Love's So Contagious

Spread

Mew avoided glancing around the extravagant condo. It used to be a factory where bricks were made, or something like that. His great-grandfather had tragically died in an accident there. Now, it had transformed into luxury condos, symbolizing the city's evolution.

"The Legal Hall. Quite a fitting location for a meningitis outbreak," Gulf remarked, scratching his head.

"But it's not an outbreak," Mew countered, tapping his foot on the impeccably polished floor. "It's an attack."

Gulf shook his head, as if Mew had startled him awake from a nap or something. "Yeah, sorry. Technically, it's still considered an outbreak. But it's not a natural one, you know? It's just the term we use when a disease suddenly appears in a population. Whether it was intentionally planted or happened naturally doesn't really matter when it comes to treatment." He sighed and rubbed his tired face. "So, am I right to assume that those patients are all being transported to Rathanburi Medical, or have they already arrived?"

"They're on their way. Dealing with prisoners makes it more complicated," Mew replied, crossing his arms.

"Let's hope the guards are vaccinated," Gulf said with a grimace, before turning around and making his way back to the kitchen.

"Where are you off to?" Mew trailed behind him.

"I was at the hospital until six this morning, and then Chen Rathakorn woke me up at nine. I need some coffee before I go anywhere." He took a travel mug from the cabinet. "Want some?"

Mew blinked. "Huh?"

"Coffee. Caffeine. The magic potion that wakes you up. A hug from a cup." He grabbed another mug and shook it.

"Oh, okay. Thanks." Mew looked puzzled. "Why were you at the hospital so late?"

Gulf poured the coffee into the cups. He avoided eye contact with Mew. "I couldn't bear to leave my patients, especially Mild. So, I decided to stay. Did you hear about the flu outbreak in the county?"

Mew wrinkled his nose. "Ew, that's awful."

"It's a yearly thing. We encourage everyone to get their flu shots. Most people just feel under the weather for a bit and then recover. But the elderly are hit the hardest." Gulf handed a travel mug to Mew. "You strike me as someone who prefers their coffee black. Let's head out."

Mew trailed behind Gulf as they made their way to the parking lot. However, instead of getting into the driver's seat, Mew opened the passenger door of his patrol car. With a playful wink, he said, "You better get used to this, Doc. We're going to be spending a whole lot of time together until we solve this mystery." Mew couldn't help but admire Gulf's charming pixie-like face, despite his shorter stature.

Gulf paused for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck. "If someone is intentionally spreading bacterial meningitis, shouldn't we involve the CID?" he questioned.

Mew settled into the driver's seat and replied, "Your boss, Kanidsorn, already made that call. He contacted me before sending me to fetch you."

"He didn't even bother to call?" Gulf leaned back in his seat. "Not that I'm not happy to see you, but it's a bit strange, especially since Chen already woke me up."

"Why do you even put up with that guy?"

Gulf just shrugged. There wasn't much time for small talk. They drove straight to the hospital, just a short five-minute ride from Gulf's luxurious condo.

As soon as Gulf stepped out of the car, any sign of tiredness vanished. He stood tall and confident; Dr. Kanawut instead of Gulf. "What's the situation? How many patients do we have?"