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November 16, 2025, was a quiet night at the T1 dorm. The team had just won the world championship a week ago, and everyone was celebrating with their families.
Minseok, exhausted from the excitement, was the first to return to the dorm, his eyes heavy with fatigue. He dropped his bag on the floor and fluted himself on the couch, letting out a deep sigh.
As he was about to doze off, he heard the door open, and Sanghyeok walked in, a wide smile on his face. "Hey, Minseokie~" he said, ruffling Minseok's hair.
Minseok grinned, feeling a surge of happiness. "Hyung! You guys had a good celebration?"
Sanghyeok nodded, taking a seat next to him. "Yeah, it was great! My family was so proud of us."
Hyeonjoon and Hyeonjun walked in, chatting animatedly, and joined the conversation. They talked about their celebrations, sharing stories and laughter.
But as the night wore on, Minseok couldn't help but notice that Minhyung was missing. He tried to brush it off, thinking maybe he was just running late.
As the hours ticked by, the group's conversation started to dwindle, and they began to say their goodnights. As he passed by Minhyung's room, he noticed the door was slightly open.
He peeked inside, feeling a pang of concern. The room was empty, bed untouched.
Minseok's mind started racing. Where was Minhyung? Had he gone somewhere?
He returned to the living room, trying to shake off the feeling of unease. He saw Sanghyeok getting a glass of water.
"Hyung, have you talked to Minhyungie?" Minseok asked, trying to sound casual.
Sanghyeok shook his head, a hint of concern in his voice. "No, I haven't. But I'm sure he's just running late."
Minseok nodded, trying to convince himself. Yeah, that must be it.
But as he lay in bed, he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Where is he?
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November 17, 2025,
The day started with a bright smile on Minseok's face. He stretched his arms, yawned, and walked out of his room, expecting to see Minhyung in the living room. But the room was silent, with no sign of Minhyung.
He headed to Minhyung's room, his footsteps quiet on the floor. He knocked softly on the door, but there was no response. He pushed the door open, and his eyes scanned the room. Minhyung's bed was still made, and his bag was nowhere to be seen.
"Ahh, maybe he went out early with Hyeonjun to the gym," Minseok thought to himself, dispelling the feeling of unease.
Just then, Hyeonjoon walked into the living room, rubbing his eyes. "They didn't, Junnie and Sanghyeok Hyung headed out early because they have an event to attend. And Minhyung hasn't arrived yet," he said, heading to the kitchen.
Minseok followed him, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Ahh, maybe he's still at his family's house, discussing with them on how many years he'll extend his contract," he noted in his head, trying to convince himself that everything was okay.
Minseok pulled out his phone and typed out a message to Minhyung, his thumbs flying across the screen. "Hey, what time will you arrive? Come home early, okay? We can watch the new kdrama. I miss you already (っ◞‸◟c)"
He sent the message and waited, staring at the screen, expecting a reply. But as the minutes ticked by, his phone remained silent. No response, not even a simple "hi".
Minseok shook his head, chuckling to himself. "He's probably just busy," he thought.
He started scrolling through Twitter, his eyes scanning the feed. Suddenly, a tweet caught his attention.
"Rumor: Gumayusi will not extend his contract with T1."
Minseok's eyes widened, and he rolled his eyes. "Impossible," he murmured.
He tried to shake off the feeling of shock and continued scrolling, but his mind kept wandering back to the tweet.
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"Minsokiee, aren't you going to eat?" Hyeonjoon's voice broke into his thoughts, and Minseok looked up to see Hyeonjoon standing in front of him, a concerned expression on his face.
"I'm still full, I'll wait for the others," Minseok replied, trying to sound casual.
Hyeonjoon raised an eyebrow. "But Sangyeok hyung told me they already had lunch and will go dinner with Jihoon, and Junnie still has a live later, so he'll be late for dinner."
Minseok hesitated for a moment before responding. "Then I'll wait for Minhyung, I'm sure he'll come before 10."
Hyeonjoon shrugged and nodded. "Okay."
But as the clock ticked past 10, Minhyung didn't show up.
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The announcement hit Minseok, like a tidal wave. The news spread like wildfire, and Minseok felt like he'd been punched in the gut. He stumbled backward, his eyes wide with disbelief, as if trying to comprehend the impossible.
How could that man leave the team? How could he leave him?
