Silk and Poison
804 Words
The next few days passed in a blur. Aki threw himself into work, triple-checking every number, rereading every instruction. He could still hear Ryuji’s voice—“Pathetic”—echoing in his head like a brand he couldn’t wash away.
Still, Haruto’s words gave him strength. Every time he wanted to break down, he remembered that calm, steady assurance: “Learn from it. Correct it. Next time, don’t let her corner you.”
So he worked. He endured. He smiled when his coworkers whispered, even though his chest ached.
But Aya Fujimoto wasn’t finished.
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Aya’s Entrance
On the fourth morning, the office buzzed louder than usual. Aya arrived in a cloud of perfume, her designer heels clicking confidently across the floor.
Unlike other Omegas who masked their pheromones, Aya released hers deliberately—a subtle, cloying sweetness that curled through the air. Employees shifted uncomfortably, some entranced, others annoyed, but none dared complain.
“Good morning, everyone~” she sang, lips painted a perfect rose. Her gaze landed on Aki, sitting stiffly at his desk. Her smile sharpened.
“Oh, Sato-kun. You look pale. Are you overworking yourself? Poor thing, Omegas like you shouldn’t push too hard.”
Several heads turned. Whispers began.
“She’s targeting him again…”
“Isn’t Fujimoto-san a guest of the President? He’ll protect her…”
“Then Sato-kun’s doomed.”
Aki’s throat tightened. He forced a polite smile. “I—I’m fine. Thank you, Fujimoto-san.”
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The Trap
Later that day, Aya wove her scheme. She invited Aki to deliver documents with her to the executive floor—something a new recruit had no business doing.
“I’m close with the President,” she said sweetly, “so I can introduce you properly. It’ll be good for your career.”
Flustered, Aki followed, clutching the stack of files she handed him. But when they reached the floor, Aya “accidentally” brushed against him, knocking the files into disarray. Papers scattered like snow across the glossy marble.
“Oh no~” she gasped dramatically, then raised her voice just enough. “Sato-kun! How clumsy!”
Doors opened. Employees poked their heads out. The timing was perfect. In seconds, half the floor was watching as Aki scrambled on his knees to gather the documents.
Aya stood tall above him, her expression the picture of elegance and pity.
“I did warn you… Some places just aren’t meant for weak hands.”
Humiliation burned Aki’s face as he fought tears. His hands shook, fumbling with the papers—until another set of hands joined his.
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The Interruption
“Enough.”
The voice was calm, flat, but carried the weight of command.
Aki froze. Aya’s smile faltered. Slowly, they both looked up—
To see Haruto Minami kneeling beside Aki, collecting the papers with smooth efficiency.
He stacked them neatly, dusted them once, and handed them back to Aki. Then he rose, his tall frame radiating quiet authority as his sharp eyes fixed on Aya.
“Fujimoto-san,” Haruto said coldly. “If you wish to socialize, do not use company documents as props.”
Aya blinked innocently, tilting her head. “Oh my… I didn’t mean—”
“Then refrain from actions that waste time. Or do you want me to report this to the President?”
Her mask cracked for a split second before she pasted on another smile. “Of course not. I’ll be more careful next time.”
She turned gracefully, retreating down the hall—but her nails dug into her palm until they nearly drew blood.
(Haruto Minami… always interfering. Fine. If Sato Akihiro thinks he can hide behind you, then I’ll make sure even you can’t protect him forever.)
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Aftermath
When the hall emptied, Aki’s shoulders slumped, clutching the papers against his chest. His voice shook.
“Th-thank you, Minami-san… If you hadn’t—”
Haruto glanced at him, expression unreadable behind his glasses. For a moment, Aki thought he might be scolded.
Instead, Haruto adjusted his tie and said softly:
“Stand up straighter next time. Don’t let her think she can step on you.”
Aki blinked. His lips wobbled into a shaky smile.
“Y-yes… I’ll try.”
And though Haruto didn’t show it, his hand lingered a fraction too long on the papers—steadying Aki’s trembling grip—before he turned away.
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Meanwhile…
From his office window above, Ryuji Takahashi had witnessed the entire scene. His dark gaze lingered on the fragile Omega who was trying so hard not to break, and the Beta who shielded him without hesitation.
His fingers tapped against the desk, slow and deliberate.
“…Interesting.”
For the first time in years, the merciless king found himself curious.
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✨ End of Chapter 4 ✨
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- Writer
