Human Touch

Description

I'M IN CONTROL.

Mark thinks he's normal like everyone else, minus the fact that he doesn't like people touching him - not even his aunt Tiffany, his legal guardian after his late mother. He doesn't just dislike physical contact, he hates it. So much that it feels like his skin is on fire, it hurts so badly he gets panic attacks. 

I'M NOT SICK.

After being diagnosed with haphephobia and under the doctor's recommendation, Mark is sent to Larson House, a specially set up sickhouse for youngsters with mental disorders, isolated from their worries until they are fully healthy. Mark hates the idea of being around strangers, which increases the possibility of being touched. His worst fears come true and he hates every second being in Larson House - the food, the pathetic support group sessions, not to mention his annoying roommate Donghyuck....

I'M FINE...

But after half a year, Mark's condition doesn't seem to be getting any better. He gets nightmares, wakes up in the middle of the night gasping for air and shirt damp with cold sweat. With a double disorder diagnosis, leaving Larson House for him seems to be distant. Until one night, another one of his panic attacks occurs without anyone knowing, Mark believes that would be the end of him. But fate does the strangest things...

ONE TOUCH CAN DO WONDERS.

Now Donghyuck is the only person Mark seems to allow to touch him physically, and it's a problem. He sees him all day, shares a room with him - but can't seem to feel close enough to him. Despite being a patient, Mark hardly sees him having any panic attacks, almost as if he's already healthy. Or is he?

I'M IN CONTROL. 

Foreword

"My mom used to tell me that if you repeat something over and over again, it loses its meaning. Same goes to fears, Mark. Try focusing on something that makes you happy," Donghyuck said gently, I had never heard him talk like that (probably scared of me).

"I can't remember the last time I had happy thoughts..." I murmured with my eyes closed.

"How about something you like?"

I thought hard and came to a conclusion, "Music, I like music."

"Then focus on my voice, and nothing else okay?" and then the silence was replaced with the voice of...something almost like an angel. I thought it wouldn't work, but my heart started slowing down and before I knew it I took longer breaths. I didn't feel like suffocating anymore. 

When I opened my eyes, I saw Donghyuck looking down at the floor all shy. He was tracing circles with his index finger, and for once he wasn't the loud and obnoxious boy I hated. 

At that moment, he was the only thing that kept me sane.

 



I'm entering this story for the competition below! Hurry and enter too if you're interested!

https://www.asianfanfics.com/story/view/1268489/neocity-an-nct-writing-contest-2tae-writingcontest-haesung-chensung-renchan-smrookies-jaeyong-markhyuck-yutae-taeten-tenny-dojae-yuten-winkun-nct-yusol-nctu-johnsol-jaeno-markmin-johnil-dota-dotae-tensol-johnyong-doten-tenyoung-nct127-yuwin-johnwin-nctdream-haeno-markno-renle-yukten-noren-renhyuck-nctzen
 

Credits to MYSHOP FOR THE AMAZING POSTER! CHECK IT OUT!

https://www.asianfanfics.com/story/view/1281635/

Credits to Light Livid Dreams for the awesome review!!! Check them out!

https://www.asianfanfics.com/story/view/1302027/light-livid-dreams-a-review-shop-open-request-requestshop-kpopidols-reviewshop-reviewers-storyshop-writingadvice-hiringreviewers

#neocity
#nct
#taeilstan;)

Swareece
It's finally the end! But above all, let's support NCT and spread their name TO THE WORLD! ^^

Comments

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LeeJiyoung_23 #1
Chapter 5: it's so beautiful, i love the way you handled the topic, mental illness is not an easy one but you did really great! thank you for creating such a beautiful story, love it!!
yeheting_chogiwa
#2
Chapter 5: Thank you so much for writing such a beautiful story! I loved how you didn’t use any sort of romance, but used strong friendship to help heal a person. I loved it!!!
jibiwrite #3
I am so impressed by how you handled the subject matter in this story. Mental illness is such a taboo topic, but I'm happy that people are finding mediums and outlets to further the conversation. I look forward to the sequel of this story. Keep up the great work!
niccheng #4
Chapter 5: i just found this out! and man! this is a master piece!!! <3
gemgyu407 #5
Chapter 5: So goodddddd
the7thsenseawakens
#6
Chapter 6: oMG YAY! TOTALLY HYPED RN
the7thsenseawakens
#7
Chapter 5: thank you so much for making this story! It was so beautiful and artistic! This is so heartbreaking yet so heartwarming at the same time :)
EXOFIGHTING7132 #8
Chapter 5: Thank you for writing such a beautiful story. I learned some phobias and how they are created recently and the plot follows nicelywith it.
KeepThisaSecret
#9
Chapter 5: I really enjoyed reading this. It's not about romance, but friendship. Two people that are alike but completely different come together and help each other heal. Mental illness is a really touchy subject but you wrote it beautifully.
Zerooo_082 #10
Chapter 5: Ahh..this is sweet! I like donghyuck and mark brothership!! ♡♡♡