The words echoed in his mind, refusing to sink in. It was a devastation, a phenomenon he didn't expect at all. A blow to his chest, no one could fill.
The silence in the room was oppressive, heavy with the weight of Minseok's pain. Hyeonjoon, and Sanghyeok and Hyeonjun, who had immediately rushed to their dorm once they read the news, found themselves standing in front of Keria's door, unsure of what to do.
They shared a collective pain, hearing their support's cries in agony. They knew how it felt, the emptiness, how to be left behind. Sanghyeok and Hyeonjun knew and felt it, remembering the pain they suffered last year when their maknae, Woojae, left.
The memories of that time came flooding back, and they knew they had to be there for Minseok. It hurt that they had lost a teammate, again, they had lost a family member. The one who's hurting the most is Minseok, because he had also lost his ADC, his bot laner, his partner. The pain was palpable, and they could feel it radiating from him. They knew they had to support him, but they didn't know how to ease his suffering.
The hallway was heavy with unspoken words, the only sound is Minseok's muffled sobs, as the others stood frozen, unsure of how to lessen their teammate's pain. They know that nothing they say or do can take away the hurt, and that's what's making them feel helpless.
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The clock had ticked past 1am, and Sanghyeok finally mustered the courage to check on Minseok. He walked quietly to Minseok's door, hesitating for a moment before knocking softly.
"Minsokiee, please eat something. You didn't eat since lunch," he said, his voice gentle, trying to pierce the silence.
But there was no response. No sound, no movement, just an oppressive stillness.
Sanghyeok's heart ached as he pressed his ear against the door. The only sound he could hear was the soft, muffled noise of Minseok's sobbing, a heart-wrenching sound that made his own eyes sting.
He sighed, feeling helpless, and turned to leave. He would try again later, when the pain wasn't so raw. For now, he would let Minseok have his space, and just be there for him, even if it was just in silence.
He walked back to his room, the quiet darkness of the dorm a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside him.
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The darkness of the room was suffocating, and Minseok's chest felt like it was crushed. He lay there, his eyes swollen, his body drained of all energy. The tears had stopped flowing, leaving behind a desolate, hollow feeling.
It was almost 4am, and the silence was oppressive. Minseok's sobs had subsided, replaced by a deep, aching pain that seemed to seep into every pore of his body.
After what felt like an eternity, he stirred, his parched throat prompting him to get up. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, his feet dangling in the air, and took a deep breath.
The room spun around him, and he had to steady himself against the bedpost. He felt lost, like a part of him had been ripped away, leaving a gaping void that threatened to swallow him whole.
After a few moments, he composed himself, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. He stood up, his legs waky, and made his way to the door.
He opened it, the creak of the hinges sounding like a scream in the silence. He winced, his eyes scanning the hallway, hoping no one had heard.
The hallway was dark, the only sound is the soft hum of the air conditioner. Minseok took a deep breath, his heart heavy, and stepped out of his room, heading towards the kitchen to quench his thirst.
Minseok's hand trembled as he reached for the glass of water, the cool liquid a welcome respite from the dryness in his throat. As he turned to head back to his room, his eyes landed on the door next to him, Minhyung's door, and his heart skipped a beat.
The door was open, and Minhyung was standing in the doorway, his suitcase by his side, a look of guilt etched on his face. Minseok's eyes widened in shock as he took in the scene, his mind struggling to process what he was seeing.
The glass in his hand slipped from his grasp, shattering on the floor as he and Minhyung stared at each other, frozen in time.
Minhyung was the first to move, rushing to Minseok's side, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay, are you hurt?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.
The commotion drew the attention of the others, and Hyeonjoon, Sanghyeok, and Hyeonjun emerged from their rooms, their faces etched with confusion and concern.
"What happened?" Hyeonjun asked, his voice low and menacing, as if ready to throw someone.
Hyeonjoon gasped, his eyes wide with shock, taking in the scene before him. "M-Minhyung-ah...?" he stammered.
Sanghyeok's book slipped from his grasp, his eyes fixed on Minhyung, his face pale. The room was filled with an oppressive silence, the only sound the soft clattering of the broken glass on the floor.
The air was thick with tension, the weight of Minhyung's departure hanging heavy in the air.
