Chapter 2

Backstage, Yunjin complains, "Ugh, I'm so tired. Why are video games so exhausting?"

"I know, right? But it was fun," Chaewon chimes in.

"Eunchae-ya, you were amazing!" Sakura compliments.

"Yeah, I know. I'm literally the best. You guys are honestly slowing me down. Maybe I should play for a team," Eunchae teases, prompting sighs from the others as they watched their youngest member daydream.

"Hey girls, let's head out to the suite since the Finals are about to start. There's food there, so just bring your personal items," announces Amanda as she enters the room.

They nod their heads, gather their things, and leave for the suite. Upon arrival, they found a spacious area with numerous couches and a balcony separating them from the fans, providing a perfect view of the stage. Seeing this, Eunchae as usual walks towards the couch and curls up wrapping herself with a blanket. Meanwhile, the others gravitated towards a table laden with food. Sakura, in her ever-thoughtful manner, even fetched an extra plate for Eunchae. They move towards the balcony with their food to watch IVE perform their collaboration song with riot. As usual the crowd was loud cheering for the girls performing as if it was a concert instead of a gaming event.

“ Yujin Gaeul Rei Wonyoung Liz LeeSeo IVE” screams the crowd

The crowd continued to cheer to the end yelling their bias’s name, the girls were ferocious yet gracefully dancing to the music of the song. They are then surrounded by tens of backup dancers as flares shoot up in the air making their performance mesmerizing. In the end the girls pose right at the front with their backup dancers surrounding them. The crowd turns dark signaling the end of the performance for IVE before another performance begins. The Le Sserafim girls clap their hands at the performances before heading back inside to continue feasting.

After a while the door opens, and the members of IVE enter the room with casual clothing exhausted and tired, they exchange greetings before joining them at the table to grab some food. After picking up some food they all sat down on the couches and started munching on their food while chatting.

“Uh Why did I decide to become an idol?” Whines Leeseo as she lies back onto the couch munching on the food on her plate.

“It’s so tiring; I can’t imagine having Yujin and Wonyoung unnie’s schedule.” Joins Liz munching on her full plate of food.

“It’s hard to be an idol sometimes but it has its benefits.” Explains Chaewon as she scroll through her phone.

“It is so we must take care of ourselves which means, Wonnie here some more food. You need to eat a bit especially when our managers aren’t here.” Says Sakura as she piles more food onto Wonyoung’s plate knowing that the girl has always been on a strict diet.

“Hmm Thank you Unnie! I miss you so much.” Says Wonyoung as tears formulate in her eyes giving Sakura a tight hug rocking her side by side.

“Ah be careful, you’ll make me drop the food.” Say Sakura as she tries to balance the food on her plate, so it doesn’t fall.

“Unnie, where's my food? I’ve also been on a strict diet recently you know! What is this favoritism.” Complains Yujin shaking her body like a child.

“Ah you big baby, here take the rest of my plate.” Says Sakura, handing her plate to Yujin which she shamelessly takes even though there was still a bunch of food on the table.

The girls continue to eat their food, Leeseo and Eunchae are sitting together on the couch watching drama on their phones. Yunjin, Chaewon, and Gaeul were talking about different make up brands, while Kazuha, Rei, Liz, Yujin and Wonyoung were just watching the performances on the TV.

Soon, they all hear the crowd cheer loudly causing them to all walk out onto the balcony and turn their attention towards the stage. It seems like they were about to announce the teams. Standing in front of the stage, the MC stands still and behind him were three large led screens with the middle one behind the other two, displaying the VCT Pacific Logo in the middle screen.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the King of the Pacific, Paper Rex!!!" The crowd erupted into cheers as the announcer introduced each member of PRX, each player walked confidently onto the stage, acknowledging their fans with waves before taking their positions in the middle of the stage.

"Now, please welcome the three-time Masters winner, aiming to clench the golden road and the greatest team from the West, SENTINELS!!!" The announcer's voice boomed through the arena as Sentinels' logo appeared on the large screens.

The crowd erupts in a deafening roar as music fills the arena, accompanying each team member's entrance onto the stage.

“SENTINELS! SENTINELS! SENTINELS!”

"Known for his split-second decisions and mechanical skill, the Duelist of Sentinels, Zekken!"

The audience cheers as Zekken confidently walks out onto the stage, acknowledging the crowd with a nod while an image of Zekken appears on the right screen with his name along with his role on the left screen.

“Known for his versatile champion pool and being the vibe merchant, The Flex player for Sentinels, Zellsis!”

Zellsis grins widely and waves to the cheering fans, adding to the electric atmosphere.

“Renowned for his leadership in both strategy and clutch plays, the IGL of Sentinels, JohnQT!”

JohnQT raises a fist in acknowledgment, soaking in the crowd's energy.

