Promoting SASAKI'S

"Yeah! I am... And you are?" Aoi said, her face a mask of puzzled politeness.

"Sorry for the late introduction. I'm Kuro Takami—a board member," Takami replied, extending his hand.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Takami," Aoi returned, accepting the handshake.

He smirked, gauging her. "No doubt—you're a dominant alpha, Ms. Seika. But aren't you moving a bit too fast?"

Aoi arched an eyebrow. "What are you talking about, Mr. Takami?"

"Such a convincing actress," he said, voice lowering. "You're trying to bend Sasaki to your will with pheromones, aren't you? He's a 'hard to get' one, you know?"

"Mr. Takami, you misunderstood. I just helped him when—" She stopped herself, refusing to air Reiji's vulnerability.

He cut in, lips twisted into a smirk: "So, you helped the poor, trembling omega? Kindly don't do that again. He needs to learn his place—as an omega." His tone was calm, but behind it lurked malice.

Aoi squared her stance. "And why should I listen?"

"First, it's nature's rule: omegas are at the bottom of the food chain. Second, I could sue you—'Ms. Seika used pheromones on our poor CEO.'" Takami's expression and the sharp, aggressive edge of his pheromones radiated threat.

Aoi met him with equal force, her own presence saturating the space. "Let me give you a bit of advice. Don't underestimate your CEO. He's not your regular omega."

"Tch," Takami muttered as Aoi noticed Reiji emerging from the boardroom. She moved away, shooting Takami a steely glare. "And don't even think about going up against me. After all, I'm the Queen of Action."

"In movies," Takami jabbed under his breath, realizing taking control of the company wouldn't be easy.

Aoi rushed to Reiji's side. "How did it go?" she asked, not hiding the smile tugging at her lips.

"Decision's postponed till next meeting. But you could say I nailed it. By the way, why are you smiling?" Reiji asked, a bit suspicious.

"Am I?... Guess I'm happy to see you," Aoi smirked.

"I never get how alphas can turn any conversation into flirting," Reiji sighed as they made their way to the elevator.

"Guess it's one of our instincts."

"So you flirt with everyone?"

"Nope... just you," Aoi grinned, winking.

"There you go again..."

Aoi laughed. "Haha, guess I can't help it."

They entered the elevator.

"So why are you still hanging around the company?" Reiji asked, his cool demeanor slipping back.

"Aah! Throwing me out already?" Aoi played the victim.

"Argh! I don't even know how you always manage to twist things around."

"You mean always being the cool one?" She flashed a proud smile.

"No... Anyway, just forget it."

"Maybe you're just embarrassed to compliment such a cool woman," Aoi teased.

"I meant you're versatile and diplomatic."

"Wha—" she sulked, feigning disappointment. "You're one to talk about versatility."

"But versatility isn't enough for dealing with real critics," Reiji sighed.

The elevator chimed at the ground floor.

"Why don't we eat something at the café?" Aoi proposed.

"No, I have work to do."

"Huff! Always work!" Aoi pouted.

"You won't get any sympathy from me acting like a child," Reiji said, his tone frosty.

"Man, you really act like AI... only sometimes, though," she quipped, recalling his earlier stoicism.

"Anyway, I'm leaving. Bye!" Waving, Aoi walked out of the building.

In the lobby, employees exchanged whispers:

"They look good together, don't they?"

"Geez, can't he even smile at her?"

"Why is he always so cold?"

A single glare from Reiji quickly silenced them, sending everyone scurrying back to work.

**Outside the Company**

Aoi paused, watching the sunrise over Tokyo's skyline. *It's harder for him than he admits... I can't let that bastard Takami lay a hand on Reiji,* she thought, fists clenching.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called, "Hey! Aoi..." She turned to spot Kenta approaching.

*Can't escape him now...* She pretended not to notice, chanting in her mind: "I don't know him... I don't see him..."

But Kenta caught up easily, blocking her path. "You're trying to evade me, aren't you, you brat?" His smile was strained, annoyance barely disguised.

"Woah, Mr. Kenta! When did you get here? I didn't even notice," she replied, feigning innocence.

"I've known you for three years; I see right through that act."

"There you go, calling me 'brat' again!" Aoi shot back, hoping to divert him.

"Changing the subject won't work on me. Now, what's really going on?"

Aoi's expression settled into seriousness. "I've made up my mind. I'm not going to act in that movie."

"I already know."

She blinked. "Then... are you not here to persuade me?"

"Nah. There's no point wasting energy trying to sway you at this stage."

"Then?"

"I just came to see what mess you're throwing yourself into."

Aoi gave a small laugh. "I see..."

They walked to the parking lot and got into her car.

"Mr. Kenta!"

"Yeah?" He glanced at her, then added, "Don't tell me you've already stirred up trouble in the company."

"What do you think of me?"

"A brat who's always trouble," he replied instantly.

She huffed. "You don't hold back, do you? Anyway, I wanted info on someone..."

"Who?"

"Kuro Takami."

"He's one of the board members, isn't he? Wait—you've got a crush on him?"

Aoi rolled her eyes. "How did you even come up with that?"

"You never had an omega, so if not them, maybe you're into alphas?"

"Please drop it."

"Then what do you want to know?"

"His background, any dirt—especially regarding behavior toward omegas."

Kenta groaned. "Seriously... you already picked a fight with a board member!"

"More or less, I guess."

He sighed in defeat. "Fine. I'll get you the info by tonight."

"Thank you, Mr. Kenta! I knew I could count on you," Aoi beamed.

"I don't want your thanks. Just promise me you won't do anything reckless."

"I'll try."

"Which means absolutely nothing." He shook his head, resigned.

They pulled up at Hoshino Studio; Kenta got out. "Mr. Kenta, please..."

"What if I don't?" he asked, eyebrow raised.

"You'll owe me 50,000 yen for the ride."

He reached for his wallet and handed her the cash.

Aoi was speechless—he actually paid! She tried to backpedal, hands clasped in plea, with puppy eyes, "PLEASE...!"

He smirked. "Fine, I'll handle it."

She beamed, and as she pulled away from the curb, he chuckled, "Geez, that brat!" before heading inside.