Free Web NovelThe 70th anniversary celebration of Hyokwang Group’s founding was held on an unprecedented scale, doubling as the inauguration ceremony for the next chairman.
Hundreds of people gathered in the grand hall. Not only prominent domestic figures but also distinguished guests from overseas were invited. Everywhere one looked, guests with wealth and prestige overflowed.
Kwon Youngjae’s name was also on the guest list, and he attended the banquet hall. Dressed in a black suit, with his bangs swept back neatly, he looked particularly striking today. freewebnøvel.coɱ
Even from a distance, Kwon Youngjae’s appearance and refined demeanor stood out. People naturally gathered around him without any particular action on his part. Events like this were essentially social arenas. The fact that many sought him out meant that his standing was very high.
Heewon stayed a reasonable distance away, assisting Kwon. Moving like a shadow, his eyes reacted keenly to every one of Kwon’s movements. A secretary should never stand out—especially at such formal events, he must not step forward before being called.
Despite countless greetings and conversations, Kwon maintained his characteristic composure. His refined manners and restrained posture exuded the superior charm typical of a dominant Alpha.
Who wouldn’t be drawn to such presence? Heewon stealthily stole glances at his boss’s face, trying to calm his unusually restless heart.
“Youngjae hyung.”
Seizing a rare moment of ease, someone called out to Kwon in a friendly voice. His well-groomed face turned toward the voice, and when he recognized the person, surprise flickered across Kwon’s expression.
“Lee Hajin?”
The young-looking man approached with a bright smile, and Kwon readily opened his arms. The two embraced warmly, unconcerned about others’ gazes.
Lee Hajin? Heewon had never heard the name before. But he understood that this man shared a special bond with Kwon.
That genuine smile filling his face, the familiar touch, and this unusual display of warmth from Kwon in a formal setting—all this naturally surprised Heewon as well.
“Hyung, how have you been? It’s been a long time.”
Lee Hajin grinned, showing neat teeth. Kwon’s face still showed disbelief.
“What’s going on? When did you come back to Korea?”
“A week ago. I’m fully back now.”
“I had no idea.”
“I was purposely hiding it. Judging by your face, I really surprised you.”
A server carrying a tray arrived at the perfect moment and offered drinks. Each took a glass of champagne and moved to a secluded corner to continue the unfinished conversation out of sight.
“Actually, I manifested recently. I’m an Omega.”
The brief confession made Kwon pause for a moment.
“That’s even more surprising.”
Though he answered as if it didn’t matter, his back straightened from the wall. He hid his discomfort by taking a sip of champagne.
Lee Hajin wrinkled his nose. He was one of the few who knew about Kwon’s nervousness.
“Luckily, I’m ‘in heat.’ Without medicine, no pheromones come out. Unless I say it first, everyone assumes I’m a Beta.”
“When did that happen?”
“About a year ago. Ha, I wandered around for a bit. Is it even possible to manifest as an Omega at this age? Honestly, it’s ridiculous.”
Kwon’s gaze naturally shifted past Lee Hajin to his secretary. Kim Heewon was surely listening to the conversation, yet his expression remained composed, showing no disturbance. He was skilled at hiding his emotions.
“That’s not funny at all.”
Kwon dismissed it shortly. The gaze that had rested on Heewon soon moved away.
“Well, that’s a relief...”
Unaware of the situation, Lee Hajin simply smiled brightly. He turned his upper body completely to look at the man standing beside Kwon.
“You’ve changed a lot since I last saw you. You look cooler now. Executive Director, huh?”
“So, already trying your luck just because you’re an Omega?”
“Would you fall for it if I tried?”
Kwon scoffed in response. Then he noticed Heewon in Lee Hajin’s eyes. Who was that man standing properly? He only looked at Kwon, keeping distance, which was curious.
Seeing Hajin, Kwon also turned his gaze. With a slight nod, Heewon naturally approached.
“Say hello. He’s my secretary.”
“Oh, I see! Hello, I’m Lee Hajin. I’m Kwon Youngjae’s close younger brother.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Kim Heewon.”
After the introductions, an awkward silence followed briefly. But it didn’t last long. Though tucked away in a corner, many recognized Hajin. He lightly tapped Kwon’s shoulder, saying he would go greet acquaintances.
“Hyung, see you next time. I’ll be in touch.”
“Hajin.”
Kwon softly called his name. To the retreating Hajin, he gave a low voice warning.
“Be careful.”
Hajin smiled with his fingers curled into a circle. Though indifferent as ever, he seemed pleased that Kwon still cared for him. Soon, he disappeared into the bustling crowd.
