Chapter Text
For the longest time, Seonghwa wanted nothing more, just some peace in his life. It sounded rather easy, but in reality, it wasn’t. Since Seonghwa presented himself as omega, each day he faced nothing but struggles. He didn't have a strong alpha by his side to protect him, and a family to guarantee him a safe and comfortable life. After his mother’s death, Seonghwa moved to Seoul hoping for a brighter future, since in the capital city the difference between second genders wasn’t as grave as in the countryside, where the stigma about omegas being good for nothing more than breeding was still taken very seriously. Anyway, Seonghwa escaped his toxic hometown full of hope but barely six months later sat in his crampy and stuffy 8 square meters room, with dark circles under his eyes, meaninglessly sending out his CV at this point to any job proposal he could find on the internet. Seonghwa felt so miserable that he wouldn’t even read descriptions anymore, he didn’t care anymore what kind of job it would be. Fuck the dreams, Seonghwa wasn’t sure he had enough money to pay for the next month’s rent or to buy his cheapest suppressants. Nor he had a privilege to care about such things as food.
He had worked in several places such as coffee shops and Hotel’s reception, but didn’t last more than three weeks. Not because he was bad at the job, but because sooner or later one of the alphas tried to harass him in one way or another. After seeing how alphas behaved with his mother until she worked herself to death, Seonghwa had promised himself that no alpha would use him, no matter the cost.
And so far, it has cost him only… everything. At least his pride was protected, while Seonghwa was gonna starve himself to death.
After sending another twenty or so CVs, Seonghwa crawled to his bed, which, given the size of his room, didn't require much effort.
He dozed off for what felt like minutes, but actually, when he opened his eyes again it was already dawn. Seonghwa hadn’t eaten anything in almost two days and his body was exhausted. He turned on his side, grabbing space next to himself trying to find his phone, since its vibration was the reason he woke up. Before answering the unknown number he glanced at the time. 6:30 AM??? Who in the world would call so early?
“Hello…?” he answered still in a sleepy voice, clearing his throat.
“Good morning, am I talking with Park Seonghwa?” A strong voice spoke on the other end, and Seonghwa gulped, waking up completely.
“Yes?..” He muttered, not quite sure yet who he was dealing with.
“This is Choi Jongho from KHJ Entertainment’s Human resources department. We received your CV. We would like to invite you for an interview.” He continued indifferently as if not noticing how nervous Seonghwa sounded.
KHJ Entertainment? Seonghwa obviously didn’t remember applying there, since he was sending his CV to whatever place.
“Oh…s-sure.” It was the first call he received in weeks, so his voice crashed from how fast he tried to answer. “When do you want me to come?”
“Could you make it today? Around 12? We need this position filled soon, so it’s urgent.”
“Ye-s…”
“Very well, see you then.” Mr. Choi said his goodbyes and hung up.
Seonghwa sat in his bed frozen, as he suddenly realized he wasn’t even sure for which position he filled in. The omega quickly jumped from his bed, turned his laptop on and scrolled through his search history. Finally, he managed to find it - there wasn’t much information given about the position, as if the applicant had to guess their duties themselves, basically only the title was presented - Second Assistant.
That’s it.
Well… it was worth a try, what would he lose at this point? If Seonghwa succeeded, maybe he could earn a bit of money to pull through another month and buy something to eat. After all, his life was all about survival.
Seonghwa took his phone again and called his best friend.
“Seonghwa, is everything alright??” Wooyoung answered after the third beep, his voice alert. “Did your heat start earlier? Do you have suppressants??”
“What…? No, nothing like that… I am still a month away from my heat.” Seonghwa replied a bit confused. “I don’t always call you when I need something from you, Woo…”
“No… but I didn’t expect you to call so early, it’s not even 7 in the morning. You scared me… Do you have something to eat?”
“I am fine, Wooyoung… God, you need to stop worrying about me so much. I can take care of myself. Actually…” Seonghwa continued before his friend poured another wave of worries. “I called to share that I have been asked to come for an interview!”
