Chapter Text
Equality has never been a word to be spoken, nor one to be disputed. In a world where the hierarchy of power is fixed, everyone is expected to accept who they are and what they are. Regardless of biological sex, people are categorized based on their secondary gender.
Alphas are the rulers. Considering their physical strength and dominating pheromones that can make others cower, they usually occupy the upper ranks and enjoy the better side of the status quo.
Following them are the betas, classified as the middle class. They do not produce pheromones, though they can smell them much like perfume. However, they cannot be scented, given that they have no scent glands. They are also unaffected by the scents of others.
Last on the pyramid are the unfortunate omegas. They are considered weak due to their biological structure, yet possess healthy wombs perfect for carrying pups (except for male omegas).
Alphas experience ruts once a month, lasting up to three days. During their rut, they tend to become more aggressive and impulsive. They also suffer from cramps and high fevers, not to mention the release of strong pheromones that can either drive away another alpha or trigger an omega into heat.
Omegas experience heats once a month as well, though theirs tend to last longer depending on their health. Healthy omegas who do not use suppressants experience three days of heat, while those who regularly use scent blockers may experience it for up to five days. Omegas in heat suffer from high fevers, abdominal cramps, and weakened bodies.
Both ruts and heats are accompanied by heightened sexual arousal and can be dangerous for unmarked omegas, often leading to unwanted bondings.
On the other hand, betas experience neither of these conditions, making them the safest individuals to assist both alphas and omegas.
Nonetheless, alphas will always be the bosses—the ones with better jobs and extravagant lives. Betas live comfortably in the middle, away from the drama, while omegas are treated as pets, baby machines, and gratifiers.
After all, alphas are meant to own omegas, while betas savor life in a more democratic world.
To Iori Utahime's family, this was the cruel reality.
But she begged to differ.
Growing up in a conservative household led by two omegas, she could not help but follow what society expected of her. Yes, both of her parents were omegas. As unusual as it seemed, her mother had refused to marry a rogue alpha and instead eloped with her father. They lived in a traditional Japanese house, with her father working as a salaryman while her mother stayed home.
One thing that she learned from her mother is that, omegas can also play dirty. In what way?
Well, her mother always taught her the proper decorum, manners, and conduct of an omega capable of capturing a rich alpha. Alphas could be weak-minded, especially when all they thought about was pleasure. Smart and alluring omegas could secure a place behind every alpha's success. Though, of course, that only happened to beautiful and educated omegas born into alpha families.
Again, Utahime begged to differ.
She may not have confidence in her looks, her face marked by a scar stretching across her right cheek and nose, but she knew her singing and dancing skills were unmatched. Atleast she has something worth of recognition.
Her mother had taught her traditional Japanese dances and songs with the aim of making her a talented and notable geisha. However, as modern pop culture emerged, Utahime found herself learning modern dances as well. She was often seen sitting beneath the cherry blossom tree in their high school yard, listening to girl groups and boy bands. She was amazed by how these talented alphas and betas could create music freely and earn far more than omegas who only performed in bars and underground competitions. From then on, she swore to herself that she would become one of them too, writing songs about revolutionary truths such as equality and equity.
After graduating from high school, she left home with the promise of studying in the city, where an all-omega university resided. Unbeknownst to her parents, she never attended college and instead tried her luck in an underground dance competition. With her smooth body waves and fierce yet charming stage presence, she managed to catch the attention of one of the dance coaches from the famous JJK Label—an all-alpha entertainment company.
Ms. Mei.
The woman saw her potential and personally trained her while Utahime worked part-time jobs to pay her rent. The money she earned from song gigs and dance competitions was enough to sustain herself. Until one day, Ms. Mei offered her a position as one of the company's backup dancers.
That way, she would no longer have to worry about rent since all dancers were provided with dormitories and free meals. The salary was also much higher than what she earned from juggling three part-time jobs.
There was only one problem. She had to hide her gender.
Of course, omegas were not allowed.
It was, after all, an all-alpha idol company. The company prided itself on producing the best-performing idols and delivering top-quality performances. Exceptional betas were accepted, but only as backup dancers, singers, production crew, or staff members with little to no public appearances.
That was it.
She would be a beta.
With a bag full of scent blockers, bandages, gauze, and turtlenecks, she agreed to Ms. Mei's offer.
