Chapter 1The Side Character Complex

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.

* * *

"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.