• Trial is back on operation •

JUDGE : Please proceed.

The case then raved up a smooth acceleration on the defendant's side of the debating stage.

Attorney Wang with his well pronounced and wise selection of words presented the audio recording before the court.

Seong PD's eyes were sharp enough to identify the white bodied cell phone being handed over to the courtroom staff. A sudden rush of cold sweat sprayed out of his sweat glands with the harsh sounds of slaps echoing into the quiet room.

Namjoon tried his best distracting his attention to somewhere else. The recording seemed to hypnotize his mind towards it, nonetheless.

The silence maintained to listen to every little detail, Namjoon was having it harder to water down his growing fire. Maybe the tame of extraordinary strengths helped a little on the positive side, it still fumed so high inside him that he was burning hot. His eyes fixed on the wooden furnishes of the table, palms interlocked to resist each other's wrath. Sweat of rage glistening his forehead while the formal suit suffocated his breathing.

It was the scant benevolence that the Attorney's assuring hand, on his shoulder, blocked from exiting Namjoon's conscience. The fine line of law, that rooted him with restraints.

The muffled sounds due to her bag didn't quite help to prevent him from imagining Seong PD's filth brushing over Seol Ah as she screamed for help.
And with each faint voice of her, mostly whimpers, Namjoon's thumbs jousted among themselves. It was not too long until the fluidy sensation was lightly perceived, the corners of his thumbs effused out blood.

If it wasn't for the human touch, Attorney's hand, Namjoon would've blown out at the tremendous amount of vex floating his insides.

With Ok Tak testifying how he escorted Seol Ah back to the neighborhood, the audio confirmed his words right after.
Attorney was meticulous to make use of the second clip dated a year back against Kim Seong. The one, which had the entire recording of the chat between Seong PD and Namjoon, after Chae Ri left the cabin.

It was once and for all, the prosecution to be taken down for good until the hell freezed over. Fortunately, this time the court on grounds such as the missing link of Chae Ri's presense in the agency and his mention of how amazed he was of Namjoon's talent over the album- announced the plagiarism, a false accusation.

From the previous debate alone, the quality in the evidences presented by the defendants almost began to bias the judge towards them. The revelation of the book connections had been the precursor.

With his conscience, the Judge was deliberately trying to favor Namjoon having the sharp scrutiny for the needless extra informations provided by the prosecution.

The amount sure made their claims heavier, it was lacking the instinctive realism. Often the perfection in lies give out a lot about the suppressed truth- one of the Judge's treasured beliefs.

JUDGE : In sight with all the evidences and testimonies of a 3 week long plagiarism trial, hereby the court unanimously pronounces the defendant, Kim Nam Joon, not guilty.

Attorney let out a quiet breath, looking down in relief at the Judge's last two words. He softly dabbed on Namjoon's shoulder celebrating the brief moment of win.
The latter sniffed his emotions in and shared a small smile with Attorney as the Judge further continued.

JUDGE : As for the prosecution, the court declares an immediate arrest of the offender, Kim Seong, upon charges of rape and false allegations. Final convictions shall be made in a few days. Any questions?

LY. MUN : (-in a defeated tone-) Negative. Your Honor.

The reliance he had over his lawyer to persist the debate in a new direction had been crushed that instant. Never had he felt more helpless and deserted.

He was not spared a chance to be scared or overwhelmed. The instant, from all his deepest secrets flashing before the court to being pronounced guilty, was only a breath worth of time.

Kim Seong, in that last hearing, was completely dismantled into inconspicuous pieces.
Rightly said by Seol Ah, his fame of glass cracked in seconds of it hitting the ground of reality, he thought he could save it from‐ forever.

The enforcement officers present inside the court especially for the final trial, cuffed his wrists together complying to the order of immediate arrest.

His senses went numb, ears felt deaf, eyes pricked blind. His brain, in an action to protect him, ceased all the sensations- preventing a severe damage to his mental state.

He lost the conscious to look straight at anyone. Neither could he meet eyes with Namjoon while leaving the room nor he could raise his view at Seol Ah while passing by her.

In a few blinks, as he was pushed through the crowds of the media outside the court. Amidst the blinding camera snaps and shoving mikes towards him, only the sounds of slaps and whips resonated in his ears.

It was the first time he heard himself, he listened to his monster speaking. For anything if rational, he despised the self of him in the recording.
Only if he could, separate himself from any of his reflections at that point of disrupted personality.

