ALPHA UNIVERSE #5: DESIROUS

CHAPTER 1

Harin counted down the days to the start of her contract job, waking up each morning to the warm aroma of jasmine and the buttery scent of pancakes drifting through the small apartment. She hopped out of her twin-sized bed, folded her sheets with precision, and took a few deep breaths as she began her morning stretches, feeling her muscles release with each gentle motion.

Once her body felt light and ready, she headed to the bathroom. A short time later, she stepped out, fresh-faced and energized, wearing a sleek black long-sleeved crop top paired with matching black sweatpants, which she completed with her favorite white trainers. She gave herself a nod in the mirror, thinking, I deserve to walk in with new clothes. Her look was simple, yet it gave her the quiet confidence she needed.

Satisfied, Harin slung a black tote bag over her shoulder and held her black cap in one hand as she made her way to the kitchen. She barely had time to sit down when her older brother, Soonyoung—known to the world as "Hoshi"—appeared, looking as bright as ever.

"There you are!" he greeted her with a wide grin.

Harin rolled her eyes as she settled at the table. "And you're here again. Are you sure nobody saw you sneaking in here? I swear, if I see my face on the news..."

Hoshi waved off her concern with a laugh. "Relax, it's not like anyone's going to attack you. Everyone already knows that Kwon Harin is my sister. If I somehow get caught up in a dating scandal, I'd just say it was you."

She shook her head, scooping a forkful of pancakes. "Please. I'm more concerned about my own life and privacy, thank you very much. Your dating scandals can stay far, far away from me."

Hoshi clutched his chest, mockingly hurt. "Ouch. And call me 'oppa,' will you? I'm older."

"K, grandpa."

"I–" Hoshi laughed, watching as his sister continued eating without skipping a beat. "So, you're really going to your first day dressed all in black?"

Harin didn't even pause. "Whot? Oi con't?" she responded, mouth full.

"Can't you wear something... brighter? Something to, I don't know, show your excitement?"

"This is my style, oppa," she retorted, emphasizing the title to stop any further nagging. "Besides, who ever heard of an alpha choreographer obsessed with pastels?"

He threw his hands up in surrender. "Fine, fine. Just promise not to scare the poor omegas on your first day."

A few minutes later, after brushing her teeth and applying her signature red lipstick, Harin fixed her hair and gave herself a final nod in the mirror. She found Hoshi polishing off the last of the pancakes, and she tapped his shoulder as she made her way to the door.

"Make sure you lock up before you leave, yeah?"

He grinned back at her, mouth still full. "Good luck on your first day, Kwon Harin!"

The air was crisp, and the city buzzed around her as she approached Maze Studios, a prestigious talent agency she had dreamed of joining. The massive building loomed ahead, each reflective window shimmering in the early morning sun. This is it, she thought, feeling a surge of excitement mixed with nerves.