Her first week was hell.
She struggled to hide her awfully sweet red velvet cake scent, often insisting that she simply loved red velvet desserts so much that she bought perfume that smelled like them. She was one step closer to her dreams now. There was no way she would sabotage herself by getting caught.
Eventually, the environment warmed up to her, and she learned how to adapt to her new normal. She mastered the art of concealing her scent through proper clothing, breathing exercises, and careful scent management while working as a backup dancer for solo artists and girl groups.
During her heats, Ms. Mei would personally pick her up and bring her to her house, telling everyone they were having a girls' night out or private training sessions. Everyone knew how close they were, so nobody questioned it.
"Goodness, Uta. Lately, your pheromones are getting so strong they make me want to vomit because of how sweet they are," Mei huffed as she handed her a glass of cold water.
Utahime was wrapped in a nest made from a pile of Mei's clothes, sweating profusely.
"It's really not good for you to keep using scent blockers. They're messing with your heat cycles and making your scent even stronger." Mei gently wiped the sweat from Utahime's forehead.
"Heard about the new batch of trainees?" Utahime asked hoarsely as she adjusted herself within the makeshift nest.
"Seen them already?"
"Yeah. I even watched them perform."
Mei placed the empty glass on the bedside table.
"If I were to compare most of them to your male alpha version, I'd say you're better."
"Really?" Utahime chuckled weakly.
"However, there are a few standouts. Hmm... I'd say four alphas could debut right now if they wanted."
"Do you have a video?"
"I do, but not now. You're still aching, and I don't want you drooling over four hot alphas."
Utahime groaned. Mei was right. Omegas could be irrational during their heats. She wasn't about to embarrass herself.
"Fine. Tomorrow then. My heat should be over by then."
Mei nodded before leaving the room.
Only after the door closed did Utahime realize she had forgotten to ask whether the trainees were male or female.
She already had experience backing up several solo artists and girl groups. She had even appeared on national television and witnessed firsthand how extravagant and glamorous the industry truly was.
Now, after two years of experience, she was beginning to accept the fact that she might never debut as part of a girl group—or even as a solo artist. Alphas and betas were welcomed into the industry so easily that she could not help but feel embarrassed whenever people compared them to omega geishas and bar performers. They were treated like cheap imitations.
Being a backup dancer and singer might be the highest she would ever reach.
***
The very next day, Mei finally allowed her to watch the videos of the new trainees first thing in the morning. The two binge-watched the audition recordings together, occasionally throwing comments at the screen and critiquing performances.
A blonde man appeared first.
He was tall and broad-shouldered, dressed in a long-sleeved polo shirt and white slacks. A black electric guitar rested comfortably in his hands. The moment he started strumming "Do I Wanna Know?" by Arctic Monkeys, Utahime felt the hairs on her arms rise.
Then he began to sing. His deep voice filled the room, rich and smooth.
Her lips parted slightly. Surely, this man could build a fanbase from a single video alone.
"Wow," she breathed. "He's talented. His song choice fits his voice perfectly."
"I know, right?" Mei grinned. "He's very quiet and antisocial, but once he picks up a guitar and starts singing, it's like a completely different person. I swear, some of the vocal coaches melted in their seats."
Utahime laughed. "He's one of the four?"
"Definitely."
The next video started.
A black-haired man appeared on screen, his hair tied into a loose bun with a thin strand framing the left side of his face. His sharp eyes and naturally handsome features were made even more striking by the black leather jacket he wore over a plain white shirt.
He adjusted the microphone stand slightly higher and nodded.
The music began.
Utahime's eyes widened instantly. She slapped a hand over her mouth.
'No way...'
The man started singing "Alibi."
His voice was soft, alluring, and effortless. Somehow, his version sounded even better than the original. Not to mention, he was singing it entirely in English and he slayed it so well.
"That was so good!" Utahime exclaimed when the video ended, clapping slowly.
Mei laughed. "Yeah. So good that one of the coaches literally fell off her chair."
Utahime snorted.
"His charisma is insane."
"One of a kind," Mei agreed. "He's part of the big four too."
The third trainee appeared.
Pink hair. Black tattoos. Broad shoulders. Sculpted handsome face.
