Glory crowned, walking with you
The cheers of the finals had barely faded from the esports center when the championship awards ceremony began amidst immense anticipation. A golden spotlight slowly moved, finally landing firmly on Lin Yu and Su Ran, illuminating their side-by-side figures with a dazzling glow. The audience seats had already transformed into a sea of orange, with thousands of cheering signs lighting up simultaneously. Chants of "AY defends the title" and "Lin Su, together forever" rose and fell like waves, the air thick with the joy of victory and the fervor of anticipation.
When the host, holding the microphone, announced in an impassioned voice, "This season's 'King of Glory' Pro League champions - Team AY," the entire venue instantly erupted. Lin Yu reached out to take the championship trophy handed to him by the staff. The heavy metal felt through his palms, carrying the weight of honor. He subconsciously glanced at Su Ran beside him. The two smiled at each other, then raised their hands together and raised the trophy high above their heads. At that moment, the cheers from the audience reached a peak. Fans waved their arms excitedly, some even tearing up - this was the second consecutive year that Team AY had won the championship trophy, and it was also the "legendary mid-jungle" duo, Lin Yu and Su Ran, who had added another shining medal to their professional careers with countless days and nights of sweat and tacit understanding.
On the large screens flanking the podium, replays of Team AY's highlights from this season began: from their record-breaking regular season winning streak, to their crucial comeback against Team RJ in the playoffs, to their thrilling five-game finals victory over Team ZT... In every shot, Lin Yu's jungler consistently delivered precise penetration into the backline, while Su Ran's mage provided timely control and damage. Their seamless coordination, like the synergy of cogwheels, had become a truly captivating spectacle on the court. The fans in the audience cheered along, reliving the excitement and heartfelt moments of the entire season.
After the cheers died down, the host smiled and walked over to Lin Yu and Su Ran, passing the microphone between them. "You've won the championship for two consecutive years, becoming the first team in league history to successfully defend the title. As the core of the team, do you have anything to say to each other and to the fans who have always supported you?"
The scene instantly fell silent, with all eyes focused on the two of them. Lin Yu gently held Su Ran's hand, and the warmth from his fingertips made them both feel at ease. He turned to look at the fans in the audience, his eyes sweeping over the familiar faces holding up their support signs, and his voice carried throughout the venue through the microphone: "First of all, I want to say thank you to all the fans. From being underdogs at the beginning of the season to making a comeback against all odds in the playoffs, every time we hear your cheers during a game, we can feel infinite strength. Without your support, there would be no AY team's current results, and there would be no chance for Su Ran and I to stand here."
At this point, he turned his head, his eyes gently falling on Su Ran's face, his tone full of cherishment: "I also want to thank Su Ran in particular. I remember the first time we met was at the professional tryouts three years ago. At that time, we were just rivals who didn't know each other. Later, due to a misunderstanding, we didn't contact each other for a long time. I regretted every day that I didn't explain it to you sooner. It wasn't until you transferred to AY that we became teammates again, staying up late to watch film together in the training room, fighting side by side on the court... Thank you for always being by my side, tolerating my stubbornness, and encouraging my lack of confidence. In the future, I want to win more championships with you and go further."
Upon hearing these words, the fans in the audience erupted in enthusiastic cheers, shouts of "Lin Su lock it up!" Su Ran's eyes were already welling up, and as he took the microphone, his voice, with a subtle choke, remained clear and resolute: "I also want to thank all the fans. After every match, win or lose, you can be seen in the audience holding up your support signs, chanting our names. We also receive many letters and gifts from fans, and we carefully read every word in them. Your support is what keeps us going, even when we face difficulties."
He looked at Lin Yu, tears glistening in his eyes, but he couldn't hide his full dependence and trust: "I also want to thank Lin Yu. When I first transferred to AY and was confused because I couldn't adapt to the new tactics, it was you who accompanied me to practice over and over again; when I was sick during an away game and couldn't even get out of bed, you stayed up all night to take care of me and explained the training content to me word for word; when we encountered headwinds on the court and everyone panicked, you were the first to stand up and stabilize the team's morale... With you by my side, I dare to face all challenges and believe that we can do more. In the future, let's work hard together and never let everyone down."
As soon as the words left his mouth, the audience erupted in cheers again. Fans raised their phones to capture this heartwarming moment, and many excitedly waved banners reading "Lin Su, may you be happy." The host jokingly said, "It seems today isn't just a championship awards ceremony, but also a big 'sweet moment'! I believe everyone here is just as happy for your friendship (and love) as I am." These words further heated up the atmosphere. Lin Yu and Su Ran's cheeks flushed slightly, but they still held each other's hands tightly, unwilling to let go.
After the awards ceremony, as soon as Lin Yu and Su Ran walked off the stage, they were surrounded by fans who had been waiting. They lined up in an orderly manner, some handing over autograph books, some holding cute dolls of the two, and others carefully prepared handwritten cards filled with sincere blessings. "Captain Lin, Captain Su, you played so well today!" "You must always be together, we will always support you!" "We will come to cheer you on at the next finals!"
