Author’s POV The room stayed quiet after Jay and Percy made their promise.
Their little fingers were still connected.
No more secrets.
At least…
that was the promise.
Jay finally pulled her hand back and leaned against the headboard.
Percy remained sitting beside her.
For a few seconds, neither of them said anything.
Then Percy looked at her suspiciously.
“You’re really going to tell me that secret when the time comes?” Jay nodded.
“When the time comes.” Percy narrowed his eyes.
“I don’t like that answer.” Jay gave him a tired look.
“You’ll survive.” “I might not.” “Perse.” “Fine.” He sighed dramatically.
“But I’m remembering.” “I know.” “And I’m asking again later.” “I know.” “And I’ll keep asking.” “I know.” Percy smiled.
“Good.” Jay rolled her eyes.
A Little Later Jay finally decided to get out of bed.
The moment her feet touched the floor, Percy stood up too.
She looked at him.
“Why are you standing?” “Because you’re standing.” “I can stand by myself.” “I know.” “Then?” “I’m still standing.” Jay stared at him.
“You’re annoying.” “Thank you.” She walked toward the door.
Percy followed.
Jay stopped.
He stopped too.
She looked behind her.
“Are you following me?” “No.” “You are literally behind me.” “Coincidence.” Jay stared at him.
“Perse.” He smiled.
“Baby.” The mansion was already loud.
Too loud.
Jay had finally come downstairs after resting, and Percy had followed her like her personal bodyguard.
He had spent the last several minutes checking everything.
Whether she had eaten.
Whether she had drunk enough water.
Whether her head hurt.
Whether she felt dizzy.
Whether she was tired.
Whether she needed anything.
Jay had answered every question with the same exhausted expression.
“Perse, I’m not dying.” Percy had simply nodded.
“Good.” Then he had looked at her seriously.
“Keep it that way.” Jay had rolled her eyes.
And now they were standing in the living room.
Everyone had noticed.
Obviously.
Josh was the first one who couldn’t keep his mouth shut.
“Okay, what happened upstairs?” Jay looked at him.
“Nothing.” Josh immediately pointed at Percy.
“That doesn’t look like nothing.” Yuri looked at Percy.
“Why are you acting like her doctor?” David quietly added, “He’s been checking on her every two minutes.” Ci-N nodded.
“Food.” Eman added, “Water.” Kit said, “Headache.” Calix continued, “Dizziness.” Blaster looked at Percy.
“You even asked if she was tired.” Edrix stared.
“That’s a lot.” Eren whispered to Mayo, “He’s gone crazy.” Mayo nodded.
“Completely.” Percy folded his arms.
“I am being responsible.” Josh laughed.
“You’re being possessive.” Percy didn’t even deny it.
“Correct.” Josh blinked.
“Wait.
You admitted it?” Percy nodded.
“Yes.” Yuri looked annoyed.
“Unbelievable.” David looked away.
Keifer’s expression became darker.
Jay sighed.
“You all have too much free time.” Aris, however, wasn’t laughing.
His eyes stayed on Jay.
He had noticed things everyone else hadn’t.
The slight tiredness in her eyes.
The way she occasionally pressed her fingers against her temple.
The way she sometimes forgot to eat when she was thinking too much.
He had discovered something about her yesterday that he wasn’t ready to tell anyone.
And he wasn’t going to.
That was Jay’s privacy.
Angelo noticed Aris’s expression.
He walked closer.
“You’re worried.” Aris looked at him.
After a moment, he quietly said, “I realized something about Jay.” Angelo waited.
Aris looked toward Jay.
“She needs us.” Angelo’s expression softened slightly.
“I know.” Jay heard them.
She looked over.
For a moment, her expression became unreadable.
Then Percy suddenly spoke.
“Baby.” Jay looked at him.
“What?” “Sit.” “I can stand.” “Sit.” “Perse.” “Please.” Jay sighed.
She sat down.
Percy immediately sat beside her.
Josh stared at them.
“You two are unbelievable.” Percy looked at him.
“What?” “You’re literally attached.” Percy shrugged.
“Correct.” Jay covered her face.
