Born to Be a Secretary

Ruts—simply put, an alpha's heat—typically occur every six months. There are, of course, individual variations, but in Youngjae Kwon’s case, as a dominant alpha, his rut cycle was remarkably consistent.
Even a beta who can't sense pheromones can recognize the signs of a rut. The pressure radiating off Youngjae Kwon was so intense it made Heewon's skin prickle.
"Hold on, I’ll get the meds."

It’s fine. It’s not the first time. Heewon had witnessed Kwon’s rut episodes plenty of times and knew exactly how to respond. He rushed over to the cabinet and immediately began searching for the suppressants.
It took less than a few minutes before Heewon returned, carrying what was needed. He lined them up across the desk—single-use injection kits, antiseptic, and brown ampoule bottles filled with high-concentration pheromone suppressants. His hands moved swiftly and precisely.
The priority now was to measure his current pheromone levels. He calmed his shaky breath and activated the machine. With a small beep, a number appeared on the display.

187ph.
Both of them frowned slightly at the number.
It was only the onset of the rut symptoms, yet the levels were already this high. Definitely not a good sign. When Heewon softly called, "Director," Youngjae silently extended his left arm.
Heewon rolled up his shirt sleeve past the elbow and wrapped a pad around his firm wrist. When Kwon clenched and unclenched his fist a few times, bluish veins popped out like branches. Heewon put on latex gloves and administered the injection carefully.

Kwon grimaced as the drug entered his bloodstream. But with rut suppressants, an intravenous shot was mandatory. He couldn’t do it himself. Heewon had always done it for him. After doing this so many times, his injection skills were practically on par with a trained nurse.
“Your levels are dangerously high.”
“I know.”

“I’m not sure meds alone will cut it this time.”
“That’s for me to decide.”
The reply came sharp and annoyed.
Typical. Even when you're worried about him, he bites your head off.

As Heewon tidied up the desk, he mentally went over the day’s schedule. First, he’d have to contact Kwon’s primary physician and get a check-up arranged.
He glanced at Kwon’s face. Naturally, the shot hadn’t kicked in right away. His cheeks were still flushed, and his breathing was uneven. The deeper lines between his brows made it obvious he hated how uncooperative his body felt.
“Will you be able to attend tomorrow’s breakfast meeting?”

“I’ll be fine. More importantly…”
Kwon pressed his fingers hard against his temple.
“Stay the night.”
“Yes. If you need anything, call me.”

He planned to stay the night anyway. Knowing Kwon’s personality, there was no way he’d ask anyone else for help, and it made more sense to stay in the guest room than go home just to be summoned again at dawn.
“I’m going to check your temperature.”
He slipped the thermometer into his ear and casually felt the back of Kwon’s neck. His fingertips were still met with a palpable heat.

Kwon let out a long breath and leaned back. He really did seem unwell. Watching him react so quietly to his touch was rare, and Heewon let out a faint smile.
“……”
There wasn’t even a sound, but a sharp glare came his way.

The corner of Heewon’s lips quickly dropped back into place. As if he’d never smiled, he went back to cleaning up without a trace.
The breakfast meeting was held at a five-star hotel’s conference hall. Though the event was technically just a networking opportunity, the scale of it was significant. Every person in attendance was someone of serious influence.
Attendees ranged in age from their 60s to early 30s, all key figures leading Korea’s economic sectors. Their presence alone gave the conference hall an unspoken weight.

“Good morning.”
“Hello. Lovely morning, isn’t it?”
Heewon exchanged polite greetings as he found an open seat.

Roughly 200 meters behind the main tables, a set of chairs had been arranged for the aides—a waiting zone of sorts.
Most of the executives brought a secretary or aide, so the number of assistants present almost matched the number of guests. Naturally, no meals were provided for them. They simply watched like silent observers, waiting for the event to end.
As soon as he sat down, Heewon scanned the tables until he spotted Executive Director Kwon. Thankfully, from his spot, he had a clear view. Kwon looked completely composed—seemed like the injection from the night before had done its job.

