Kiyonari kept on his seat. He knew that if he tried follow Soo-hyun even if it's out of concern, it would only backfire. The director would surely scold him for overstepping—just as he always did.
I can't afford to spoil his mood, he told himself firmly, gripping his glass. Not tonight.
I think he'll be alright. I'm sure he is...
"It's fine." He said, giving a faint smile to Jiwoo. "Let's just keep drinking."
"You sure?" Jiwoo looked a bit skeptical.
But Kiyonari nodded.
I'm sure nothing happened to him. Yeah... so, I have nothing to worry about, right?
The table eventually returned to chatter, though the earlier uneasiness hadn't fully lifted.
Then, not long after, the door slid open again. This time, another familiar figure stepped inside.
Yiseo.
He scanned the room quickly, then headed toward Kiyonari's table.
"Hey, Yiseo-sshi, you're finally here," Jiwoo perked up the moment he spotted him.
Yiseo offered a polite smile, though his tone was faintly apologetic. "Hello everyone... I'm sorry for being late." He bowed his head and slipped into the empty chair beside Jiwoo.
"Nah, it's fine," Jiwoo waved it off, grinning. "But what took you so long to get here?"
Yiseo paused for a second, as though weighing his words, then answered simply,
"I had to finish some paperwork. I didn't want to leave it half done just like that."
"Ha! That's so you," jiwoo smirked. "Always productive as ever. "
One of the girls at the table leaned forward with a curious tilt of her head. "Yiseo-sshi is very hardworking, right?"
"Mhm-hmm," another agreed quickly. "I wish I was like you. Always full of energy to work."
Jiwoo chuckled. "Seriously though, what even motivates you to work hard all the time?"
"Um..." Yiseo hesitated, eyes lowering for a moment. His fingers traced the rim of his glass. Then he parted his lips. "I just... want to work as much as possible for the company."
"Whatttt?" Jiwoo teased with wide eyes, as if the answer was too formal.
"Besides," Yiseo continued. "I get off my mind thinking a lot of things when I'm working. Everything just seemed to fade—maybe that's why I chose to keep both myself and mind busy."
But the girls only cooed in admiration.
"I envy your positive thoughts and determination, Yiseo-sshi," one of them said sincerely.
His lips curved into a small, modest smile.
The lively air returned to the table—until a sudden shadow loomed near them again.
Mr. Kim, the man himself.
He had returned, this time with a different air about him. His gaze no longer lingered on Kiyonari alone, but swept across the group with a smirk that hinted at mischief.
"Having fun without me, I see," he drawled, his tone half-playful, half-probing.
Jiwoo blinked in surprise, while the girls exchanged quick glances. Even Yiseo's posture stiffened slightly, as though sensing the shift in atmosphere.
The table was still lighthearted when Mr. Kim suddenly reappeared, a flushed tint on his face and the faint smell of alcohol following him. His steps weren't steady, and the smirk plastered on his lips gave away how drunk he already was.
"What are you people on about, huh?" His voice carried louder than necessary, pulling the group's attention.
Jiwoo gave a small laugh, trying to keep things casual. "Mr. Kim, you're back—we're just chatting..."
Once again, he ignored Jiwoo.
Mr. Kim plopped himself down heavily. His glassy eyes roamed around the table before stopping at Yiseo.
"Well, well... look who it is," he drawled, his words already slurring. "The company's golden Omega."
Yiseo stiffened, his fingers curling slightly on his lap. "Mr. Kim..." He muttered softly.
"Good to see you tonight, sir." He flashed a polite smile.
"You know," Mr. Kim leaned forward, his elbow propped lazily on the table, "everyone talks about how hardworking you are. Always staying late, finishing every little thing perfectly. And because of that, they make you head of the sales department, huh? Tch!"
He chuckled dryly. "Guess that's what happens when an Omega tries to prove himself, am I right? Always pushing... so desperate."
The group's smiles faltered. Jiwoo's expression tightened, but he didn't cut in yet.
"Tell me, Yiseo-sshi," Mr. Kim continued, his tone dripping mockery though coated as if it were casual banter. "Is it really 'hard work'? Or just that people go easy on you because you're an Omega? Everyone knows your kind has a way of... charming people into giving them what they want."
He snickered mischievously.
Yiseo's jaw tensed, though he tried to maintain composure.
One of the girls frowned and whispered under her breath, "That's too much..."
But Mr. Kim only laughed, swirling the drink in his glass carelessly. "C'mon, don't look at me like that. I'm just saying what everyone's thinking. Isn't it strange? Out of all of us, it's an Omega who takes the top spot in sales? Please." He snorted. "That's not hard work, that's just straight up unfairness!"
The words hung heavily over the table, the cheerful mood from earlier completely shattered.
Kiyonari's hand twitched around his glass. He could see Yiseo struggling to keep a neutral expression, though the quiet sting of humiliation was obvious.
