Arriving at the parking lot of Hyundai Seoul, it was filled with parked cars and cars struggling to find an empty parking space.
“Oh my, there's a lot of people.” Yujin says, staring out the window at the rows of cars.
“What do you expect? It’s a Sunday afternoon, no school or work. It’s the only time where kids and adults have time to waste.” Explains Jin-woo
“Well, hopefully we’ll find an empty parking spot soon.” Yujin says, trying to find an empty spot.
“Don’t worry, I have amazing luck in finding an empty spot within 5 mins and speaking of luck there’s one.” Said Jin-woo, finding an empty spot in front of them. Speeding up a bit, he turns into the parking spot and turns off the engine.
“Alright, now let's put on our sketchy mask and hoodie in 30C weather.” Said Jin-woo putting his hood up
With their mask and hat on, they exit the vehicle and walk towards the mall entrance arms intertwine.
The moment they step through the entrance of Hyundai Seoul, greeted by a rush of cool air and the hum of weekend shoppers. The bright, modern interior stretches out before them, shiny floors, designer displays, and a steady stream of people weaving through the maze of stores.
Jin-woo glances around, hands stuffed in his pockets. “Alright, where to go first? Food? Arcade? Secret rooftop hideout?”
Yujin’s hand tightens around him as she pulls him forward. “What do you think?”
Jin-woo lets out a soft groan. “Of course, clothes shopping.”
“Yup!” she replies sweetly, shooting him a side-eye smile under her mask. “Think of it as boyfriend bonding time, also it lets me know of your fashion taste.”
“Ah, yes. The sacred tradition of watching my girlfriend try on twenty different outfits and pretending I know fashion.”
“That’s the spirit,” she grins, dragging him into a sleek boutique with pastel-colored walls and racks of new fall collections.
Despite their low-key disguises, oversized hoodies, masks, and caps, whispers start to follow them. A couple of teens glance their way, nudging each other with wide eyes. A woman by the accessory wall subtly lifts her phone like she’s checking messages, but the lens is pointed in their direction.
Yujin notices but doesn’t acknowledge it. “Act normal,” she mutters as she checks the rack of clothes and picks out a cream-colored sundress before putting it back. “They’ll think we’re just another stylish couple.”
“well,” Jin-woo says arrogantly, “I’m the stylish one in this relationship. You’re just okay.”
Yujin growls, slapping his arm. “Shut up, now which one?” Holding a blue button dress robe with her left hand and a loose black strap dress.
“Hmm, they both look good so try both but for the blue robe, you’ll probably want a dress or skirt underneath.”
“hmm I agree.” She says checking both of the outfits before trying to find a skirt.
Looking around Jin-woo sees a leather jacket takes it off the racket to show Yujin. “ How about this?”
Turning around she looks at the jacket before shaking her head “As much as I love leather jackets, I have way too much leather jackets at home.”
Putting the jacket back, he skims around before finding a long white no sleeve dress. “this would work well with the blue rob. Oh, and this jacket would work well if the black dress when it’s cold.”
Examining the dress, “hmm it’ll work. I guess you do have taste after all.” She comments taking the dress from him
“Of course, I am blessed by the heavens.” says Jin-woo with his smug punch able smirk.
She sighs and shakes her “ come on, let’s try it out.” walking towards the changing rooms before vanishing into one of them. “Wait right there.”
He leans against a wall, arms crossed, as she disappears behind the curtain. A moment later, she peeks out. “Ready?”
She steps out in the A navy blue, short-sleeved, button-down midi dress with a subtle A-line and a white ruffled underlayer peeking out from the hem silhouette. She twirls once, the skirt fluttering.
“Well?” she asks, tilting her head.
Jin-woo straightens up, the corner of his eyes crinkling despite the mask. “That’s illegal,” he says.
Yujin raises a brow. “The dress?”
“No, you. Walking around like that. I’ll have to fight off half the mall.”
She snorts, covering her face for a second, flustered. “smooth talker, who’s the stylish one now.”
“Me still, but Seriously, you look beautiful.” States Jin-woo stepping slower to Yujin, wrapping his hands around her waist.
As they both start to get lost in their own world, more attention starts drifting toward them as curious eyes and phones subtly aimed their way. A few girls whisper and glance at Yujin’s sky-blue chain necklace which they recognize from her live.