His tight white polo shirt stretched over a muscular frame, while black pants completed the look. In one hand was a red electric guitar decorated with black accents. The man stepped closer to the microphone. He took a deep breath and began singing "I Wanna Be Your Slave."
The deepest voice Utahime had ever heard resonated through the speakers.
The face.
The aura.
The tattoos.
The body.
The voice.
Everything about him embodied the song itself.
Utahime swallowed. "He's..."
"Speechless?" Mei supplied with a chuckle. Utahime could only nod.
"We were all speechless," Mei admitted. "And after the performance, he even smirked at us. He'd fit dark concepts perfectly."
Utahime nodded. "Exactly."
"Last but not least." Mei slowly grinned. "The golden boy."
Still recovering from the previous performance, Utahime adjusted her sitting position and focused her attention on the screen.
Golden boy?
She imagined someone bright, cheerful, and energetic. Maybe one of those golden retriever-type alphas.
A tall man with white hair walked onto the screen. He wore a daring indigo color long-sleeved polo with several top buttons left undone and a pair of black slacks. Round-rimmed sunglasses rested on his nose.
The moment he removed them—
Audible gasps erupted from the room in the recording.
Cerulean blue eyes. Like the ocean.
Utahime blinked.
"Why is he called the golden boy?" she asked. "There's literally nothing golden about him. He's white and blue."
Mei burst out laughing. "Because he's ridiculously energetic. Full of alpha energy. That's why everyone was shocked when he started performing."
Utahime frowned. "What do you mean?"
Before Mei could answer, piano notes filled the room.
'Oh. Piano.'
She didn't even noticed that the white-haired man sat infront of the grand piano in the corner of the room, the camera adjusting its angle and focusing on him. He sat gracefully before the instrument and began to play. Utahime tilted her head, trying to identify the melody. A few moments later, recognition struck her.
Her eyes widened.
The man was singing "Let the World Burn."
His voice was angelic. Soft. Sweet. Haunting.
Every word sounded like a beautiful promise and a threat at the same time.
And the worst part?
He kept staring directly into the camera as though he were looking straight into her soul.
Utahime did not realize she had been holding her breath until the performance ended. The man smiled showing his perfect white teeth, dimples appearing on his cheeks.
This is the kind of smile of someone who knew exactly how devastatingly handsome he was.
'How can someone be this perfect?!' She squirmed silently on the couch.
"His voice is so angelic," Mei said. "Yet he nailed the interpretation of the song and gives off possessive tsundere vibes."
Utahime barked out a laugh. "That's... oddly accurate."
"He has this charm that makes you look twice."
"Y-Yeah." Utahime cleared her throat. "And he's really beautiful too."
Mei immediately turned toward her with a teasing look. Utahime pointed a finger at her.
"That's jealousy speaking, okay? Not attraction."
"Mm-hmm."
"I mean it!"
Mei's grin only widened. "Sure you do."
Utahime rolled her eyes.
Whatever.
The man looked flawless.
A perfect idol.
And she hated that fact.
"Anyways," Mei continued, leaning back against the couch, "we'll be monitoring them and giving them different concepts. Maybe see if they can play other instruments, try different genres, and make sure they become well-rounded artists before debut."
Utahime nodded, though her mind was still stuck on a certain white-haired trainee.
"We've already talked about it," Mei added. "And I have a feeling those four will debut much faster than the others."
"How long do you think it'll take?" Utahime asked.
"Hmm." Mei tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Based on what I've seen? One to two years."
"Really?"
"Why?" Mei smirked. "Already a fan?"
"What? No!" Utahime shot back immediately. "I was just wondering. Girl groups usually take three years."
"Well, yes." Mei shrugged. "They're harder to train. Male alphas are naturally talented."
Utahime scoffed. Screw that. With all her luck, she was female and an omega too.
Mei stood up and grabbed the remote, turning off the television. "Get up and change. I need to be at the company by ten. We'll just grab fast food for breakfast."
Utahime stretched her aching limbs before standing. "Fine."
She walked toward the guest room—which had long since become her self-proclaimed bedroom. As she disappeared down the hallway, Mei called out after her.
"Scrub your body properly and loosen up on the scent blockers a little."
Utahime groaned. "Mei..."
"I'm serious."
Utahime paused.
