NB | Chapter 15

Just as he was about to speak.

“Hyung!”

They were so focused on each other that neither noticed the shutter sound had stopped. Turning towards the voice, they saw Park Sejin approaching after finishing his shoot. Woohyun noticed Sejin’s gaze was directed at Kang Jiwon.

Hyung?

Park Sejin was an actor who had signed with Newon before him. So it wasn’t strange for them to be acquainted… But it made Woohyun wonder if this was how Jiwon felt when he called Sejin hyung earlier.

Sejin glanced at Woohyun briefly before turning his attention to Jiwon.

“What brings you here without a word? If you’d told me, I would’ve come to meet you.”

“Didn’t want to trouble you.”

Kang Jiwon smiled, his lips curling up. The smile was so warm that the refusal didn’t sound like a real refusal. Maybe that’s why Sejin, as if he hadn’t heard anything, innocently laughed and placed his hand on Jiwon’s arm.

“Did you come to see me?”

“I was passing by. I heard rumors that you’ve been hanging out with a rookie who hasn’t even debuted yet.”

“What? So you were curious?”

Sejin asked playfully, his eyes twinkling with a characteristic charm. The two of them, Alpha and Omega, seemed like a picture-perfect pair, so Woohyun pretended to look elsewhere, feeling like an intruder just by being in the same space.

Jiwon, glancing sideways at Woohyun, confirmed he wasn’t watching them. Only then did he grab the hand on his arm and lean in. As expected, he caught a faint whiff of Omega pheromones. Holding his breath, he whispered, his eyes still on Seo Woohyun.

“Of course I’m curious. You’re famous for this kind of thing, aren’t you?”

“Ah, hyung…!”

Sejin’s smiling face twisted in an instant. Surprised by the sudden rise in volume, Woohyun looked at him, and Sejin quickly composed himself, though not as naturally as before.

“Woohyun’s right here, why say such things?”

Taking advantage of Sejin’s fluster, Jiwon withdrew his arm and shrugged nonchalantly. His expression seemed to ask, “What did I do?” Sejin, however, quickly checked Woohyun’s reaction. Seo Woohyun stood there, seemingly unfazed, as if he hadn’t heard anything.

Thank goodness. He’d worked so hard to ease Seo Woohyun’s wariness. It would be even better if seeing him close with another Alpha made Woohyun feel a silent sense of urgency, but it was hard to tell what he was thinking just by looking at his face.

“Park Sejin. Break time’s over.”

Kang Jiwon didn’t let him delve into Woohyun’s thoughts. He gestured with his chin towards the staff waiting with a change of clothes.

He had rushed over upon seeing them standing together, so technically, it wasn’t even break time. He didn’t know what they had talked about, but they didn’t seem like they’d just met today. He wanted to ask about their relationship, but if he insisted on staying, Jiwon might really say something unnecessary.

“…Hyung, don’t come to my birthday party.”

“I think I told you a month ago that I couldn’t make it.”

Sejin muttered something to himself, his last bit of resistance blocked. Before he disappeared into the waiting room, the man turned to Woohyun.

“Seo Woohyun-ssi, are you going to the birthday party?”

He had received an invitation. It happened to be on a day he was free, and Sejin had said he didn’t need a gift, just his presence. He hadn’t been sleeping much lately, juggling training and part-time jobs, so he planned to rest well that day. But the mention of delicious food tempted him.

Considering how much help he’d received, it seemed silly not to go just to wish him a happy birthday.

There would be a lot of people, so he could just drop by and leave without being noticed. Thanks to Jiwon’s question, Woohyun made up his mind and nodded.

“Have fun.”

Kang Jiwon smiled brightly.

***

The 5-star hotel building was so imposing it took his breath away just to take it all in. Thankfully, he’d become somewhat immune to large, impressive buildings from frequenting the Newon headquarters, or he might have felt overwhelmed.

Woohyun showed his invitation to the guard at the entrance of the pub lounge. The guard gave him a quick once-over before stepping aside to let him in. It was worth wearing the cleanest, best-kept clothes from his wardrobe.

Inside, a different world unfolded. The space was dimly lit overall, but spotlights here and there provided enough light to see. Multiple speakers hanging from the ceiling filled the room with EDM music.

People moved around, dancing freely, and some were already staggering as if drunk. With so many people, the mixed pheromones hit his nose, making him feel queasy, but he had no choice but to get used to it.

The only familiar face and the party’s star, Park Sejin, was unmistakable. He seemed busy receiving congratulations in the middle of the stage. Judging by the crowd hovering around him, eager to greet him, it didn’t seem like he could approach him right away.

Instinctively, Woohyun sought a secluded spot. The bar table against the wall was relatively dark, away from the lights. He settled there, watching Sejin from afar.

It was fascinating to see him surrounded by so many people, smiling happily. If this reality were a stage, Park Sejin would undoubtedly be the main character.

The pounding music made his mind feel slightly distant. It started to feel awkward being part of such a lavish and vibrant party. Who would have thought a side gig as an extra would lead him here? It felt like he was experiencing all sorts of things.

As his focus blurred and he drifted from reality, his gaze was drawn back by Sejin, who happened to meet his eyes. Sejin left the crowd and approached Woohyun in an instant.

“Happy birthday.”

“Thanks for coming.”

Sejin, smiling brightly, noticed the empty table and tilted his head.

“Didn’t you have any cake?”

“I thought it’d be rude to touch the food before congratulating you…”

Sejin couldn’t hold back his laughter and burst out laughing. Woohyun looked a bit embarrassed, as if he was sincere. Ah, really. He’s got a cute side despite his looks. Muttering to himself, Sejin placed his hand on Woohyun’s head. Startled by the touch, Woohyun flinched and looked up, like a wary cat.

He wanted to stroke his hair greedily, but he held back, promising himself another time. After all, he’d have his chance tonight.

“Wait a moment.”

After excusing himself, Sejin returned with a slice of birthday cake on a plate. He also ordered a cocktail from the bartender. Woohyun watched him blankly. He’d gotten used to the pheromones around him, but the loud noise was still unfamiliar. Amidst the noise, certain conversations pierced through.

“Park Sejin’s taste is so consistent.”

“…Ah, is that the one they were talking about?”

“I kind of get what they mean by naive…”

“Must be easy to manipulate as they please.”

The snippets of conversation carried a negative nuance, even if he didn’t know the full context. Instinctively, he turned to find the source and saw a group of four men and women not far away. As soon as he made eye contact with one of them, they quickly looked away.

It felt oddly unpleasant, as if they’d been watching him and turned away when caught. It was probably because he’d been with Sejin. Why come all the way here just to gossip? Woohyun clicked his tongue softly.

“Try this.”

Sejin, who had approached at some point, placed the cake and cocktail in front of Woohyun. He thought Sejin would just drop them off and leave, but he pulled up a chair and sat beside him.

The noise was so loud that they naturally ended up close, their knees touching. It was a bit awkward, but there was no more space to move back since they were already in a corner.

“Isn’t it pretty? It’s my birthday drink. Everyone here has to drink it.”

Sejin playfully pushed the glass towards him with his fingertips. The transparent blue cocktail reminded him of the ocean.

Not the dark depths, but the relaxing sea of a resort.

The shimmering liquid had a sweet and sour scent that made his mouth water. Sejin urged him to try it with sparkling eyes.

Woohyun carefully picked up the glass and took a sip. The alcohol taste lingered briefly before disappearing, leaving a sweet fruity flavor on his tongue.

It was delicious. Feeling pleased with the sweet taste, Woohyun took a big sip of the remaining cocktail.

Sejin watched with a smiling face as Woohyun’s throat moved gently.