Yiseo kept his eyes down, lips pressed tight, clearly trying not to let Mr. Kim's words shake him. But before he could muster a response, Kiyonari placed his glass down gently and straightened his posture.
"I don't think so, Mr. Kim." His voice was calm, but the weight in it cut through the chatter like blade.
Mr. Kim slowly turned his head, a brow arching. "What was that?"
Kiyonari's gaze didn't waver. "I meant to say, I don't think that's always the case with Omegas. Yiseo-sshi earned his position because of his skill and determination. He had been working hard ever since he got in the company. He gave all his best and did everything he could. Everyone here knows that."
Some of the female employees nodded subtly, glancing at Yiseo with sympathy.
"His skill and efforts are vital to the growth of the company. That's why Soo Corporation gave him the recognition he deserves for his hardwork."
Kiyonari continued, his tone sharper now. "Omega or not, I believe it has nothing to do with his achievements. What you just said—" he paused, his eyes narrowing slightly, "sounded unfair for Yiseo-sshi, don't you think so too, Mr. Kim"
The table fell silent, the air heavy as the two men stared at each other.
Mr. Kim's lips curled into a mocking smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. He clicked his tongue sharply. "Tch. Playing the righteous knight, are you? Hmph."
He leaned back, downed the rest of his drink in one go, and slammed the empty glass on the table. "Fine. Have it your way."
Without another word, he shoved his chair back and stalked off, leaving the group in uneasy silence.
Jiwoo exhaled slowly, relief flickering across his face. "Geez... he really needs to know his limits."
The girls glanced at Kiyonari, some smiling faintly in admiration for how he spoke up.
Meanwhile, Yiseo turned his head toward Kiyonari, his expression a mixture of gratitude and disbelief. "... Thank you," he said quietly, almost in a whisper.
Kiyonari softened his gaze just a little. "You don't need to thank me. I think he's just drunk now."
"Not really." Another girl added. "Even when he's not drunk, he tends to pick fights with whoever he thought is better than him."
Insecure bastard.
But more than anything, they were glad that Mr. Kim didn't made any ruckus like he would usually do whenever he's provoked.
The girl beside Kiyonari, shot a wry smile. "What you just said Kihyun-sshi was really impressive. For a long time now, no one was ever brave enough to ever spoke up against Mr. Kim because of his attitude."
Jiwoo added. "So, I heard." He grinned looking at Kiyonari, "Thanks to you Kihyun-sshi, now we could at least have fun tonight."
The group all celebrated the defeat of Mr. Kim from a newbie—Kiyonari.
He chuckled silently.
*****
A few minutes later—
After slipping out from the noisy group, Kiyonari headed to the restroom, glad for a few minutes of quiet. He washed his hands slowly, letting the cold water run over his fingers. His reflection looked worn, shadows under his eyes, but his composure stayed intact.
"Dealing with someone like Mr. Kim surely is exhausting," he muttered under his breath, a sigh escaping as he shut the faucet.
He lingered for a moment, staring at his reflection as if searching for a steadiness within himself. Then—
BAM!
The sharp thud echoed from one of the cubicles at the far end it was heavy, angry, like a fist slamming into the wall.
Kiyonari jolted, his shoulders stiffening. His eyes darted toward the row of closed stalls, breath caught.
What was that? His mind raced. A ghost?
The thought slipped in, absurd yet instinctive in the eerie silence of the restroom. His heart thudded, but he quickly shook his head, forcing himself to breathe.
Still, he didn't move just yet—ears straining, waiting to catch any sound that followed the violent noise.
Kiyonari's shoes tapped lightly on the tiled floor as he carefully approached the cubicle at the far end.
"Hello?" He called out, voice steady but cautious. "Is anyone there? Is something the matter?"
Silence.
The pause stretched, heavy and unsettling.
"Do you need some help?" He tried again, softer this time, almost hesitant.
But still—no response.
Kiyonari's brows furrowed. He lingered for another moment, before letting out a sigh and deciding to turn back. Yet, just as he pivoted on his heel, something sharp and unexplainable snagged his senses.
A fragrance—sweet, subtle, but undeniably distinct—slipped into his nostrils. His body froze.
His head snapped back toward the cubicle, eyes narrowing slightly.
This scent...
It wasn't perfume. No, it was much more alive, more intimate. He recognized it immediately, the way it stirred an instinct deep in his chest.
Omega pheromones.
His breath hitched as the aroma wrapped around him—warm, tender, almost intoxicating. It soothed, yet pulled at him all the same. A sweetness he couldn't describe with words, only with the way it settled inside him like a quiet tide.
Almost without thinking, his steps carried him closer again, back toward the source.
Is it from here...?
Just as his hand nearly brushed the cubicle door—
"Kihyun-sshi?"
