The miracle wasn't in the blind date itself—it was that Harin even bothered to show up. After countless setups arranged by her father, each more tedious than the last, Harin often fantasized about saying no outright. But when the Alpha patriarch of her family commanded, she obeyed. She had learned that resistance was futile against a man who could metaphorically—and literally—chain her down.
Thus, Harin had perfected the art of blind dating into a mundane routine: show up, introduce yourself, share a meal, exchange small talk, make polite impressions, assess the compatibility, decline, and leave.
Each encounter was a marathon of forced civility, more exhausting than fulfilling. Out of the hundreds of blind dates, perhaps five were given second chances, and all ended with mutual goodbyes.
Today's rendezvous was no different—or so she thought. Harin stepped into her uncle's restaurant, a venue that oozed sophistication and class, making it a popular choice for orchestrated meetups like this.
She scanned the room, her sharp gaze darting over the faces of diners, searching for the male omega she'd studied in the picture sent by her father's assistant. Finally, her eyes landed on him.
Sitting near a window, his expensive blue coat caught the light just right, highlighting his sleek appearance.
"Chenle-ssi?" Harin called, walking over to him.
The young man looked up, his bright, sparkling eyes meeting hers. His face lit up with a smile.
"Harin-ssi," he greeted, standing and bowing lightly.
Harin offered a polite smile in return and gestured for them to sit. She noticed his hands fidgeting with the diamond ring on his finger—a subtle sign of his nerves.
"Lovely day, isn't it?" Chenle began, his voice warm and friendly. "I didn't order yet; I wanted to wait for you."
"That's considerate, thank you," Harin replied smoothly. "I'm not picky, so anything works for me."
"You're too kind," he chuckled. "But, please, just call me Chenle. We don't need to be so formal. Besides, you're older—noona."
Harin blinked, slightly taken aback by his casual tone, but she nodded. "Fine, then call me Harin."
Chenle's grin widened, and for a moment, Harin noted his easygoing charm. Despite his obvious wealth—his tailored coat, branded shoes, and that diamond ring—he carried himself with a surprising air of humility.
The initial awkwardness dissipated as they ordered, their similar tastes in light lunches easing them into the rhythm of conversation.
Chenle spoke animatedly about his family, revealing that the Zhongs owned two airlines, a chain of Chinese restaurants, and a residential skyscraper. Harin couldn't help but feel a pang of inferiority. Compared to that, her family's accomplishments—a hospital and pharmacy chain—seemed modest.
Still, Chenle was approachable. His energy was infectious, his laugh bright and cat-like with visible whisker dimples. He was honest, even if his straightforwardness bordered on boastful at times. Harin quickly realized it wasn't arrogance—just genuine pride.
"I've seen your choreography online," Chenle admitted at one point, his face lighting up. "You're incredible! It would be amazing if you and Hoshi-nim collaborated someday."
YOU ARE READING
ALPHA UNIVERSE #5: DESIROUS
Fanfiction❝I want you, what you gonna do about it?❞ They said alphas can't date each other. If they do, it'll just be a wreck. Lee Jeno especially believes that. But one day in that raging heat when he came across a female alpha, he only wanted to shut her up...
