Zoey flipped through the pages of Jiho's report with quick, expert eyes. Each page was detailed, carefully laid out, and professionally written — far better than she had expected for someone so young and new.
After a few minutes of silence, she closed the file with a soft snap. Jiho stood stiffly by the door, waiting like a soldier awaiting orders.
"It's good," Zoey said finally, her voice casual. "Better than most of the senior staff's work."
Jiho's shoulders loosened, but only slightly.
"Thank you, Ms. Park."
Zoey tilted her head, watching him with amusement. Always so formal. So serious.
"You're dismissed," she said, waving a hand toward the door. "Go home. Relax. You'll need your energy for tomorrow."
Jiho bowed slightly and left the office without another word, the door clicking shut behind him. Zoey watched him go, a mischievous smile playing at her lips. She had plans for Jiho — even if he didn't know it yet.
The night air was cool when Jiho finally left the building. He headed straight to the subway, clutching his work bag tightly, mentally running through his to-do list for tomorrow. Work was his life. It kept his mind focused and his emotions safely locked away. Love, fun, relationships — those things had no place in his world.
But his phone buzzed in his pocket, interrupting his thoughts.
[Seoyoon]
Brooooo come out tonight!! You're boring yourself to death! 😂 Meet me at Club Nox! I'm already here!!
Jiho sighed, typing back quickly.
[Jiho]
I have work tomorrow. Maybe next time.
Seoyoon's reply came instantly.
[Seoyoon]
Noooo. You promised you'd hang out more. I'm coming to drag you myself if I have to!
Jiho pinched the bridge of his nose. Seoyoon was his oldest friend — another Omega — but completely opposite in personality. Loud, wild, and a total flirt. If Jiho was water, Seoyoon was fire. And when Seoyoon got an idea into his head, there was no stopping him.
Reluctantly, Jiho changed directions and headed toward the lively district where Club Nox was located.
The music inside Club Nox pulsed like a living heartbeat, the bass vibrating through the floor. Flashing lights and crowds of laughing people filled the space, the air thick with the scent of alcohol and excitement.
Jiho stuck out awkwardly, standing near the entrance while he searched for Seoyoon. He felt out of place immediately — the loud music, the flirtatious energy, the half-drunk Alphas eyeing everyone — it wasn't his world.
"JIHO!" Seoyoon's voice shouted over the music. Jiho turned just in time to be grabbed and pulled toward the bar.
"There he is! My poor, overworked friend!" Seoyoon laughed, handing Jiho a drink before he could protest. "Loosen up a little! Just tonight!"
Jiho sighed but took a polite sip, grimacing at the strong burn of alcohol. "One drink. Then I'm going home."
Seoyoon grinned mischievously. "Sure, sure."
Jiho's attention wandered for a moment, scanning the crowd absently — and then his heart stopped.
At the VIP section, elevated slightly above the dance floor, stood Zoey Park.
She wore something very different from her usual sharp business suits — a black dress that clung to her body in all the right places, high heels that accentuated her long legs, and a confident, lazy smile that made her look both dangerous and magnetic.
She wasn't alone. Several powerful-looking Alphas were gathered around her, laughing, drinking, clearly trying to win her attention. But Zoey barely acknowledged them. Her sharp gaze was surveying the room — and then it landed directly on Jiho.
Their eyes locked.
Jiho's heart pounded in his chest.
For a split second, Zoey's lips curved into a slow, knowing smirk. She raised her glass slightly in a mock toast — a silent I see you.
Jiho's face turned bright red. He quickly looked away, pretending to focus on his drink.
This is bad. This is very, very bad.
Before he could make a quiet exit, he heard a voice low and teasing against his ear.
"You weren't planning to run away, were you, Jiho?"
He froze. He hadn't even seen her move — but now Zoey was standing right behind him, far too close, her breath brushing his skin.
"You're not at work anymore," she said, her voice sultry and dangerous. "No need to be so serious."
Jiho turned around slowly, finding himself face-to-face with Zoey in the dim, intimate lighting of the club. Up close, she was even more overwhelming — a heady mix of perfume, confidence, and raw Alpha presence.
"I— I was just leaving," he stammered, cursing himself for how pathetic he sounded.
Zoey chuckled, low and soft, leaning in closer.
"Leaving? But the night just started."
Her hand grazed his wrist lightly — a touch so casual, yet electric. Jiho's body stiffened instantly, every instinct screaming at him to back away — but he couldn't move.
"You should relax, Jiho," Zoey whispered, her mouth dangerously close to his ear. "Maybe I'll even help you."
His mind went blank.
For the first time in a long while, Jiho felt truly out of control — and Zoey was loving every second of it.
{End of Chapter 2}