Minseok's hands moved mechanically, picking up the shattered glass on the floor, his eyes fixed on the fragments, avoiding everyone's gaze. He didn't even flinch as the sharp edges cut into his skin, the pain a mere whisper compared to the ache in his heart.
"I'm sorry Sanghyeok hyung, I'll clean it up," he muttered, his voice barely audible.
Minhyung's eyes widened as he saw the blood seeping from Minseok's fingers. "You're bleeding," he exclaimed, his voice laced with concern.
But Minseok didn't seem to notice, his focus solely on cleaning up the mess. The cuts on his hands were nothing compared to the pain he felt inside.
"Please Minseokiee, let me," Minhyung pleaded, taking a step forward, his eyes welling up with tears.
But Minseok's eyes snapped up, a mixture of anger and desperation etched on his face.
"Can you just go? Just like how you plan to do. We will just think we didn't see you. J-Just go," he shouted, his voice breaking at the last words.
The words hung in the air, a painful silence following, as if the very walls were holding their breath. Minhyung's face crumbled, he didn't move, frozen in place.
The others stood there, transfixed, unsure of what to do, as the tension between Minseok and Minhyung was stark, a living, breathing entity that seemed to suffocate them all.
Minhyung's voice was barely above a whisper, his words laced with desperation.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. Please hear me out."
Minseok's laughter was like a wounded animal, raw and pained, as he shook his head, tears streaming down his face. He thought he had cried himself dry, but it seemed his body had been holding back, waiting for this moment to unleash the floodgates.
The three other men looked away, unable to bear the pain etched on Minseok's face. Hyeonjoon's eyes brimmed with tears, his shoulders shaking silently as he wept, while Sanghyeok and Hyeonjun stared at the floor, their faces contorted in a mixture of sadness and empathy.
"Is there anything else you have to tell us?" Minseok's voice was laced with sarcasm, his words dripping with hurt. "You decide to part ways with us and you-you didn't tell anyone here. And you're sneaking out just now. So why are you still here? Why do you have to explain just now?"
Minhyung's eyes dropped, his shoulders slaking as he struggled to speak.
"I-I met my limit, If I stay I might lose myself," he admitted, his voice cracking as tears flowed down his face. "I'm sorry if I didn't tell you guys. Because I am a coward, I am afraid and I can't face you."
The words hung in the air, Minhyung's admission of fears and doubts creeping into them. The room fell silent, the only sounds being the soft sobbing of the men, their hearts breaking for Minseok, for Minhyung, and for the team they had built together.
Minhyung, stood of it all, his eyes brimming with tears as he took in the devastation he had caused.
If Sanghyeok is the pillar of T1, Minhyung is the heart of it. They had always looked up to him as the strongest, the one who could overcome anything. But the truth was, he was just as broken and vulnerable as the rest of them.
The weight of their exhaustion, of the year they had endured, was crushing. The pressure, the stress, the constant striving for greatness – it had all taken its toll. And now, as they faced the reality of Minhyung's departure, they were forced to confront the fragility of their team, of their relationships, and of themselves.
As they wept, the room seemed to vibrate with the intensity of their emotions, the air heavy with the unspoken words, the unfulfilled dreams, and the uncertain future.
Minhyung's eyes locked onto Sanghyeok's, his voice trembling with emotion. "Sanghyeokie hyung, I didn't want to disappoint you. I always told you that I would be like you, that I would be always with you, with the team, but now I can't."
Sanghyeok's face was etched with a mix of sadness and understanding, his eyes searching Minhyung's face as if trying to memorize every detail. He took a step forward, his voice gentle, "Minhyung-ah, you don't have to explain. I know how hard it is to stay in a place that's draining you."
Minhyung shook his head, his tears falling freely now. "No, hyung, you don't understand. I promised you, I promised all of you that I would stay and fight together. But I'm tired, hyung. I'm so tired of pretending to be okay when I'm not."
Sanghyeok's expression softened, and he stepped forward, he opened his arms, pulling Minhyung into a tight hug. "You're not alone, Minhyung. We'll get through this together, okay?"
Minhyung buried his face in Sanghyeok's shoulder, his body shaking with sobs as he whispered, "I'm sorry, Hyung. I'm so sorry."
Minhyung turned to Hyeonjun, his eyes welling up with tears as he spoke. "Junnie, I didn't want to tell you because I know how it would affect you, especially after Woojae left. I told you that time that I would do my best so that no one in this new team would leave. But I can't keep my words, as I am also leaving."