With Hajin out of sight, Heewon cautiously stepped closer. Though it wasn’t his place, curiosity got the better of him.
“You two seem really close.”
“We’ve known each other since childhood. We studied together in the U.S. I hadn’t seen him in a long time... didn’t expect he’d manifest.”
“Are you okay? Is it uncomfortable?”
“I’m fine.”
Kwon downed the remaining champagne as if it was no big deal. Indeed, Hajin’s pheromones were almost nonexistent. As he said, unless he revealed himself, no one could tell he was an Omega.
Heewon quietly nodded. If Kwon was okay, then so was he.
But why did he feel so uneasy? A strange tightness choked him, so he checked near his necktie. A long, hollow breath escaped.
Afterwards, Kwon explained about Lee Hajin.
He was 27, from a family with close financial ties to theirs, both only children raised like siblings. From a certain construction company’s heir, spoiled and a bit immature. That’s why Kwon looked after him so much.
As the event was winding down and they were moving locations, they encountered Mrs. Im Seoran. She was chatting with Lee Hajin. Her usually strict demeanor was replaced with a wide smile, looking quite unfamiliar.
“Executive Director Kwon, did you greet Hajin? It’s been a while since you two met? I was so glad.”
She spoke in an elegant voice, introducing them. Kwon sent a consistently cold gaze.
“We did.”
Despite the blunt reply, Mrs. Im’s smile did not fade. She warmly patted Hajin’s back as if he were her own child.
“My goodness, our Hajin has manifested as an Omega.”
“Auntie... he’s in heat, you know.”
“If he’s in heat, what’s the big deal? He’s so pretty! They’re all the same. Dividing by traits is pointless. Don’t lose heart, okay?”
Mrs. Im looked at Hajin with affectionate eyes. Her gaze was so sweet it was as if honey dripped from them.
“So, did you come back to Korea for good?”
“Yes. Now I have to work and earn money.”
“You’ll be joining your father’s company?” frёewebηovel.cѳm
“That’s the plan. I’m still taking classes hard.”
“How wonderful. I should get you a suit.”
Their warm conversation flowed smoothly, from terms of address to exchanged glances—it was almost like family.
Heewon stood apart a step away from them. It felt as if an invisible line was drawn in front of his feet. Naturally, that was the position of a secretary.
“If you’re not busy, how about lunch together tomorrow? How about at auntie’s place after a long time?”
“That sounds good.”
Lee Hajin answered brightly. His smile was fresh and wrinkle-free. One could immediately tell he was raised nicely at home.
“Executive Director Kwon, can you take Hajin home?”
Though Hajin waved off the offer, saying it was okay, Kwon answered that he would. There was no particular reason to refuse.
After the event ended, Lee Hajin joined them in the car waiting in front of the lobby. He sat beside Kwon as if familiar and buckled his seatbelt.
“Do you have a separate place to stay?”
“No, just going home.”
A casual conversation followed. Kwon immediately pulled out his phone and said to Heewon in the passenger seat,
“Secretary Kim, check the address.”
“Yes, Executive Director.”
Heewon input the address sent by message into the car navigation. After that, he straightened his back and looked straight ahead.
The atmosphere split distinctly from the seats. Behind them, laughter and conversation continued, but the front passengers sat expressionless in silence.
It felt like all of them were NPCs in a game, moving according to preset parameters. The protagonists were clearly those in the back seats. Unless they initiated conversation, no one else could join in.
“Wow, but the smell is really good. This is your pheromone, hyung?”
“You said you’re in heat, but you sure can smell pheromones.”
“No, but it really smells good. Like bergamot with a bit of sweetness? Strange. Why does it seem like Omega pheromones are mixed in?”
Lee Hajin had an extraordinary nose. He quickly identified the pheromones of the two inside the car. However, he didn’t suspect that the faint sweet scent was from Heewon.
That was understandable since both kept their pheromones tightly sealed at public events. Unless one was very close, detecting pheromones was difficult. Lee Hajin leaned his head down and sniffed the back of Kwon’s neck.
Knowing it was a joke, Kwon lightly pushed Hajin’s head instead of scolding him.
“Let me smell! Does it wear off?”
“Don’t mess around.”
“I’m really sniffing all of Kwon Youngjae’s pheromones. But you two suit each other well. I mean that sincerely.”
Despite their bickering, a warm familiarity flowed through their conversation. Heewon glanced at the auxiliary mirror ahead, catching a faint smile on Kwon’s face.
Even though they hadn’t eaten dinner, why did he feel a heaviness in his stomach? With the schedule over, he lightly loosened his tight necktie knot. Yet the constricted feeling in his throat hardly disappeared.
