By Zephyria 
The hotel lobby had a small coffee shop that doubled as a lounge. Kim Hui-won took a seat on a single-person sofa with an unobstructed view and carefully observed the people coming and going.
Surely, he won’t not come because of the weather, will he?
It had become a habit to consider all possible variables, so he couldn’t relax until his rut partner showed up. The coffee, which he hadn’t even taken a sip of, had long gone cold.
Kim Hui-won had arranged for a total of two rut partners, both of whom were experts in this field. As professionals who only dealt with VIPs, it was a given that they were discreet, and they were also attractive Beta men in terms of appearance.
A ‘Dominant Alpha in rut’ was a considerably difficult condition, so the cost was quite high. Since it would be physically taxing for a Beta, this part was unavoidable.
Therefore, he had arranged for two partners. Enduring three days alone would be too harsh, so he planned to switch partners midway.
He had received not only a confidentiality agreement but also a trait certificate and a health certificate. He had especially confirmed that they were Betas twice, even three times, so there shouldn’t be any problems.
As the appointment time approached, his anxiety deepened. He checked his wristwatch and the lobby entrance alternately for dozens of minutes, and finally, a familiar face appeared.
Hui-won got up and walked straight over. The rut partner, who had just entered the hotel, didn’t pay attention to his surroundings and only flicked off the snow on his shoulder.
“Deboki?”
The man, whose name was probably an alias, raised his head. The man’s nose was red and frozen due to the cold weather outside, but he smiled brightly as soon as he saw Hui-won.
“Yes. Oh, are you the secretary I contacted?”
“Yes, I am. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too. I hurried a bit so I wouldn’t be late. Would you like to move right away if it’s okay?”
“Yes, I’ll guide you.”
They shook hands lightly and moved. There was no need to have a conversation. After all, they had already finished discussing the contract.
They got on the elevator together. The elevator, carrying only the two of them, began to rise smoothly, and a slight vibration was transmitted from the floor. Hui-won clenched and unclenched his fists and let out a small breath.
The man standing right next to him seemed calm, as if he was used to this situation. Perhaps Kim Hui-won was the one who was nervous.
His gaze, which had been fixed on the button panel, naturally shifted to the side. Kwon Young-je’s first rut partner was a Japanese-American with an impressive, delicate face. Not too masculine, and not too gay. Executive Director Kwon probably won’t say anything if it’s this level.
The rut partner, sensing his gaze, tilted his head. When their eyes met, he smiled awkwardly at Hui-won, who seemed embarrassed, and spoke first.
“I have one question.”
“Yes.”
“The Alpha I’m going to be with, does he have any sadistic tendencies?”
Hui-won, who was about to answer immediately, froze with his mouth open. He didn’t know what to say because it was the first time he had heard such a question. How would I know Executive Director Kwon’s sexual preferences?
Ding! The chime sound broke the silence. In the meantime, the elevator had arrived on the 29th floor. Hui-won slowly moved his stiff tongue as he looked at the slowly opening door.
“I… I don’t know that much. Should I have told you?”
“Ah, it’s okay. Sometimes there are secretaries who know. I was just asking for reference. I’m used to catering to the preferences of my clients. It’s better if they enjoy it, right?”
The rut partner winked and walked out first. Hui-won hurriedly followed him. Wow, that’s spicy. He’s a pro for a reason. He braced himself, wondering if he was the only one who seemed soft compared to the other person’s skill and sped up his pace.
The 29th floor was quiet because there was only one guest room. He walked down the long corridor and stopped in front of the guest room door. He checked his watch and saw that there were about five minutes left until the appointed time.
“Excuse me, I’m going to measure your pheromones.”
The man straightened his posture, saying he could do it anytime. When he brought the portable measuring device he took out of his inside jacket pocket to the man’s neck, the machine’s screen started flashing with a beep-beep signal.
The value was zero. It was a natural result.
Hui-won put the measuring device back in and straightened his jacket.
“Yes. Confirmation complete.”
“I’ve never seen such thoroughness. Would it be a big problem if I wasn’t a Beta?”
He only smiled in response to the other person’s question. Even though he had received a confidentiality agreement, he couldn’t reveal Kwon Young-je’s secret to someone he had just met.
Hui-won tapped his cell phone. His thumb moved quickly.
“The fee has just been paid in advance. The remaining amount will be paid in full after it’s over.”