“Stop saying correct.” “No.” Josh laughed.
Yuri looked irritated.
David remained quiet.
Keifer’s eyes stayed on Jay.
Then— Jay’s phone vibrated.
Bzzzt.
She glanced down.
And something changed.
Her expression softened.
Just a little.
A tiny smile appeared.
Percy saw it.
Of course he saw it.
His entire attention immediately shifted toward her phone.
“Who?” Jay locked the screen.
“No one.” Percy narrowed his eyes.
“That was a smile.” “It wasn’t.” “It absolutely was.” Josh immediately became interested.
“Aha.” Yuri looked toward Jay.
“Someone made her smile?” David’s eyes moved toward her phone.
Keifer’s jaw tightened.
Ci-N leaned forward.
“Who texted?” Jay looked around.
“Why does everyone care?” Josh answered immediately.
“Because this is the first interesting thing that’s happened today.” Jay rolled her eyes.
Percy leaned closer.
“Baby.” Jay looked at him.
“Don’t.” “Who is texting you?” “No one.” “Then why did you smile?” “I smiled because I wanted to.” Percy looked personally offended.
“That doesn’t answer my question.” Jay almost laughed.
“Perse, leave it.” Percy stared at her.
Then at the phone.
Then back at her.
Something about the situation clearly bothered him.
But he didn’t ask again.
Instead— He quietly pulled out his own phone.
Jay immediately noticed.
Her eyes widened.
“Perse.” He ignored her.
“Perse.” Nothing.
“Percy.” He opened his phone.
And then— He opened the secret chat.
👑 QUEEN’S PROTECTOR 👑💜 The group chat he shared with Thyme, Ren, Kevin, MJ— and Jay.
Percy had completely forgotten to check it after the chaos earlier.
Now he opened it.
And instantly— His face changed.
The first message waiting for him was from Thyme.
T: Baby Doll disappeared again.
😭 Percy blinked.
He scrolled.
R: She has been too quiet.
Another message.
K: I don’t like this.
Then MJ.
M: Neither do I.
Percy stared.
Then another message appeared.
T: Baby Doll, if you’re reading this, send us a smile.
Percy’s eyebrow twitched.
He looked toward Jay.
Jay was pretending not to notice.
Percy scrolled again.
R: Or at least send one picture.
Percy’s eyes widened.
“What?” Jay immediately looked at him.
“Nothing.” Percy looked back at the phone.
Another message.
K: One picture isn’t too much to ask.
M: Exactly.
We miss seeing her.
Percy slowly lowered the phone.
He looked at Jay.
“You’re smiling because of them?” Jay tried to remain innocent.
“Who?” Percy stared.
“Baby.” Jay looked away.
Percy immediately scrolled again.
And that was his mistake.
Because the messages continued.
👑 QUEEN’S PROTECTOR 👑💜 T: Baby Doll, are you eating properly?
R: Don’t listen to PK.
He thinks he’s the only one allowed to worry about you.
K: He is definitely not.
M: We’re also allowed.
Percy stared at the screen.
His mouth opened slightly.
He whispered, “Oh.” Jay looked at him.
“Perse…” Percy kept reading.
T: Baby Doll, when are we getting to see you again?
R: It’s been too long.
K: Way too long.
M: Unacceptable.
Then— T: And don’t let PK keep you all to himself.
Percy’s eyes narrowed.
“Oh, absolutely not.” Jay immediately covered her mouth to hide her laugh.
Percy looked at her.
“You think this is funny?” Jay shook her head.
“No.” She was clearly trying not to laugh.
Percy pointed at the phone.
“They’re provoking me.” Jay smiled.
“They always do.” Percy froze.
“You know they’re provoking me?” “Yes.” “And you still smile?” “Yes.” Percy looked betrayed.
“Baby.” Jay laughed softly.
“Perse, they’re just teasing you.” Percy shook his head.
“No.” He typed.
PK: I can see all of you.
Stop annoying Baby.
Three dots appeared.
Then— T: Oh look.
PK finally arrived.
Percy stared.
R: Welcome, jealous person.
