Chapter Text
Jeong Jihoon was dangerous.
They had fought each other a hundred times, yet Sanghyeok felt like he was now fighting an unknown enemy.
Jihoon had grown up well, with skills that put every other mid-laner to shame. He was strong, a worthy opponent, and Sanghyeok knew what to expect every time they met on the rift.
Yet this time he was at a loss.
Beyond the rift, Jihoon remained an enigma. His demeanor oscillated between humor and playfulness, yet he maintained an air of quiet mystery. Although he often kept to himself, he was rowdy and comfortable around his team. Sometimes Sanghyeok would find him staring at him—those deep, dark eyes scrutinizing him like a predator observing its prey.
Frequently, their eyes would lock in a sudden challenge, each holding the other’s gaze in a silent battle. Yet, more often than not, Sanghyeok would break away in the end, unable to continue for too long.
It felt like a game, somehow. And Sanghyeok loved games.
They’d stare at each other as both of their teams arrived at LoL Park, far away, as the sun and heat fell upon them. Jihoon’s handsome face would look sharper under the harsh light and shadows and Sanghyeok would have to look away, feeling as if he’d go blind if he kept staring.
They’d stare at each other as they met in the many hallways of LoL Park, sharing a rather long glance before moving forward. Sanghyeok would always be the first one to yield, moving quickly to where his team awaited him, feeling eyes follow him.
But something changed, one day.
—
LoL Park was full, thriving with the presence of fans and staff. The simmering heat of the summer felt wonderfully cruel on his skin and once inside, Sanghyeok met Jihoon’s eyes once again.
Gen.G was against HLE. T1 was against DK. It was a busy day, and Sanghyeok couldn’t help but let their usual game go longer than usual until Jihoon did something unexpected.
There he was, surrounded by his team and staff. He looked relaxed, tall, and lithe figure hidden by the oversized Gen.G jersey. His hair was messy, somewhat parted and his eyes were a bit half-lidded as he stared back at Sanghyeok.
And then, he smiled.
Weird, but not completely unexpected. Both had smiled at each other awkwardly from time to time, even making faces here and there when they both felt especially funny that day.
This time, Jihoon’s smile was a bit crooked, and it looked more like a smirk the more Sanghyeok stared at him.
If they had been in the rift, their fighting would have been on par. One trade here and there, maybe Sanghyeok would have had to use one of his potions.
Sanghyeok felt himself twitch.
And then, Jihoon winked .
This time, he had been completely outplayed.
It was as if suddenly the world stopped for a second. The people around him disappeared and the murmur of the crowd turned into white noise. Jihoon was right there, tall and threatening. Winking at him.
What a move! His strategy was immaculate. It took Sanghyeok completely by surprise. He was not ready for that kind of move!
Sanghyeok fled the scene.
Chovy 1 - Faker 0.
—
Throughout his 11 years as a pro player, he had never encountered such a threatening opponent such as Jeong Jihoon.
It felt as if his mid turret had been destroyed in the first 10 minutes of the game. It felt as if he had been solo killed, pushed back to the base as the weight of shame rendered him defenseless.
His mental was weak, but not destroyed after that first blood. He was prepared this time. He had leveled up. He had finished his first item, and Jihoon would be the one licking his wounds this time.
He had learned this time.
So when he met Jihoon once again at LoL Park, Sanghyeok swallowed his nervousness and smiled.
And using the same tactic, Sanghyeok winked at him.
He had never seen Jihoon look that startled.
Like he had lost any type of control over his body, his pace stuttered and he even crashed against poor Siwoo who barely managed to push his taller body back.
‘’Hey! What’s wrong with you?’’ Sanghyeok heard Siwoo complain loudly and Sanghyeok couldn’t help himself, feeling smug, he winked again.
Jihoon looked at him shocked, mouth opening and Sanghyeok just let himself be guided by Minhyung to his team’s green room.
And poor Jihoon had to take a moment to compose himself, coming up with bullshit excuses to avoid explaining to Siwoo what had happened to him.
Because Faker, Lee Sanghyeok, had winked at him. He had used the same strategy against him, not once, but twice .
The audacity…
Jihoon just watched the other walk away and swore to himself silently he wouldn’t let this go.