Unfazed, Yujin tries on the second dress, a loose black strap dress with an oversized two-tone beige and tan jacket.
“That makes you look soft and cute, hiding that devilish side of you.”
“Perfect. I’ll take it.” Respond Yujin
“Get both,” he says. “And maybe find a swimsuit so we can hit the beach.”
Yujin bites her lip, her eyes warm above the mask. “Perv. You’re really laying it on today.”
“I can’t help it. You’re distracting.” Replies Jin-woo
Just as she’s about to reply, a pair of young girls in the next change room peek over, eyes wide as they look at Yujin. One of them whispers, “Is that? No way...”
Jin-woo gently nudges her arm. “Time to change and move before we get ambushed.”
She nods, laughing under her breath. “Alright, both it is.” She disappears into the fitting room.
“You’ll have all the men in Korea begging on their knees,” he calls out.
“They already are,” Yujin smirks, closing the curtain.
“You call me cocky,” Jin-woo mutters, pulling his mask down. He reaches into his pocket, unwraps a lollipop, and pops it into his mouth.
“Excuse me... are you Jin-woo?” comes a voice from his right.
Turning, he sees a young teenage couple, both looking nervous and excited. The guy holds a pile of clothes his girlfriend clearly wants to try on.
Smiling with the lollipop sticking out of his mouth, Jin-woo nods.
“Uhm, I know it’s a weird place to ask,” the boyfriend begins, “but... can we get a photo with you? We’re both huge fans.”
“Sure, but make sure you get my good side,” Jin-woo jokes, stepping between them as the girlfriend raises her phone for the shot.
“You don’t have a bad side,” she squeals, hands visibly trembling. “You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.”
“Hey now, don’t say that. Your boyfriend’s very handsome too,” Jin-woo says, shooting her a playful glare.
“I know, I know. He’s very handsome,” she laughs, nudging her boyfriend.
“Thanks, bro,” the boyfriend whispers before the girlfriend counts down.
“Three... two... one... click.”
“Thank you!” both say in unison, bowing slightly.
“No problem,” Jin-woo replies, sucking on his lollipop.
“Uhm, Jin-woo-ssi, if you don’t mind me asking... how long are you staying in Korea? Is there an event you’re here for?” the girl asks.
“Ah ah ah, that’s a secret,” Jin-woo teases. “But since you were lucky enough to spot me here, there is something coming. You’ll find out soon. Just follow the Sentinels’ YouTube channel.”
“What a tease,” she laughs.
“What’s with all the ruckus?” Yujin’s voice cuts in as she exits the change room. The couple glance at her, clearly trying to figure out who she is beneath the mask and cap.
“Just met a couple of fans. And now that you’re out, it’s time to go.” Jin-woo turns back to the couple. “Nice meeting you two. Have a great day. Bye-bye now.”
“Bye,” they say, still watching curiously as the two walk away.
“Doesn’t that girl look familiar?” the girlfriend whispers.
“Yeah, but I can’t place it,” the boyfriend replies.
Outside the store, after Jin-woo paid for both dresses “like a gentleman,” the two continue strolling through the mall, hand in hand, looking for something to eat. They pass rows of food stalls and bakeries.
“There’s so many choices,” Jin-woo muses. “I wonder what dessert places they have here.”
“Dessert? Is that all you think about? One day we really need to check your blood sugar levels,” Yujin says, giving him a side-eye.
“Dessert is the only thing that matters,” Jin-woo replies, unfazed.
Yujin just gives him a deadpan look.
“Anyway, I’m craving pho and spring rolls,” she says, scanning the nearby restaurants.
“Pho? Spring rolls? Please, I make mean pho and spring rolls. These restaurants have nothing on me,” Jin-woo brags.
“Right, of course you do,” Yujin replies flatly.
“You don’t believe me?”
“Oh, I totally believe you,” she says with thick sarcasm. “Now, what do you really want to eat?”
“Let’s get some Chinese food.”
They settle on a cozy Chinese restaurant tucked into the corner of the food court, slightly quieter than the rest, with warm lighting and a faint smell of garlic and sizzling oil hanging in the air.