Lin Yu and Su Ran patiently responded to each request, carefully writing their names in the autograph booklets they received, whispering "thank you" to greeting cards, and posing for photos with fans who wanted them. Despite being a little tired after playing five consecutive games, they kept a gentle smile on their faces in response to the fans' enthusiasm—they knew that this support and love was a gift more precious than even the championship trophy.
It wasn't until evening that the two finally escaped the throng of fans and returned to the training base. As soon as they pushed open the gate, they were greeted by warm lights and cheerful laughter—their teammates had already quietly prepared a celebratory party. The ceiling of the training room was draped with colorful balloons, and on the center table sat a massive cake with "AY Team Successfully Defends the Title" written in cream. Nearby, several bottles of champagne sat, bubbles dancing gently in the glasses.
The coach, bottle opener in hand, stepped forward with a smile. "Welcome home our champions! Everyone's worked hard today, especially Lin Yu and Su Ran. From the beginning of the season until now, they've been leading the team forward, and their contributions are invaluable." He opened a bottle of champagne, and the golden liquid slowly poured into the glasses. "I propose a toast to our championship! And to the growth of Lin Yu and Su Ran! In the future, I hope you will continue to lead Team AY and create more legends for us!"
"Cheers!" Everyone raised their glasses, the crisp clink of glasses echoing throughout the training room. Everyone gathered around the cake and blew out the candles. The coach even cut two of the largest slices and handed them to Lin Yu and Su Ran. "These two slices are for you, as a reward for your hard work this season."
At the party, teammates couldn't help but engage in some teasing. Support Xiao Zhou held up his phone, showing off photos from the awards ceremony. "Captain Lin, when you told Captain Su to 'go further,' your eyes lit up. It was so obvious! Next time you win, shouldn't you just have a wedding?"
Winger Chen Yang also joked, "Captain Su, you have to keep Captain Lin in check. He's been staying up late watching footage for days on end to research tactics, and his dark circles are practically down to his chin. You can't let him carry it all on his own anymore. You all have to work overtime together!"
These jokes filled the training room with laughter. Lin Yu and Su Ran didn't argue, but just smiled at each other, the happiness in their eyes unable to hide. Su Ran gently touched Lin Yu's arm and whispered, "From now on, I will watch the video with you and never let you stay up late alone again." Lin Yu turned to look at him, his eyes so gentle that tears could drip out of his eyes, and nodded gently, "Okay."
As the night wore on, the celebration party gradually ended. The teammates gradually returned to their rooms to rest, and the training base finally returned to peace. Lin Yu and Su Ran didn't leave immediately, but instead walked side by side to the base's rooftop. The night breeze was a bit cool, yet exceptionally refreshing. Looking up, they could see a sky full of stars, twinkling, as if celebrating for them.
Su Ran leaned on Lin Yu's shoulder, his hands gently grasping the ring on his ring finger. It was the ring Lin Yu had placed on him at the championship ceremony last year, and it had now become the most precious promise between the two of them. He spoke softly, a hint of emotion in his voice: "Remember the first time we played in the city tournament together? Back then, we were crammed into a small cubicle in an internet cafe. The equipment was very old, and the mouse would often malfunction. Back then, I thought it would be amazing to be able to join a professional team and stand on the real stage. I never imagined that one day we would win two championships together and have so much support."
Lin Yu gently held Su Ran's hand and tucked it into his coat pocket to shield him from the cold night wind. He looked down at the top of Su Ran's head, his voice gentle but firm: "Back then, although we had nothing, we had the purest love. Now we have championships, fans, and each other, but that love has never changed. And this is just the beginning. In the future, we will play more games together, go to the world stage to see, and win more championships. No matter what difficulties we encounter, no matter how strong the opponent is, I will be by your side and will never leave you alone."
Su Ran raised his head and met Lin Yu's eyes. Under the moonlight, Lin Yu's eyes were particularly bright, and his own figure was clearly reflected in them. He couldn't help but smile. He stood on tiptoe and kissed Lin Yu lightly on the cheek: "Yes, we are together, always together. Whether it's on the court or in life, we must keep going."
Lin Yu reached out and pulled Su Ran into a tight embrace, resting his chin on the top of his head, feeling each other's heartbeats. The breeze from the rooftop blew gently, carrying the lights of the distant city and their future. Their figures clung to each other in the moonlight, as if they had become an inseparable part of each other's lives.
Their story began in the canyon of Honor of Kings. They met through a love for esports, walked together through a shared dream, and remained united by a deep bond that transcended the playing field. From young, inexperienced players in city tournaments to legendary midfielders and junglers in professional leagues, from strangers to lovers fighting side by side, they wrote their own stories of glory with sweat and perseverance, and embodied the most beautiful form of love with trust and companionship.
The road ahead is long. There may be new opponents and new challenges, but as long as they remain by each other's side, still hold the ring that symbolizes their promise, and still cherish their love for esports, they will surely continue to create miracles on the field and continue to write a happy life. The story of Lin Yu and Su Ran, the legend of Team AY, has just begun.
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