The hum of the office was a sharp contrast to the hushed tension of the CEO's floor.
Akihiro Sato sat at his new desk in the planning department, carefully arranging his files, heart still rattled from the morning's encounter with Ryuji Takahashi.
Every time he recalled those dark, merciless eyes telling him to "leave," his chest tightened.
(I barely survived that… If Haruto-san hadn't spoken up for me, I would've been fired before lunch.)
Still, he reminded himself: this was his dream job. His parents had supported him, his younger siblings had cheered for him, and Kenta had even cried when he got the offer. He couldn't give up so soon.
---
The Office Atmosphere
"Pfft… so that's the new guy?"
Aki stiffened. A group of employees at the next cluster of desks weren't bothering to lower their voices.
"He looks like a kid. Bet he won't last a week."
"And he's an Omega, right? I can smell the suppressants. What a joke—how'd he even get hired here?"
"Probably pity recruitment. President Takahashi wouldn't waste his time on someone like that."
Their laughter pricked at his ears. Aki bent his head lower, hiding behind his bangs as his throat tightened.
(Don't cry. Don't give them the satisfaction…)
Just then, a gentle hand placed a file on his desk.
"Don't mind them," said Daichi Hayama, the senior manager. A recessive Alpha with kind eyes, his tone was steady and reassuring. "They don't even know how to do their own jobs properly. Focus on this report instead. You'll do fine."
Aki blinked, warmth flooding his chest. "T-thank you, Hayama-san…"
Daichi gave him a small smile before striding off, leaving behind an invisible shield of quiet support.
---
First Meeting
By late afternoon, Aki was lost in data sheets, struggling to keep up. His stomach growled quietly—he hadn't had the nerve to eat lunch in the cafeteria.
That was when she appeared.
Aya Fujimoto.
She was stunning—delicate features framed by waves of dark hair, her smile sweet but sharp at the edges. Her designer heels clicked against the floor as every eye in the office turned. Aya Fujimoto, daughter of a wealthy conglomerate, rumored to be chasing after the CEO himself.
And she was an Omega.
"Oh my, you must be the new recruit," Aya said, voice dripping with false kindness. "Sato-kun, right? How brave, joining such a competitive company."
Aki rose awkwardly, bowing. "Y-yes, nice to meet you, Fujimoto-san."
Her eyes flicked over him, assessing like one might inspect a piece of furniture. "Rare Omega, aren't you?" she whispered, just loud enough for those nearby to overhear. "Interesting… I wonder if you'll be able to handle the stress here. This isn't really a place for someone so… delicate."
The nearby employees snickered. Heat flushed Aki's face, humiliation prickling down his spine.
Before he could reply, the air shifted—cold, heavy, commanding.
---
The CEO Appears
The office fell silent as Ryuji Takahashi strode in, his black suit immaculate, his aura radiating dominance. Haruto followed at his side, clipboard in hand, expression unreadable.
"Meeting room. Now," Ryuji ordered, his deep voice cutting like steel.
Aya's lips curved sweetly as she stepped forward. "President Takahashi, what a coincidence—"
"Not you," he snapped without even sparing her a glance. His gaze swept across the room, settling on Aki like a hawk spotting prey. "You. Come with me."
Aki's heart nearly stopped.
"M-me?!"
"Do you see anyone else?"
---
Inside the Meeting Room
The heavy door clicked shut behind them. Aki stood awkwardly at the far end of the table, hands trembling. Ryuji sat at the head, Haruto beside him, flipping through documents with calm precision.
"Report," Ryuji commanded.
"R-report? But I—I just started today—"
"Then observe," Haruto said smoothly, his tone softer, almost apologetic as his eyes met Aki's. "Take notes. You'll learn more here than in a week of training."
Grateful, Aki nodded furiously, pulling out his notebook.
The meeting began—intense, brutal, a war fought with numbers and strategy. Ryuji's voice was cutting, merciless toward managers who faltered. Haruto's interjections were precise, tempering the storm, guiding discussions back on track.
Aki scribbled as fast as he could, heart pounding. This wasn't just a company—it was a battlefield.
---
After the Meeting
When the managers filed out, Aki remained, clutching his notes.
Ryuji leaned back in his chair, finally acknowledging him with those obsidian eyes.
"Well?"
Aki swallowed. "Y-your strategies were incredible, President. And Minami-san's adjustments… they balanced everything. I—I've never seen teamwork like that before."
For a heartbeat, silence hung heavy. Then Ryuji's lips curved—just barely. Not a smile, but the faintest flicker of acknowledgment.
"Work hard. Don't waste my time."
Aki's chest tightened—not with fear this time, but with something dangerously close to hope.
---
Meanwhile…
Outside the meeting room, Aya Fujimoto seethed, her manicured nails digging into her palm.
(How dare that little Omega take the President's attention…? He's mine. Just wait, Sato Akihiro. I'll show you your place.)
And thus, the first sparks of rivalry were lit.
---
✨ End of Chapter 2 ✨
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