A hostess greets them with a smile, glancing briefly at their hats and masks before leading them to a table near the window.
“Table for two?”
Jin-woo wraps an arm around Yujin’s shoulder. “Always.”
Yujin elbows him lightly, whispering, “Shut up you weirdo.”
“Make me,” he whispers back with a wink.
The waitress chuckles before saying “Alright follow me.” She brings the two to their table.
Arriving at their table, the waitress asks them “What kind of tea do you both want?”
“Guk Bo, please.” Request Jin-woo
Sitting opposite of each other at the small square table. Jin-woo immediately picks up the menu, his eyes scanning like he’s reading a stock report.
“Okay,” he announces, “I want sweet and sour pork, shrimp fried rice, and maybe some dumplings. You?”
Yujin squints at him. “You realize we’re two people, right? Not a baseball team?”
“My stomach counts as three,” he replies confidently.
“Then I’ll just get my own stuff. No way I’m sharing with that metabolism.”
She flips through the menu and settles on Hong Kong-style Fish and Tofu Claypot. Jin-woo raises a brow.
“Hong Kong-style Fish and Tofu Claypot? Good choice but You’re going to accidentally touch the pot, burn your hand and cry. It’ll be embarrassing cause I know how dramatic you get.”
“I am not! Are you saying I’m embarrassing to be with?”
“Of course not!” He gasps, hands over heart.
“Good. Because I think being someone who calls them the chosen one is even more embarrassing.” Retorts Yujin
“But it’s the truth.” That earns him a stifled laugh and an eye roll from Yujin as she sets her menu down.
“In your dreams.” Scoffs Yujin
The waitress returns with their tea, placing it on the table. “Are you guys ready to order?” taking out a notepad from her pocket.
“Yup, 1 Hong kong style Fish and Tofu Claypot, 1 Sweet and sour pork, 1 shrimp fried rice and a plate of dumplings.” Answers Yujin with a smile
“Oh my, that’s a lot of food. Alright I’ll go put it in.” says the waitress as she leaves to put in the order
Once the waitress leaves, Jin-woo leans forward, resting his chin on his palm. “You know... it’s kind of romantic, sitting here like this. Almost feels like a normal couple date.”
“It is a normal couple date,” Yujin replies, then pauses. “Minus the disguises, security worries, and the fact that two girls in the corner are pretending not to look over here every five seconds.”
He glances over, spots the girls, and gives them a tiny wave. They squeak and duck their heads.
“You’re evil,” she says, laughing.
“I’m encouraging them. Fan service.”
“Well don’t encourage them too much or we’ll be running out of the mall being chased by crazy fans.” Says Yujin
“Your fans, mine are normal human beings that touch grass.”
“hmm fair, you know sometimes it doesn’t hurt you to shower before meeting us.” Complains Yujin “I remember Leeseo almost barfing when this one fan came up.”
“It's one of those times where we’re grateful girls take hours to get ready.” Says Jin-woo
“Oh my there are some really pretty fans, it makes me jealous sometimes.”
“Well, you’re the one with the talent along with the beauty.” Says Jin-woo causing Yujin to blush a bit.
Picking up the teapot, Jin-woo pours hers first, surprisingly careful with the pot.
“Wow,” Yujin hums, watching him. “Didn’t know you had manners.”
“I’m full of surprises.” He pours his own cup, then adds, “Next, I’ll show you I can fold laundry.”
“Don’t tease me with fantasies.”
As their food starts arriving, plate after steaming plate, Yujin stares in disbelief.
“How are we gonna finish this?”
He shrugs. “I’m hungry. Also, we can bring it to the girls.”
“So, this is how you bribe people? With food?”
“Absolutely. It’s the most effective method. That and my face.”
Yujin picks up a dumpling with her chopsticks, eyes narrowing. “You really need to be humbled.”
“Oh? And how would you do that?”
She pops the dumpling in her mouth and chews dramatically, then gives him a thumbs-down. “You’re Mid.”
He clutches his chest in mock betrayal. “You wound me.”
They dig in, the table buzzing with quiet laughter and playful jabs. Between bites, Jin-woo gently wipes a dot of sauce from the corner of Yujin’s mouth with his thumb. She blinks, caught off guard, and he grins.
