The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting warm golden rays across the hardwood floor. Joey sat at the dining table, stirring his coffee with a distracted air.
Ethan stood guard in front of him, while Noah… Noah was watching him a bit too closely.
Joey took a slow sip of his coffee, knowing he had to tread carefully.
That moment of tranquility didn't last long.
"Joey!"
A loud voice pierced the air, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps.
Joey turned just in time to see a boy burst into the room—his so-called best friend, Oliver.
Oliver was grinning, mischief dancing in his eyes. He plopped down in the seat across from Joey and snatched a piece of toast from his plate without a second thought.
"You won't believe the rumors going around," Oliver said, laughter spilling from his mouth full of food. "They're saying you've gone soft."
Joey raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"
Oliver leaned in, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yeah. Apparently, you actually thanked Ethan last night. What's up with that?"
Joey chuckled. "Maybe I'm turning over a new leaf."
Oliver snorted. "Yeah, right. You? The guy who once bet on making Ethan's school life miserable for a whole week just because Noah looked sad?"
Joey hummed, taking another sip of his coffee. The old Joey really was something else.
Oliver waved a hand dismissively, thinking it was just another whim. "Anyway, I heard Ethan's headed to the library today. Thought you'd want to know."
Joey tilted his head. The library, huh?
Maybe it was time to take another step forward.
---
The Library Encounter
Joey arrived at the university library a bit later than he intended, scanning the rows of seats until he spotted a familiar figure at the back.
Ethan was seated at one of the study tables, lost in thought as he flipped through a textbook. His brow was furrowed, a pencil twirling between his fingers.
Joey smirked. Perfect.
He strolled over and casually pulled out the chair across from Ethan.
Ethan barely looked up. "What do you want?"
Joey placed his chin on his hand, tilting his head. "What, can't I 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, saying with wary tone ."Then why are you here?"
Instead of answering instantly,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 in his usual flirty voice.
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 then.
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 in the hidden corner of corridor, watching all this unfold,his face hidden in darkness.
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.
It seems he need to remind Joey of where he belongs.