“With how you just entered the room right away, I’m guessing it’s urgent, Team Leader Shim Soocheon.”
Director Yeon stood up as he began to speak. Jiwoo’s Team 1 Leader, Shim Soocheon, caught the irritation in Director Yeon’s tone and silently cursed to himself, while subtly glancing at Jung Heeyeon. Recently, monitoring Jung Heeyeon’s wellbeing had proven far more effective than reading Director Yeon’s mood. Whenever the fair-skinned omega was being soft and fluffy, his boss’s irritation would often ease. This was one of the reasons why the alphas in Jiwoo liked Jung Heeyeon so much.
“Suryeo has contacted us.”
“And?”
“They agreed. If it’s convenient, they propose to meet today.”
Director Yeon went to wipe the milk foam from Jung Heeyeon’s lips before leaning back against the sofa. Shim Soocheon, nervously gauging the mood, carefully approached and took a seat opposite them. Jung Heeyeon, noticing him, greeted politely, “Hello, Team Leader.” Shim Soocheon offered a small wave in response.
“That’s unexpected. I thought they’d decline.”
Despite speaking to Shim Soocheon, Director Yeon’s gaze was firmly fixed on Jung Heeyeon.
“…Am I meeting someone today?”
Jung Heeyeon asked after a brief pause. His attention had been absorbed in carefully moving the pie to a plate, making him slower to notice Director Yeon’s stare. Jung Heeyeon glanced down at the now-messy plate and hesitantly handed it to Shim Soocheon. Although he felt sorry that it wasn’t as neatly arranged as when Director Yeon had prepared it for him, he figured the taste would be the same, so it should be fine.
Director Yeon frowned slightly, clearly displeased that Jung Heeyeon was sharing the pie with Shim Soocheon, but he didn’t stop him. Taking advantage of the moment, Shim Soocheon quickly accepted the plate and brought it to himself, already planning to boast about it to his team members.
“Yeah, you’ll meet a person who will teach you how to control your pheromones.”
Jung Heeyeon blinked, chewing over the meaning of those words. Even as he remained silent, his gentle eyes remained fixed on Director Yeon. Faced with that unwavering gaze, the man let out a smirk. Jung Heeyeon, almost entranced by the smile, fidgeted with his hands.
“Then… is this person an Omega like me?”
“Yeah, that person is an omega.”
Jung Heeyeon’s soft eyes widened slightly. He couldn’t recall ever meeting another omega. His father had been one, but that was such an old, faded memory that it felt distant and worn. Though he might have passed other omegas during his outings with Director Yeon, meeting one to form a direct connection was entirely new.
A sense of excitement welled up, and for once, his usually blank expression brightened. The rare sight made Director Yeon tilt his head slightly, his narrowed eyes and fingers resting against his cheek betraying his discomfort.
“Heeyeon.”
“Yes?”
“Are you excited to meet another Omega?”
“Yes.”
Jung Heeyeon responded without hesitation. Learning how to manage his pheromones would prevent any situations that might trouble Director Yeon, which put his mind at ease. Moreover, there might be a chance to ask the omega about things that were difficult to discuss with Director Yeon—like how to stop having strange dreams like the one he had a few days ago.
“Even if you can’t see me for a few days because of it?”
Shim Soocheon, who had been listening and eating his pie quietly, barely stifled a cough. The meeting with Lee Haejin was supposed to be a one-time event. While there would likely be future meetings, today’s encounter was only meant for introductions. Yet, Director Yeon spoke as if Jung Heeyeon wouldn’t see him for days.
To Shim Soocheon, it seemed like an outright ploy to get a reaction out of Jung Heeyeon. Sure enough, Jung Heeyeon’s eyes grew wide with surprise.
“I… won’t see you, Director?”
“Right.”
“Oh, but I don’t want that….”
Jung Heeyeon’s face fell, oblivious to the fact that Director Yeon was teasing him. While meeting another omega was exciting, he didn’t like the idea of not being able to see Director Yeon. But he also knew he had to learn how to handle his pheromones…. His brow furrowed in thought, his growing seriousness clearly visible to Director Yeon, who began watching him closely with a blank expression.
“You don’t want that?”
“Yes. I don’t like not being able to see you, Director….”
“Then do you want to cancel meeting that person today?”
As Director Yeon reached toward the table, he handed a piece of pie directly to Jung Heeyeon’s mouth. Jung Heeyeon, unfazed, accepted it and began chewing, even as the tips of Director Yeon’s fingers brushed against his lips before pulling away.
“No, that won’t do either… I need to learn how to control my pheromones.”
Jung Heeyeon wore a somewhat serious expression as he quietly chewed and swallowed the pie that Director Yeon had handed him. To gain one thing, he had to give up another, but his growing greed was becoming a problem. His fingers fidgeted nervously, pressing against his pink nails until they turned pale.
“Can’t I meet that person and still see you, Director?”
“Our Heeyeon is such a greedy one.”
“You told me to be greedy before, Director. Am I not allowed to now?”
Director Yeon smirked, recalling his own words towards Jung Heeyeon. This one would always say the sweetest things, he thought. He began pondering how to tease Jung Heeyeon further to coax more of those adorable reactions from him. Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
“Director.”
Kim Chulwoo’s voice could be heard.
“Come in.”
Unlike Shim Soocheon, Kim Chulwoo only entered after Director Yeon’s permission. He seemed unfazed by Jung Heeyeon’s presence, as if used to seeing the omega seated next to the director. As always, Jeong Hee-yeon greeted him with a polite, “Hello, sir,” to which Kim Chulwoo returned the greeting in the same manner.
