Travelling through worlds to heal hearts

Joey liked to think he had everything under control.

He had a goal: make Rael happy. It seemed straightforward enough. He was skilled at making people laugh, easing tension with perfectly timed jokes, and finding ways to lift someone out of their gloom.

Yet, recently, it felt like more than just a goal.

Because when Rael smiled, even just a little, Joey's heart felt lighter.

When Rael leaned against the rooftop railing, staring at the sky in a rare moment of tranquility, Joey wished he could capture that moment forever.

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

That thought echoed in his mind as he walked alongside Rael after school, their pace leisurely.

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

Joey snapped back to reality, offering a grin. "I'm just admiring how great you look in the sunset."

Rael rolled his eyes but didn't argue. "You're such an idiot."

"And yet, you still choose to spend time with me."

Rael hummed in agreement, stuffing his hands into his pockets. They had settled into a comfortable rhythm—something natural, yet something risky.

Joey knew he needed to establish some boundaries before he lost himself in this situation.

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

And Joey—fully aware that this wasn't the best idea—replied, "Sure."

Scene 1: Behind Closed Doors

Rael's apartment was nothing like what Joey had imagined.

He had pictured something cold and uninviting, but instead, it was… quiet. It felt lived-in. Books were piled on the coffee table, an unfinished cup of tea sat on the counter, and soft instrumental music played in the background. It had a lonely atmosphere that settled heavily in Joey's chest.

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

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

Rael chuckled, taking 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, an unreadable expression on his face. "You make people feel important to you. But if you don't plan on sticking around, then what's the point?"

Joey's heart skipped a beat.

Don't make me answer that.

Rael didn't wait for an answer. Instead, he stood up and stretched. "Forget it. It doesn't matter."

Joey watched him walk away, his grip 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 bed, staring at the ceiling. The system hadn't spoken since its last warning, but he could feel its presence.

Waiting. Watching.

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

[ …Not yet. ]

Joey huffed. "How generous of you."

[ You're getting attached. ]

Joey stayed silent.

[ And Rael is starting to notice. ]

He shut his eyes, trying to ignore the ache in his chest.

The system was right.

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

Joey should have been more cautious.

But the worst part?

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

Scene 3: A Dangerous Proximity

The next day, Joey tried to act normal. Or at least, he made an effort.

He threw himself into being the same mischievous, carefree presence Rael had come to expect. But something had changed between them.

Rael was watching him more closely, studying him.

And then, during a break between classes, while Joey was joking around with some friends, he caught sight of something he never anticipated.

Rael.

Staring at him.

With a look that was hard to read.

Joey's breath hitched.

Oh no.

He recognized that expression. He had seen it before.

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

A quiet, uncertain yearning.

Joey felt his heart skip a beat.

This wasn't supposed to happen.

Rael wasn't meant to—

Joey shook his head, forcing himself to chuckle at a joke one of his classmates told. He couldn't let this get out of hand.

Rael couldn't have feelings for him.

Because Joey wasn't meant to stick around.

And one day, when the mission was done, he would have to go.

But his soul copy?

That part of him would stay behind.

And Joey could only wish that it would be enough.