Secretary Gwanggong's Survival Diary-Chapter 15

“Secretary Baek! You have a call...!”

“Later.”

I burst out of Yoon Taeo’s office and sprinted like a madman.

Even with the secretaries calling after me, I had to keep running.

I ran straight into the bathroom and splashed cold water onto my face over and over again.

But even so, my body, once heated up, felt like it was burning all over again, as if pheromones were rampaging through me.

“Haa....”

In the mirror, I saw my face, soaked all the way to the hair.

I guess it wasn’t just my imagination.

The reflection looked far too unfamiliar.

My face, neck, and even my ears were flushed bright red.

My parted lips were panting so hard it felt like my heart might fly out through my mouth.

What the hell was that — that strange feeling when Yoon Taeo’s hand touched me just now?

I roughly wiped my wet face with a handful of paper towels and walked toward the company’s central garden.

At this rate, I didn’t think I could even go back to the office.

Because it was still work hours, the garden was mostly empty, and I collapsed onto a bench tucked away in a corner.

“One, two, three...”

I pulled out the pheromone suppressant I had hidden deep inside my wallet and checked it.

I had to check quickly and carefully, terrified someone might see.

Judging by the number of pills, it wasn’t like I’d skipped a dose.

But then why, why did it feel like my pheromones were suddenly spiraling out of control?

“...This is fucking insane....”

I grabbed my head with both hands.

I was the company’s only Omega — at least, according to the drama’s setting.

Yoon Taeo had a pathological hatred for Omegas.

Even though he was a dominant Alpha himself, for some unexplained reason not detailed in the original drama, he had an extreme aversion to Omegas.

Which is why, during hiring, Omegas weren’t even allowed to apply.

And me — no, Baek Sieon, the body I’d reincarnated into — had manifested late, after joining the company.

I should have reported it, but I didn’t.

Instead, I secretly kept working while relying on pheromone suppressants.

But now it seemed even those weren’t working properly anymore.

The fact that a mere brief touch from a dominant Alpha had left me feeling like my heart would explode and my whole body burning up — that was proof enough.

“Hey, Team Leader Baek.”

As I sat there with my head buried, struggling over what the hell to do, a familiar voice called out above me.

“Team Leader Kang...?”

It was Kang Seokho, the head of Security Team 3.

His already rough features looked even stiffer today.

With his brows slightly furrowed, the cold air around him felt sharp enough to raise goosebumps.

Whatever faint heat had lingered in my body instantly evaporated.

“Is it true?”

“...Is what true?”

Kang Seokho grabbed my chin and turned my face side to side, his voice full of barely concealed irritation.

“What are you doing, seriously.”

I shook off his hand, baffled by his weird behavior.

“What, you look fine.”

“What’s fine...?”

“Word’s going around among the secretaries that you got hit by the VIP.”

“I got... hit?”

“Right? You didn’t, right?

I mean, if our CEO had actually hit you, you wouldn’t be walking around looking this normal.”

...Well, that’s true, honestly.

He must’ve really misunderstood after seeing me bolt out of Yoon Taeo’s office.

“That’s not what happened.”

“Haah... for a second there, I thought I’d have to deal with you too.”

Kang Seokho finally flopped down beside me on the bench.

“Hang in there.

We’re gonna be seeing each other for a long time, right?”

The black tattoo trailing down his neck looked even more vivid today.

I understood the meaning hidden behind his words.

If I slipped up, he wouldn’t hesitate to slit my throat.

“Well, I wonder if you’ll even remember me, Team Leader.”

“What... now.”

“Remember back at the karaoke bar, with the CEO’s watch...?”

“Hey!

You’re the one who begged me to get it for you...!

And besides, you’re the one who kept the damn watch for yourself!”

Me? Did I?

My memory was a little fuzzy.

“Anyway, looks like we’re accomplices now.

Wonder if the CEO even cares who took his watch.”

“...Are you blackmailing me?”

He’s sharper than he looks.

