Help! I'm the Plot Device: Just Here to Save the Heroes

Hangovers, Head Rubs, and Hidden Talents"

"Please, please, please!" Jerry begged.

Yan An's eyes snapped open, sharp again. The door slid open. Yuanzhou entered with a tray, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. "You're up."

A ripple of light-and suddenly, a snow-white cat lounged on the bed, tail flicking with arrogant elegance.

Jerry spun around, plastering a stiff smile on his face. "Y-yeah! I am, brother."

Yuanzhou stepped closer, studying him. "Are you okay?"

Jerry jolted, then nodded too quickly. "Of course! Never better."

His brother patted his shoulder with quiet affection. "I brought you soup. It'll help with the hangover."

Jerry's gaze flickered to the tray on the table. "Ah... thank you." He blinked hard, trying to steady his expression.

Yuanzhou's eyes caught the cat on the bed. He chuckled softly. "And who is this guest?" He reached a hand out-

Jerry grabbed his arm, a little too sharply. "He's not tamed yet-still fierce. Might bite you."

"Oh," Yuanzhou withdrew his hand without pressing, still smiling.

Jerry awkwardly scooped the cat onto his lap. The feline tilted its head, golden eyes locking onto his with unnerving intensity. Jerry forced a shaky grin.

Yuanzhou lifted the bowl from the tray and offered it. "Here. Drink."

Jerry accepted it with both hands, setting it carefully on the bed. "Thank you, brother."

Yuanzhou's gaze lingered on the cat. "What's its name?"

Jerry's throat bobbed. "Ah-ahh-it's... Chu Chu."

"Chu Chu?" Yuanzhou's brows lifted in amusement.

At that exact moment, claws pricked through Jerry's robe into his thigh. He straightened so stiffly he looked like a soldier at parade. "Y-yes. Chu Chu."

Yuanzhou's chuckle was warm. "I see." Then, after a pause, "About last night... you said-"

Jerry nearly choked. "Last night? What happened last night?"

Yuanzhou shook his head with a small smile. "Nothing. Rest well." He turned for the door.

Jerry followed, bobbing his head furiously. "Yes, brother, thank you." He closed the door with shaky hands, leaned against it, and let out a long breath.

When he turned, the cat was gone. Yan An lay sprawled lazily back on the bed, one arm tucked behind his head.

"Chu Chu?" Yan An drawled, smirking.

Jerry wilted. "...Sorry."

Yan An rose, brushing down his robes. "I'll leave-for now."

Relief washed over Jerry. "For now, right, yes, of course."

But Yan An's steps closed the distance between them. His voice lowered, smooth and dangerous.
"You're under my territory now. And you'll help me find my seal."

Jerry blinked. "But... you said you didn't need my help earlier."

"I changed my mind." Yan An's smile was slow, deliberate. "It'll be easier with you inside the palace."

Jerry's face crumpled into a weepy grimace. "...Of course..."

Yan An chuckled softly, stepping toward the window. His silhouette caught the morning light, sharp and untouchable.

Jerry collapsed onto the bed, flailing his legs weakly in despair. "Why meeee..."

Before vanishing out the window, Yan An cast one last glance back, eyes glinting.