As the fourth player took the stage, the crowd's anticipation grew to a fever pitch, welcoming their glorious king, emerging from the road of redemption, and after years away from Champions since 2021.

“The face of Valorant, known for his flashy and risky plays with unparalleled mechanics, Now Controller of Sentinels, TenZ!”

TenZ walks onto the stage with a wide smile holding his signature blob fish, he waves to the sea of fans filling every seat in the massive arena. The girls in the suite watched in awe, taken aback by the intensity of the crowd's cheers for a single player.

“ Wow! He is very popular.” Said Leeseo in awe at the volume of the crowd chanting his name.

"Yeah, the crowd is cheering like it’s a concert," remarked Wonyoung, impressed by the fervor of the crowd.

“I guess that’s why he is the face of Valorant.” Comments Chaewon leaning against the railing head on her palms.

“Yea and he is engaged too. He is just winning in life.” Comments Sakura causing the younger ones to snicker at her.

"Hmm, where’s their final player?" wonder Kazuha aloud.

Suddenly, the stage plunged into darkness and silence, causing the cheers to abruptly halt as all eyes turned toward the stage. From the speakers around the arena, loud, deliberate footsteps echo throughout the stadium causing people to shudder.

Step.

Step.

Step.

The sound stops. A spotlight illuminates a figure with black hair and snow-white tips, standing on the stage. Staring down at the ground before slowly lifting his gaze forward, revealing a strikingly handsome face framed by the brightest blue eyes.

The crowd erupted tenfold, their cheers reverberating through the arena as they chanted his name, "JIN-WOO!"

“EH Yujin isn’t that guy from the Aquarium.” Says Wonyoung in confusion pointing at the figure below.

Yujin stares at the captivating handsome figure in absolute shock, someone who annoyed the hell out of her to no end with his cocky attitude, was standing right there on the stage being cheered by thousands of fans.

“EHH OPPAAA!” Screams Eunchae leaning way far forward, almost falling over the railing causing the blanket to fall on the ground.

“HUH OPPA???” yell the girls staring at Eunchae in confusion.

On the stage stood the Sentinels' superstar, renowned for consistently rescuing the team in crucial rounds, clutching victories when they are most needed, his mechanics and ability to set up both his teammates and himself for insane plays. He is the player who everyone deems as the best player of Valorant. The Honored One, Hong Jin-woo.

Waving coolly at the fans, Jin-woo walks to his teammates who were laughing their ass off as they didn’t actually think he would actually make this kind of entrance. They slap him on the shoulders playfully before making their way to their designated side of the stage to huddle. As Jin-woo walks with his teammates, he glances up at the suite and notices the bewildered expressions on the girls' faces, especially Eunchae and Yujin.

Locking eyes with Eunchae, he blows her a flying kiss, eliciting a cute pout in return. Chuckling softly, he then turns his attention to Yujin and gives her a playful wink combined with a smirk. However, instead of amusement, Yujin appears thunderstruck, her eyes turning red and her ears practically emitting steam as she simmers with irritation. The girls instinctively took a step back, visibly unnerved by the sight of an angry Yujin, whose wrath was known to be fearsome

“ Aww why didn’t he tell me he was in Korea, such a big meanie.” Complains Eunchae holding the railing leaning backwards letting go a big whine.

“Eunchae, we didn’t know you had a brother.” Said a confused Sakura staring at the girl beside her.

“He left about 8 years ago to America because he got accepted to a university there. Something about getting into MTI or something.” Replies Eunchae with a thinking face as she tries to remember the name of the university.

“You mean MIT?? How old is he, he looks my age? Which means he was there at 15?” said Yunjin

"Yup, when he was at home, he would create so many cool toys and gadgets. He would take me around the country; we’d go camping in the forests and he would show me tons of beautiful places. Most importantly he would always treat me to as much ice cream as I wanted. He’s my favorite person in the world," exclaims Eunchae, fondly reminiscing about the past.

“ He must be very cool; I can’t wait to meet him.” Said Chaewon with a small smile

“ Hot as well” Smirked Yunjin staring at Jin-woo with attraction and a bit of lust.

“Cool my butt he is annoying.” Yujin scoff

“Yah, he is very cool.” retort Eunchae as she points at Yujin with a narrow glare.

“How can someone be cool when they hate turtles? He is delusional!” rebuttal Yujin

“Take that BACK!”

“NO!”

The IVE girls facepalm at their leader being childish and the Le Sserafim girl just watch in amusement, before they turn their focus back on stage as the game was about to start.