A voice cut in. Jiwoo had pushed the door open, walking inside casually.
Kiyonari stiffened, caught off guard. He blinked, then quickly stepped back from the stall.
"Ah—Jiwoo," he muttered, trying to steady his voice.
And only then did realization crash over him. His pulse throbbed as he lowered his gaze to the floor.
What was I... supposed to do just now?
That scent, those instincts—it was as if his body moved on its own, separate from reason. He clenched his fists slightly, disturbed by how easily he'd almost given in.
Kiyonari's chest was still unsteady when Jiwoo strolled in, hands tucked casually in his pockets.
"There you are, Kihyun-sshi," Jiwoo grinned. "We're planning round two of the drinking party—somewhere livelier this time. Come with us!"
Kiyonari blinked, still distracted from earlier. He let out a soft sigh and shook his head.
"I think I'll pass. Honestly, I'd rather go straight home than drink more tonight."
Jiwoo's lips pulled into a pout, then he laughed and draped an arm around Kiyonari's shoulders. "C'mon, don't be so boring. Even if it's just for a little while—you'll regret missing out when everyone else has stories to tell. It's going to be fun!"
Kiyonari gave a tired half-smile, feeling Jiwoo tugging him along. "Alright, alright. I'll think about it."
They left the bathroom together, Jiwoo chattering away as Kiyonari tried to shake off the strange haze lingering in his senses.
The door swung shut behind them.
Click.
And then—
A faint sound echoed. The cubicle door opened slowly.
Inside, Soo-hyun stepped out, his sharp features softened by an unusual flush. His skin was damp with sweat, his breath shallow as though he had been enduring something unbearable. His tie hung closely, collar slightly undone.
He looked as if he had been hiding in a suffocating, heated place—or battling through the peak of a fever.
His gaze flicked briefly to the door Kiyonari had exited, expression unreadable. His jaw clenched tightly, as though fighting against something unseen.
*****
The next day—
The cafeteria was buzzing lightly with the morning crowd, but Jiwoo looked as though he was at the edge of death. He clutched his head with both hands, groaning lowly into the table.
Kiyonari stirred his coffee, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I already told you to slow down, but you insisted on dragging everyone to round two at the karaoke. Now you're suffering from a hangover."
Jiwoo let out a pitiful whine, his voice muffled against his sleeve. "Ugh... I swear, I can't do this anymore. I should've had hangover soup before going to work. My head's splitting open...!"
"You don't say." Kiyonari chuckled under his breath.
Jiwoo suddenly lifted his face, eyes half-lidded and dark underneath. "And you—" He jabbed a finger weakly at Kiyonari, "you were the one who slipped out early without saying a word! I was left alone with the others, especially the girls. Do you know how exhausting it is to keep everyone entertained while you disappear?"
Kiyonari blinked, leaning back slightly. "So, you're blaming me for your headache?"
"Yes!" Jiwoo dramatically plopped his head back on the table. "Absolutely your fault, Kihyun-sshi. You should've suffered too!"
Kiyonari exhaled through his nose, amused. "Right. Next time, I'll make sure to drink myself into a coma just to keep you company, Jiwoo-sshi."
Jiwoo groaned again, clutching his forehead. "Whatever. Just don't talk so loud... my brain's about to explode."
Kiyonari only shook his head, hiding a small grin as he sipped his coffee.
Jiwoo was still groaning into his folded arms when a soft voice cut in.
"Excuse me..."
Both men looked up, though it was Kiyonari who straightened first. Standing near their table was Eunji, holding a small folder in her hands. Her expression was polite, but her eyes carried a certain firmness.
"Oh, Eunji-sshi," Kiyonari greeted, offering a courteous nod. "Good morning."
Eunji smiled faintly. "Good morning."
Jiwoo lifted his head sluggishly, blinking at her. "Eunji-sshi... wow, you look way too fresh from someone who was drinking heavy last night. I envy you."
She chuckled softly but didn't respond, clearly more focused on Kiyonari.
"What can I do for you?" Kiyonari asked, adjusting his posture.
"Well..." Eunji shifted the folder against her chest, lowering her voice slightly. "Actually, there's something I wanted to discuss with you."
Kiyonari's eyes flicked with curiosity. "Discuss? With me?"
She nodded, her tone careful. "Yes. Can we talk somewhere private after this?"
Jiwoo glanced between them, raising a brow. "Oho? Secret talks this early in the morning?" He teased, but Eunji ignored him with a calm smile.
Kiyonari hummed thoughtfully, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then he answered, "Yeah, sure."
Eunji's smile widened just a little before she gave a polite bow of her head. "Thank you. I'll wait for you after you're done here."
As she walked off, Kiyonari silently followed her with his gaze, wondering what kind of matter Eunji wanted to bring up—work-related, or something else entirely?
He wrapped his hands around his coffee mug, deep in thought.