"Finally…"
Ren stopped at the entrance of the enormous auditorium and slowly lifted his head.
"I made it to Tokyo."
The words escaped him in a whisper.
For a moment, he simply stood there.
The spring breeze swept through his silver hair, carrying with it the faint scent of flowers from the trees lining the street. His coat fluttered lightly around his tall frame, but Ren barely noticed.
His eyes were fixed on the enormous banner hanging above the auditorium.
LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT — NEW IDOL GROUP SURVIVAL AUDITION
Hundreds of people had gathered around the building.
Contestants.
Parents.
Managers.
Reporters.
Fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the next rising star.
And somewhere inside that building was the opportunity Ren had spent years dreaming about.
His fingers tightened around the strap of his bag.
Today, he wasn't going to be an Omega.
Today, he was a Beta.
At least, that was what everyone was supposed to believe.
Ren quietly touched the small packet inside his pocket.
Suppressants.
He had taken one before leaving his apartment that morning.
He couldn't afford to make a mistake.
Not here.
Not today.
Not when his entire future depended on keeping his identity hidden.
The entertainment industry was dominated by Alphas.
They possessed the charisma, physical strength and overwhelming pheromones that made people naturally gravitate toward them. Agencies wanted them. Audiences adored them. Companies fought to sign them.
Betas had opportunities too, but they were usually expected to remain behind the scenes.
And Omegas?
Ren's gaze briefly drifted toward the entrance.
He knew exactly what awaited them.
Omegas were desired.
But being desired was not the same as being respected.
They were praised for their beauty while being treated as if their greatest value was their ability to attract an Alpha and eventually bear their children.
Ren hated that.
He hated the way people looked at Omegas.
He hated the way society decided what they could become before they even had a chance to choose for themselves.
And most of all…
He hated the thought of allowing his own secondary gender to decide his future.
That was why he had come here.
Ren took a deep breath.
Then he smiled.
"I'm going to become an idol."
This time, he said it louder.
And for the first time that day, he believed it.
The moment Ren entered the auditorium, dozens of eyes turned toward him.
He slowed down.
That familiar feeling crawled across his skin.
Being watched.
Judged.
Measured.
He had experienced it before, but today it felt different.
Maybe it was because everyone here had come with the same dream.
Or perhaps because Ren knew that one mistake could expose everything.
He glanced around.
The auditorium had been divided into three sections.
ALPHA
BETA
OMEGA
The separation was so obvious that Ren couldn't help staring.
The Alpha section was packed.
The Beta section was almost as crowded.
The Omega section…
Was barely half full.
Ren's expression darkened.
He had expected it.
Still, seeing it in front of him hurt more than he expected.
A few Omegas were dressed carefully, clearly trying to emphasize their appearance. Some wore fashionable clothes that revealed more skin than necessary. Others had meticulously styled their hair and makeup.
Ren's first reaction was immediate.
They won't make it far.
He almost regretted thinking it the moment the thought crossed his mind.
Wasn't he doing exactly what society did to Omegas?
Judging them before they had even performed?
He quickly looked away.
I'm here to compete.
Not judge.
Ren walked toward the Beta section.
As he passed, several contestants glanced at him.
Then glanced again.
Some quietly whispered.
Ren ignored them.
He was used to the confusion.
At six feet tall, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist and a strikingly handsome face, he didn't fit most people's image of an Omega.
His pale skin contrasted with his silver hair, while his brown eyes were sharp enough to make people hesitate when he looked directly at them.
The suppressants were doing their job.
There was no trace of an Omega's scent.
As far as everyone who saw him believed…
Ren was an Alpha.
He finally found an empty seat and sat down.
His heart was pounding.
There were so many people.
So many talented contestants.
What if he wasn't good enough?
What if his dancing wasn't enough?
What if his voice wasn't enough?
What if—
"Hi."
Ren looked up.
A tall young man stood beside him.
"I'm Leo."
He extended his hand.
Ren blinked before returning the gesture.
"Ren. Nice to meet you."
Their hands briefly touched.
Leo smiled.
But his expression quickly changed.
His eyes moved over Ren's face before settling on his silver hair.
"No offense but haven't you seen the sign?"
"..."
Ren paused.
"It's for Beta's.. So.."
Leo looked toward the large signs hanging above the sections.
Then back at Ren.
"Yes."
"Are you sure you're sitting in the right place?"
Ren's heart skipped.
For one terrifying second, he wondered if Leo had somehow discovered his secret.
"What do you mean?"
Leo pointed toward the other side of the auditorium.
"The Alpha section is over there."
Ren stared at him.
Then realization hit.
He laughed softly.
"Oh."
A smile spread across his face.
"No. I'm in the right place."
Leo stared.
Something about Ren's smile made his chest tighten.
It was strange.
He had seen plenty of beautiful people since arriving.
There were handsome Alphas everywhere.
Beautiful Omegas.
Talented contestants.
Yet for some reason, he couldn't take his eyes off this particular Beta.
Why?
Leo quickly looked away.
"Right…"
He forced a casual smile.
"Then I'll see you around."
"Sure."
Ren smiled again.
Leo returned to his seat.
But his expression had changed.
He lowered his head slightly and touched his chest.
His heartbeat was strangely fast.
What is happening to me?
His pheromones seemed unusually restless.
And all because of a Beta's smile.
Leo frowned.
He had never experienced anything like this before.
The auditorium suddenly became noisy.
Whispers spread through the crowd.
Ren looked toward the entrance.
Someone had arrived.
A tall young man walked through the doors.
He was around six feet tall, with broad shoulders and an athletic build. His brown hair was neatly styled, and his hazel eyes carried a natural confidence that made people instinctively move aside for him.
The atmosphere changed the moment he entered.
Ren stared.
His mouth opened before his brain could stop him.
"Wow…"
The young man glanced toward him.
Ren froze.
"He's definitely an Alpha."
He immediately covered his mouth.
Did I just say that out loud?
Ren immediately looked away, embarrassed that he'd spoken aloud.
Several Omegas looked toward the newcomer as well.
Their reactions were immediate.
Some straightened their clothes.
Others adjusted their hair.
A few deliberately released small traces of their scent.
The Alpha didn't even react, but some were irritated by his distinctive presence.
He continued walking as if nothing had happened.
Ren watched in surprise.
He didn't even notice?
The Omega contestants looked disappointed.
A few Alphas nearby became visibly uncomfortable as the Omega's scents spread through the auditorium.
One of the Omegas clicked her tongue.
"He's really strong…"
Ren could understand why.
The newcomer didn't need to demand attention.
Attention simply followed him.
Ren lowered his gaze.
So that's what a true Alpha looks like.
For a moment, he wondered whether he could ever stand on the same stage as someone like that.
Then he clenched his fists.
Of course I can.
He had not come this far to compare himself to anyone.
Ren clenched his fists.
Of course I can.
He had not come this far to compare himself to anyone.
He had come to prove himself.
And he intended to make the entire auditorium remember his name.