The comprehension that he was doomed for real, was yet to cue in his senses.

.

.

As the rest headed out of the court room, all Namjoon's eyes searched for was, Seol Ah. She was seated around the waiting area with others.

Attorney advanced towards them and prompted Seol Ah to turn her head in Namjoon's direction. He was just standing there by the door, eyes glued to her.

Not caring about anything, Seol Ah walked to him trying to stay strong. She was so lost all the way that she didn't register Seong Pd being taken by the police, moments ago.

SEOL AH : What happened? Was the audio enough?

Namjoon nodded with a faint smile, still locked into the noises of the recording, he heard minutes back.

NJ : You love to help me, don't you?

Seol Ah stayed silent and looked down, fearing the rant that was coming her way. However, in a jiffy, she felt his hand caressing her head.

She raised her gaze up in fluster and surprise.

NJ : (-smiles wider-) Thanks for helping me. I will admit it.

Seol Ah smiled back and Attorney interrupted, needing a moment with Namjoon separately. As they marched a few steps away from the gather, Attorney tried to put forth his words, heedful to cause the least hurt to Namjoon.

NJ : Ah, I had known about it. But, how come you too? And caught him already? When were you at it?

AT. WANG : Not me. Your driver, Dae Min-ssi did. He was also scared to hurt you, so he brought, all that he got, straight to me.

NJ : I see. (-to himself-) That kid sure is something.

It seemed like a movie playing into his epiphany how every other time, Kim has always been there to shield him very subtly. How he kept him in dark about Chae Ri only so it caused no harms to Namjoon and his fame.
How he would take all the toxic from his repulsive managers and councel them, so Namjoon could get their refined attention.
And the list plays on showcasing the unaddressed times when Kim helped him in an aspect more than just giving him comfortable and safe rides.

NJ : (-getting back-) Anyway, so what about that guy?

AT. WANG : Yes. What do you want to do about him? He is currently under surveillance in the lockup centre. It's your call.

NJ : (-briefly after-) I don't want to negotiate with money, neither do I want to sue him. Because of one stupid act, he might ruin his future. But, make sure to have it set in his mind, never to do something like this to anyone. Now, I don't know what means you are going to take to do that.

AT. WANG : (-smiles-) Alright. We will make sure he learns the lesson. (-with a pause-) You've had a long day today, rest well, Namjoon-ssi.

NJ : (-light chuckle-) You've done significantly more, Wang Byeonusa-nim. Thank you so much for taking my case and fighting till the last second. I respect you.

AT. WANG : So do I. Seems like the stereotype I had for celebrities is broken by you. I really respect such down to earth nature and patience of yours throughout the whole thing. Keep bringing us good music and I will be looking forward to it.

NJ : Ah, flattering. (-light grin-) I wouldn't have kept making music without your help. So, I would make sure not to disappoint you.

AT. WANG : (-chuckles-) Alright then. I must head to the station, taking care of Mr.Pil.

NJ : (-breaks in-) Also, I wanted to ask. What happens to Ok Tak? Can't we help him?

Ok Tak had also been taken into custody for the feared reason Attorney had mentioned earlier. Upon shrouding the crimes happening under his knowledge.

AT. WANG : About that, I will talk to him and his guardian. He can be easily bailed out with penalties since he had a strong threat.

NJ : Oh, okay. I will come with you to bail him out then.

AT. WANG : You don't have to. Trust me, he is going to be fine. You have done enough.

NJ : Byeonusa-nim, he doesn't have his father around. His household depends on him. I really want to help him with this. He is in the mess, more or less, because of me afterall.

AT. WANG : (-calming him-) Namjoon-ssi, it is not because of you. And, he currently lives with his grandfather. Apparently, who is a retired businessman now. So, Ok Tak-ssi will be helped.

NJ : Ah, they have reconciled? But, how do you know so much about him?

AT. WANG : Well, I had done a background check on him last night.

From the skeptics about Ok Tak he had over their failed mission, Attorney burned the night fuel to do a thorough study over him and his past.

AT. WANG : You head on to rehabilitate yourself. Get back, Kim Namjoon to the industry. The world needs your voice.
Good luck!

Namjoon with a grateful smile followed the Attorney right behind as the former went off his way and the latter stopped at others. He noticed Kim also retuning from a call, instantly at his arrival.

