I am the daughter of the classic, universally adored, "Mary Sue" protagonist. But me? I'm just the side character. However, I grew up inheriting that same irresistible "Main Character Energy." The ice-cold school heartthrob glares resentfully while putting on my shoes, yet the tips of his ears burn crimson. The rebellious bad boy squats pitifully before me, feeding me boba tea, his eyes hiding a deep obsession. The proud, stoic valedictorian begrudgingly massages my shoulders and legs, his face cold, yet his hands refuse to leave my skin. In the eyes of the original novel's heroine, these boys are being coerced. She wants to save them. I just sit back, relax, and loosen the leash. I’d like to see if they run to their "savior" or if they happily slip the collar right back on. 1 "Luna Sterling, you've gone too far!" I propped my chin on my hand, lazily watching the girl in front of me launch her accusations. Ah, the heroine has arrived. Right on schedule. It's a pity I'm neither cannon fodder nor the villainess. I'm the universally adored side character. My mom was the legendary Mary Sue of the last generation's romance novel. I inherited her halo. But technically, I'm still a supporting role. Which is annoying, but fine. Because the plot glitched in my favor, letting me awaken early. And this girl in front of me? She's the "original" heroine, Emma Snow. "We're all classmates! How can you bully Julian and the others like this?" Emma pointed a righteous finger at me, her eyes filled with pity as she looked at the three stunning guys surrounding me. I stayed silent, amused, and glanced at my entourage. Julian Frost, the icy heartthrob, looking resentful as he buckled my sandal. Wyatt Stone, the wild bad boy, squatting with a constipated expression as he held my straw to my lips. Caleb Rivers, the disciplined scholar, massaging my calves with a face like he was doing calculus. Emma’s indignation was practically spilling over. I twirled a lock of hair around my finger. As expected of a Mary Sue Saintess heroine. So full of pity. But only for the male leads. Because yes, the three guys waiting on me hand and foot are the male leads of her story. But from where I’m sitting, I’m not bullying anyone. Julian’s ears are blazing red. Wyatt’s "resentful" glare is actually just obsessed puppy eyes. And Caleb’s hands? They’re stuck to me like glue. I’ve dealt with this kind of attention since kindergarten. It’s just another Tuesday. I stepped on Julian’s knee to adjust my shoe, took a sip of Wyatt’s tea, and shook off Caleb’s hands. Crossing my arms, I looked down at Emma. "Let's make a bet." "What bet?" Emma asked, her jaw set with determination. I examined my fresh manicure. "Let's bet on whether or not they're being bullied willingly." "If you can convince them to stay away from me, you win." "If I lose, I'll stop 'bullying' them forever." I emphasized the word "bullying." Because I don't see it that way. I see it as rewarding my loyal dogs. I’m not blind. I know these guys secretly love it. Suddenly, a rhinestone popped off my nail. I frowned at my hand, annoyed. "You three. Don't come looking for me for a while." One of them must have knocked it loose. Clumsy. I turned and walked away. Emma let out a breath she didn't know she was holding and rushed to the boys. "Are you guys okay?" Nobody paid her any attention. The three guys looked miserable. Julian’s handsome face darkened. "Mind your own business." Wyatt sneered, his sharp features twisting in annoyance. "Who asked you to save me?" Caleb’s expression was frosty. "You're annoying." They all walked off in different directions. Emma stood frozen. She couldn't understand why the boys she just "saved" were suddenly so prickly. It wasn't supposed to be like this. 2 I returned to my family’s massive villa for hugs and kisses from Mom. In my room, sitting on my pink princess bed, I binged some trashy romance dramas. My young butler knelt by the bed, peeling grapes for me. His gaze was intense, burning with obsession. I was used to it. The "Main Character Halo" meant everyone loved me. I’ve had countless admirers since I was a kid. The butler was just one of many. If he wasn't so handsome, I wouldn't even let him in here. "Miss Luna, your juice." I took a sip and frowned. "It's warm. Gross." This specific juice tastes awful if it isn't ice-cold. The butler took the glass, lowered his head, and sipped from the exact spot my lips had touched. "I'll make you a fresh one, Miss." I flared up instantly. "Who said you could drink from my glass?!" "I apologize, Miss. I... couldn't resist." He lowered his head, his neck flushing red, his voice strained with repressed desire. "You held it in before, you can hold it in now." "Even if you're about to explode, hold it." I warned him mercilessly. Then I waved my hand in dismissal. "Get out. And throw that cup away." "Yes, Miss." He retreated, eyes lowered. I knew