Percy’s eye twitched.
K: We were wondering when you’d show up.
M: He’s definitely reading everything.
Percy typed immediately.
PK: I am not jealous.
The response came instantly.
T: Liar.
R: Very obvious.
K: Extremely obvious.
M: Painfully obvious.
Percy stared.
Jay was now openly laughing.
“Don’t laugh.” “I can’t help it.” “You’re enjoying this.” “A little.” Percy looked at her.
“You’re supposed to support me.” Jay smiled.
“I support you emotionally.” “Then tell them to stop.” “No.” “Baby!” Jay laughed again.
But the group wasn’t finished.
T: Baby Doll, send us a picture.
R: Yes.
K: Please.
M: We want to see your smile.
Percy’s expression darkened.
He typed.
PK: No.
Jay looked at him.
“Did you just say no on my behalf?” Percy looked completely serious.
“Yes.” Jay stared.
“Perse.” “What?” “You can’t control me.” “I know.” “Then why did you say no?” “Because I don’t like them asking.” Jay raised an eyebrow.
“You’re jealous.” Percy didn’t even hesitate.
“Yes.” Jay blinked.
He had admitted it too quickly.
Percy looked at her.
“I don’t like sharing your attention.” Jay’s expression softened.
But before she could answer— Another message appeared.
T: Baby Doll, ignore PK.
R: He is being dramatic again.
K: Very dramatic.
M: Give us a smile.
Percy stared.
“Again?” Jay laughed.
“Yes.” Percy typed furiously.
PK: STOP ASKING HER FOR PICTURES.
The reply: T: Why?
Percy typed.
PK: Because I said so.
R: And who made you boss?
Percy paused.
Jay looked at him.
Josh, from across the room, suddenly asked, “Why are you making that face?” Percy looked up.
“Nothing.” Josh narrowed his eyes.
“You’re definitely doing something.” Yuri looked at Percy.
“Who are you texting?” Percy immediately locked the phone.
“No one.” Josh laughed.
“That’s exactly what Jay said.” David looked between them.
“That’s suspicious.” Keifer’s expression became even colder.
He hated how close Percy and Jay were.
And now— There was apparently another secret Percy was hiding.
Yuri looked at Jay.
“Who’s texting you?” Jay smiled.
“No one.” Yuri didn’t believe her.
“Really?” “Really.” David quietly asked, “Then why are you smiling?” Jay shrugged.
“Maybe I just feel like smiling.” Keifer looked at her.
That tiny smile bothered him more than he wanted to admit.
He hadn’t seen her smile like that around him in a long time.
Josh leaned toward Yuri.
“This is getting interesting.” Yuri whispered, “Very.” Percy looked toward them.
“Why are you whispering?” Josh immediately straightened.
“Nothing.” Percy nodded.
“Good.” Josh smirked.
“You’ve become suspicious too.” Percy ignored him.
His phone vibrated again.
He looked down.
And immediately regretted it.
👑 QUEEN’S PROTECTOR 👑💜 T: Baby Doll, are you still with PK?
R: Probably.
K: He won’t let her breathe without permission.
M: He’s glued to her.
Percy’s jaw dropped.
“They’re watching me?” Jay laughed.
“They know you.” Percy typed.
PK: None of your business.
T: Everything about Baby Doll is our business.
Percy’s eyes widened.
Jay’s laughter stopped.
“Okay…” Percy slowly typed.
PK: Excuse me?
R: You heard him.
K: She’s our Baby Doll too.
M: Exactly.
Percy stared at the screen.
His jealousy level went from ten— to one hundred.
He typed.
PK: NO.
Jay burst out laughing.
“Perse!” Percy ignored her.
PK: SHE IS MY BABY.
The chat went silent for three seconds.
Then— T: HAHAHAHAHAHA.
R: There it is.
K: He finally admitted it.
M: We knew it.
Percy stared at the phone.
“I hate them.” Jay laughed.
“You love them.” “No.” “You do.” “No.” “You definitely do.” Percy looked at her.
“I tolerate them because they’re yours.” Jay smiled.
That answer softened her.