“Messy, messy eater.” Says Jin-woo causing Yujin to purse her lips.
“Sweet are bad for your health,” she echoes with a sly smile
He leans forward again, this time a little more serious. “I like this. Us. Doing boring normal things.”
Yujin looks at him for a moment, her teasing gone quiet for once. “Me too.”
And just like that, with plates of food between them and the world outside the window buzzing on, the two stars disappear just for a while into a moment that belongs only to them.
Exiting the restaurant hands in tow, the stroll around the mall aimlessly trying to find anything else to do.
“Nothing seems interesting here, why don’t we go somewhere else?” asks Yujin, seeing that nothing in the mall is catching her eyes.
“Hm sure, why don’t we drop off these foods for the others and I’ll take you somewhere.” Says Jin-woo
“alright, let’s gets grab some ice cream before we leave. Gaeul finish the tub of ice cream last week.”
“I didn't think such a small human being could eat that much ice cream.”
“She may seem so calm and mature, but she has a chaotic side of her.” Shivers Yujin as memories flood her mind
Timeskip
Opening the door to the dorm, Yujin quickly walks into the dorm and announces
“Everyone, I have food for you. I’ll leave it on the table okay??”
Dropping the bags of leftovers, she opens the freezer door placing the container of ice cream inside.
“Ahh Unnie, you’re back already?” ask Leeseo walking into the kitchen from the hallway
“Don’t tell me Jin-woo oppa already left you. Jeez, maybe I should’ve gone instead, "said Wonyoung as the rest of the girls flooded into the kitchen.
“No! I'm just here dropping off food, he’s downstairs waiting.” Replies Yujin
Rei opens the bag of food and gasps at the amount of food inside.
“You both got so much food, were there others with you?” ask Rei
Yujin scoffs “that idiot ordered all of it, this is just 20% left of what we had. I swear people were staring at us. It was embarrassing.”
“Oppa, must have a black hole of a stomach.” Said Leeseo taking a bite of the fish
“Ok it's time for me to go, make sure to sleep early, we have a schedule tomorrow. Oh and don’t wait for me.” Says Yujin as she walks towards the door
“Nae have fun!” said the girls
Just as Yujin is about to walk out the door, she hears Gaeul call after her. She turns around to see Gaeul striding up, something small in her hand. Without a word, she places it into Yujin’s palm.
“Not sure if Jin-woo has one so better safe than sorry,” Gaeul says with a wink.
Yujin blinks, confused. She slowly opens her hand and stares at the blue package resting in her palm. Her jaw drops.
“Unnie... What is this? Wae?” she stammers, her face flushing crimson.
“You know what it is. What’s wrong? Do you need more? Ehhh, naughty Yujin,” Gaeul teases, giving her a playful smirk.
“No, I don’t need one!” Yujin yells. “Wait, why do you even have one?”
“Why else? I’m always prepared. And so should you.” Gaeul gives her a knowing look. “Now go. Jin-woo's waiting. Good luck, and don’t get caught unless you’re into that.” She giggles as she pushes Yujin out the door and shuts it behind her.
Standing in the hallway, stunned, Yujin stares down at the item in her hand like it just changed the course of her life. She shuffles to the elevator, her mind completely blank.
Inside the car, she slumps into the passenger seat, leaning back and staring out the windshield in silence.
Jin-woo glances at her, puzzled. “Hey, what’s with you? Did something happen?”
Yujin doesn’t respond, eyes glaze over.
Frowning, Jin-woo reaches over and tickles her side.
“Ya, YA! Stop! Haha, stop it!” she squeals, swatting at him. In the chaos, the condom slips from her hand and lands right on the center console.
Everything freezes.
Both of them stare at the blue package.
Yujin’s face twists in horror. Jin-woo breaks into a mischievous grin.
“Oho, Ahn Yujin,” he coos, leaning back dramatically, fingers touching his lips. “Didn’t know you wanted to take things so fast. I mean, I’m a bit shy, but if it’s you, then take me.” He opens his arms to her, full of playful theatrics.
“Yaa, it’s not mine!” Yujin shouts, flailing. “Gaeul unnie gave it to me right before I left! Ugh, I’m going to kill her.”