he wouldn't throw the cup away. Anything I discard, he secretly hoards. Total freak. Mom was right. Men are dangerous because they’re always throwing themselves at you. I trust Mom implicitly. She was the heroine of the last book, after all. I inherited her charm, but unfortunately, I'm trapped in a side character role. The butler is loyal and hot, so I let his creepiness slide. "Wait." I stopped him at the door. "Miss?" He turned, attentive. "When Caleb gets home, send him to my room." "Miss?!" The butler looked shocked. "Did you hear me?" My voice was crisp, my face innocent but impatient. "Understood." The butler gripped the tray so hard his knuckles turned white, jealousy twisting his features. I ignored him and went back to my drama. Know thy enemy, win the battle. 3 That night, there was a knock at my door. "Come in." Through the sheer curtains of my canopy bed, I saw Caleb enter. He stood tall, cold, and distant, acting like the perfect gentleman. I rolled my eyes. Gentleman? This morning his hands were wandering all over my legs. Hypocrite. But I wanted to test the plot. Does the "original script" force the three male leads to fall for the heroine and abandon me? Not that I care about being abandoned. The Sterling family runs this city. The original novel said that after the boys fell for Emma, "Luna fled the country in shame." Hilarious. I, Luna Sterling, could fail anywhere, but never in this city. "Caleb." I called out from behind the veil. He finally moved, his voice raspy. "Why did you call me?" "Come here." I pulled back the curtain, extending a pale wrist. Caleb froze. He walked over hesitantly. When he saw me, his pupils dilated. The tips of his ears turned pink, and he looked away. "Luna, put some clothes on..." "Help me." I turned around, exposing the zipper on the back of my black mini-dress. He didn't move for a long time. Just when I was about to get annoyed, hot fingers brushed my skin. The sound of the zipper sliding down was deafening in the quiet room. "Done." His cool voice was thick with something else. I chuckled and turned to face him. "Kneel." I commanded. I hate looking up at him. I'm the only one allowed to look down. Caleb’s face remained impassive as he obediently dropped to one knee. "Say it. What are you to me?" I rested my chin on my hand, watching him. "I am... your servant." He closed his eyes as he said it, his neck flushing a humiliating shade of pink. "Good. Remember that, Caleb. You are Luna Sterling's servant." Like any standard Mary Sue male lead, Caleb has a backstory that requires saving. At least, that’s what Emma thinks. I think I treat him great. His mom is our housekeeper, so we grew up together. He’s my little servant. Of the three boys, Julian is a high school friend, but Wyatt and Caleb are my childhood friends. They’ve always obeyed me. Because I’m me. I thought our dynamic was perfect. But Emma thinks I’m a bully. So, I’ll show her what bullying really looks like. If I can't avoid the plot, I'll ride it. I want to see if these three really have it in them to fall for her. "You heard about the bet with Emma, right?" I twirled my hair idly. Caleb’s voice was low, his face shadowed. "Yes. I heard." "Then watch yourself. If I lose..." I narrowed my eyes threateningly. "I'll make you pay." "I won't let you lose..." He mumbled it so quietly I almost missed it. I saw beads of sweat on his forehead. He looked like he was overheating. "Is my room too hot? You're sweating." Caleb opened his mouth to explain, but his face turned beet red. He shifted his kneeling leg slightly. Silence. I waved my hand, disgusted. "Leave. Don't sweat in my room." Caleb let out a breath and practically fled. Outside, he leaned against the wall, gasping for air. He looked down at his white shirt, soaked through with sweat. His phone buzzed. Group Chat: [The Princess's Dogs] Julian: [Is she mad?] Caleb: [Yeah. Just left her room. She's annoyed.] Wyatt: [It's all that meddling Emma's fault! Tomorrow, I'm putting on her shoes. Don't fight me on this.] Julian: [You wish.] Caleb: [...Scram.] 4 I spent the weekend at home gaming and binging dramas. I didn't message any of them. Today was a key "bonding event" in the original plot for Emma and the boys. I wasn't going to interfere. I loosened the leash. Whether they run or stay is up to them. A well-trained dog doesn't run. But hey, maybe they’re wolves in disguise. I won my game. The drama on TV was getting to the part where the male leads get into a fight and the heroine saves them. Suddenly, my phone rang. "Hello? Wyatt?" My face fell. He wants me to bail him out? What is the heroine doing? Sleeping on the job? I drove to the police station, fuming. All three of them were there. So was Emma. Julian, Wyatt, and Caleb were bruised and battered. I couldn't even look at them. I signed the papers and led them out.
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