NOVPUB“I’ll adjust the schedule to wrap things up as quickly as possible...”
He distanced himself, mentioning something nearly impossible in an attempt to avoid the uncomfortable situation. When I thought his business was over, given that there was no further reply, I tried to turn around.
“Prepare for Jeju Island.”
“...Jeju Island?”
It seemed like this was the real purpose behind Yoon Taeo calling me. The tight schedule was just a complaint. His expression when he spoke about work was different, lacking any playfulness.
“Jeju Island is still under construction, so it seems like you can go there slowly.”
Although it was a scheduled trip for Yoon Taeo, the main purpose was the resort construction project, which had a massive budget. But if we narrow it down to just Taeo, the main character of the drama was about to appear in this episode, marking a pivotal moment in his love life. But it felt too soon. It wasn’t the right timing yet...
“So, you’re saying you’ll go, right? If things go on like this, we won’t be able to open it even after a year.”
“Ah, yes... I’ll prepare.”
“The A section of the rooms is already finished, so let’s use that for accommodations.”
It should be a good thing. If the main character and I connect earlier than expected, it wouldn’t be bad for me either. If they meet, the story could reach its conclusion without me needing to do much. But for some reason, it didn’t feel pleasant.
Perhaps it was because of the unexpected news. My chest, which had been shaking earlier, had quieted down.
“I’ll prepare everything so you can leave as soon as this schedule ends.”
“Since I’ll be going back and forth between the headquarters and Jeju Island for a while, try to adjust the schedule around that.”
I thought that with about a week of hard work, I could manage a trip to Jeju Island. The TF team and the construction department would have to go through hell, but... I bowed slightly and turned to leave, looking at Yoon Taeo who had finished the conversation.
“Why aren’t you asking?”
Before I could take a few steps, I heard his voice from behind. I turned to look back at him. He was sitting on the large desk, staring directly at me.
“...What is it, yo...?”
“Omega.”
Ah, I was sure now. The discomfort I felt earlier wasn’t just unease. The sudden heartbeat I started feeling now, without a doubt, came from fear. The topic I desperately didn’t want to bring up had popped out, and even though I didn’t hear anything more, anxiety was already spreading inside me.
“You excluded me from that, didn’t you...?”
“Exactly. I was wondering why you’re being so obedient, but now it makes sense.”
Had I not shown enough interest...? I had been careful not to mention anything about omega identification, fearing I’d draw unnecessary suspicion. I was trying not to make any mistakes by bringing it up. But it seemed that was suspicious enough to him.
“Kang Team Leader is handling it, so... yeah...”
I wanted to crack a joke like usual to cover up my anxiety, but this time I couldn’t hide it. I realized I wasn’t good at lying after all.
“My doctor mentioned something like that.”
“...What did he say?”
When I went for the exam at the hospital, I had to step out briefly at Yoon Taeo’s command. I didn’t know what was discussed while I was out.
“He said maybe my pheromones... No, I’ll tell you later.”
What’s ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) this...? He hyped up the situation and then suddenly stopped talking. It was particularly concerning since it was related to something I might be involved in. I wanted to press him further, but I knew doing so would only create more suspicion. Reluctantly, I gave him a simple acknowledgment.
But something still felt off. I couldn’t shake the feeling that Kang Seokho and Yoon Taeo were suspiciously focused on me, as though they were trying to figure something out. They might have already suspected I was an omega...
❖ ❖ ❖
“I’m leaving for the day.”
It was a deep dilemma. Should I stay here shamelessly, waiting for the omega search to fizzle out, or should I escape immediately? Rationally, escaping would be the right move. After all, in this world, being outed as an omega means being torn apart, so it would be smarter to try something rather than wait for that to happen. Maybe, if I’m lucky, I can avoid getting caught.
I even started thinking about how to maximize the money I’d get by selling the two hidden watches and ramen bowls. I had seriously started planning my escape.
“Let’s go, Team Leader.”
“...Do you take everyone home like this?”
But the problem, as always, was Security Team 3. They followed me, marking me one-on-one, not letting me get more than 10 meters away. It wasn’t like Kang Seokho, but I still couldn’t escape from this alpha. At least with Seokho, I wasn’t familiar with him, so he was stiff and businesslike.
“I told you to get in.”