From his face alone, you’d think he was thickheaded — but, well, he is an Alpha after all... wait, yeah, right, he’s an Alpha too.

“If you thought so, then I guess you’re right.”

“You little...!”

“So, I just have a small favor to ask.

You’ll listen, right?”

“...What is it.”

Feeling a little embarrassed, I glanced around, then grabbed Kang Seokho’s arm with both hands and pressed it against my head.

“...What the hell are you doing.”

“Just checking something.

Move your fingers a bit.”

“L-like this?”

“Yes, like that.”

I expected him to go ballistic, but surprisingly, Kang Seokho obediently ruffled my hair with his hand.

After a while, I lifted my head and brushed his hand off.

“Haa....”

No.

It’s not the suppressant’s fault.

If it was, then even touching Kang Seokho — another Alpha — should’ve sent my body burning again.

But right now, my heart was so still, I had to wonder if it was even beating.

Forget heat — the breeze blowing by felt downright chilly.

“What the hell... what’s wrong with you all of a sudden.”

After confirming nothing was wrong, I looked up — and Kang Seokho’s face looked weird.

Is... is there something wrong with his pheromones?

Even the tattoos couldn’t hide the redness creeping {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} up his face.

The tips of his ears were turning red too...?

“Uh... I was just checking something... Are you okay, Team Leader?”

“Y-you!

You can’t just go around grabbing random guys’ hands like that...!”

Kang Seokho suddenly shot up and bolted out of the central garden.

“...What the hell am I gonna do.”

At least one thing’s clear now.

My pheromone suppressant really isn’t working right anymore.

That must be why even Kang Seokho, without realizing it, reacted to my Omega hormones like that.

Otherwise, there’s no way a rock-headed guy like him would blush.

Looks like I’ll have to go to the hospital.

If anyone finds out I’m an Omega, that’ll be the moment I get booted out.

Out of life itself.

❖ ❖ ❖

“Sir, how about having lunch with Yejun today? He says he’s available.”

I had to keep exchanging messages with Han Yejun whenever I had a spare moment to lure him out.

The strategy of approaching him gently, like an older brother, was surprisingly effective.

I also had to smooth over the awkwardness from last night, when I’d brought Yoon Taeo over unexpectedly and upset Yejun.

Not to mention I needed to make up for only preparing two servings of food, which had seriously annoyed Yoon Taeo.

So I barely managed to arrange this lunch.

“I even adjusted your afternoon schedule so you can enjoy a leisurely meal, sir.”

“...I don’t recall asking for that.”

“...Sorry?”

What was that reaction...?

I thought for sure he’d be pleased, but Yoon Taeo didn’t even glance away from his laptop, speaking in a cold, flat voice.

“I... I apologize.

Since it’s rare for you to have free time during lunch, I thought he might visit...”

“Haa.

Call him, if you already set it up.”

“...Yes, sir.”

Isn’t this what they call lukewarm?

I can’t tell if he actually wants to meet Yejun or if he’s forcing himself.

It’s strange.

By now, Yoon Taeo should be drowning in infatuation for Han Yejun....

“Let’s go.”

“Ah, I won’t be going with you — Team Leader Kang Seokho will escort you.”

“Why?”

“Because... I need to briefly step out to take care of house maintenance.”

I really was going to stop by the house.

If I cleaned during the day, I could fall asleep faster at night.

Although, honestly, visiting the hospital was the real priority.

“If someone saw, they’d think Secretary Kim does all the work.”

What the hell is this crazy bastard talking about?

I am doing everything myself!

Wait, hang on....

“...Sir...?”

“What.”

As we walked toward the elevator, I decided to voice the question gnawing at me.

“Our secretary team has three teams, sir.”

“You think I don’t know that?”

“Team 3 handles direct assignments from you.

Team 2 takes care of your company-related affairs.

And Team 1 supports your private life and household matters.”

Inside the elevator, Yoon Taeo stood with his arms crossed, tilting his head like he was listening to a bunch of bullshit.

