They weren’t dating. Alexander was merely fulfilling his obligation—providing pheromones to Yeon Yiseo, a recessive Omega whose rare manifestation had been triggered by an extreme-dominant Alpha’s scent. Any personal feelings that developed were Yiseo’s alone. In a situation like this, accepting Alexander’s proposal just wasn’t an option.
There were plenty of reasons not to. First of all, they had a professional relationship: employer and employee. And Yiseo wasn’t the kind of person who could be content with a purely physical relationship, either. He wasn’t open-minded enough to think just being sex partners is fine.
Yes, they had slept together, even though they weren’t in a relationship. But at least back then, there was a justification—it was for the purpose of pheromone provision. Doing it without even that pretext felt… wrong. A vague discomfort lingered. He couldn’t share his body purely for the sake of pleasure.
Of course, that didn’t mean Alexander’s invitation wasn’t sweet as honey to his ears. Yiseo couldn’t deny that. But he couldn’t let himself be swayed by something that sweet, either.
“I don’t think that would be right.”
The firm answer made Alexander’s expression shift into something more serious.
“I understand your concerns, but we’re both adults. Isn’t it perfectly fine for us to make whatever decision we want?”
“I’m not sure if it is right.”
Though careful, Yiseo’s tone remained steady. At that, Alexander tilted his head slightly—as if wondering why Yiseo thought that way. The motion sent a subtle ripple through his golden hair.
“If I’m not mistaken… I think you like me. Am I right?”
Yiseo froze. The calm question hit him like a blow to the head. He couldn’t speak—just stared in stunned silence. He’d never imagined Alexander not only suspected but would ask so directly. He was confident no one could’ve predicted a situation like this.
As if he’d expected the reaction, Alexander continued without missing a beat.
“I meet a lot of people through work. And I tend to notice quickly whether someone’s interested in me or not.”
His tone was soft, quiet—but the meaning stirred Yiseo’s heart. How long has he known? Especially when Yiseo himself had only just become aware of his feelings today.
“I like you, too, Yiseo. And I don’t see any problem with two consenting adults, who have feelings for each other, exploring something more together. Don’t you agree?”
When Alexander said he liked him, Yiseo genuinely doubted his ears. It wasn’t the kind of thing someone would casually say about a colleague they merely tolerated. His words might have sounded light, but the rich, heady scent of his pheromones—so intense Yiseo felt physically enveloped—said otherwise. That intoxicating scent didn’t give room to believe it was a dream.
“…Did you say you like me?”
“I did. I like you. There’s no reason not to like someone like you.”
The confirmation came easily, like it was obvious. Yiseo’s heart leapt again. He tried not to show it, but there was no stopping the heat that flooded his face. The conversation was flowing in a direction far too good to be real—so naturally it made him dizzy.
Still, he did everything he could to stay composed. He couldn’t let himself look flustered just because of a few kind words.
Alexander watched him for a while, then slowly spoke.
“You really don’t show your emotions, do you?”
“…Pardon?”
The sudden shift in topic caught Yiseo off guard. His reaction came a beat too late.
“But I guess this part still gives you away.”
Alexander gently touched Yiseo’s ear as he said this part. Yiseo’s eyes widened. Had his ears been turning red this whole time, every time he’d felt hot in the face? The thought was mortifying.
Even after speaking, Alexander’s hand didn’t leave. It slid slowly down, toying with Yiseo’s earlobe. It wasn’t a place people usually touched, which only made it more disorienting. Yiseo blinked rapidly and said,
“…Sir?”
“Your earlobes… just like your fingers, they’re soft—even the tiniest parts of you.”
Maybe it was just the context, but the words felt wildly inappropriate. Yiseo’s eyes darted around, unsure where to look.
“…Is that so.”
He brought his hand up to cover the ear Alexander had touched and subtly leaned back. Alexander looked momentarily disappointed, like he wanted to keep playing with his earlobe, then lazily twirled the glass in his hand.
“Then let me ask again. Will you come home with me tonight? Of course, if you say no, I won’t hold it against you. I’ll just be disappointed.”
Yiseo’s answer had already been decided. Of course he wanted to go. But the words didn’t come easily. His past wouldn’t let them.
Every time he’d let himself hope, things had ended badly. The people he cherished always disappeared. He didn’t go as far as to think I bring misfortune. He wasn’t self-indulgent or pessimistic like that. But still… he hesitated.
Would it really be okay…
To take Alexander’s outstretched hand? Would something terrible happen to him? Yiseo was scared. But still—he’d already learned the warmth Alexander offered. There was no going back. He couldn’t unknow it.
How could anyone say no to someone like Alexander, to a kindness like that?
Yiseo made his decision. He looked back at Alexander.
“…All right.”
His reply made Alexander smile, as if satisfied. “Then shall we?” he whispered, cupping Yiseo’s cheek in one large hand. His heart pounded louder than ever.
***
“W-Wait, wait—sir, I mean, CEO—”
The moment they stepped into the condo and got into the elevator, Alexander kissed him, making Yiseo’s mind go blank. He hesitated, wondering if kissing in a place like this was really okay—but since no one else was around, he soon gave in.
It wasn’t something Yiseo would normally do. But right now, he was swept up in the moment. The kiss had started out light, playful—like a teasing peck between kids—which had made it easier to go along with.
But things heated up fast. By the time they got off the elevator, the kiss had become intense—almost overwhelming. Yiseo tried to calm Alexander down, but it wasn’t easy.
“Hold on… I can’t—walk… aah…!”
He let out a startled cry mid-sentence when Alexander suddenly picked him up. His body lifted in a swift motion, and though it startled him, the hold was steady. He didn’t feel unbalanced at all.
“This should help, right?”
“I-I’m heavy, though…”
He tried to protest, but was cut off again—lips brushing his in another kiss.
“Not at all. You’re really light, Yiseo.”
Too light? That wasn’t true. Yiseo was just… average. But hearing Alexander say it still made him feel awkward.
“Are you going to keep calling me that?”
“…Huh?”
“I mean ‘sir’ or ‘CEO.’ That’s not really who I am anymore, is it?”
“…Ah.”
He flushed, embarrassed at being called out for the title. But the words stuck in his throat. He knew he needed to change it. But replacing a title he’d been using for so long with a first name—wasn’t easy.
“Please don’t push me.”
His flustered voice came out more sulky than he intended.
“But you can’t keep calling me ‘sir,’ can you?”
Alexander didn’t back down. And he was right. Things had changed between them. It didn’t feel right to keep using such formal language in private. Still, changing how he addressed him didn’t come naturally. As if sensing that, Alexander didn’t press him further. He just waited, patient and steady—like a loyal dog.
Yiseo, worried that being carried was tiring him out, opened his mouth after a few failed attempts.
“…Um, Alexander.”
The name finally made it out. Alexander beamed, flashing his white teeth in a satisfied smile.
“I’d prefer a nickname, but this is nice too.”
He praised Yiseo and kissed his cheek. The soft curve of his eyes as he smiled made Yiseo’s heart swell. All he’d done was say his name, and Alexander looked this happy. Seeing it made Yiseo smile, too. He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the corner of Alexander’s eye.
“I’m glad you like it.”
Alexander’s expression shifted—like he was dazzled by the sight of Yiseo.
“I can’t hold back anymore.”
