13 - Rival

"I am dedicated to my job, Chief! Please allow me to come with you!"

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Despite the regimented schedule of the National Bureau of Security, with most employees adhering to strict work hours, lunchtime often blurred the lines.

Deadlines loomed, and many found themselves fueled by coffee and extra hours. Thankfully, the Bureau boasted a dining hall unlike any other. Here, the concept of a lunch break transformed into a sensory feast.

No doubt one of the city's most extravagant buffet restaurants, its counters overflowing with a kaleidoscope of culinary delights.

The aroma of sizzling meats mingled with the delicate fragrance of fresh herbs, and the glistening display cases promised a world of culinary exploration without leaving the bureau headquarters at all.

Stepping into this haven, one wasn't just greeted by a menu, but by a symphony of choices guaranteed to make even the most discerning palate dizzy with delight.

Stefan Wildner had just returned from a business trip to a small town on the outskirts of Munich, visiting a certain orphanage to dig out some information about Julian Haas.

With a report due on Maximillian's desk by five, lunch was a luxury Stefan couldn't afford. All he craved was a quick croissant before diving headfirst into his report.

As soon as he finished, he wanted to go home and sleep for twelve hours at least!

Thus imagine his surprise when his colleague, another junior agent, came over to ask about the very omega.

"Stefan, you like that omega, Julian Haas, don't you?"

The question caught Stefan Wildner by surprise. He almost choked on the cheese and ham croissant he was devouring for lunch.

After hacking several times and receiving meager assistance from the person who dished him the query, Stefan wiped tears off the tails of his eyes and retaliated with another question.

"W-what makes you ask me this?"

Royten Dunham, alpha male, a direct subordinate of Sandra Warwick, eyed him suspiciously from head to toe.

"Of course, it is related to my personal interest in him."

"... Oh."

A rival in love had just announced his presence. It sparked the flame of competition in Stefan's heart.

"There are more, actually. Half of the junior agents are in love with him."

A lot, a lot of rivals in love had just announced their presence. The flame of competition in Stefan's heart dimmed under the pressure.

"... How can that be? They don't even know him."

Royten gave Stefan a look that made the latter feel rather stupid.

"A picture and Search AI, silly."

"... Right. But Julian Haas is supposed to be under the bureau's protection," Stefan lowered his voice to a whisper. "I don't think that being under the spotlight is good for him."

Royten grabbed a pudding pastry from the bakeware display and bit into it. The pudding, still warm, melted in his mouth and made him moan from delight.

"Oh, so good. And no, he doesn't even know that he's under the spotlight. Hey, listen. Brother, we are all interested in the same omega. Thus we need to join hands to eliminate the biggest rival first."

Stefan stared at Royten.

"You are as big a rival I can imagine."

"Don't be silly," Royten hissed. "I am talking about Agent Grant."

Stefan's jaw fell open.

"My boss, Agent Grant???"

"Ssssh, lower your voice!"

Royten's eyes darted left and right, waving away curious eyes that looked in their direction.

"Agent Grant is the only senior agent in this bureau who isn't linked to any omega yet. And let's face it. I don't like to praise other alphas, but he is quite a fine specimen."

Stefan paused to think.

Certainly, Maximillian Grant was a walking embodiment of alpha perfection. Striking features, a sculpted physique, immense wealth whispering of privilege, an impeccable family history, a mind as sharp as a tack, and a career at the Bureau that seemed to ascend effortlessly. He was, undoubtedly, every parent's dream son-in-law.

But still...!!!

"Agent Grant is not easily swayed," Stefan insisted. "Among all of us who went to talk to Julian, he was the only one who came back with a result."

A reflection of his own setback, but a real alpha did not shy from admitting one's failures.

"Oh, I know that Agent Grant is not like most alphas," Royten agreed. "But Julian is also not like most omegas, don't you agree...?"

"... I..."

"Alright, alright, I get it. Young alphas and their hero worship can be a bit much," Royten chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Look, we're partners, remember? Cooperation is key. Just make sure Agent Grant doesn't cross paths with Julian Haas again. Out of sight, out of mind, right?"

With a final, friendly pat on Stefan's shoulder, Royten grabbed a stack of sandwiches from the fridge and disappeared through the doorway, leaving Stefan to ponder his cryptic warning.

Maximillian Grant, his stoic and aloof superior, interested in Julian Haas?

No way.

But why wouldn't it be?

The mere thought of Julian -- his frail figure, the piercing beauty of his grayish-blue eyes that had captivated Stefan in an instant, and the soft, alluring voice that effortlessly dissolved his tough exterior -- sent a wave of conflicting emotions crashing through him.

Although people liked to refer to Maximillian Grant as an eternal ice statue, Stefan knew that it was not true.

Basic principles of thermodynamics dictated that every chunk of ice would melt, given an adequate amount of heat energy!

"Stefan."

"..."

"Stefan Wildner!"

Stefan's head snapped up in alarm.

Maximillian Grant leaned against the wooden partition that separated Stefan's work cubicle from the other junior agents'. He tapped at his wristwatch.

"It is five. Where is the report?"

"Oh... Ahhhh, I forgot to send the e-mail! I am so sorry, Chief!"

Maximillian scoffed.

"I am leaving for the University of Kaisersiedeln. I will read the report on the way."

Hearing Maximilian's words, Stefan quickly rose to his feet.

"C-chief! Are you planning to talk to Julian Haas' professors?"

Maximillian gave his young subordinate a strange look.

"Yes."

"Can I come with you?"

Maximillian threw a glance at the digital clock hovering at the center of the ceiling.

"It's past five. Didn't you want to go home and sleep for at least twelve hours?"

"Not at all!" Stefan snapped, taking offense to Maximilian's words just now. "I am dedicated to my job, Chief! Please allow me to come with you!"

Maximillian took his arm from the wooden partition and shook his head in exasperation.

"I give you five minutes."

"Yes, Chief!!!"