“Oh!! That’s great, Hwa! I am so happy for you! Where?”
“Um…” Seonghwa already forgot the name of the company. “Some Entertainment, to fill a second assistant position. Nothing big, but… they asked me to come today, they must be desperate to find someone! Wish me luck, Woo!”
“Good luck! Call me after it, alright? Even if I will be in the class, I will pick up!” He enthusiastically shouted, and Seonghwa smiled to himself. “And Hwa?”
“Mmm?”
“Don’t forget to take your suppressants!”
“Stop it!” Seonghwa hissed and hung up.
Wooyoung was one of the first people Seonghwa met in Seoul and on top of that also an omega. They instantly clicked and became close friends. The difference between them was that Wooyoung’s parents were rich and caring, he didn’t have a clue how hard life could be for an omega. He received the best education and now was studying at Seoul University. He had suggested to Seonghwa multiple times to move in with him since neither of them had mates, but Seonghwa couldn’t put this on the younger omega’s shoulders. He had to take care of his future. Despite Seonghwa being the elder of the two of them, Wooyoung was the one who could provide him care. They would stay on calls during their heats and cry together, trying to calm each other down. Sometimes, when Wooyoung had time they would meet for a walk. Seonghwa loved to listen about his life, and how easy it was and wished his friend nothing but the best.
After a while, Seonghwa realized that he didn’t have money for the metro, so he would need to walk to his new workplace. He googled the Entertainment and sighed realizing it was more than two hours walk from his place. Given the fact that Seoul is nothing but endless hills, it would take even longer for his tired body.
Seonghwa left his apartment around nine, so he would have enough time to catch his breath before the interview as well.
Despite the hour, the sun was already scorching, making his black hair stick to his forehead. The omega checked his phone only a couple of times, as he wanted to save the battery. His phone was so old that sometimes it didn’t last for half of the day.
After what seemed like forever and Seonghwa’s ribs hurt from heavy breathing, he reached the area where the building was supposed to be. To Seonghwa’s surprise, this place was full of new buildings and skyscrapers. Was he really in the right place? He had never been in this part of the city. And it was obvious he didn’t fit there. Not because of his second gender - these streets were filled with gorgeous Omegas and Alphas. Even Betas (who usually didn’t have such distinguishing features) looked like they just stepped from the catwalk. Everything about Seonghwa from his messy black hair, oversized sweater, and worn-out jeans screamed that this wasn’t a place for him to be. Seonghwa tried to shrink as much as he could, but because of his height, it didn’t work out well. Everyone he passed was staring. It wasn’t difficult to distinguish Omegas, Alphas, and Betas by their physical appearance, but what surprised Seonghwa the most was that he couldn’t smell them at all. What kind of powerful suppressants and scent blockers did they use? Seonghwa visibly shivered - not like he could ever lay his hand on something so expensive as that.
The omega ignored their rude stares and was about to take out his phone to check where he must turn, but his eyes froze on the skyscraper on his right. It was hard to tell just how many floors it had, but the capital letters KHJ ENTERTAINMENT blinded him instantly.
No fucking way…
Seonghwa quickly took a picture of the building and sent it to Wooyoung.
[TUESDAY 11:47 AM]
[PHOTO]
Voice message:
Woo! Look at this building! That’s where I am going to have my interview! Maybe I should have read more about the company before coming. Also, this place is so weird… It’s full of beautiful people if you know what I mean. Anyway, going in, I will call you later.
Seonghwa sent the voice message and turned off the data, Wooyoung was probably in the middle of the class so he wouldn’t be able to listen to the message anyway. With heart climbing up his throat Seonghwa entered the flashy building and held his gasp seeing just how fancy the inner decor was. With every step, his legs were getting heavier as he went to counter. A female omega behind it was typing something on her keyboard. As soon as Seonghwa came closer she slightly frowned, lifting her eyes. Certainly, it was because of Seonghwa’s smell. His cheap ass suppressants didn’t hide who he was at all, and that was the reason he couldn’t blend in.