Castors

“ Um well, that was a grand entrance if I ever saw one. Truly the best entrance in all of esport, maybe even everything. Talk about hyping the crowd. We knew he had something like that in him with his previous interviews and the personal conversations I had with him, but this is another level.” Says Babybay

“Yeah, I’m surprised that this was even allowed but it got me really excited to watch this game. This grand final is filled with firepower, we have Forsaken, Something and JJing from PRX and we have TenZ, Zekken and Jin-woo from Sentinels. This series will be one flashy play after another.” Says Sean Gares

“For sure, but what I’m worried about is whether or not, Sentinels can start off hot as they are coming from the lower bracket which means PRX have an extra 2 map bans. This exact same scenario happened in master Madrid, and they barely were able to win against GENG.” Worry Babybay

“I totally agree, PRX right now looks way better and way more in form than GenG at Madrid and Sentinels were barely able to come out on top. Not only that, they also kinda struggle against Team Heretics in the lower final while PRX just demolish them in group stage. Honestly, this is the time for PRX to prove themselves and actually win in a grand final unlike last year against EG, whom although they beat in the upper final, lost in a 3-1 fashion.” Says Sean

“It was truly unfortunate for them last year but now they look immensely better, and this is their chance. They ban split, and lotus which are both Sentinels best maps.” Explains Babybay

“True but I won’t count Sentinels out as they’ve been on fire all year with the addition of JohnQT and Jin-woo.” Said Sean

“Those 2 additions really did change everything for them, OH it seems like the game is about to begin. First map Ascent.”

Zekken – Jett

JohnQT - KJ

Zellesis - Kayo

TenZ – Omen

Jin-Woo – Sova

Winner Sentinels

Map 2 – Icebox

Zekken – Jett

JohnQT – Viper

Zellsis – KJ

TenZ – Kayo

Jin-Woo – Gekko

Winner Sentinels

Map 3 – Sunset

“ Ladies and Gentlemen this is potentially the last map of the series. Sentinels have been on FIRE on Ascent and Icebox; It’s not even their pick! Oh man it just smells like a quick 3 – 0.” Announce Sean

“ Yea, they just look immaculate. They are constantly in position to trade with each other during the chaotic brawls which PRX are known for.” Says Babybay

“ They both have insane firepower, but Sentinels just look better not only mechanically but tactically, like look at the A hit on Icebox. They showed presence B with Gekko and Viper which pulled players for a rotation since they conditioned PRX by always hitting the site where Gekko is as he has the spike. With Zellsis Mid he can hear rotate which allowed TenZ and Zekken to execute onto site and get a clean plant. Zellsis would also push up to catch anyone who rotated late catching them from the back.” Explains Sean

“ Very good play, we got to give it up to Coach Kapalan and Analyst DrewSparks for their gameplans as well. In the interview after Icebox, Coach Kapalan told us that although they’re on track to complete the golden road, by winning every major tournament this year, they are still practicing constantly for long hours so they can cement that this year is Sentinel’s year.” Says Babybay

“I’ve spoken to multiple players before the tournament on their thoughts of who was going to win champs and surprise surprise they chose Sentinels.” Expose Sean

“Man, I can’t wait for this final map and see whether PRX can stop their 2nd place curse and reverse sweep or will Sentinels finish their redemption arc with a VCT Champions win.”

“ We are just to start agent selection for Sunset. Normally- WAIT WHAT Zekken is on Sova!” exclaims Sean

“ OH Man, this is going to be exciting; we haven’t seen Zekken on Sova since early last year, but who would be the duelist? TenZ?” questions Babybay

“ No, it seems like he will be back on the omen. Although he had a great history as a duelist, Jett on Sunset is not the greatest.” Explains Sean

“JIN-WOO NEON?” They both exclaim loudly. You can also hear the crowd cheer loudly as well seeing the Neon Pick from Jin-woo.

“ Have we ever seen Jin-woo on a duelist?” Questions Sean

“No, we haven’t, we’ve seen him in every role but a duelist as Zekken is their duelist superstar. It’ll be interesting to see whether or not his Neon will be any good.” Say Babybay

“ With what we’ve seen all year, I wouldn’t be surprised if he frags outs as he does have the mechanics to.” Says Sean

“ Well, we are about to see as the 3rd and potentially final map of Valorant Champions Seoul Korea is about to take place on Sunset”

With Sentinels

“Ok boys remember the game plans guys, just like any other game. Communicate and make plays happen. Release any stress or thoughts about our past 2 games and start fresh but locked in. I love you guys, and you guys are the best team I’ve ever coached. Love you guys’ ByE!” said Kaplan

“ Remember to watch out for the sage walls, we can’t let them pick us off like that yea?” warns JohnQT as he stares at his teammates beside him.

“Yes sir!” reply the team

Warming up his wrist, TenZ ask “Jin-woo you ready to give them a show”

Leaning back on his chair, hands behind his head he replies “Ofc, I am the best after all”

“Hey Jin-woo you better not stun me or istg” banter Zekken

“ Oh please, what can you even do you little shit, besides I’m not the one who kills my own teammate with my raze ults.” Replied Jin-woo

“ Haha, alright boys let’s do this shit. Who wants it!” screams Zellsis in the mic

“We want it!” screams the others

“Hope you guys realize that’s kinda cringe.” Comments Jin-woo with a smile causing everyone to laugh.

