Chapter 2.2

The unpleasant scent of antiseptic filled the hospital room as Joey sat on the edge of the bed, rolling his stiff shoulders. The white walls and the soft beeping of the heart monitor contrasted sharply with the mess in his mind.

The slight chill in the air served as a reminder—he was no longer in his original body. A quick glance at his reflection in the bedside mirror confirmed it—defined features, tousled dark hair, and piercing eyes that appeared both arrogant and distant.

A face that belonged to a notorious playboy.

A face that Ethan, the original protagonist of this world, loathed.

Joey exhaled slowly, his gaze shifting to the young man standing near the doorway, arms crossed over his chest like a protective barrier,his Target, Ethan.

His posture itself spoke volume of his discomfort, as if being in the same room as Joey was an unbearable thing. Joey didn't blame him—after all, the original owner of this body had spent years mocking and belittling Ethan, treating him like a punchline.

And then there was Noah.

Noah stood to Joey's right, wearing a concerned smile. But Joey didn't miss the cold glint in his eyes. The boy exuded warmth and friendliness, but something about it felt off .

"Joey, you alright now?" Noah asked with a concerned tone while tilting his head . "You scared the hell out of us, passing out like that."

Joey blinked confused. Us?

His gaze flickered back to Ethan.

So Ethan was the one who actually got me to the hospital.

A small smile tugged at Joey's lips, but he quickly stifled it.

"Well, I appreciate the concern," he replied smoothly.

Ethan scoffed, his lips pressing into a thin line. "Don't act like this is some friendly situation. You drank yourself stupid, and I can't let someone die in front of me even if it was someone annoying ."

Joey's smile widened. Classic Ethan. Always putting on a tough front, even when he was being kind.

Noah chuckled, nudging Joey's arm playfully. "See? Even Ethan cares about you."

The words were meant to be lighthearted, but Joey noticed the way Ethan's jaw tightened slightly.

Noah was testing.

If Joey responded too warmly, Noah might grow suspicious. If he acted too cold, he'd risk pushing Ethan further away.

Balance, Joey. Find the balance.

He let out a short laugh and leaned back against the pillows. "Well, since you care so much, Ethan, should I expect you to be my personal babysitter now?"

Ethan rolled his eyes. "Don't push your luck."

But Joey noticed how Ethan's gaze lingered on him for just a moment longer, as if he were trying to figure something out.

A nurse entered then, breaking the tension. "Mr. Miller, you're free to leave, but avoid excessive drinking and get some rest."

Joey grinned. "No promises."

Noah patted his shoulder lightly. "Come on, I'll take you home."

Ethan turned to leave, and for a moment, Joey considered letting him go. But something inside him wouldn't allow this to end on such a bitter note.

"Ethan."

The name slipped off Joey's tongue easily, causing Ethan to pause. He didn't turn around, but Joey could tell he was listening.

"…Thanks."

It wasn't much. Just a simple word. But it was enough to make Ethan hesitate before finally walking out the door.

Joey smirked to himself.

One step at a time.

---

Later That Night

Joey sat in front of his bedroom mirror, studying his reflection. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast long shadows across his face, sharpening his features.

His mind replayed everything that had happened since he arrived in this world.

The original Joey had been arrogant, reckless, and a relentless flirt. He had built a reputation for toying with people's feelingsvand bullying peoples, and Ethan had been his favorite target.

Noah, despite his friendly behaviour, was keeping a close eye on him. Joey had felt it—the subtle way Noah observed him, as if searching for cracks in his usual behavior.

And Ethan…

Joey leaned forward, resting his elbows on the wooden desk.

Ethan wasn't the cold, untouchable person the original Joey had made him out to be. He had a strong sense of responsibility—why else would he have ensured Joey got to the hospital?But there was a barrier between them, one forged from years of resentment and distrust.

Joey needed to break it down.

But that would require time.

A system notification suddenly appeared in the air before him.

[Mission Progress: 2%]

Joey sighed. Just 2%?

Joey turned back to the strange feeling he got when he thought of Rael.He could not pinpoint why he was feeling this way, Although he and Rael had be friends,they were not that close.

He stretched his arms overhead and collapsed onto the bed. He had a lot of work ahead of him,he should not waste time thinking of the past.

Tomorrow, he would take another step forward.

For now, he allowed himself to relax, the gentle hum of the system's presence fading into the background.

---

Meanwhile…

In a dimly lit room across town, Noah sat on the edge of his bed, fixated on his phone. The light from the screen highlighted his sharp features, his usual bright smile absent.

He scrolled through old messages—the ones from Joey before the accident. Flirtatious, teasing, reckless Joey.

Joey, who had always been by his side.

Joey, who was now acting… differently.

His grip on the phone tightened.

Something had shifted.

And he didn't like this change, not at all.