“Hi…” He greeted the other omega as friendly as he could.
“Are you lost?” She asked with an empty voice, not even trying to sound nice.
“Um…not sure.” That was a very good question indeed. “I have a job interview… at twelve?”
She raised her eyebrow.
“And your name is?”
“Park. Park Seonghwa.”
“Aha…” She clicked a button and placed the work phone to her ear. “Hey, Yeosang, your new assistant is here…”
New assistant? Did it mean he was already hired? And who was Yeosang? Seonghwa could swear that the one he talked to before was named Jongho or something. He didn't know what the man answered her, but the receptionist hung up and then glared at Seonghwa.
“He will be here in a minute, please step away and wait there.” She pointed towards the elevators and then went back to her work.
Seonghwa nodded and did as he was told. The other thing about this place was that it was awfully quiet. Seonghwa could hear his breathing while he waited for someone to come and get him.
In a few moments, the metal elevator’s door opened and a man stepped out. Seonghwa was so surprised to see another omega in such a short time. He was shorter and thinner than Seonghwa but had such beautiful features that Seonghwa couldn’t help but open his mouth a bit. He didn’t want to say it out loud, but the omega really did seem like a prince from a fairytale.
He stopped and scanned Seonghwa from his sneakers to his messy hair.
“I didn’t know…” He muttered.
“Didn’t know what?” Seonghwa tilted his head.
“That Jongho had a sense of humor… what was he even thinking…” he squinted and then pouted. “You didn’t take your suppressants.”
“I did!” Seonghwa protested, for some reason feeling like he could talk freely with this tiny man in front of him.
“Which ones are you taking?”
“SV02…” Seonghwa replied, feeling his cheeks heating up.
“No wonder, darling. These are out of date. If you want to work here you have to use SV06.”
That explained a lot. That version was the newest and not only crazy expensive but also hard to get. Seonghwa gulped. Maybe it would be for the best if he just left. Yoesang noticed distress in the other omega’s face and sighed.
“Don’t worry, we will provide you with suppressants.” He shook his head. “Anyway, get inside the elevator.” He pressed the button for the door to open and Seonghwa rushed in, although his heart was still beating like crazy.
“I am Kang Yoesang. I was Kim Hongjoong's second assistant, but his first assistant Mingi got promoted, so now I am the first…”
“Oh! So you are searching for someone who could fill your position?” Finally, Seonghwa started to understand what he was doing here.
“I mean… I wish it would be this simple, Hongjoong fired two last assistants within two weeks. We need someone who can survive here. Do you understand?” Yeosang glanced at him and Seonghwa quickly nodded.
Shouldn’t be too hard, right? After growing up in his toxic home town nothing scared him. He wasn’t spoiled by money either, whatever work they gave to him Seonghwa was sure he could accomplish it. Only if they behave, of course. But the fact that so many omegas worked here already gave him hope.
“I am sure I can. Who is Hoongjong, by the way?” Seonghwa asked as he tried to remember the name and Yeosang almost dropped his phone.
“I will pretend you didn’t just say that.” The omega next to Seonghwa cleared his throat. The elevator’s door opened and they stepped out. Finally, Seonghwa saw some more vitality in this modern prison. Alphas, Omegas, and Betas were working in the same space. He saw people discussing something behind the glass door in smaller meeting rooms, typing on their computers at the desks, or just talking in the hallway. Everyone relaxed as equals - for Seonghwa’s eyes this view was utopic. As they continued going further, Seonghwa tried to pretend he didn’t feel burning glares on his back.
Finally, Yeosang opened another glass door and they entered a smaller private hallway, with two large desks on each side and an open double door in front. From what Seonghwa noticed it was someone’s office - a space larger than the apartment where Seonghwa grew up.
“Seonghwa,” Yeasang spoke after closing the door, obviously relieved that they got rid of the stares. “Kim Hongjoong is the CEO of this Entertainment and the most important person in this building. He created this company, not to mention he is a living legend in the fashion world. If you survive in this place for a year, even as an omega all the doors will be open for you. Millions would kill for this position.”
