After several days of this nonsense, when it becomes apparent that the situation has not only failed to dissipate but actually worsened, Mello decides it's become necessary to take action. (He tried, Near; he honestly did. Maybe he's more affected by the temple's emotional influence than he anticipated after all, because the idea of some irreparable harm coming to Near is something Mello can no longer tolerate.)

"I'm going out," he says to Near, jaw tense. "Stay here."