“Don’t be shy,” Jin-woo teases. “No need to blame poor Gaeul. If you wanted to have sex, you should’ve just told me. I didn’t know you were so eager.”
“I-I-I’m not! I’m not eager!” she sputters. “Ugh, just drive!”
“Alright, alright,” he laughs, starting the engine. “To a hotel?”
Yujin punches his arm without hesitation.
As they drive through the bustling streets of Seoul, the city glows with life outside the window as people fills the street. Families, couples, students and kids roaming around the street talking, eating and having fun, making the streets of Seoul lively. The longer they drive, the chaos slowly fades as the road winds upward, leaving the bustle behind. The streetlights grow sparse, the sky darker, and the air feels cooler the higher they go. Eventually, Jin-woo turns onto a secluded road that snakes along a hillside. At the top, he gently steers the car off the pavement onto a small patch of grass tucked beside the road. The car bumps slightly as it settles into place, the headlights cutting across the open space ahead.
As the car comes to a gentle stop on the grassy patch near the edge of the hill, Yujin steps out and is instantly hit by the breathtaking sight before her. The city of Seoul stretches out beneath them, glowing brightly against the night sky like a sea of stars scattered across the earth. She gasps softly, eyes wide with awe as the cool breeze brushes past her.
“Woah… this is beautiful,” she breathes, barely above a whisper.
Jin-woo walks to the trunk, pulling out two large foldable chairs. “Not as beautiful as you,” he replies smoothly, smirking as he carries the chairs to the front of the car and sets them up near the edge.
Yujin rolls her eyes but can’t hide her smile. “You’re seriously using pickup lines right now?”
“I’m just warming up,” he grins, walking back to the trunk. This time, he returns with a soft blanket and gently drapes it around her shoulders from behind.
“Thanks,” she murmurs slowly leaning into him
“It should happen anytime now,” he murmurs as he checks his phone.
Yujin glances up at him curiously. “Time for what?”
“Wait for it,” he says with a small grin, his eyes flicking back toward the city.
A beat passes and then the first firework shoots into the sky above the Han River, exploding in brilliant color. Yujin gasps, eyes lighting up as more follow, scattering blues, reds, and golds across the night.
“Jin-woo…” she breathes, stunned. “This is…”
“There’s a festival happening by the river tonight,” he explains, watching the sky. “Figured this would be the best place to see it. Quiet, no crowds, and a perfect view.”
Yujin turns to look at him, her expression soft. “You really planned all this?”
He shrugs with a teasing smile. “You think I just drive to random hills with foldable chairs and a blanket for fun?”
She laughs quietly, eyes still wide from the sight. “Okay… maybe you’re not as ridiculous as I thought.”
“Don’t get used to it,” he smirks, eyes twinkling, reflecting the fireworks burst in front of them and painting the dark skies with colors.
Ring ring ring
a phone rings from Jin-woo’s pocket causing both Yujin and Jin-woo to take their vision away from the fireworks. Taking it out, a silly face of Rob Moore is displayed on his phone screen. Jin-woo picks it up
“Hey Rob, what’s up.” Says Jin-woo
“Hey Bud, just wanted to let you know that we’ve released the video. Whenever you have time, come back and visit us. You’ll always have a home here at Sentinels.”
“Thanks Rob, I’ll be back. Just make sure the guys don’t screw up too soon and get Kaplan some more vacation days, he needs it.” Smirks Jin-woo
“Haha, I will. Now have fun with your future endeavors. See you next time.” said Rob
“See you soon.” Answers Jin-woo before ending the call.
Walking over, Yujin asks “Who called?”
“It was just Rob.”
“He is the owner of your team right? Why did he call? Is something wrong?” ask Yujin with a hint of worry
“No, but I do have something to show you.” He says, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close to him. Yujin snuggles closer to him, getting into a better position, bringing his phone in front of them, he opens up YouTube and to the Sentinels YouTube channel. Clicking on the latest video with a thumbnail of an empty chair.
‘Thank You, TenZ & Jin-woo’
Two empty chairs in a room in front of shelves holding Sentinels merchandise, and real life replica of a Vandal. At the center shelf, it displays the trophies, most importantly the Champions trophy sitting at the center flanked by 3 Masters trophy, ATV trophy and Fortnite world cup trophy.