Hyeonjun's face contorted in pain, his eyes reddening as he listened to Minhyung's words. He remembered the pain of losing Woojae, the feeling of abandonment and guilt that had lingered long after the initial shock had worn off.
"I...I thought we were different, Minhyung," Hyeonjun stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I thought we were a family, that we would stick together no matter what."
Minhyung's face crumbled, his tears falling freely as he reached out to Hyeonjun. "I'm sorry, Junnie. I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you, any of you. I just...I can't do it anymore."
Hyeonjun's eyes dropped, his shoulders shaking as he struggled to hold back his tears. Minhyung's words were a painful reminder that even he, the man with a lot of confidence, wasn't immune to the struggles and doubts that came with being part of the team.
Minhyung's gaze landed on Hyeonjoon, his eyes filled with a mix of guilt and regret. "Hyeonjoon hyung, I know that the time we spent was short, but we got close, really close. I assured you that it would be a home where you can be who you are, where you can be most comfortable, but I'm ashamed because I can't even feel it."
Hyeonjoon's face contorted in pain, his eyes welling up with tears as he looked at Minhyung. For a moment, he just stared, as if trying to process the weight of Minhyung's words.
Then, slowly, he nodded, "I...I knew it was hard for you. I saw the cracks, the way you struggled to keep everything together."
Hyeonjoon's words were laced with sadness, but also understanding. He took a step forward, his eyes locked on Minhyung's. "I want you to be happy, Minhyung. I want you to find what makes you whole again."
Minhyung's face crumbled, and he took a shaky breath. "Hyung...thank you."
The room was heavy with emotion, but Hyeonjoon's words brought a sense of acceptance, a sense that even in goodbye, there was love and understanding.
Minhyung turned to face Minseok, his eyes brimming with tears as he spoke.
"Minseokie, I'm sorry. I didn't tell you because I'm afraid. I'm afraid to see you cry. I'm afraid of what you'll say. I'm afraid you'll hate me." He chuckled, a bitter, broken sound. "But how ridiculous, isn't it? Whether I told you or not, I know you'll cry, I know you'll be hurt. I'm just a selfish person who doesn't want to see you hurting because of me."
Minseok's face was etched in pain, his eyes red-rimmed from crying, as he listened to Minhyung's words. His body was tense, his fists clenched at his sides, as if trying to contain the emotions swirling inside him.
Minhyung took a step forward, his voice cracking. "Do you remember what you told me? You were angry at me that time because I was waiting for you outside while it was snowing heavily. You scolded me for being selfless, for sacrificing my health just to wait for you to come home. I promised you that time that I would try to be more selfish for myself. I...I didn't know that this time would come, where I am choosing myself now, I am choosing to leave the pain that causes me a lot of self-doubt."
Minhyung's words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the promises they had made to each other, and the pain they had shared. "I am sorry"
Minseok's face crumbled, and he took a step backward.
Minhyung stood frozen, his eyes fixed on Minseok, as the words spilled from his lips like a desperate prayer. "Minseokie, I'm sorry...I didn't mean to hurt you..."
But Minseok wasn't having it. His eyes blazing with a mix of pain and accusation.
"Minhyungie, you know I can understand you the most. But why it has to be this? You didn't even prepare me. If only you told me beforehand, I am not hurting so much. If only you trusted me."
Minhyung's face crumbled, his tears falling freely as he listened to Minseok's words. He knew he had hurt him, knew he had broken his trust.
Minseok's voice cracked as he continued, his words a desperate plea.
"Do you remember what you told to everyone? What you promised me?
'One day I will become the best ADC in the world.'
That once I joined T1, as long as I become your support, we will be the best duo.
That if you do well, I will be by your side. That if you're the best, I will probably decide to stay with you.
I believe in you. I joined the team. I chose you. While you, you kept your promise, you became the best ADC,"
The words hung in the air, a sharp reminder of the promises they had made. Minseok's voice dropped to a whisper, his body shaking with sobs.
"But...but now you're leaving me behind."
With a choked sob, Minseok turned and stumbled to his room, locking the door behind him. The sound of his tears, of his heart breaking, echoed through the silence, a painful reminder of the cost of Minhyung's decision.
Because Minhyung's departure was the catalyst that would change everything....