Strategic Mating Partner Chapter 3

Who was Sejin? A sports star acclaimed for single-handedly elevating the Korean fencing scene, which had been deemed on the decline due to an aging core lineup. He swept gold medals in various international competitions, including his Olympic debut at 18. He was even nominated for Athlete of the Year in his debut year, though he didn’t win, which speaks volumes. Considering Joo Sejin’s current domestic and international status, the current situation was even more absurd.

Joo Sejin, the globally beloved fencing star. Two factors contributed to his immense popularity: his unparalleled skill, hailed as a once-in-a-century talent, and his looks. His long limbs complemented his nearly 190cm frame, and his lean muscles, accentuating his height, gave him a physique that rivaled even top models.

And his small head? His delicate features, perfectly arranged on a face the size of someone’s palm, retained a youthful charm, leading numerous fans to wish for his early retirement from sports and a second act as a celebrity. At that point, it was debatable whether they were fans of Sejin or his face, but even non-fans could recognize him as “that handsome fencer, even more handsome than celebrities.”

Why would Sejin need an agency to find a mating partner? Omegas eager to spend a night with him would be lining up down the street. Furthermore, he consistently maintained his world number one ranking since his international debut, with his skills always peaking. Unless he’d lost his mind, there was no reason to risk his image with something that could leak to the public. Taehyun could only think of one explanation.

‘He wanted to ‘safely’ try it with an omega.’

Many would desire Sejin, but his fame likely made him wary of rumors. A one-night stand with a stranger could lead to gossip, with the other person bragging online about having sex with Joo Sejin. This wouldn’t just be a breach of privacy; it would be unpleasant. A mating partner, on the other hand, guaranteed mutual secrecy to protect their public image. So, if Sejin, like any other young alpha, simply wanted to experience sex, this was the safer route. Sejin was, after all, incredibly recognizable.

Convinced by Sejin’s determined expression, Taehyun sighed again and asked, “Are you really sure you can do it with me?”

This was a question Sejin likely wouldn’t answer easily. Taehyun asked with a dubious look. Honestly, he’d never felt insecure about his looks. However, being objectively handsome was different from being the type that alphas or men typically preferred. While countless men were attracted to men, he didn’t think Sejin would be one of them.

Taehyun’s appeal was mostly to women who didn’t know he was an omega, or omegas who assumed he was an alpha. He couldn’t help the misunderstandings stemming from his appearance. Still, he was certain he wasn’t the ideal partner for someone expecting an omega experience. Even if Sejin said he was okay, what if his body disagreed? It was better to end things cleanly than to have a mutually uncomfortable experience. Upon Taehyun’s blunt question, Sejin answered with a steady face, “Yes.”

A long silence followed.

“…….”

“…….”

What was with this confidence? Speechless, Taehyun stood frozen, neither leaving nor sitting. Then, Sejin spoke again.

“Want to check? If I can or not. No need for more talk. Let’s do it.”

He met Taehyun’s gaze calmly, sending a shiver down Taehyun’s spine. It was a primal sense of danger, as if facing a predator.

“I, I wasn’t thinking that far. Pheromone exchange doesn’t necessarily require…”

While sex was the most efficient method, it wasn’t mandatory. Taehyun had intended to limit their interaction to pheromone exchange without penetration, especially if Sejin seemed inexperienced. However, Sejin was firm.

“Why waste time when there’s a more efficient way?”

A new scent tickled Taehyun’s nose, making him flinch. His first impression of Sejin’s confidently released pheromones was ‘sweet.’ Many had sweet pheromones, ranging from fruity to sugary to floral. Sejin’s was a type he’d never encountered before. Of course, he hadn’t exactly smelled many others’ pheromones to have a broad comparison. It was closest to floral, but unlike the heavy scent of roses or lilies, which tilted his head in confusion.

It was a subtle, fresh sweetness, like a flower shop or a place with many plants. It seemed odd for such a scent to come from a man nearing 190cm, but somehow it worked with Joo Sejin. Like a beautiful flower with thorns, a fragrant, grassy scent suited Sejin. His soft, upturned eyes, long lashes, and small lips created a dominant image of innocence.

As if entranced, Taehyun analyzed Sejin’s pheromones, then suddenly felt his face flush. Directly encountering such concentrated pheromones was unfamiliar, hence the natural reaction. The heat wasn’t confined to his face; it spread throughout his body, his blood feeling hot in his veins, creating a strange sensation.

“See? I was right,” Sejin said confidently, noticing Taehyun’s reaction. Taehyun was still bewildered, understanding yet confused by Sejin’s intentions. The Sejin he knew wouldn’t act like this. Why was he here, at this kind of meeting? Why did he want to have sex? It was normal for young people to be eager for such experiences, but Sejin wasn’t your average twenty-something.

Still filled with questions, Taehyun felt a tightening in his lower abdomen, a natural response to the pheromones. He turned his head, avoiding Sejin’s intense gaze, and covered his neck with his hand. The skin under his palm was hot.

Even if he tried to rationalize it as a natural phenomenon, it was still a strange feeling. He’d been thinking about escaping, yet his body reacted against his will, aroused by the other man. While unavoidable as an omega, he’d never imagined being affected this way by someone he hadn’t even known was an alpha. An unwelcome feeling of reluctance surfaced.

“…Fine,” Taehyun said, letting out a sigh without holding it back, rubbing his face with his hands. He could feel himself getting wet just from the alpha’s scent. What else could he do? He felt like an animal, his body reacting despite his initial resistance, but fighting his nature was pointless. As his beta friend had innocently said, “Being an omega means you can be used both ways, so it’s a good thing, right?” If he couldn’t avoid it, he might as well enjoy it.

“Tell me if you can’t do it. You don’t have to force yourself,” Taehyun said, finally resigned, standing before the bed and pulling off his sweatshirt, tossing it onto the sofa. He unbuckled his tight pants and pulled them down, revealing his toned, muscular thighs. Between his sculpted legs, prominent from years of kicking as an athlete, was his taut underwear. He felt a burning embarrassment at exposing himself to Sejin, but the damage was done.