Faker 1 - Chovy 1.
—
Their meeting at LoL Park brought a whole different situation he did not expect.
Which was not new, seeing as Jihoon had taken him by surprise the last time he let him take advantage during their little game.
Sanghyeok was prepared this time, though.
He constantly found himself looking around, prepared for the upcoming fight. He knew Jihoon was going to fight back, he just didn’t know with what.
He was not scared, and he definitely wasn’t hiding. His team was back at their assigned green room waiting, while he was outside in the hallways, roaming around with the excuse that he needed to stretch his legs.
It was uncommon behavior coming from him, as he usually would rather spend his time waiting back at the green room sitting in one of the many couches available with one of his trusty books on his lap.
This time, he couldn’t stay still. So he decided to go out for a ‘’walk’’.
He had been walking for a good 15 or so minutes when he finally found him.
Jihoon was casually walking towards him, hands inside the pockets of his jersey. He didn’t look as if he had something planned, which caught Sanghyeok off guard and made him hesitate.
The lack of people around them also made him pause. He was alone with him. He had no support from his teammates in case his trades were unsuccessful. It was going to be a gruesome fight, and the winner would be decided by their skills.
Sanghyeok stood his ground, waiting. Because if his years in the industry had taught him something, it was to be patient.
Jihoon’s steps echoed ominously in the empty corridor, and it was as if he could see in slow motion the upcoming damage. He had no shield, but his damage was as good-
‘’Hyung, it’s good to see you’’ Jihoon’s voice was smooth, low, and Sanghyeok just nodded, unsure.
Both stared at each other silently. Their usual dance began.
One, two minutes had passed. The clock ticked in the back of his head. Tick, tock, tick, tock. Both just stood there, staring at each other, and Sanghyeok just knew he wouldn’t be able to last long.
Another minute or so, and Sanghyeok yielded, casting his eyes downwards as he felt his face grow heated for some reason-
‘’Ah, hyung… you have something here’’
And suddenly, Jihoon was too close.
He smelt strong. Masculine, with some sandalwood undertones. Sanghyeok drew a breath, the aroma lingering at the back of his throat deliciously, when suddenly, Jihoon’s hand materialized before his eyes
The soft touch on his face was too light and sudden, and it made Sanghyeok freeze in surprise. It felt as if Jihoon was taking his time though, moving his thumb over Sanghyeok’s cheek, right under the rounded lens of his glasses.
Then, it was over too quickly.
He could feel the area where he had been touched burn . He wasn’t sure what to do with himself, the urge to flee was too attractive, yet he remained, gazing up at Jihoon, speechless and vulnerable.
And Jihoon? The bastard smirked at him.
He knew he had won this time. And he was enjoying himself too much.
So Sanghyeok acted without thinking.
‘’Jihoon-ah’’ He suddenly found his voice and Sanghyeok’s hands moved up towards Jihoon’s messy hair, brushing it softly backwards. ‘’Your hair... is a bit messy…’’
Jihoon’s hair yielded beneath his fingers, a cloud of softness that reminded him of the few moments when he’d brushed Wooje’s hair before a schedule. His sweet top laner had reveled in the attention, smiling as if Sanghyeok had plucked the moon from the sky just for him.
But this was not Wooje. This was Jihoon. This was Chovy.
And frozen, he hovered above Sanghyeok as their gazes locked. This eye contact held an unfamiliar intensity, unlike their usual playful challenges—it was an electric current of unspoken longing and unknown desire that left them both bewildered.
‘’Hey, Jihoon! You bastard!’’
Their connection was severed, and Sanghyeok recoiled, cheeks aflame as he moved away from him and hastened away. Jihoon just stared at him, feeling some kind of deja vu as he ignored Siwoo’s calls and the sudden hands on his shoulders.
‘’Come! Coach is looking for us!’’ Siwoo kept complaining to his ears. ‘’Wait, was that Sanghyeok-hyung?’’
What a duel! Both had killed each other between their trades and back at their bases, their health bars slowly recharged. This time skill didn’t shine, and a winner was not decided.
Jihoon knew he just had to win their next trade, though. Things had definitely gotten more interesting.
Faker 2 - Chovy 2.