With the Girls

“Go Oppa, Fighting!!” Scream Eunchae jumping around the balcony in a Sentinels jersey waving a giant Sentinels Flag. The fans under them look backwards as they can hear her screaming and jumping around, causing them to laugh and take videos of it.

The girls smile and laugh at her enthusiasm, especially the Le Sserafim girls as they haven’t seen Eunchae laugh like this in a while with all the hate they have been receiving. Sure, they should be used to it, but it still hurts nonetheless and when Eunchae, who is still young, saw the comments it really took a toll on her and it was noticeable with her being dim.

With the girls happily watching the game, Yujin quietly stares down at Jin-woo, seeing him smile while focusing on the game really ignited something inside her. Shaking her head, she shakes it off as curiosity and annoyance. She turns to her left, seeing Wonyoung staring right at her with a small smirk. Furrowing her eyes

“I don’t like that face,” said Yujin

“ Hmph he’s cool, isn’t he? He looks like a prince and the way he just commands everyone’s attention. Maybe he’ll make me his princess?” wonders Wonyoung

Yujin grew a tick mark on her forehead wanting to strangle her, but she just let it go. Focusing back into the game as it has already started.

“Sigh, what is wrong with me?”

Somewhere

“Achooo” sneezed a figure as they dodge a swing of an axe aimed at her head. Wiping her nose quickly, they punched forward which sent a ball of flame towards their opponent hitting straight to their chest knocking them unconscious. Straightening themselves up, they walk towards the down opponent and dragging the unconscious body through an empty building.

“That moron better comeback quick” said the figure before disappearing into the stairwell.

Stadium

Screams*Screams**Screams**Screams**Screams**Screams**Screams**Screams**Screams*

SENTINELS SENTINELS SENTINEL SENTINELS

“ It is match point with Sentinels in the lead on defense. They dominated their attack going up 9-3 before struggling a bit on defense as PRX brought it back up to now 12-10.” Commentate Babybay

“They need to switch something up as they’ve been letting PRX take too much space without much util.” explains Sean

“Exactly they need to keep more map control, wait it seems like they have a read here. They 4 stack B site while Neon is solo on A with a trip in elbow.” Says Babybay

“ And now PRX are hitting B fast, WAIT NO TenZ got stunned and picked at main while holding an OP as JJing satchel forward and taped him in the head. This is not good, raze and Breech has ult and they ulted onto site. THEY GOT ZEKKEN AND JOHNQT. They are now planting the spike and Zellesis is just spraying hoping to get someone and he did! He took down something who was planting the bomb after the wingman got shot. Now, 2v4 as Jin-woo is now regrouped with Zellsis at market.”

Throwing up Neon wall to block main, Zellsis flash right to which Jin-woo slide right and

“They GOT Mindfreak!”

Jin-woo gets on the spike hoping to get atleast half as time was slowly ticking down, suddenly

Bang, Bang, BANG

SCREAMS

“WHAT WAS THAT!”

Jin-woo defusing the spike was peak by 2 players main, getting off of the spike he shoots at the 2 who both seem to be too focused on Zellsis killing him. Jin-woo taps them both in the head with a flick before his instinctually felt something to his left, trusting it, he flicks to the left and shot killing d4v41. He quickly starts defusing the spike as time was running out, everyone goes silent as they watch the bar go completely yellow until they hear and see

“Victory”

His team jumps out of their chairs and screams in joy. Zellsis rushes towards Zekken, who stands beside him, and lifts him up in the air in a hug both laughing and crying. JohnQT was standing still, hands on his head fully immersed in the moment as he thinks back to when he lost to G2 in Ascension grand finals to joining Sentinels and to now winning Champs. TenZ, who is looking for Kyedae and his family, suddenly screams as he is suddenly lift up by crying Zellsis huggin him tightly swaying him side to side.

“We Fucking did TYSON! WE ARE CHAMPIONS” yells Zellsis, not letting TenZ down.

Screaming and laughing, TenZ screams “HAha get me down Jordan you idiot!”

As for Jin-woo, he jumps up on the table in one hop knocking the monitor and keyboards backwards spreading his arms out up and wide with his Sentinels jacket flowing behind him from the breeze putting on the widest grin on his face as he stares straight at the chanting audience. Cameras turns facing directly at him capturing the moment where he shouts

“WHATS MY NAME!!”

“JIN-WOO!”

“I SAID WHATS MY NAME?”

“JIN-WOO!!!!”

“AND NEVER FORGET THAT!” shouts Jin-woo towards the crowd as he jumps back down after reliving the moment. He joins the rest of the team and coaches in a group huddle.