“Go on.”

“But right now, Team 1 is just me...?

And as you know, I’m also covering for the Team 2 leader’s duties.”

I said everything I needed to say.

But Yoon Taeo showed no particular reaction.

The narrow elevator cabin felt like it was descending painfully slow, dragging out the silence.

“So what you’re saying is,”

“It’s Secretary Baek.”

“Right.

So what Secretary Baek is saying is that you’re managing that whole giant house alone, and also assisting me at the company?”

Ah, I knew it!

I had a bad feeling, and sure enough — this bastard had no clue until now.

Of course.

He’s not the type to wonder who’s washing his clothes or cleaning his house.

As long as he’s paying enough, he just assumes someone’s handling it.

“Yes... that’s exactly what I’m saying....”

“...That can’t be right.”

The elevator arrived at the basement level.

As I escorted him to the car, I had to suppress the boiling frustration and patiently explain.

“Have you seen any other staff at your house lately, sir?”

“......”

“Or has any other secretary helped you get ready for work in the morning?

Also, remember a few days ago?

Maybe you don’t, but you got pretty upset and ordered that no other secretaries should enter your house — only ‘Secretary Kim’ should.”

Of course not.

He wouldn't have.

It must have been the first time he realized it.

Yoon Taeo’s lips pressed into a tight line.

“That’s why I’m a little busy today.

Please travel safely, sir.”

Right on cue, we reached the car.

I handed his briefcase to Kang Seokho, who opened the backseat door, and gave a polite farewell bow.

Hiding the frustration that was threatening to burst out.

“Something wrong?”

“...No, nothing at all.”

Kang Seokho shot me a brief, puzzled look, but since we couldn’t keep Yoon Taeo waiting, I didn’t explain and quickly stepped back.

“What?

Who would think I'm doing all the work?”

Watching the car disappear quietly through the private lobby, I finally let my bottled-up irritation spill out.

Ever since I arrived in this world, there hadn’t even been five secretaries left in Team 1.

One by one they vanished, and for weeks now, I had been handling all the housework alone — and yet he never noticed.

This is why, even if you end up in a novel or drama, you have to be the protagonist.

If you’re just some background secretary with the presence of dust, this is the treatment you get.

It’s miserable.

So miserable.

❖ ❖ ❖

“Mr. Baek Sieon?”

“Yes.”

After sending off Yoon Taeo, I headed straight to the hospital.

These days, hormone irregularities were so common that even general hospitals had dedicated departments, so I didn’t need to go far.

“I checked your bloodwork before you came into the consultation room, and there doesn't seem to be anything abnormal.”

“No, it’s just... I’m taking pheromone suppressants, but it feels like the effect is wearing off.”

“Yes, the drug components showed up as well.

But they’re working just fine.

From the numbers, your pheromone levels are almost identical to those of a Beta.”

The doctor checked the chart again and spoke with confident certainty.

Everything was normal.

“That... can’t be right.

I had a sudden heat-like surge earlier....”

“Hmm... Was that while you were with another Alpha?”

“Yes, and another Alpha even reacted to my pheromones.”

The doctor stared at the chart for a long while, then shook his head.

“Did you directly smell the Alpha’s pheromones?”

“No...?

I didn’t.”

“Then there’s no problem.

If you want, you can get a full detailed exam, but based on the blood test, the suppressant is working perfectly.”

The doctor was right.

Before coming into this world, I had already been an Omega.

There’s no way I wouldn’t notice if I’d been exposed to an Alpha’s pheromones.

I would have caught their unique scent immediately.

“For now, keep taking your medication as prescribed.

If you notice anything else unusual, we’ll do a more thorough exam.”

“...Understood.”

I was convinced, so I didn’t argue.

I hadn’t smelled anything.

Not from Yoon Taeo, not from Kang Seokho.

And if my pheromones had truly leaked out, Yoon Taeo would have already killed me with his own hands.

So then — what the hell was that feeling I had experienced?