Born to Be a Secretary

By the time lunch was long past, employees who had finished eating leisurely gathered, lighting cigarettes.

Looking up at the clear, bright sky, cigarettes seemed especially satisfying today. The outdoor smoking area quickly transformed into a den of raccoons with the gentle puffs of smoke.
“The weather’s amazing. Ugh, I don’t want to work today.”
“Heard any interesting gossip lately?”

Someone was fishing for dopamine. The company chatter mostly revolved around workplace rumors.
Like how some team member got promoted ahead of their mentor, or someone’s stocks hit the upper limit, or rumors that the deputy of one team and a junior of another were dating. It was curious how pointless other people’s stories were somehow so entertaining.
“That Executive Director Kwon’s secretary, you know.”

“Oh, Kim Heewon?”
“I heard rumors he became an omega? Is that true or just hearsay?”
“What are you talking about, that’s ancient history. It’s been settled for ages.”

Naturally, Heewon’s name came up. The omega manifestation incident still hadn’t lost its juice. Someone pulled out their phone from a suit pocket, chewing on the cigarette filter as they searched.
“Look, here’s the omega mark right on his profile.”
The personnel management system allowed employees to view Apex staff’s photos, names, titles, and extensions. Underneath Heewon’s ID photo taken seven years ago was unmistakably the omega trait mark.

“Whoa, that’s wild.”
“Wild? More like life’s ruined.”
“Being an alpha’s one thing, but manifesting as an omega is brutal. If it were me, I’d be mentally done.”

“Have you seen him recently? I haven’t gotten the chance.”
One mid-ranking man squinted his eyes through smoke. He’d caught a glimpse of Heewon passing by recently.
“He seems... subtler now.”

“Subtle how?”
“You know, something that keeps catching your eye. Same looks but the vibe’s different? Watching him makes you feel weird. I even get kinda turned on without realizing it.”
“That’s an omega trait. They’re naturally charming because their bodies are built for reproduction.”
“He seems to get along well with Executive Director Kwon?”

“They say they’re involved somehow.”
“Damn, I knew it!”
“There are rumors that Kwon brought him in. Otherwise, it makes no sense.”

“Nah, Kwon hates omega pheromones.”
“But he’s been quiet lately.”
“Hmm, maybe….”

Voices from three or four people mingled haphazardly. Once started, rumors gained embellishments and eventually turned into accepted facts. That’s how rumors usually work.
Before long, rumor had it that Kim Heewon was Executive Director Kwon’s cherished omega lover—and not the official one, but the second. People who loved gossiping imagined the skilled secretary was also amazing in bed and whispered lowly about it.
The cigarette smoke gradually thinned. People stretched and groaned, preparing to return to work. As they stepped around a partition taller than a person and headed out of the smoking area, they suddenly stopped.

There, on an outside bench, sat the subject of the rumors—Kim Heewon—side by side with Lim Jaegyu. They stared plainly, as if waiting for the group to exit.
With no soundproofing on the barren lot, it was obvious their conversation had been overheard. Faces of the employees flushed instantly.
“Ah, hello.”

“Well, this must be embarrassing for you. Caught red-handed.”
Lim Jaegyu leaned back on the bench’s backrest, arms resting, giving a faint grimace as if pitying their predicament.
“You should watch your words at work. Every ear is listening.”

“Sorry, really sorry.”
Ignoring the bowing heads, Heewon kept his gaze fixed on the ground. His long legs crossed at the ankles, adopting a posture of weariness toward the world. He remained silent for a long while.
“Go ahead. Get back to work.”

Lim stepped up to clear the awkwardness. With waving hands, the employees hurried away.
Once alone, Lim looked sincerely worried as he glanced at Heewon.
“Say something. You keep quiet and you’re making me scared.”

“Fuck.”
Lim burst out laughing at the blunt curse. Despite doubling over laughing, Heewon’s expression stayed stiff. His posture didn’t change.
After laughing his fill, Lim wiped tears from his eyes and patted Heewon’s shoulder.

“Accept your fate, friend.”
“……”
“What do they know? Even after six years, they can’t grasp the miserable life of Secretary Kim. Cherished? My ass.”

“Ah… I don’t want to get stressed over this.”
Heewon closed his eyes and tilted his head back. The scandal never ceased, inside or outside the company. Damn, why’s the weather so nice? The warm spring sun soaked his forehead and hair. A gentle breeze blew, as if soothing his mood.
Just then, a call came in. Checking the number on the screen, Heewon sighed and stood up. Ice clinked inside the coffee cup in his hand.

“Alright. Thanks for the coffee.”
“To you, thanks for your hard work.”
He gave Lim a quick nod and turned away. The troubled look on Heewon’s face vanished completely. Now that he was in work mode, there was no need to carry his complicated feelings along.

Entering the office, Heewon was called over by a group of secretaries huddled together. Something had happened. Heewon walked over briskly.
“What’s going on?”
Joining the group, Ji held up a tablet right in front of Heewon’s face.

[Massive Scandal Imminent in Pharmaceutical Industry]
Shocking news reports that an executive director of a leading domestic pharmaceutical company allegedly committed sexual assault at a major after-party. The victim was drugged with GHB and molested, but the accused adamantly denies, claiming it was consensual.
According to insiders, the accused was known to carry date rape drugs regularly. The number of victims is more than one or two, and this case involves such a prominent figure that escape seems unlikely.

The company specializes in trait medicine, so the damage to the company’s image is expected to be devastating.
“…My goodness.”
On the screen was Ji’s chatroom for gossip, which dealt only with highly credible news. Though rumors, these stories were considered quite trustworthy.

Ji cross-checks these sources and reports to Executive Director Kwon every Monday. Though such rumors seem petty, they are valuable resources for businesspeople.
“No initials, but the name ‘Apex’ is already circulating.”
“Emergency. Do you know who it is?”

“No, not yet. It’s been less than ten minutes since it surfaced…”
“Have you reported it to the Executive Director?”
“Not yet.”

Heewon captured the message and sent it to ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ his phone, immediately forwarding it to Youngjae Kwon. The read receipt popped up instantly. He tightened his tie and headed to the office.
Knocking, he entered to find Youngjae half-turned in his chair, still staring at his phone.
Heewon quietly locked the door behind him and approached. Pressing a switch on the desk, the glass windows became opaque, blocking outside views and sound—an often-used technology for private talks.

“Executive Director, this is unconfirmed, but I thought you should know quickly.”
“A pharmaceutical company specializing in trait medicine. They’re openly targeting us.”
Youngjae interrupted sharply, turning his brightly lit phone screen toward Heewon. The chill in his gaze followed, and Heewon swallowed silently.

“Yes, that seems so.”
“Adding up outside directors, there must be dozens involved.”
“If you give me time, I’ll find out quickly.”

“No need. I already know who it is.”
Despite his cold expression, Youngjae’s eyes glittered with excitement. He was enjoying himself for once.