But then— T: Baby Doll, tell PK we still want our hugs.
Percy immediately typed.
PK: NO HUGS.
R: Not your decision.
PK: IT IS NOW.
K: Who voted for you?
PK: ME.
M: Rejected.
Percy stared.
Jay was laughing so hard she had to hold her stomach.
“Stop laughing!” “I can’t!” “Baby!” “Your face!” “My face is perfectly normal.” “It isn’t!” Josh looked over.
“Why is Jay laughing?” Everyone turned toward them.
Yuri looked suspicious.
David looked curious.
Keifer looked irritated.
Aris looked confused.
Angelo simply watched.
Josh stood up.
“Okay, now I really want to know what’s happening.” Percy immediately locked his phone.
“Nothing.” Josh pointed at him.
“You’re doing the same thing Jay did.” Percy nodded.
“Correct.” Jay groaned.
“Stop saying correct!” Josh laughed.
“Definitely something secret.” Yuri’s eyes narrowed.
“Percy.” Percy looked at him.
“What?” “Who are you talking to?” “No one.” David looked at Jay.
“And why is she laughing?” Jay immediately composed herself.
“Nothing.” Josh pointed at both of them.
“You’re both terrible liars.” Jay gave him a look.
“Josh.” He raised his hands.
“Okay, okay.” But his curiosity didn’t disappear.
Neither did Yuri’s.
Neither did David’s.
And Keifer’s curiosity was mixed with jealousy.
He couldn’t understand what was making Jay smile so much.
Especially when Percy was clearly reacting to something on his phone.
Percy’s phone vibrated again.
He glanced down.
And his eyes widened.
T: Baby Doll, we’re still waiting.
R: Don’t forget us.
K: We miss you.
M: And we definitely want to see that smile.
Percy immediately typed.
PK: I AM WARNING ALL OF YOU.
T: Warning accepted.
R: Ignored.
K: Rejected.
M: Denied.
Percy stared.
Jay whispered, “They’re enjoying this.” Percy nodded slowly.
“I know.” Then another message came.
T: Baby Doll, when are we meeting?
Jay looked at the screen.
She smiled.
Percy saw it.
His jealousy returned immediately.
He looked at Jay.
“Don’t tell them.” Jay looked at him.
“What?” “Don’t tell them when.” Jay laughed.
“Why?” “Because.” “Because what?” “Because I said so.” Jay raised an eyebrow.
“Again?” Percy sighed.
“Fine.” He looked at the phone.
Then back at Jay.
“I just don’t want them stealing all your time.” Jay’s expression softened.
“Perse.” “Hm?” “You know I won’t disappear.” Percy looked at her.
“I know.” “Then relax.” He nodded.
“I’m trying.” Jay smiled.
Then typed into the group.
Jay: We’ll meet soon.
Percy’s head snapped toward her.
“BABY!” Jay immediately laughed.
“What?” “You just told them!” “They asked.” “You said soon!” “Yes.” “They’re going to become unbearable now.” The chat exploded.
T: REALLY?!
R: FINALLY.
K: Baby Doll said soon.
M: We’re holding you to that.
Percy looked horrified.
“Oh no.” Jay laughed.
“Too late.” T: We’re counting the days.
R: No excuses.
K: You promised.
M: And PK can’t stop it.
Percy immediately typed.
PK: I CAN ABSOLUTELY STOP IT.
T: No.
R: You cannot.
K: You definitely cannot.
M: Try.
Percy looked ready to throw his phone.
Jay was laughing.
Then Percy noticed something else.
The group had started sending messages directly to Jay.
T: Baby Doll, you’re beautiful.
R: Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
K: And smile more.
M: We love that smile.
Percy’s eyes narrowed.
He typed.
PK: STOP COMPLIMENTING HER.
Three dots.
T: Why?
PK: BECAUSE I DON’T LIKE IT.
R: Jealous.
PK: YES.
The room suddenly became quiet.
Jay looked at him.
Percy had said it aloud.
He didn’t care.
He continued typing.
PK: YES, I’M JEALOUS.
HAPPY?
