POISONED YOUTH: TWISTED

CHAPTER 45

"Lee fucking Donghyuck, stop this instant!" Mark caught the younger man's hand and forcefully halted him in the hallway.

"What now?"

Haechan barely had time to turn before Mark's fist connected with his face.

The impact sent him stumbling backward.

Haechan slowly straightened, his tongue pressing against the inside of his cheek as he tasted blood. He wiped the corner of his busted lower lip with his thumb and looked at Mark with an almost amused expression.

"Wow. Thanks. I deserved that."

Mark shook out his hand, wincing slightly. "You do know Yeoreum can feel this too, right?"

"Oh, fuck," he muttered, suddenly remembering the bond.

Mark lifted his bruised knuckles and shrugged. "My hand slipped. Apparently, they really wanted to touch your face."

Despite everything, Haechan let out a deep chuckle.

But Mark's expression quickly turned serious.

"Don't do this, Hyuck."

"Hm?"

"She needs you, and I know you need her too."

"I don't need anyone."

"Anyone but her." Mark stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Let me remind you that you can barely survive five days without her."

Haechan clicked his tongue and turned away.

"Don't ever turn your back when I'm talking, Lee Donghyuck. You know I hate that."

Haechan stopped. He slowly turned on his heel and stared at Mark, his glare sharp enough to make the older boy sigh.

"Let her in, Hyuck."

"She was hurt because of me."

"You can protect her."

"I can't."

Mark stared at him for a few seconds before stopping himself from saying something he would regret. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to compose himself.

"For fuck's sake." He rubbed his face. "Go to her."

"No."

"Or else I'll call Jaehyun."

Haechan's expression darkened. He cursed under his breath before turning around and walking away, refusing to acknowledge anything else Mark said.

Mark remained where he was, staring after him in disbelief.

"I don't know anymore." He dragged both hands through his hair.

That boy was seriously stressing everyone out.