Approaching the sofa from behind, Kim Chulwoo bowed slightly toward Director Yeon. While it wouldn’t matter if only Shim Soocheon were present, this wasn’t the kind of conversation meant for Jung Heeyeon to hear.
“Chief Nam’s side has contacted us.”
“The items? Or the person?”
“The person.”
A slow, smooth smile spread across Director Yeon’s lips. Still leaning against his hand, he tilted his head toward Shim Soocheon, signaling him to leave. Shim Soocheon stood immediately.
“Shall I prepare for it?”
“Coordinate with Secretary Kim and set it up.”
Shim Soocheon and Kim Chulwoo exchanged a brief look before the team leader exited the room.
“Then I’ll make preparations and notify you right away. Heeyeon-ssi, the pie was delicious.”
“Goodbye, Team Leader.”
Kim Chulwoo straightened up only after Director Yeon had finished giving his orders. The conversation that followed seemed like it wouldn’t matter if Jung Heeyeon overheard it.
“When should we schedule it?”
Director Yeon glanced at his wrist to check the time before responding slowly.
“Today.”
“You’ll handle it today… or meet them today?”
“We have to get things done quickly. Otherwise, Chief Nam might get upset and ask why we pressured him so much in the first place.”
“Understood. I’ll make arrangements immediately.”
Despite the nature of their private discussion, both men maintained calm expressions.
“The timing’s perfect. I was planning to have him meet Lee Haejin today anyway.”
“Lee Haejin-ssi? Did you say today?”
Rising from his seat, Director Yeon casually replied.
“I guess we’re not going home, but heading to Suryeo instead.”
It would be better to act swiftly. Especially since he wanted to handle everything discreetly, keeping things from the omega who stood up to follow him.
***
Jung Heeyeon looked around his surroundings. While he thought he had been to quite the various places with Director Yeon, this location was a first for him. He had visited similar restaurants a few times before, but the atmosphere here was subtly different.
“Fascinating?”
“Yes.”
The traditional Korean-style architecture melded into the building was structured entirely of private rooms. On their way in, they had passed a large garden designed so that each room could view it through the windows.
The time was quite early for reservations, so the area was quiet. The only sound was the gentle patter of rain.
“Director, your room is ready.”
An alpha bodyguard in a suit and microphone informed them. Jung Heeyeon found it a bit unusual that a restaurant would have Alpha bodyguards but decided not to dwell on it. Following Director Yeon’s lead, he stepped further inside.
“They’ll take good care of you, so don’t worry.”
“What about you, Director?”
Jung Heeyeon nodded but still asked. He wasn’t a child, and it didn’t particularly matter if Director Yeon wasn’t by his side. In fact, it might be better to speak freely without an alpha present. Still, he was curious why Director Yeon would leave him behind.
“I have some business to take care of.”
“Ah, yes.”
He must be busy, Jung Heeyeon thought, quickly accepting the explanation. His fingers peeked out from the cardigan sleeves, fidgeting nervously.
“Heeyeon, is there something you want to say?”
“…Will I not see you for a few days?”
The topic of conversation, interrupted earlier by Kim Chulwoo, suddenly resurfaced. He must have been quietly dwelling on it the entire car ride. Director Yeon briefly considered whether to tease him more but decided against it. It wouldn’t do if Jung Heeyeon took those words seriously.
“I’ll come pick you up, so just wait patiently. Don’t follow any other alphas.”
“I don’t follow other Alphas… I only follow you, Director.”
“Good boy.”
The bodyguard leading the way stopped at the innermost hallway before turning back to bow to Director Yeon and Jung Heeyeon. Without a word, he walked back the way they had come. Jung Heeyeon surveyed the tightly closed door and the area around it. The atmosphere suggested this wasn’t a room typically used for regular guests.
The thought of parting ways with Director Yeon here suddenly felt strange. It wouldn’t be unusual if they were at the office, but ever since meeting him, this was the first time they’d be apart outside. As the director said, he wasn’t a baby anymore, yet now as an adult, he couldn’t understand why he was feeling this way.
It was only a matter of a few hours, yet it felt disappointing to part like this. Not wanting to say goodbye, he absentmindedly fidgeted with his fingers. Then, all of a sudden, Director Yeon’s words from a few days ago flashed through his mind.
“Director.”
“Yeah, Heeyeon?”
“I want a peck.”
Jung Heeyeon looked up at Director Yeon and made the bold request. Despite the daring nature of his words, his expression remained gentle and unassuming, devoid of shyness. This actually left Director Yeon with a subtly puzzled look, narrowing his brows slightly and raising one eyebrow as if caught off guard. Seeing an unexpected reaction from the mam, Jung Heeyeon tilted his head in wonder and spoke again.
“Director, you said I can have a peck whenever I feel like it.”
“Do you want a peck right now?”
“Yes.”
“Heeyeon, is this your way of saying goodbye?”
Director Yeon let out a low chuckle. It wasn’t the usual way to send someone off, but the timing felt oddly perfect.
“No, I don’t want a peck to say goodbye.”
“Hmmm, you don’t want a peck when you’re saying goodbye?”
Director Yeon cupped Jung Heeyeon’s cheek and chin in one hand, asking teasingly.
“No.”
With a slanted smile, Director Yeon leaned in and pressed his lips onto the plump lips. A soft sound marked the quick kiss before their lips parted.
“Heeyeon, do you like having a peck from me?”
Director Yeon asked, pressing his thumb lightly against Jung Heeyeon’s lips where his warmth had lingered.
“Yes, I like having a peck from you, Director.”
Jung Heeyeon answered with a bright, innocent expression. His gentle eyes curved into soft arcs as he smiled.
–
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