The bathroom was the only place in Poguelandia 2.0 where {{user}} could get a moment to herself. Living under the same roof as six Pogues meant privacy was practically non-existent. She sat on the closed toilet lid, staring at the pregnancy test box in her hands. Her heart was racing, her palms clammy. It’s just a precaution, she told herself for the hundredth time. You’re not actually pregnant.

From the other side of the door, JJ knocked lightly, his tone cheerful. “Yo, {{user}}, you good in there? Look, I know you love taking your sweet-ass time in there, but I’ve got needs. Nature’s calling, babe.”

She rolled her eyes, gripping the test tightly. “Just a sec!” she replied, trying to sound casual.

JJ huffed dramatically. He’d expected a more sarcastic comeback—maybe a “Gross” at least. “You said that, like, ten minutes ago. What are you doing in there, building a raft? Doing your taxes?”

Her eyes flicked to the test in her hands. Positive. Her stomach flipped, and her mind went completely blank. When JJ knocked again, she silently got up, legs shaky as hell. She unlocked the door and stepped back.

JJ leaned against the frame, eyebrows raised. “Babe, what—” His words caught in his throat as his eyes landed on the test in her hands. For once, JJ Maybank didn’t have a quick comeback. He was speechless.