"I like his Sweet Smell"

Taekho sat in his office, a faint smile playing on his lips.

He knew Areum hated overtime.

Taekho (muttering):

"He hates it… but still listens."

His scent… it's so sweet. Like cherries and rain. Refreshing. Sweet. Addictive.

He leaned back in his chair, his eyes half-lidded with thought.

Taekho (quietly):

"Why am I this drawn to him? I've never been attracted to an Omega before…"

His phone buzzed.

He glanced at the screen, then answered with a neutral tone.

Taekho:

"Hello?"

Taejon (playfully):

"Hyung~!"

Taekho's eyes narrowed slightly.

Taekho (flatly):

"What is it?"

Taejon:

"Why so cold? I want to see you!"

Taekho:

"Why?"

Taejon:

"Because I need to talk to you. It's important."

Taekho (sharply):

"I'm busy."

Taejon:

"Hyung… I'm coming anyway."

Taekho let out a quiet sigh.

Taekho:

"Fine."

Taejon (cheerfully):

"I'll be there in ten!"

The call ended.

Taekho stared at the phone for a moment and muttered to himself.

Taekho (dryly):

"He's already on the way, isn't he…"

Areum sat at his desk, frustration written all over his face. He glanced around the office—everyone seemed relaxed, smiling, chatting casually.

Everyone but him.

His eyes shifted when Minjae approached, holding a cup of coffee.

Minjae:

"Here. Thought you might need this."

Areum (surprised):

"Thanks, Min. I really needed it."

Minjae blinked. His eyes widened slightly.

Minjae (murmuring to himself):

"He just called me Min… my nickname?"

Areum noticed the strange look on his face.

Areum (confused):

"What's wrong?"

Minjae quickly shook his head, a small smile spreading across his lips.

Minjae (brightly):

"Nothing! How's the coffee?"

Areum took a sip.

Areum (genuinely):

"It's strong. Really good."

Minjae (grinning):

"I made it myself."

Areum (smiling):

"Well, it's great. Thanks again."

Minjae returned to his seat but kept glancing at Areum, clearly trying to say something. After a moment, Areum looked up.

Areum:

"Min, I just sent you some documents. Can you analyze them for me?"

Minjae (nodding quickly):

"Sure, Mr. Han."

Areum turned back to his stack of paperwork, sighing.

Areum (muttering):

"There's still so much left…"

Minjae peeked over again, hesitant. Areum noticed and gave him a curious look.

Areum:

"Min… is something bothering you?"

Minjae bit his bottom lip, then finally spoke.

Minjae (nervously):

"Mr. Han… would you like to go out with me tonight? I mean… maybe just dinner?"

Areum blinked, caught off guard.

Areum (gently):

"Oh… I'm sorry, Min. I can't tonight. I've got overtime again."

Minjae:

"Again…?"

Areum (sighing):

"Yeah. Again."

Minjae (smiling softly):

"Okay… maybe next time."

Areum (nodding, eyes on his papers):

"Yeah. Next time."

Just then, Miss Bin approached with a folder in hand.

Miss Bin:

"Oh, Minjae—could you please print these files for me?"

Minjae (politely):

"Sure, Miss Bin. Just give me a minute. I'm almost done analyzing Mr. Han's documents."

A few minutes later, Minjae stood up and walked over to Areum.

Minjae:

"Mr. Han, I've gone through the documents. No issues found."

Areum (still focused on his screen):

"Thanks, Min."

Miss Bin watched the exchange, then smiled teasingly. As Minjae walked past her, she leaned in and whispered:

Miss Bin (playfully):

"So… our Minjae got a nickname, huh? 'Min'? How cute. Looks like you're winning Mr. Han's heart."

Minjae's face turned red instantly.

Minjae (flustered):

"M-Miss Bin! I'll go print the files now!"

He hurried off, trying to hide his blush.

Miss Bin followed behind, grinning.

The clock read 10:40 PM. The office was dark and quiet—everyone had already gone home.

Everyone except Areum.

He rubbed his temple, exhaustion weighing on his shoulders.

Areum (muttering):

"Ah… finally. I'm done. I can go home now."

He quickly began closing the files, organizing the last documents with practiced efficiency. But just as he reached for his bag, a familiar scent hit him.

Cherry blossoms. Sweet, strong… intoxicating.

His body froze.

The scent was overwhelming—Taekho's pheromones.

Areum stiffened when he felt the presence behind him. Yoon Taekho stood there, leaning in to glance at his screen. His chest was dangerously close to Areum's face.

Too close.

Areum's heart pounded. He tried to keep still, but the scent, the proximity—it was too much.

Taekho (calmly):

"You finished faster than I expected."

He leaned back, creating distance between them.

Areum (trying to steady himself):

"Yes, CEO Yoon. I completed all the pending work."

He stood, grabbing his bag and giving a respectful bow.

Areum:

"Then, I'll take my leave now. Good night, sir."

Taekho:

"Wait."

Areum paused and turned around, confused.

Taekho:

"You've finished the work. Now prepare the project report."

Areum (blinking):

"Sir… isn't that Miss Bin's responsibility?"

Taekho (coolly):

"I told you to do it. Any problem?"

Areum looked down at his bag, then set it back on his desk.

Areum (quietly):

"No problem, sir."

Taekho turned and walked back into his office.

Taekho (without looking back):

"The files are in my office. Come get them."

Areum clenched his fists for a moment, then followed.

Areum stepped into the office, the door clicking shut behind him.

Taekho was already seated on the leather couch, legs crossed with effortless elegance. The project files were laid out neatly on the coffee table in front of him.

The moment Areum entered, the scent hit him again—Taekho's pheromones. It wasn't subtle anymore. The entire room seemed soaked in it. That warm, intoxicating blend of cherry blossoms and something sharper, more dominant.

It made it hard to breathe.

Areum quietly picked up the files and gave a polite bow.

Areum:

"I'll begin working on this, sir."

He turned to leave.

Taekho:

"Wait."

Areum paused, his hand just inches from the door handle.

Taekho (calmly):

"Do it here. I want to review the previous project report as well. Sit down."

Areum:

"CEO Yoon, I—"

Taekho (firm):

"Sit, Mr. Han."

Areum hesitated for a split second before returning. He loved his job—he couldn't afford to mess this up. Quietly, he took the seat across from Taekho, pulled out his laptop, and began typing.

The silence in the room was thick, broken only by the quiet taps of Areum's fingers on the keys.

Taekho's gaze remained fixed on him. Unwavering. Intense.

Taekho:

"Do you know how you smell, Mr. Han?"

Areum looked up, startled.

Areum (carefully):

"I… I don't think I smell like anything."

Taekho (softly, almost amused):

"But you do."

He leaned forward slightly, voice smooth and steady.

Taekho:

"You smell like cherry fruit. Sweet… and like rain. Refreshing."

Areum's breath hitched for just a moment before he quickly looked back at his screen, pretending to focus.

But his ears burned red.