Ok this might be me brainwashing myself so we can get a HE but I think the reason ML was so crazy in present time(aside from the fact that he's fr crazy) is bc MC is actually a danger to himself. To explain, the MC obviously has psychological problems, a faulty memory, and a tendency to blame ML to absolve himself of negative emotions. This is not to say ML has not done bad things. But rather that MC has a tendency to subconsciously think the worse of ML, and this makes him feel better, by blaming ML for all his problems. "Why am i so miserable? Its all ML fault". He does this bc the real perpetrators of his life are hard for him to stand up against, he doesn't have the courage. On the other hand, ML loves him and is tolerant of him. MC subconsciously realizes this, so he feels comfortable blaming and taking it out on ML bc it is "safe" for him to do so.
And the ML is leaning into this on purpose(ofc he also has ulterior motives still), he is purposely being the "villain" of MC story. This is bc when MC is left to his own devices, he is unable to battle his bullies(from highschool or present day) so he takes it out on himself(the banging the head against the wall, the suffocation). MC is also seemingly unaware of his own mental illness, which is even more dangerous. ML has probably seen the results of this through his mom who had similar symptoms. He doesn't want the same thing to happen to MC(perhaps suicide). So if he has to be the villain, then so be it. As for the other stuff ML did, not trying to absolve. Hes crazy ok. But this is a case of what pot goes with what lid. Hoping for a HE!
Ok this might be me brainwashing myself so we can get a HE but I think the reason ML was so crazy in present time(aside from the fact that he's fr crazy) is bc MC is actually a danger to himself. To explain, the MC obviously has psychological problems, a faulty memory, and a tendency to blame ML to absolve himself of negative emotions. This is not to say ML has not done bad things. But rather that MC has a tendency to subconsciously think the worse of ML, and this makes him feel better, by blaming ML for all his problems. "Why am i so miserable? Its all ML fault". He does this bc the real perpetrators of his life are hard for him to stand up against, he doesn't have the courage. On the other hand, ML loves him and is tolerant of him. MC subconsciously realizes this, so he feels comfortable blaming and taking it out on ML bc it is "safe" for him to do so.
And the ML is leaning into this on purpose(ofc he also has ulterior motives still), he is purposely being the "villain" of MC story. This is bc when MC is left to his own devices, he is unable to battle his bullies(from highschool or present day) so he takes it out on himself(the banging the head against the wall, the suffocation). MC is also seemingly unaware of his own mental illness, which is even more dangerous. ML has probably seen the results of this through his mom who had similar symptoms. He doesn't want the same thing to happen to MC(perhaps suicide). So if he has to be the villain, then so be it. As for the other stuff ML did, not trying to absolve. Hes crazy ok. But this is a case of what pot goes with what lid. Hoping for a HE!