“Ah… yes. Payment confirmed.”
“Could you please turn off your cell phone?”
This was also part of the contract, so the rut partner obediently pressed the power button on his cell phone. Hui-won finished the confirmation and conveyed the remaining precautions.
“The items needed for the relationship are provided in the bedroom and bathroom. If you need anything else, please contact the front desk. A personal concierge is available 24 hours a day.”
“Yes.”
“It won’t be easy, but… I hope you can make sure he eats at least one meal. If that’s difficult, please make sure he drinks water from time to time.”
“I’ll try.”
“I look forward to working with you.”
Hui-won handed over the room key and bowed politely. The rut partner scratched his ear as if he was unfamiliar with the Eastern-style greeting of bowing his head and awkwardly mimicked Hui-won’s greeting.
Soon, he entered the guest room. Bright light leaked out from the slightly open door and quickly swallowed the man. Now, only Kim Hui-won was left in the hallway.
Without realizing it, his fist clenched tightly. Hui-won stretched both fists high and cheered silently.
Finally, vacation!!
He even got goosebumps from the thrilling sense of liberation. His footsteps turning around were lighter and more bouncy than ever.
Hui-won quickly reached the elevator lobby. What should he do to spend his time so that it would be rumored that he had a great time? The corners of his mouth twitched constantly, unable to hide his joy. Even worrying was happiness.
His finger, which had been hovering over the up and down buttons, finally touched the button pointing upwards. As soon as he pressed it, the elevator arrived and opened its doors wide.
He gladly stepped inside. After selecting the top floor where the lounge bar was located, he checked his appearance using the shiny stainless steel wall as a mirror. He straightened his slightly crooked tie and swept back his bangs, and he looked good even to himself.
After standing there striking a pose, he arrived at the floor. Hui-won took a long breath and said to his face reflected on the panel.
“Hoo, calm down, Kim Hui-won. You have plenty of time anyway.”
First, he plans to have a drink and plan step by step. The vacation was just beginning.
The lounge bar was quite crowded despite not being peak time. It seems to be because of the rough weather.
Hui-won looked around the lounge for an empty seat. The seats consisting of sofas and tables were already full of people, and the only empty seats seemed to be noisy. After much deliberation, he headed towards the bar table.
The bar table made of smooth wood was the perfect place for customers who came alone like Hui-won. Hui-won perched on a high-legged chair and carefully folded his suit jacket and placed it on the next seat. Seeing the customer take a seat, the bartender who was wiping wine glasses smiled and handed him a menu.
“Please take your time to look through it.”
“Thank you.”
After skimming through the densely written English, he noticed a drink that was perfect for today.
While the bartender was pouring water in front of him, Hui-won pushed the menu over and said.
“Sassicaia 1985 vintage, by the bottle.”
The bartender rounded his lips at the customer’s generous order.
“Is it a special day?”
“A little bit.”
“It’s a wonderful choice.”
Hui-won responded with a smile. It’s expensive, but so what? It’s not like he’s going to take the money he earns to the grave.
It’s a rare vacation, so it’s okay to indulge in this much luxury.
A wine glass was placed in front of Hui-won. The Italian vintage wine, praised by enthusiasts, was busy emitting a luscious red color.
From where he was sitting, he could see the entire wall of the lounge, which was made of glass, directly in front of him. It wasn’t intentional, but he had taken a prime spot.
Boston, spread out beyond the glass window, was as beautiful as a scene from a fairy tale. The Charles River visible in the distance, the red brick buildings with a long history, and the snowflakes falling softly against the night sky. Perhaps because it was a view from inside the warm lounge, it was an even more romantic foreign atmosphere.
Hui-won sipped wine and wasted time. Far from being bored, he was simply delighted to have free time after a long time. Watching people of various races sitting alone at the bar was also a fun pastime.
His languid gaze suddenly turned to his cell phone. The cell phone, which he had habitually placed on the table, was blacked out.
There’s no way he’ll get a call. All calls from Korea were handled by the secretarial staff, and Executive Director Kwon, who frequently looked for him, would be quiet for a while.
When was the last time he had this much leisure?
Hui-won rested his chin on his hand and pondered.
It felt so distant that it felt meaningless to dwell on it. It seems like it’s been years since he even drank alcohol.
Looking back, he spent his twenties working all the time. He doesn’t regret it, but he can’t help but feel a little disappointed.
“Is this seat taken?”