness in the world. Don't doubt yourself, okay? You're amazing just the way you are.
I'll be thinking of you today, and I'll be doing my best to win. I want to make you proud. I'll meet you later.
I love you, Jihoon. More than words can say.
- L.S.H"
He leaves the note on the table, next to Jihoon's bed. He takes one last look at Jihoon, feeling his heart swell with love. He leans again to give him a forehead kiss. He knows he'll see him at the end of the day, and he'll make sure to make him proud.
With a final glance, Sanghyeok turns and leaves the room, ready to face the day ahead.
He reminded himself that he had a game to win. He had promised him that he would win, that he would make it to the Finals again, and he was determined to keep that promise.
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Sanghyeok's deep thoughts were interrupted by Minseok's voice. "Sanghyeok hyung, you've been spacing out. If it's about Jihoon hyung, I know it's hard but he'll be fine."
Sanghyeok snapped back to reality, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Sorry, I know we have a game but I just can't help but to think about him. Don't worry, I'll focus now."
Minseok nodded understandingly. "It's okay, hyung. We all know how much Jihoon hyung means to you. But we're counting on you today, so get your head in the game, okay?"
Sanghyeok nodded, taking a deep breath. "I will, Minseok-ah. Thanks for understanding."
Just then, Jaehyeon, called out to them. "Alright, guys! Quick meeting before the game. Let's go over the plan one more time."
The team gathered around, their eyes focused and determined. Sanghyeok took his place next to Hyeonjoon, his mind now fully on the game ahead. He knew they had a tough match coming up, but he was ready. He was ready to give it his all.
He took a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination and focus.
He couldn't let his emotions get the better of him, not now. He needed to be sharp, to be focused, and to lead his team to victory.
As he stood up, his teammates turned to him, their eyes filled with determination. "Let's do this," Hyeonjun said, clapping him on the back.
Sanghyeok nodded, a fierce glint in his eye. "We're going to win this," he said, his voice low and steady.
"We're going to make it to the Finals, and we're going to lift that trophy."
The team cheered, their energy infectious as they took their positions on stage.
Sanghyeok glanced up at the crowd, his eyes scanning the sea of faces. He knew that Jihoon was not out there, but he's watching him, cheering him on. He felt a surge of determination, knowing that he had to win, not just for himself, not just for their team, not just for the count of the stars embroided in their jackets. But also for the man he loves.
The game began, and Sanghyeok was in his element, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he led his team into battle. The crowd cheered, the energy in the arena electric, and Sanghyeok knew that he was exactly where he was meant to be.