"Most of the backup dancers are busy practicing for Yuki's comeback, so it's safe to release some pheromones inside your dorm. Your scent glands are getting irritated."
She sighed.
"And it'll lessen the chances of another heightened heat."
Utahime reluctantly nodded. "Fine."
"But don't leave your room."
That made her stop.
"The buildings for the backup dancers and staff are close to the new trainees rooms. They now occupied the second floor. However, the company recently moved their training rooms into the same complex as the idols."
For a moment, Utahime stood frozen. Then she quietly grabbed her bath towel and continued toward the bathroom.
The door clicked shut behind her. As warm water surrounded her body, she finally relaxed. The scent blockers had made her skin sensitive again, and the soothing heat eased some of the lingering discomfort. Her thoughts drifted back to the four trainees.
They were talented. Charismatic. Handsome.
The public would eat them up. Soon enough, they would probably become more popular than half the artists already signed under JJK Label. The thought made her sink deeper into the bubbles. She had spent the last two years dancing behind female artists and girl groups. She wondered what it would be like to perform alongside a boy group instead.
Maybe one day. Maybe.
After finishing one of the most relaxing baths she had experienced in weeks, Utahime applied only a pea-sized of her oil scent blockers, spreading it on her neck, nape, pulse points, and wrists. She then wrapped herself with bandages, leaving some space so she doesn't suffocate and so her scent glands would not be iritated. She put on a white T-shirt, gray sweatpants, and the oversized pink hoodie Mei had gifted her last Christmas. The hoodie swallowed her whole, exactly how she liked it.
The moment she heard two short car horns outside, she hurriedly gathered her things and rushed downstairs.
Mei was already waiting in the driver's seat as Utahime climbed in.
Just as Mei reached for the gear shift, Utahime suddenly froze.
"Hold on!"
Mei nearly jumped. "What?!"
"My door card pass!"
Mei blinked then calmly lifted her handbag. "I have it."
Utahime immediately slumped back into her seat. A sigh of relief escaped her lips. "Oh thank God."
Mei snorted. "Drama queen."
The drive to the company passed quickly. Mei played Yuki's comeback track while the two chatted and ate breakfast sandwiches. Yuki was one of the company's most famous solo idols, and Utahime had worked as her backup dancer twice before. Naturally, she complained about being excluded from the comeback stage preparations.
Mei simply shushed her. "Your heat comes first."
"But—"
"No."
"Mei—"
"No."
Utahime pouted while Mei ignored her.
By the time they arrived, the towering buildings of JJK Label came into view. One housed the idols and trainees.
The other was used primarily by staff, dancers, and production teams. Mei parked between them.
After exchanging their usual "take care" and "don't die" goodbyes, they headed their separate ways. Utahime walked through the hallway alone, humming one of Yuki's songs.
She was already standing in front of her dorm room when realization struck.
Slowly and painfully, her face paled.
"My card pass!"
Her hand slapped against her forehead. It was still with Mei. Utahime groaned and dragged both hands down her face. She was an idiot. Mei was probably on the third floor by now, helping supervise the trainee dance evaluations. Unfortunately, she couldn't spend the entire day locked out of her room either. She needed more gauze, extra scent blockers, and a fresh set of bandages from inside.
Adjusting her hoodie so it covered more of her nape, she turned and headed toward the trainee building. Hopefully, she could grab the card and leave before anyone noticed her.
Hopefully.
Utahime quickened her pace as she entered the trainee building. A few staff members greeted her along the way.
"Morning, Utahime-san!"
"Red velvet cake for breakfast?"
She laughed awkwardly. "Maybe."
One of them wrinkled their nose dramatically. "The scent's stronger than usual today."
Utahime nearly choked. Inside, however, she was screaming.
No, it's not the cake. It's my stupid pheromones!
She forced a smile and continued walking. Screw heat aftermaths.
Faster, Utahime!
All she needed was her card pass. Grab it. Leave. Hide. That was the plan.
The elevator doors opened with a soft ding. Perfect! Its empty.
Utahime immediately stepped inside and pressed the button for the third floor. As the doors began closing, she released a relieved sigh.
Then a hand shot between the narrowing gap. The doors reopened.
Utahime's stomach dropped.
Two alphas stepped inside. Strong alpha pheromones instantly flooded the small space.
