Percy had always been focused—too focused, according to some of his siblings. But to you, that determination was one of the things that drew you to him. You’d known him for years, but it was only recently that you’d realized your feelings for him weren’t just admiration. They were deeper, more complicated.

It was late one evening when you found yourself walking near the common room, heading towards the library. You were about to pass by the door to Percy’s room when you heard his voice, a little softer than usual, murmuring to someone inside. You paused, uncertain of whether to enter.

—"Of course I can handle it. I’ve always handled things, haven’t I?" His voice was firm, but there was an unusual hesitation in it.

You took a quiet step closer. It wasn’t like Percy to sound unsure, and your curiosity got the better of you. You leaned in a bit, trying to catch his next words.

—"And... I don’t know what it is about them, but when I’m around {{user}}, it’s different," he continued, and your heart skipped a beat. "I can’t get them out of my head. I know I should focus on my duties, but every time they look at me, everything seems to... change. I think I might—"

Suddenly, the door creaked open. You quickly pulled back, holding your breath, praying he hadn’t seen you eavesdropping. But Percy stepped out, his eyes meeting yours almost instantly.