Chapter 1.2

Seeing him rushing over, Joey asked the system in his mind, "System, does he know the original Joey?"

"Yes, he is..." The system began to explain in its mechanical voice but was quickly cut off by Joey. "Just send me the memories directly."

The system stopped time and transmitted the memories, causing a sharp headache that gradually faded.

Hosts have the option to receive memories or not, as some prefer to avoid the headaches or prevent themselves from becoming too emotionally attached.

From his memories,this was Ayan Wright, the spare tire of the heroine and a friend of the original Joey since they became desk mates in middle school. He was also the reason the original Joey transferred to this school.

Ayan slowed down his pace. "Joey, you finally transferred!" he said excitedly. "I'm so happy we're together again. Let me show you around!" He grabbed Joey's wrist eagerly.

"Wait," Joey stopped him, glancing to the side—Rael was already gone.

Seeing Ayan looking at him strangely, Joey quickly composed himself. "Okay, let's go." He could always meet Rael in class.

They talked endlessly as they completed their tour. "And this will be your class from now on," Ayan said with a smile.

"Let's go, it's already time for class to start," Ayan added.

"Okay," Joey replied.

Just as they were about to enter, Ayan suddenly stopped in his tracks, scratching his head awkwardly. "Uh... Joey, there's already someone sitting beside me," he admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed. After all, he had been the one who insisted Joey transfer schools so they could spend more time together.

"Oh, don't worry about it," Joey said with a teasing smile. "This should be the beauty you were talking about, hm?"

Ayan's face instantly turned red. "You...!" he sputtered, flustered.

Joey laughed, his voice light and carefree.

Hearing that laughter—like a melody—Ayan found himself momentarily dazed. It wasn't his fault; his friend was a beautiful boy with a voice that was just as pleasing. Snapping out of it as the bell rang, he quickly shook off his thoughts, distracting himself by imagining his goddess instead.

Ayan went to his seat, blushing suspiciously when the original heroine, Maya, greeted him.

Meanwhile, Joey stood next to the teacher, a middle-aged woman with glasses.

"Students, we have a new classmate today. Welcome him," the teacher announced.

The room erupted in claps, accompanied by hushed whispers.

"Is this cutie really in our class?" one of the girls murmured excitedly.

"We're so lucky! First Rishi, then Theo, and now another handsome boy," another student whispered.

Joey resisted the urge to laugh at their reactions, maintaining his usual charming smile.

At the teacher's hint, Joey began his introduction in a clear voice.

"Hello everyone, I'm Joey Sinclair. I hope we get along well."

"Silence!" the teacher shouted over the murmurs and scattered boos in the class. Once the noise died down, she continued, "Now, Joey, choose your seat."

Joey glanced around the room. Only two seats were left, both in the back. One was beside a boy with ear piercings and messy hair—the typical bad-boy type, Theo. The other was next to Rishi, who sat quietly, focused on his books.

This wasn't even a choice worth hesitating over. Without a second thought, Joey made his way to the seat beside Rishi.

Rishi lifted his gaze for a brief moment, his expression unreadable, before looking back down at his books.

Joey sat down and flashed a bright smile. "Hi, we meet again. It must be fate." His white teeth gleamed as he smiled.

Rishi glanced at him, his expression unreadable. In his mind, he thought, Stupid. But he didn't say anything and simply returned his attention to his books.

As the class settled down, the teacher adjusted her glasses and looked around. "Alright, before we begin, Rishi, collect everyone's homework."

Rishi stood up silently, picking up the stack of assignments as he moved from desk to desk. His movements were efficient, his expression neutral—this was routine for him.

Joey rested his chin on his hand, watching with mild curiosity. Since he was new, he knew he was exempt from this task.

When Rishi reached the back, Rael, who had been staring down at his desk the entire time, quietly slid his notebook forward without looking up. His fingers barely brushed the edge of Rishi's hand before pulling away as if burned.

Rishi hesitated for half a second, his gaze flickering toward Rael, but he didn't say anything. He took the notebook and moved on.

When Rishi stopped at Theo's desk, the so-called bad boy leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. He didn't even glance at his bag, making it obvious he had no intention of handing anything in.

"Theo," Rishi said flatly, already expecting this.

Theo shrugged, lazily tilting his head to the side. "I forgot."

Silence filled the room for a brief moment before a few students whispered among themselves. This wasn't new—Theo never did his homework.

Unfazed, Rishi simply turned and walked toward the teacher's desk. He placed the collected assignments in front of her before adding in a clear voice, "Theo didn't submit his homework. Again."

The teacher sighed in irritation, pushing her glasses up. "Theo, step outside and stand in the hallway. You'll stay there for the entire period."

With an exaggerated groan, Theo stood up, shoving his hands into his pockets. As he walked past the rows of desks, his classmates either ignored him or shrank away, avoiding eye contact. Some feared getting on his bad side, while others simply didn't want to be associated with him.

Joey, however, watched with amusement. So this is the second male lead.

Theo fit the bad-boy stereotype perfectly—messy hair, piercings, a rebellious attitude. He was the type who didn't care about rules, preferring to do things his own way. And, of course, he's the one Maya is supposed to reform.

As Theo dragged his feet toward the door, Joey's gaze shifted to Maya. Unlike the rest of the class, who either ignored the situation or found it entertaining, she looked genuinely concerned. Her lips were slightly parted as if she wanted to say something, but she hesitated, her fingers lightly gripping the edges of her desk.

Joey almost chuckled.

Maya, the heroine, always had a soft spot for troubled souls. He could already see how this would go—she'd try to help Theo, see the "real him" hidden under all that rebellion, and eventually, he'd change for her.

But, Joey smirked to himself, things won't be that simple this time.