“That sounds great!” Seonghwa gasped. “I really wish to work here.”
Yeosang sighed, leaning against one of the desks, which probably was his. Another seemed too empty. Maybe that was Seonghwa’s future desk?
“Darling, I don’t know how to put this… but KHJ Entertainment is a modeling and fashion company. This is a home of such role models as Taemin or Kai…” He ended dramatically, not hiding pride in his voice.
“W-who..?” Seonghwa tilted his head.
“Are you living under a rock or something?” Yeosang’s jaw dropped and then he slammed his face, letting out another deep sigh. “Again, KHJ Entertainment focuses on fashion and modeling, you need to be interested in these fields to work here.”
“Why do you think I am not?” Seonghwa wondered.
He wasn’t actually, but it was crucial for him to lie about his knowledge. Yeosang glared at him again but before he said anything his phone beeped. He quickly glanced at it and then suddenly jumped to his feet.
“Oh God… No no no no…” He ran through Seonghwa and almost ripped the glass door off the hinges. “He is here! Tell everyone!!”
Seonghwa stood confused as Yeosang rushed to his table, collecting some papers. He blinked a few times, still not realizing what the fuss was about. The door opened again and a tall pinkish hair beta popped his head in. Seonghwa noticed that everyone in the hallway lost their leisure posture and suddenly went back to serious work.
“I thought he was coming at two.” he frowned, following Yeosang with his dark eyes and only sparing a glance to Seonghwa. At least beta couldn’t smell him, but somehow his eyes weren’t fascinated to see Seonghwa there.
“San just messaged me. Hongjoong’s hairstylist canceled the appointment at the last minute or something… God, those people…”
“Someone will lose their job for good.” The pinkish-haired beta sighed and then glanced at Seonghwa again. “Who is that ?”
“Don’t even ask now.” Yeosang dropped and then ran through the beta in the hallway holding a notebook in his hands.
The beta gave another sad look to Seonghwa before leaving. The omega awkwardly squirmed. He did feel like he was not welcome here. He wanted to call Wooyoung so badly and maybe meet him, hug him, and get all the stress out caused by ten minutes in this building.
Seonghwa imagined he could somehow escape without being noticed, but as soon as he thought about that he saw the elevator door open at the back of the hallway. Yeosang instantly glued himself to the person’s side.
He was an alpha. Of course, he was. The most gorgeous Alpha Seonghwa had a chance to see, at that. Everything about him was absolutely divine, starting from his light blue hair and ending with the most fashionable outfit Seonghwa could remember. And what surprised Seonghwa the most was that he didn’t use his suppressants. Even from where Seonghwa stood he could smell him - forest, fireplace on a rainy day, and most importantly something so sweet and nostalgic that it almost brought tears to Seonghwa’s eyes. He stood in the same spot dumbfounded as fast movements of the alpha’s lips finally turned into a sound.
“....and I need you to call Lee Know and tell him to come today, not tomorrow, next week, or next month. I don’t care if he has to fly back from Fiji or whatever, I need him for that show. Also, fire that useless omega from the management department and ask Jongho to find some decent intern who doesn’t have raging hormones. I will not handle the bullshit any longer.”
His voice was cold, and annoyed but somehow soothing at the same time, Seonghwa couldn’t explain the feeling that washed his body. Yeosang was slightly taller than the alpha, but he still had to run after him, while scribbling something into his notebook.
“Cancel tomorrow’s meeting with the new sponsors, I don’t like their logo colors. And put today’s lunch at three with G-Dragon, instead of the interview for that dumb Teen’s magazine. And for the love of God... find me a new normal hairstylist and hire them to work here… because I swear… I am this close to—” The alpha shut in the middle of the sentence, his strong almond gaze pointed at Seonghwa. “Who is that?” the alpha’s voice suddenly dropped at least a few tones and shivers ran down Seonghwa’s spine.