Relieved, Heewon leaned back into the hard chair. Just then, the secretary seated next to him edged closer and started chatting.
“Secretary Kim, you look exhausted today.”
“Yeah, didn’t get much sleep.”

Dark circles shadowed Heewon’s eyes. He was exhausted after staying over at Kwon’s place.
“Here, caffeine to the rescue.”
Right before the meeting kicked off, a secretary who entered last passed out iced coffee to everyone. The timing was impeccable, and everyone’s mood visibly lifted. They discreetly sipped the hidden caffeine like it was contraband.

These gatherings naturally doubled as networking spaces for the secretaries. They all understood each other’s burdens, which made bonding easier. Members of Heewon’s private group chat were also all here today.
Of course, not everyone was friendly. Even in this circle, quiet rivalries simmered.
“Who drinks coffee in a place like this? So rude. Tsk!”

An older secretary clicked his tongue at the younger ones’ behavior.
“It’s early morning, sir. Just this once, please? We’re all tired. Would you like a cup too? The coffee’s actually pretty good.”
“Ha! No, thank you!”

Even with the grumpiness, no one really reacted. At this level, secretaries rarely let emotion show. Whether things went well or badly, it was always “Mm.” Like Tibetan foxes—stoic and unreadable.
“Hey! Secretary Kim!”
A booming voice echoed from the breakfast tables. About ten people flinched like Pavlov’s dogs.

Which Secretary Kim?
The one who bolted nervously was the same grumpy secretary from before.
Age and experience meant nothing. Everyone looked the same when getting chewed out by the chairman. Secretaries quietly sighed in sympathy at the tragic sight.

“Maybe it’s just me, but… don’t you think we start resembling our bosses over time? The way they talk or act.”
“That’s why I started going to early-morning prayer. I feel like my insides are festering.”
“Mental resilience is everything. What other job relies this much on willpower?”

A bit of confidential venting began—things you’d never say anywhere else. Each watched their boss like hawks while privately sharing their stress.
“How did they decide the table arrangement, anyway? By age? Corporate rank?”
“Probably a mix. Title, influence, personal connections… all of it.”

“Wow, Executive Director Kwon’s already seated at that table. Still the same as always. Must be the alpha aura—he shines from a distance.”
“…Does he? I don’t really see it. He’s not the only alpha here.”
“No, he’s different. You’ve just gotten used to seeing him, Secretary Kim.”

It was true—among all the executives gathered, Kwon stood out.
The number of gazes fixed on him proved it. His striking features and natural elegance were like a walking business card. The dark navy suit he wore today made his refined aura all the more apparent.
He looked like someone hard to approach, but the rare smile he gave was enough to disarm anyone. He was the kind of person who could be the center of attention anywhere.

Heewon sipped his coffee. Maybe it’s true what they say—your fingers always curl inward.
Honestly, even to ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) his own eyes, Youngjae Kwon looked the best.
It was a typical morning commute. As the office door opened, the line of secretaries standing in formation came into view.

While Heewon held the door open, Executive Director Kwon strode past with long strides into his office. His curt morning greeting remained as indifferent as ever. Heewon followed behind him at a brisk pace.
“…Ah.”
His steps paused. There was someone unfamiliar. He remembered—today was the first day for the newly hired staff member. Seeing the man stiff with nerves, Heewon’s expression softened.

“Nice to meet you. Let’s chat properly later.”
He spoke quietly, almost like casting a spell. Then he followed Kwon into the office. The door shut behind them, and the two of them were seen through the glass, moving about busily like figurines.
“Haaah…” The new secretary exhaled a breath he’d been holding, trembling.

The other secretaries around him patted his shoulder.
“He’s gonna faint, I swear.”
“Told you, didn’t I? The Director won’t even spare you a glance. No need to be so tense.”

“Jeongwoo, how about we grab some tea? I’ll show you where the break room is.”
The secretaries bustled around starting their day. Having one more member felt oddly exciting.