Free Web NovelWithout hesitation, Executive Director Park was probably one of the most oblivious people around.
“Executive Director, Kwon Youngjae! What’s got you so excited, shouting at the top of your lungs?”
When he called out all three names, it was impossible to pretend not to hear. Youngjae let out a short sigh, and Heewon cautiously watched his mood.
They changed course again toward the gathered crowd. Park hurriedly pushed through the throng, constantly bowing to please Youngjae. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
With a polite, calm expression, Youngjae scanned Park’s face. The man’s slick, oily visage bore the unmistakable smile of an ambitious type who would give his liver and gallbladder for success.
“Executive Director Park, why all the commotion?”
“Well, it’s because our new face at Apex has arrived! Have you heard of actor Han Jinseo? He’s currently the hottest star...”
Park rambled on about Han Jinseo’s credits, naming dramas he’d done, recent box office numbers, and all the major corporate ads he’d landed. It was hard to tell if Park was praising Han as an Apex man or as the actor’s agent.
Despite this, Youngjae’s lukewarm reaction made Park decide to bring Han Jinseo himself — thinking face-to-face would make an impression.
“Handsome, isn’t he?”
Park proudly presented Han Jinseo, as satisfied as if the actor were his own child.
Youngjae silently raised his eyes, knowing exactly why Park was so excited. Bringing the highest-paid and most difficult actor to serve must have given him a huge sense of accomplishment.
“Um... Executive Director, this is...”
“Han Jinseo, please greet Executive Director Kwon Youngjae.”
Only after the introduction did Han Jinseo utter a short “Ah,” surprised. He hadn’t expected to meet this person here again.
Normally forgetful about faces, Han remembered Youngjae immediately—his first impression was that intense. Any dominant Alpha that looked like that would be unforgettable.
Though obviously wealthy, Han never dreamed Youngjae was the Executive Director of Apex. And if it was Youngjae, he must be the number one heir. Even bigger than expected.
“Pleasure to meet you. I’m actor Han Jinseo.”
Han smiled neatly and greeted first.
“Kwon Youngjae.”
The reply was dry and unenthusiastic. Usually, people meeting celebrities would show some excitement, fascinated to meet someone they only saw on screen, and approachable because of familiarity.
But Youngjae was an exception. No warmth or friendliness—purely businesslike. It had been a long time since Heewon had seen such a stiff response.
Was it personality? Or was he just keeping face as Executive Director?
Han thought so internally but smiled with his usual trustworthy expression. His gaze lingered long on Youngjae’s face before drifting sideways. Seeing a man standing a step behind, Han wondered what that was about.
A neighbor from the same building, looking sharp in a suit—this must be his workplace. Han glanced between Kim Heewon and Kwon Youngjae, his double-lidded eyes sparkling with curiosity as he guessed their relationship.
This was pretty interesting.
Han smiled again at Youngjae with his signature eye smile.
“Didn’t expect to meet again here. Seems we have a deep connection.”
Of course, meant for the man behind him to hear.
“A brief passing is hardly a connection. You’re reading too much into it.”
Youngjae answered without blinking, calmly but firmly drawing the line.
“There’s a saying: since our shoulders brushed, isn’t that a connection? This is a private matter, so let’s leave it there.”
Han wasn’t intimidated by Youngjae’s cold manner at all. It was like a power struggle between dominant Alphas.
“Alright, as a model, I might see you often then. Looking forward to it.”
Youngjae offered a brief congratulatory remark appropriate for his role. They exchanged short handshakes. Ending the formalities, Youngjae turned to call softly,
“Secretary Kim.”
Heewon immediately stepped to his side. His employee ID badge dangled. Secretary General Kim Heewon — the small print clearly visible to Han Jinseo.
Heewon was obsessively locking down his pheromones, and so was Youngjae. The dominant Alpha and dominant Omega in front of each other strictly controlled their pheromones as if avoiding each other, yet their actions showed a desperate carelessness. A truly unique relationship.
“Well, I’ll be busy then.”
“Executive Director, please come in! I’ll visit you later.”