There it was. Just a slight hesitation, and the stern voice came out. I was the team leader here, and yet he wouldn’t even answer my question. Rude bastard. Why treat me like a potential criminal... Ah, right, I was the one who had caused this.
“Where to?”
“To my house. To the CEO’s place.” 𝒏𝒐𝙫𝙥𝙪𝙗.𝒄𝙤𝙢
Yoon Taeo left with Kang Seokho to handle his schedule. I had to go home, but I needed to check something first. I needed to get rid of this burden. For now, I quietly decided to head home.
It took quite a while to navigate through the congested roads, but I eventually arrived home. The burden tried to follow me in, but...
“I don’t think you heard, but...”
“...What?”
“You can only come in if you’re ‘Secretary Kim.’ Team Leader Kang can’t come in.”
I had to let him know that he wasn’t allowed in. He probably had orders to stay close for security, but not at my place. Since it wasn’t just anyone’s house, it was Yoon Taeo’s. When I saw the change in his expression for the first time, I knew he had already understood. I went inside and left him standing there.
“Well then, take care.”
Now, the important part. If I was right, this wouldn’t be a 24-hour close watch. With just the alphas of Security Team 3, they wouldn’t be able to monitor all the staff. After checking the external CCTV, just as I thought, he was on the phone and then drove off. Once he had completely disappeared, I cautiously stepped outside again.
❖ ❖ ❖
“I don’t think there’s a scheduled consultation yet...?”
“Oh, I just wanted to ask you something.”
I found a doctor who was the only person in this world who knew I was an omega. I had to find a way to deal with the situation I was facing, as well as the topic Yoon Taeo had almost brought up earlier.
“You said last time that my pheromones were... on the verge of going out of control...”
“Yeah. Something like that.”
“Could that happen to the alpha partner too...? Like the rut cycle becoming unstable, or suddenly spiking and then crashing...”
“It could happen. But wasn’t he supposed to be an alpha prime? If he’s an alpha prime, he shouldn’t be affected like that...”
The doctor seemed to remember exactly what I said. He seemed puzzled, but I couldn’t help but feel a little defeated at the possibility that it wasn’t impossible. It seemed like the issue was with me. My pheromones had become unstable because of Yoon Taeo. Unlike in the original story, being too close to him had been the problem.
“By the way, is there a way to hide omega traits other than using a pheromone suppressant...?”
“Hide?”
“Like... in a trait test.”
He looked confused for a moment, but didn’t ask too many questions. He probably understood that I had a lot going on.
“Well, pheromone suppressants just stop others from sensing your pheromones. They don’t completely erase them.”
“Ah... I see.”
As expected. I’d just confirmed what I already knew from my previous world.
“But... there might be another way...”
“...?”
The doctor hesitated, scratching his cheek and taking his time to speak. Honestly, why do doctors in this world always take so long to get to the point? After some time, he finally spoke.
“Usually, the trait tests are done with a urine sample...”
He gave me a half-hearted explanation, trying to brush it off as just an opinion and not something he, as a doctor, would recommend. But amidst all the hesitation, I caught a glimmer of hope.
“So... you’re suggesting swapping urine samples with someone else...?”
“No! I’m not saying you should do that, I’m just saying it’s a possible method... I didn’t say you should actually do it...”
Is this guy a genius...?
I realized once again that people learn fast. Those who learn end up devising smarter plans, even criminal ones. Thanks to the doctor’s advice, I now had a glimmer of hope that I might escape this crisis without running away.
While at the hospital, I also picked up some pheromone suppressants. Since I was being watched, it wouldn’t be easy to return again.
As I was leaving the lobby, I noticed a suspicious man lingering around the lobby. The moment our eyes met, he quickly turned and hid behind a pillar.
“Please take me to Hannam-dong.”
I pretended not to notice, got into a taxi, and left. As I glanced back, I noticed a car following me. It wasn’t something I hadn’t expected. After all, I had visited this hospital before with Kang Seokho. The person following me was likely from Security Team 3.
Once I got home, I figured it would be enough to claim that I hadn’t felt any better.
Though I had taken a risk, I now had a way to face the situation without running for my life. It wasn’t the most likely to succeed, but at least it was the most realistic option given the situation. From now on, I just had to act as naturally as possible and avoid suspicion.
...I thought so. But things started to take a strange turn, heading in a very bad direction for me.
