AGAINST THE WORLD || MARKYONG [#2]

Sharp Edges

"If he does have Schizophrenia, that would explain Lee Kyungmin's sudden resurrection. He claimed that he hasn't touched alcohol or drugs, and he isn't in any physical pain. I believe that he was experiencing manic delirium. It's a poorly researched symptom, but Mark's recollection seems to fit the bill, including the prospective hallucination," said Doctor Kim. "It has been reported primarily to occur in tandem with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. Obviously they're incredibly different conditions. We need to confirm whether Mark was genuinely attacked by Lee Kyungmin or if he was hallucinating at the time of the attack before we can progress. Do you have a way to find out who attacked him?"

Taeil didn't want to get Detective Kim involved, but it was beginning to look like he didn't have much choice. He was still annoyed by the latter's decision to report Taeyong and Mark's location without telling him beforehand, even if he understood why the elder did it. "I have an acquaintance that I could reach out to, but I'm not sure if he'd be willing to help. I'll figure something out. He should be able to tell me whether Lee Kyungmin actually died in prison or if it was a cover-up."

"I'm not sure which outcome will be best. Either way, I'm sure I don't need to say this to you, but be careful with Mark. If he does have Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder, his behavior may continue to change. Try not to put too much pressure on him while you investigate. I'll help however I can, so keep me in the loop."

"Are Mark and Taeyong still together?" asked Taeil, standing up though he was hesitating to separate the two again. "I should take Mark back to the apartment."

"Wait—there's one more thing. I assume Doctor Jeong hasn't contacted you about Taeyong's neurological condition?"

Furrowing his brow, Taeil sat back down. He must have missed Doctor Jeong's call. "His results are back? Was it Multiple Sclerosis as everybody was assuming?"

"They are, but no, it wasn't. I think you should call Doctor Jeong before you see Taeyong. Neurology isn't my specialty, so I don't think it's my place to discuss his condition with you before a professional," said Doctor Kim. "Taeyong and Mark know. That's why I've let them talk for so long."

"You're making me nervous..." said Taeil, reaching into his pocket for his phone.

"I'll give you some space. I'll be outside when you're ready to collect Mark."

Taeil watched as Doctor Kim neared the door. It must have been serious. He found Doctor Jeong's contact and hovered his finger over the screen, taking a deep breath as the door clicked shut, and pressed call.

—

Taeyong let out a gentle sigh, turning his head as he leaned on Mark's shoulder. They'd been sitting in a comfortable silence for a short while. Neither of them needed to speak, they were merely enjoying each other's company. Mark's eyes were gently closed, but Taeyong knew he wasn't asleep, as the younger was caressing his hand with his thumb in a soothing manner. He wished that they could stay there forever, but he knew that they couldn't. Mark would have to return to Taeil's apartment, and Taeyong couldn't leave Daehak. As much as he'd prefer that it wasn't the case, he knew that it was impossible.

Opening his eyes, Mark looked over to Taeyong and smiled slightly at the elder as their eyes met. "Taeyong, I didn't want to bring this up here, but... I don't think I'll get a better opportunity for us to talk about this without Taeil around," he said in a quiet voice, his expression shifting into a frown. "I think that the bodies have been found."

"Have those detectives been bothering you?" asked Taeyong, lifting his head from Mark's shoulder.

"No, not yet. Not exactly, anyway. They told me that they know you have killed since we escaped. I think they think you killed those men," the younger explained and cleared his throat. "I acted like I didn't know anything, but... I think they're onto us."