Chapter 1: The Alpha Behind the Door
The Alpha Next Door
Chapter 1: The Alpha Behind the Door
In this world, society moved by the rules of Alpha, Beta, and Omega.
Alphas were powerful, dominant, and naturally drawn to Omegas. Omegas were said to be the perfect match for them, completing the instinctive bond that nature designed. Betas, however, lived somewhere in between—ordinary, balanced, untouched by the intense instincts that ruled Alphas and Omegas.
There was also a quiet rumor whispered around society.
That an Alpha and a Beta could never truly belong together.
Not because it was impossible, but because it simply wasn’t how the world expected things to be.
Ren had never cared much about those rumors.
He was a Beta, and he was perfectly happy with that.
Tall and naturally handsome, Ren carried a calm and composed appearance. His life was simple, exactly the way he preferred it. No dramatic instincts, no overwhelming pheromones controlling his emotions. Betas lived more peacefully than Alphas and Omegas, and Ren liked it that way.
More importantly, he didn't like Alphas.
Their arrogance, their overwhelming presence, the way they acted like the world belonged to them—it irritated him. Ren had always believed his quiet life as a Beta was far better than the chaos that seemed to follow Alphas everywhere.
Every morning he went to work at a model advertising agency, where he handled office tasks behind the scenes. While models and photographers filled the studio with energy and excitement, Ren preferred staying in the background, doing his work quietly.
It was peaceful.
Predictable.
And Ren liked predictable.
That evening, after finishing work, Ren walked toward the apartment building where he lived. The sun had already started setting, painting the sky with soft shades of orange and gold. His shoulders felt heavy from a long day, and all he wanted was a hot shower and a good night's sleep.
Just as he approached the building entrance, a familiar cheerful voice stopped him.
“Ahh, Ren! You're back!”
Ren looked up and smiled warmly.
Standing there was the old lady from the first floor, someone everyone in the building simply called Auntie. She was always kind to him, often bringing small snacks or asking about his day like he was her own grandson.
“Yes,” Ren replied with a small laugh. “I got off work early today.”
The old woman nodded happily before leaning closer, clearly excited to share something.
“You know, a new person moved into our building today. Right next door to your apartment!”
Ren raised an eyebrow slightly.
“Oh? Really?” he said. “Well… I guess that’s good.”
Then he added with a small sigh.
“As long as the guy doesn’t make noise or start fights. You know I hate noise.”
The old woman chuckled.
“Did you see him, Auntie?” Ren asked.
“Well…” she paused thoughtfully. “I only saw his back when he was carrying boxes upstairs. But he looked tall.”
She waved her hand dismissively before turning toward the street.
“Anyway, I have to go now. My granddaughter is waiting for me.”
Ren nodded politely.
“Yes, please take care on the way home.”
As the old woman walked away, Ren let out a quiet sigh and stepped into the building. He waited for the elevator, rubbing the back of his neck tiredly.
The day had drained all his energy.
When the elevator doors opened on his floor, Ren slowly walked down the hallway toward his apartment. His footsteps dragged slightly against the floor, his body heavy with exhaustion.
But just as he reached his door, his eyes drifted toward the apartment next to his.
The new neighbor’s place.
The door was closed.
Ren stared at it for a moment.
Should I go say hello?
The thought crossed his mind briefly.
Then he shook his head.
“No… forget it,” he muttered to himself.
I don't even know what kind of person he is. If I knock, he'll think I'm some clingy neighbor.
And honestly…
Ren was far too tired for social interaction.
He unlocked his door and stepped inside his quiet apartment. The peaceful silence wrapped around him instantly, making him relax.
First, he went straight to the bathroom and turned on the shower.
Warm water poured over him, washing away the stress of the day. Ren closed his eyes and let out a soft breath of relief.
Afterward, he changed into comfortable clothes and ate the simple dinner he had bought from outside.
The quiet night felt perfect.
Finally, completely drained, Ren walked into his bedroom and dropped onto the bed.
He didn't even bother turning on the lamp.
Within seconds, his eyes closed.
Poor Ren had no idea…
That starting tonight, his peaceful life was about to become a complete mess.
---
Sometime past midnight—
A sharp sound suddenly broke the silence.
Ren's eyes flew open.
At first, he thought he was dreaming.
Then he heard it again.
A woman’s moan echoed through the wall.
Followed by a loud cry.
Ren sat up instantly, his heart pounding in confusion.
“What…?”
He rubbed his eyes and looked around the dark room. The sounds continued, louder this time.
His brows slowly pulled together in irritation.
The noise was coming from the wall beside his bed.
Which meant—
It was coming from the apartment next door.
Ren froze.
His bedroom wall was directly connected to the bedroom of his new neighbor.
Another loud moan echoed through the thin wall.
Ren's eye twitched.
His exhaustion quickly turned into pure annoyance.
“You have to be kidding me…”
The sounds were loud enough to destroy any chance of sleep.
Ren threw off his blanket and stood up, his patience completely gone. Marching toward the door, he stormed out of his apartment and stopped in front of the neighbor's door.
Without hesitation—
He pressed the doorbell.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
And then he kept pressing it.
Finally, the door opened.
And the moment Ren looked up—
His eyes widened.
Standing in front of him was a tall man, shirt half open, muscular chest visible under the dim hallway light. His dark hair was slightly messy, as if someone had been running their fingers through it.
Behind him, a faint scent of Omega pheromones drifted through the air.
The man looked down at Ren lazily.
A slow, confident smirk appeared on his lips.
And in that moment—
Ren realized something he absolutely did not want to realize.
His new neighbor…
Was an Alpha.
