Don't be near Mark/ Markhyuck

Part 28

Two good days have passed, and they all visited New York together. They were separated by class and strolled through the city's most iconic buildings and neighborhoods. Donghyuck got along well with the majority of people in the class. He had always been quite sociable, even if he might seem a bit more reserved at first.

In the evenings, they had developed the habit of joining Mark for meals. Chenle spent a good hour each time hugging the other tightly, and Mark let him do it as if nothing was amiss. Donghyuck discreetly checked each time to make sure Mark had taken his medication, as Jayden had instructed him.

Mark seemed to take the medication regularly, as he remained calm and appeared less quick to anger. Although at times, others could sense his patience wearing thin.

Jisung and Chenle also quickly noticed that Mark was much calmer than before. They talked to Donghyuck about it, explaining that Mark used to be much harder to deal with, but it wasn't really his fault.

Donghyuck learned that Mark had a genuine disorder; Chenle explained that it was a TEI. Overall, it was a condition that resulted from a shock Mark had experienced, making it now impossible for him to manage to contain his anger during a crises. He could also become angry quickly for no reason. He was diagnosed during his trial, which shortened his prison stay.

Mark: New York sucks; they have no tempter.

Donghyuck: Don't ask me to work here.

Mark: Haha, no, it's too dangerous here. It's better for you to stay in Toronto.

Also, for the past few days, Donghyuck felt that he was getting closer to Mark. They talked a lot and exchanged messages throughout the day, which earned him remarks from Chenle and Jisung.

Mark: Tonight, you should keep my bracelet. I'm not allowed to leave the hotel after 10 PM.

Donghyuck: Chenle and Jisung will notice.

Mark: They know.

Donghyuck looked up, surprised. He glanced at Jisung and Chenle taking photos of a building or teasing each other. They knew?

They knew and continued to act as if they didn't know?

"Chenle, Jisung", call Donghyuck, "do you know about Mark and me? Well, about the job?"

The two quickly lost their smiles, looking at each other before turning their gaze back to Donghyuck. They nodded while looking at the ground.

"Yes, we know," said Jisung, "and we're worried about you, Hyuck.

"But it's reassuring to know that Mark is there to protect you," added Chenle.

Donghyuck didn't know what to say; the two knew very well and acted as if they didn't know. He wondered if they knew other things like that and kept silent.

"Do you know a lot of things?" Donghyuck asked.

"No, just that he's your superior," Chenle replied.

Donghyuck nods; he remains a bit quieter for the rest of the day. The two others understand why and don't add anything. When lunchtime arrives, the two notice that Donghyuck continues to occasionally respond to Mark.

"Do you like Mark?" Chenle suddenly asks.

Donghyuck feels his cheeks slightly redden, and he looks at the other with wide eyes.