"It's our first day and you're already going to ruin it, Satoru."
The black-haired man sounded tired.
Utahime immediately recognized him. The trainee from yesterday. The one who sang Alibi.
Geto Suguru.
"That's exactly why we're taking the elevator, Suguru!" the white-haired man argued. "Come on, we're only five minutes late!"
The second voice was far too familiar. Utahime's soul nearly left her body.
Golden boy.
The elevator doors closed and the space suddenly felt ten times smaller. Utahime quietly retreated to the back corner.
Her hands tightened around the sleeves of her oversized hoodie.
Breathe.
Control your scent.
Breathe.
Control your scent.
She focused on the breathing exercises Mei had taught her.
Slow inhale.
Slow exhale.
Again.
Again!
Unfortunately, panic only made things worse. A faint sweetness began filling the elevator.
Geto stopped talking.
Satoru stopped talking.
The silence was immediate and dangerous. The sweet scent continued spreading.
Geto frowned. "Did you sneak food again while I'm paying?"
"What? No."
"Then what am I smelling?"
Satoru looked offended. "I didn't."
"You always sneak snacks."
"Okay, rude."
"I'm serious."
"I literally didn't sneak anything."
The two exchanged confused looks. Then, slowly—
Both turned around and Utahime saw red. She nearly died on the spot.
Three seconds.
Four seconds.
Five.
The two alphas stared at her as she slowly stared back. Big doe honey eyes, pupils blown wide. The two alphas seemed to froze in their spots.
Nobody moved. Nobody spoke. The sweet scent lingered heavily between them. Utahime gripped the hem of her hoodie tighter. She prayed they would assume she was wearing perfume.
Soon, to her favor, the elevator dinged. As the doors opened, both alphas immediately looked away. Geto stepped out first while Satoru followed behind him. The two continued arguing as though nothing had happened.
Utahime nearly collapsed from relief. 'That was so close!' she cried.
She forced herself out of the elevator, knees starting to tremble. At the end of the hallway stood the dance auditorium, music echoing faintly from inside. Utahime waited a full minute before approaching. Just in case.
When she finally knocked on the door, she expected Mei to answer. Instead, the door swung open to reveal a tall blonde man.
Utahime froze.
Oh no.
The handsome blonde trainee, the one with the deep voice.
For a second, neither of them spoke. Until the blonde man decided to break the ice.
"I'm sorry, but this room is reserved for the new male trainees."
His voice was just as deep in person. Okay, maybe deeper.
Utahime suddenly became very aware of how disheveled she probably looked.
"I think you might have the wrong room—"
"I know this room."
The words left her mouth too quickly. Too flat and too blunt.
Utahime internally screamed.
Wonderful! Now she sounded rude.
The blonde alpha blinked and then nodded. "Oh."
"I'm here for Mei-san."
His expression immediately relaxed.
"Oh. Of course." He stepped aside slightly. "Please wait here. I'll call her."
"T-Thank you."
The blonde trainee quietly disappeared into the room. Utahime adjusted her hoodie for what felt like the hundredth time that day. Her fingers tugged the sleeves lower, her hood higher.
The door remained slightly open, just enough for her to catch glimpses of the people inside.
Music equipment. Mirrors. Dance instructors. Trainees.
And—
Blue eyes.
Utahime instantly looked away. Nope. Absolutely not.
A few moments later, Mei emerged from the room holding the card pass. The moment she got close enough, her expression changed. Subtle yet almost invisible. Utahime noticed it immediately.
'You're leaking'
Mei didn't have to say it. The warning was written all over her face.
Mei handed over the card pass. "I'm sorry, Uta. I completely forgot I had it."
Utahime snatched it quickly. "It's fine."
"No, seriously—"
"It's fine."
Mei narrowed her eyes. Utahime tightened her grip on the card.
'I know.
I know.
I know.'
"I'm going back now."
"Good."
The answer came too quickly. Definitely a warning. Utahime turned on her heel and practically speed-walked toward the elevator. Every instinct told her to get back to her dorm immediately.
Lock the door, take another suppressant, and hide. Because if her pheromones became any stronger—
Or if those alphas realized what she was—
Everything she had worked for during the last two years could disappear overnight.
And Utahime refused to let that happen.