Being an alpha had not always been something that Jimin had welcomed. She didn’t hate it, but it carried too many responsibilities. It meant being in charge, and she was not the kind to boss others around.
Her family had expected her to lead the moment she presented, an alpha sculpted by generations of dominance and duty. She had tried, god knows how much she had tried, to fit into the character, had spoken louder and pushed herself further but it never seemed to fit her, almost as if she was wearing a suit tailored for someone else. Something always pulled at the seams.
It was the reason why she had never succeeded in making a move on girls she liked. Especially the brunette girl she had always liked. She didn't let herself think about it too much.
Jimin leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples. Her office was now dark, the sun had set long ago and the only source of light came from her desk lamp.
Most of the staff had gone home and even her assistant had stopped working two hours ago. But Jimin remained, as she always did, because it was easier to drown herself with work than to face the silence of her apartment. This deafening silence was the kind that got under her skin; at least, at the office, there were emails to answer.
Her heart almost jumped out from her chest when she heard a soft knock on the door.
Jimin mindlessly reached for her cup of tea, aware of who it was and that she was going to come in regardless. “It’s late.”
Aeri stepped inside with her usual self-assured smile, her heels clicking on the wooden floor. “You’re still here.” She crossed her arms, resting her shoulder against a nearby wall.
Jimin’s eyes flicked up to her for a moment before returning to her cup of tea. “Do you need something?”
“Hmm, maybe I missed your company,” Aeri said, pushing herself off the wall to walk closer. “Or maybe I just got worried after seeing your car in the parking lot.”
“I’m fine,” Jimin leaned back into her chair.
“That's an obvious lie.”
She let out a breath and looked back at her. “What do you want, Aeri?” She had to stay composed, had to appear indifferent, because it was what was expected of her.
Aeri tilted her head. “Why do you always act like this when I say something you didn't expect?"
“I don't expect anything from you,” Jimin replied flatly.
“Well, you used to,” Aeri smiled faintly.
Jimin didn't know how to respond, she never did when Aeri said things like that. Aeri drummed her fingers against the border of her desk, and Jimin interpreted it as nervousness right away. Her body immediately tensed when she caught the shift in her scent. It was still subtle and suppressed, but Jimin was able to recognize the pre-heat scent, and it was dangerous with the two of them alone in a space like this.
Of course, Aeri felt it too. Her silence spoke volumes. Their eyes met and Jimin tried her best to steady herself. “You should go home and get some rest,” she said softly.
“I’m not tired,” Aeri replied and Jimin let out a sigh.
“You’re close to heat.”
Aeri’s jaw tensed. “I've taken suppressants.”
“Yeah, and I can still smell it.”
Aeri's expression shifted slightly, not from shame but maybe vulnerability. “I didn't come here for you to lecture me, Jimin.”
“Then why did you come?” Jimin crossed her arms.
Aeri shrugged. “Hmm.. I guess I wanted to see if you’d react to it.”
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