Transmigrating to Heal His Heart

The morning sun poured through the curtains, casting golden streaks across the hardwood floor. Joey sat at the dining table, stirring his coffee absentmindedly as his mind replayed the previous night's interactions.

Ethan's guarded expression.

Noah's too-perfect smile.

The way both of them reacted to his subtle shift in behavior.

It was clear—Ethan still didn't trust him, and Noah… Noah was watching him too closely.

Joey took a slow sip of his coffee. He needed to proceed carefully.

The moment of peace was short-lived.

"Joey!"

A loud voice rang through the air, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps.

Joey turned his head just in time to see a boy rush into the room—his so-called best friend, Oliver.

Oliver was grinning, his expression full of mischief. He plopped into the seat across from Joey and swiped a piece of toast from his plate without hesitation.

"You won't believe the rumors going around," Oliver said, his mouth full. "They're saying you've gone soft."

Joey arched a brow. "Oh?"

Oliver leaned in, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Yeah. Apparently, you actually thanked Ethan last night. What the hell was that about?"

Joey chuckled. "Maybe I'm turning over a new leaf."

Oliver snorted. "Yeah, right. You? The guy who once bet on making Ethan angry for a whole week just to see his reaction?"

Joey hummed, taking another sip of coffee. The old Joey really was a piece of work.

Oliver waved a hand. "Anyway, I heard Ethan's headed to the library today. Thought you'd like to know."

Joey tilted his head. The library, huh?

Maybe it was time for another step forward.

---

The Library Encounter

Joey arrived at the university library a little later than planned, weaving through the rows of bookshelves until he spotted a familiar figure near the back.

Ethan sat at one of the study tables, deep in concentration as he flipped through a textbook. His brow was furrowed in thought, a pencil twirling between his fingers.

Joey smirked. Perfect.

He strolled over and casually pulled out the chair across from Ethan.

Ethan barely glanced up. "What do you want?"

Joey placed his chin on his hand, watching him. "What, I can't be interested in books?"

Ethan finally looked up, unimpressed. "No. You can't."

Joey chuckled, leaning back. "Fair point."

Ethan sighed, closing his textbook. "Look, if this is another one of your stupid games—"

"It's not," Joey interrupted smoothly.

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Then why are you here?"

Joey tapped his fingers on the table. He could tell Ethan was still expecting the usual arrogant behavior from him.

Good. That meant he still had the element of surprise.

"Maybe I just wanted to see if you'd still look cute when you're annoyed," Joey said casually.

Ethan blinked. His expression shifted between disbelief and exasperation before settling on irritation. "You—"

"I'm joking," Joey cut in, smirking. "Relax."

Ethan scowled. "Some joke."

Joey's smirk softened. "No, really. I just… wanted to talk."

Ethan hesitated. The suspicion was still there, but there was also a flicker of curiosity.

"…Talk about what?"

Joey shrugged. "Dunno. Maybe about why you helped me the other night."

Ethan looked away. "I already told you. I wasn't going to leave you like that."

"But why?" Joey pressed. "I wouldn't have done the same for you."

Ethan's jaw clenched. "Because I'm not like you."

There it was. The core difference between them.

Joey held Ethan's gaze, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. "Maybe I don't want to be that guy anymore."

Ethan stiffened. "What?"

Joey smirked, standing up. "See you around, Ethan."

And with that, he walked off, leaving Ethan staring after him, utterly bewildered.

---

Meanwhile…

Noah stood outside the library, his fingers clenched around his phone. He had seen everything.

The way Joey approached Ethan. The way he smiled at him.

The way Ethan looked back at him.

Noah's grip tightened.

Joey was supposed to be on his side.

Not Ethan's.

Not anyone else's.

He forced a pleasant expression back onto his face before stepping into the library.

Time to remind Joey of where he belonged.