The glass doors of Takahashi Corporation loomed like the gates of another world.
For Akihiro "Aki" Sato, twenty-three, freshly graduated and trembling with nervous energy, this was the first step into his new life.
He clutched the strap of his worn leather bag, trying not to notice the stares of other employees as he entered. His cheeks heated; even though he wore the company-issued suit, his small frame and soft eyes made him stand out.
(Calm down, Aki. This is just another office. Just work hard. Don't cry today… please don't cry today…)
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"New recruit?"
A low, smooth voice cut through his thoughts.
Turning, Aki found himself face-to-face with a tall man with dark hair neatly swept back, glasses glinting under the lobby's light. He had a file tucked under one arm, posture straight as a blade. His eyes were sharp, but when they landed on Aki, the edge softened—just slightly.
"Y-yes," Aki stammered, bowing quickly. "Sato Akihiro. I'm starting in the planning department today!"
The man studied him for a long moment, then gave a faint nod.
"Haruto Minami," he introduced himself. "Special assistant to the CEO. Follow me—I'll take you upstairs."
---
Inside the elevator, silence pressed between them. Haruto's aura was calm yet unreadable. He wasn't cold, exactly, but not warm either. Aki bit his lip, wanting to say something, but before he could—
Ding.
The elevator opened.
What awaited on the top floor was not an office, but an entire world of glass, steel, and authority. And sitting at its heart, behind a broad desk of black marble, was a man Aki had only heard about in rumors.
Ryuji Takahashi.
The CEO. The undefeated king. The cold Alpha who ruled not just the corporate world, but whispered to command the shadows beneath it.
His presence was suffocating. Broad shoulders, sharp jawline, obsidian eyes that could pierce through a man's soul. He barely glanced up from the documents in his hand as Haruto led Aki forward.
"President," Haruto said evenly. "This is the new recruit, Sato Akihiro."
Ryuji's eyes finally lifted.
For a moment, Aki swore his breath stopped. Those dark eyes pinned him like a fragile insect under glass. He bowed quickly, fumbling over his words.
"I-It's an honor to meet you, President Takahashi! I'll do my best to—"
"Leave."
The single word, flat and merciless, sliced the air.
Aki froze. "...Eh?"
"You're wasting my time," Ryuji said, turning his gaze back to his papers. "If you're weak, you'll only slow this company down. Get out."
A sting burned behind Aki's eyes. He swallowed hard, fists clenching.
(Don't cry. Don't. Cry. Not here…)
Before he could crumble, Haruto's calm voice cut in.
"President. With all due respect, it's his first day. If he proves useless, I'll take responsibility."
For the first time, Ryuji's expression shifted—a flicker of irritation, then something unreadable—as his gaze slid from Haruto back to Aki.
"…Hn. Don't disappoint me," Ryuji muttered, as if granting mercy was a waste of breath.
Relief rushed through Aki. He bowed so low his forehead nearly touched the floor.
"Th-thank you, President! I—I won't let you down!"
But when he dared glance up again, Ryuji's cold eyes were already elsewhere.
Only Haruto's subtle, reassuring glance told him he wasn't completely alone.
---
That was how it began—
A trembling Omega, a gentle-but-cold Beta, and an Alpha king whose heart was a fortress.
And none of them yet knew… that destiny had already entwined their paths.
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✨ End of Chapter 1 ✨
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