Park bowed deeply to escort Youngjae. His sincere attitude showed how influential Youngjae was.
Han watched the two leave quickly, looking amused.
“...Ah, Secretary.”
Not a lover?
Han chuckled softly alone, and his manager looked at him puzzled. Why? Han just shook his head.
The elevator was so quiet you could hear breaths.
Heewon quietly studied Youngjae’s expression. The glossy elevator panel reflected Youngjae’s face like a mirror. He stared only at the floor indicator. His sharp jawline was clear.
“Have you run into Han Jinseo since then?”
The sudden question made Heewon turn his head sideways, his tense body creaking slightly.
“...No, I haven’t.”
“......”
Youngjae also turned his head and gave Heewon a long, silent look. His gaze lingered to discern truth from lie.
Heewon swallowed hard and added explanation without being asked.
“I’ve met him maybe a handful of times. We’re neighbors who barely cross paths anyway...”
The secret about the heat-cycle-on-Omega coming to the wrong house, and the one time they ran into each other afterward, all remained secret. He felt no need to say more, and expected no good from telling. For his own safety, [N O V E L I G H T] Heewon chose to lie.
“......”
Youngjae kept staring at Heewon’s face. The gaze was so intense Heewon wondered if he’d been caught lying, and glanced nervously.
He sighed heavily.
“You’ve changed a lot since your heat.”
“...What?”
“I’m saying I don’t think you know how you look to others.”
“......”
“Better be careful, just so you know.”
With that, Youngjae turned his face away. Just then, the elevator slowed and stopped. freēwēbηovel.c૦m
Heewon touched his own face, unable to grasp what Youngjae meant. No, nothing changed. I’m controlling my pheromones well.
“Changed... for better or worse?”
“......”
“Executive Director?”
Despite Heewon’s pleading call, Youngjae didn’t respond. His long legs stepped through the open doors.
Heewon got off late but couldn’t catch up. Feeling frustrated with Youngjae’s attitude, he pounded his chest.
Seriously, how can someone just leave after making you so curious?
Late at night, Heewon finally finished the day’s last work.
Watching Youngjae enter the front door, the sound of the door slamming released all his tension.
After a brief greeting with the driver, a large van passed slowly by them as they walked quietly through the neighborhood.
Thinking it was just a passing car, Heewon noticed the van ahead pause, then its speed noticeably slowed. Walking without thought, he found himself beside the van.
Of course, his eyes were drawn there. Looking up, the window slid down. Han Jinseo leaned his arm on the window frame, flashing his slick face.
“Heading home now?”
Ah... unbelievable. Heewon swallowed words and instead let out a ground-shaking sigh.
“Yes.”
“Want a ride? We’re headed the same way anyway.”
“No.”
Heewon gave short answers, signaling he didn’t want to talk. His face showed the fatigue of a worker finally off duty.
“Alright then.”
Without asking twice, Han promptly pulled away. The window rolled up, and the black van left as if on its own path.
Heewon walked silently, memorizing the license plate at the van’s rear. He couldn’t move out, and of all people, he had to live with that guy. Turning his stiff neck, he kicked the smooth asphalt path with his shoe.
Passing the common entrance, the elevator’s red light glowed as it stood still. The notice on the panel read the elevator was broken and would be inspected until tomorrow morning. Only one elevator, and it broke at the most exhausting time. A real tragedy.
“Today’s just cursed.”
After a mentally stressful day, Heewon’s irritation flared. With no one to take it out on, he brushed his long bangs back and turned toward the emergency stairs.
Opening the door, the light sensor flicked on, and footsteps echoed. Heewon’s eyes widened. Han Jinseo was walking up from the basement.
Han noticed Heewon too. Letting out a short “Oh,” he raised one corner of his mouth as if saying “I knew it.”
“Looks like I get some leg exercise today.”
Neighbors in the same building, even on the same floor—they couldn’t avoid walking up together.
Heewon briefly considered avoiding him but wondered why he should be careful around someone like Han Jinseo. He sighed softly and stepped inside the emergency exit.