The group immediately responded.
T: Very.
R: Extremely.
K: This is entertaining.
M: Best conversation today.
Percy dropped his head back against the sofa.
“I’m surrounded by idiots.” Jay laughed softly.
“You chose them.” “They came with you.” “Same thing.” “No.” She smiled.
Percy looked at her.
That smile.
Again.
He immediately became softer.
But only for a second.
Because his phone buzzed.
T: Baby Doll, send one smile.
Percy looked at Jay.
Jay smiled deliberately.
She simply smiled at Percy.
Percy stared at her.
For a second, he forgot about the chat.
“Happy?” Jay asked.
Percy smiled.
“Very.” Then he looked at his phone.
And immediately typed: PK: SHE SMILED AT ME.
The replies came instantly.
T: Show-off.
R: Annoying.
K: We didn’t ask.
M: Keep that information to yourself.
Percy grinned.
“Victory.” Jay shook her head.
“You’re impossible.” Percy smiled.
“Your impossible.” Jay rolled her eyes.
But she was smiling.
Across the room, however, the others were becoming increasingly suspicious.
Josh whispered to Yuri, “Something is definitely going on.” Yuri nodded.
“I know.” David quietly said, “Percy’s hiding something.” Keifer’s eyes narrowed.
“Obviously.” Josh looked at him.
“You’re curious too?” Keifer immediately looked away.
“No.” Josh smirked.
“You are.” Keifer glared.
“Shut up.” Yuri looked toward Jay.
“Why is she smiling like that?” David answered quietly, “Whoever is texting her must be important.” Keifer heard that.
His expression darkened.
“Maybe.” Aris looked at Jay.
He didn’t question her.
He simply watched.
Angelo did the same.
They trusted her.
But everyone else?
Not even close.
Josh suddenly stood.
“Okay.” He walked toward Percy.
Percy looked up.
“What?” Josh pointed at his phone.
“Who are you talking to?” Percy locked the screen.
“No one.” Josh stared.
“Your phone is literally in your hand.” “I’m aware.” “And you’re smiling.” “No.” “You are.” “No.” Jay started laughing again.
Josh looked at her.
“See!
She knows!” Jay immediately stopped laughing.
“Knows what?” Josh narrowed his eyes.
“You’re hiding something.” Jay smiled innocently.
“No.” Yuri crossed his arms.
“Both of you are suspicious.” David nodded.
“Very.” Keifer said nothing.
But he was staring at Percy.
Percy stared back.
The tension between them grew.
Josh looked between them.
“Oh no.” “What?” Yuri asked.
Josh whispered, “This is going to become a competition.” Yuri sighed.
“It already is.” David looked away.
Keifer’s expression remained cold.
Percy simply put his arm along the back of the sofa behind Jay.
Not touching her.
Just close.
A quiet statement.
Jay noticed.
She shook her head.
“Perse.” “What?” “You’re doing it again.” “Doing what?” “Being possessive.” Percy smiled.
“Correct.” Jay groaned.
Josh laughed.
Yuri looked annoyed.
David looked jealous.
Keifer looked furious.
And somewhere inside Percy’s pocket— his phone buzzed again.
He glanced down.
One final message.
T: Tell Baby Doll we love her.
Percy immediately typed.
PK: I’M TELLING HER.
He looked at Jay.
Then smiled.
“They said they love you.” Jay’s expression softened.
“I love them too.” Percy’s smile disappeared.
“…Excuse me?” Jay laughed.
“They’re my people.” Percy stared at the phone.
Then at her.
Then back at the phone.
He typed furiously.
PK: I TAKE BACK EVERYTHING I SAID.
I HATE ALL OF YOU.
The response was immediate.
T: Love you too, PK.
R: Very much.
K: Don’t be jealous.
M: You know we love you too.
Percy stared.
His anger slowly disappeared.
He sighed.
“Fine.” Jay smiled.
Percy looked at her.
“But I’m still watching them.” Jay laughed.
“Of course you are.” And while Percy continued arguing with the mysterious Queen’s Protector group, the rest of the mansion remained completely unaware of the truth.