TenZ and Jin-woo enter the camera from the sides and sits down in the chairs.
Smiling softly, TenZ says “Hey Sencity.”
“We got a lot to talk about.” finishes Jin-woo
“so, it’s really hard to say but we are retiring from professional Valorant. For me, I’ve known since the start of this year that this would be my last year, and it definitely a moment for me to give it my all and play with no regrets. The big question is why? Playing as a pro player it’s definitely a big-time commitment from your life and is quite tiring. I have big ambitions and things that I want to accomplish outside the game that would require time from my schedule. Although I wouldn’t be playing with the team anymore, I won’t be completely gone from Sentinels as I am still SEN TenZ at the end of the day and who know if they need a sub they’ll know who to call.” Explains TenZ
“since when were you able to say such long coherent sentences? Is there an invisible teleprompter.” questions Jin-woo Looking around in front of them causing TenZ and film crew to laugh from behind the camera before looking straight at the camera.
“You might know me as the guy who walked into Sentinels and turned us into a nightmare for every other team. Before that, I moved to America when I was 15. Full scholarship to MIT. Top of my class. People called me a genius and yeah, they were right.” Says Jin-woo With a mock shrug, and cocky grin
“Joining Sentinels and playing Valorant professionally was never in my agenda. Valorant was a hobby that I did when I didn’t have any assignments or events to attend to. Loading up my pc and queuing rank and dropping 30 kills in radiant is what any completely normal person would do”
Grinning from ear-to-ear TenZ says “whenever I play with him, regardless what game it was, he’d absolutely demolish the enemy team. He is just cracked at everything he touches.”
Jin-woo laughs before continuing “We’ve known each other for a long-time, way before Valorant. When he told me this was gonna be his last year, I thought ‘hey, why don’t I join you and finally help you start winning again’ and win we did” pointing at the 2 masters trophy and champion trophy behind them sitting on the shelves with other trophies that the org won.
Turning back, he continues in a lowered tone showing a rare softness beneath his cocky and confident attitude
“It’s been eight years since I’ve been home. No holidays. No FaceTime calls and missed memories. I miss Seoul. I miss my family. My mom’s cooking. I’ve done everything I set out to do here. Helped this team win and be the first team to complete the golden road. Help Tyson finish his last year with a banger and leave my mark in Valorant. And now? It’s time for me to go home.” Finishes Jin-woo
TenZ starts “A message to all the SenCity fans, it’s really been amazing, we’ve definitely created something amazing here at Sentinels. All I can say is Thank you to everyone who supported me and the different iteration of Sentinels. This isn’t goodbye forever. Just... see you later.”
“To our family here at Sentinels and our loyal chaotic fans, Thank you for everything. It isn’t easy being a Sen fan, I would know as I watched the majority of the Sen games before I joined. It was a rough couple years, but I hope you continue to support Sentinels through the new changes of the roster. Even though this roster is the best roster of all time.” Laughs Jin-woo.
“Watch out Tarik, I’ll be stealing your viewers.” Adds TenZ laughing with Jin-woo and the others.
They both stand up and exchange a fist bump before walking off camera. As texts fades onto the screen
Thank you, TenZ.
Thank you, Jin-woo.
Forever Sentinels.
She glances up at him, her voice soft, teasing “‘The Honored one?’ Really?”
Jin-woo grins, that trademark smugness curling on his lips. “What? That’s what people called me? And they aren’t wrong.”
Yujin lets out a quiet laugh and nudges him playfully with her shoulder.
“You really can’t help yourself, huh?”
“Can’t help it. It’s in my blood and don’t say you aren’t attracted to it.”
“Hmm a little bit.” She responds, causing his smirk to linger for a beat before his expression softens.
“Besides, I’ve been enveloped by this for so long, I forgot what life looks like when you’re not in the spotlight.”
Yujin is quiet for a moment. Then she reaches down and slides her hand into his, lacing their fingers together.
“Then let’s find out together. A life with no cameras, no persona and no fear. Just ourselves.”
Jin-woo looks down at her. This smile is different. It's real, tired, full, content.
“Yeah. sounds good.”
They stand there in silence, embracing each other under the night skies. Enveloped by the warmth of each other as their commitment to one another. Though how long that will last has yet to be tested.
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