Transmigrating to Heal His Heart

Joey liked to think he had things under control.

He had a mission: make Rael happy. Simple enough. He was good at making people laugh, at easing tension with well-timed jokes, at finding ways to pull someone out of their misery.

And yet, lately, it didn't feel like just a mission anymore.

Because when Rael smiled, even the tiniest bit, Joey's heart felt lighter.

When Rael leaned against the railing on the rooftop, gazing at the sky with a rare moment of peace, Joey found himself wanting to preserve that image forever.

When Rael laughed—really laughed—Joey had to remind himself that he wasn't supposed to stay.

That thought lingered in his mind as he walked beside Rael after school, their pace unhurried.

"You're quiet today," Rael commented, glancing at him.

Joey snapped out of his thoughts, flashing a grin. "I'm just admiring how cool you look in the sunset."

Rael rolled his eyes but didn't refute it. "You're an idiot."

"And yet, you still choose to hang out with me."

Rael hummed in response, shoving his hands into his pockets. They had fallen into an easy rhythm—something natural, something dangerous.

Joey needed to set some boundaries before he lost himself in this world.

But then Rael asked, "Do you want to come over?"

And Joey—knowing full well that this wasn't a good idea—said, "Sure."

Scene 1: Behind Closed Doors

Rael's apartment was nothing like Joey expected.

He had imagined something cold and impersonal, but instead, it was… quiet. Lived-in. Books stacked on the coffee table, an unfinished cup of tea on the counter, soft instrumental music playing in the background. It felt lonely in a way that settled heavily in Joey's chest.

Rael tossed his keys onto the counter. "Make yourself at home."

Joey plopped onto the couch, stretching his arms. "Man, I feel like I've just unlocked an achievement. 'Rare Invitation to Rael's Den.'"

Rael snorted, pulling off his jacket. "You're the first person I've invited in a long time."

Joey sat up, suddenly serious. "Really?"

Rael hesitated before nodding. "I don't like letting people in."

Too bad, Joey thought, watching him. I already plan on breaking down all your walls.

But he couldn't say that. Not when he wouldn't be here forever.

Rael grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and tossed one to Joey before settling beside him on the couch.

They sat there, the silence between them surprisingly comfortable.

Then Rael spoke.

"You said you were just passing through, right?"

Joey stiffened. "…What makes you say that?"

Rael shrugged. "You don't act like someone who belongs here."

Joey swallowed. Did Rael suspect something?

"I guess I just don't like being tied down," Joey said carefully. "I go where I'm needed."

Rael eyed him for a moment before nodding. "I see."

Joey let out a breath. Crisis averted.

But then Rael added, "I think I hate that about you."

Joey blinked. "Huh?"

Rael turned his gaze toward him, something unreadable in his expression. "You make people feel like they're important to you. But if you don't plan on staying, then what's the point?"

Joey's heart stuttered.

Don't make me answer that.

Rael didn't wait for a response. Instead, he stood up, stretching. "Forget it. It doesn't matter."

Joey watched him walk away, his fingers tightening around the water bottle.

It did matter.

It mattered more than he was willing to admit.

Scene 2: A Faint Echo of the Past

Later that night, Joey lay awake in his bed, staring at the ceiling. The system hadn't spoken since its last warning, but Joey could feel its presence.

Waiting. Watching.

Finally, he muttered, "You're not gonna scold me this time?"

[ …Not yet. ]

Joey huffed. "How generous of you."

[ You're getting attached. ]

Joey didn't reply.

[ And Rael is starting to notice. ]

Joey shut his eyes, willing himself to ignore the ache in his chest.

The system was right.

Rael was starting to see through him. And if he kept pushing, he might get too close to the truth.

Joey should have been more careful.

But the worst part?

He wasn't sure he wanted to be careful anymore.

Scene 3: A Dangerous Proximity

The next day, Joey acted normal. Or at least, he tried to.

He threw himself into being the same mischievous, carefree presence Rael had grown used to. But something had shifted between them.

Rael was watching him more closely. Studying him.

And then, in between classes, when Joey was joking around with some classmates, he caught a glimpse of something he never expected.

Rael.

Watching him.

With a complicated expression.

Joey's breath caught.

Oh no.

He knew that look. He had seen it before.

It was the same way Rael used to look at Rishi.

A quiet, hesitant longing.

Joey felt his heart lurch.

This wasn't supposed to happen.

Rael wasn't supposed to—

Joey shook his head, forcing himself to laugh at a joke one of his classmates made. He couldn't afford to let this spiral.

Rael couldn't fall for him.

Because Joey wasn't meant to stay.

And one day, when the mission was complete, he would have to leave.

But his soul copy?

That part of him would remain.

And Joey could only hope that it would be enough.