“No one, Hongjoong, don’t worry. Jongho sent him for the assistant’s role, and I was pre-interviewing him... But I don’t think—”
“Send him in. I will interview him myself, the last two you sent me were completely useless.” He interrupted Yeosang and went into his office.
Hongjoong? THE Hongjoong himself? Seonghwa was still immobilised when he felt a slight push.
“What are you waiting for… go.” Yeosang pointed towards the door and the man went in, trying to collect his words. He didn’t know what to say before coming here nor did he now. That warm scent of alpha was taking every last of his thoughts away.
Seonghwa stepped further, following the alpha with his eyes, who sat into his expensive leather chair and sighed, before pointing his eyes at the omega.
“Yeosang didn’t tell you that everyone at this company must use suppressants?”
“You don’t use them either… sir.” Seonghwa didn’t know who pulled his tongue to say that, but the alpha had to know that his scent was no less disturbing.
“I am…” He raised an eyebrow. “And quit with the sir before you annoyed me.”
“Mr. Kim…?” Seonghwa tried again. “Hongjoong-shi.” It was weird to call his maybe-future-boss by name, but maybe that was how they ran things here.
“Let me guess… omega–”
“It’s Seonghwa. Park Seonghwa.” He corrected the man, but quickly regretted opening his mouth.
“You don’t know what we do here, do you?”
“Well… not really…”
“And until today you never heard of me?” Hongjoong continued, not waiting for a proper answer.
“No, but…”
“And you have no sense of fashion nor style.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say so…”
“Baby, that wasn’t a question.”
Seonghwa was thrown out by Hongjoong calling him baby. Who did he think he was?? Another pervert alpha who thought he could lay his hand on all omegas he desired? Was that the reason why so many omegas were working here? So he could touch him whenever he pleased. Blood boiled in Seonghwa’s body, and that nostalgic scent of the alpha suddenly became repulsive.
“That’s all.”
Hongjoong waved his hand, and Seonghwa clicked his tongue. Not like he would come back here ever again, so why not spit everything he had in mind now? Was there something to lose?
“You know what? Yeah, maybe you are right and I know I don’t fit in here, and for fuck sake I am so glad I don’t! Everyone is equal, my ass! You, alpha, who should lead everyone, raise nothing but panic and distress to your employees here. And that’s what the most powerful CEO in the industry looks like. Screw that, screw you and your entertainment too! You don’t respect anyone but yourself, no wonder even hairstylists don’t want to work for you!”
Hongjoong at the table blinked a few times speechless and at the same moment the pinkish-haired beta from before entered his office. The alpha turned his eyes at the man.
“Joongie, I just talked with that new model. I would like you to see her yourself, we could do a good collaboration with—”
“Thank you for your fucking precious time.” Seonghwa decided not to waste his time here any longer, he turned around and rushed out, passing through Yeosang who stood with his jaw dropped. Someone had to say that to his boss, and Seonghwa knew no one in this company had the balls to do so.
Seonghwa was already in the elevator when tears started gathering in his eyes. That moment when he poured his thoughts out felt so good, but not anymore, and without that warm nostalgic scent, his heart felt somehow cold. He hated so much how that alpha made him feel. Seonghwa sobbed, covering his face to avoid all those unpleasant stares that he had to take in. He would rather starve himself to death for real than work in a place like this.
Seonghwa was about to take out his phone with trembling hands and call Wooyoung when a voice stopped him.
“Seonghwa!! Wait!”
He turned around to see Yeosang running towards him. The shorter man halted in front of Seonghwa, catching his breath and holding onto his knees.
“W-wait… Seonghwa… Come back… please Hongjoong… he wants you to work for him. He said you were exactly what he was looking for.” He made another longer pause to catch his breath. “He said not to bother coming back to work if I don’t bring you with me.”
Seonghwa looked up at the windows of the tall building, and was sure he only imagined but he thought he saw a little dot staring down at him from the top floor.