It looked like a forceful end of the call as he was to escort Namjoon back to the black mansion in all safety and with his first priority, as always.

NJ : Kim, everything okay?

KIM : Ye, it is. We shall carry out, the reporters won't be leaving anytime soon. We have to surpass them.

NJ : Alright. Let's go then.

Kim and the house bodyguard, guarding each side, distanced all the showers of cameras and reporter from Namjoon.
Seol Ah followed them through a different route guided by Yi Seob to escape out hassle free.

KIM : No pictures, please. (-blocking a few camera with his hands-)

REPORTERS : (-in a babel-) What happened in the final hearing? Please give us a statement. Was there any personal reason, you were accused of plagiarism? What do you have to say on this? One statement, please!

KIM : The authorities will be revealing the truth to the public very soon. Please, be patient about it. Sir will not be making any statements now. We are sorry, please excuse us.

And soon enough, everyone alongwith Seol Ah was carried inside the car. Having the reporters crowding Namjoon's window, Kim drove out as soon as he could.

Once the tail of the reporters got cut off, Kim received a call. His bluetooth still connected to the car, it flashed the caller ID on the car display.

He was quick to decline the call. But, Namjoon, sitting back, was quicker.

NJ : Wasn't it your dad?

KIM : (-nervously-) Yes Sir, it was.

NJ : What if he was calling for something important? Next time, he calls. Receive it.

KIM : My apologize, will do.

There was a second call rushing in before he could disconnect the bluetooth. As orders, he recieved it this time with the speaker worn into his left ear.

KIM : (-over the call-) Yes dad? (-pauses-) Ah, I see. But, I am driving Sir home right now. (-pauses-) What did the doctors say? (-pauses-) Can't Yoo Na-ssi be there for a little longer? I can't leave until an hour, atleast. (-pauses-) Okay, also don't worry. Everything will be fine. (-pauses-) Ye. I am hanging up. Ye. (-hangs up-)

NJ : What's wrong? Is someone unwell?

KIM : Yeh. It is about my sister, Ji Min.

NJ : Kim, tell me what happened. In details.

KIM : (-with a silent unhelped sigh-) She was found unconscious at home, a while ago. Our neighbor(Yoo Na) took her to the hospital but she has an interview to attend today. So, she wants one of us to go to Ji Min right away.

The running time summed a four years of his sister's homecoming from the hospital after surviving her cancer. She was quite healthy but at this moment, the sudden ailment was certainly unforeseen.

The fear was readable in his worried voice as he tried his finiest to concentrate his full attention to driving.

KIM : (-continues-) The head at my father's work, is not slacking him off at this hour. So, he was calling me to go to her instead.

NJ : Kim, head to the hospital.

KIM : (-attentive-) Yeh? Are you feeling unwell? Shall I take you to the one you usually go to?

NJ : No, the one where your sister is admitted currently.

KIM : Oh, it's alright. I can go after I take you home.

NJ : Isn't this an emergency? I can wait to head home. I will drop you to the hospital first.

KIM : Oh no, it's really not necessary. I will feel burdened to make you suffer through the needless ride.

NJ : Alright, if not that. Stop the car, right now.

KIM : (-in fluster-) Yeh?

NJ : I said, stop the car, Kim.

Kim, unwantedly, pulled the car over to a side as Namjoon commanded.

NJ : We can go home from here. You get off and leave for the hospital.

KIM : But, who will drive you home?

NJ : (-looks at the bodyguard siting next to Kim-) Hyun, got your driving license on you?

BODYGUARD : Yes, Sir.

NJ : Solved then. Go to you sister, Kim.

Feeling assured about the bodyguard's driving skills, he was finally on board.

KIM : At your call. (-bows-) Thank you, Sir.

NJ : Take care.

Seol Ah, sitting beside Namjoon, quietly watched the whole scene. She had an impressed smile seeing his adamance on sending Kim off.

It just briefly appeared to her, that he was indeed the best out there who takes care of his employees well.

Her attention in the next moment dropped at his awkwardly rested hands. The blood dried, and a thin layer of clotted scum served the first aid of the wound.

SEOL AH : How did you get hurt?

Namjoon, alarmed at her voice and later at her enquiry, tried to cover his thumbs in a loose fist. He was able to hide them inside his pockets all the time; seated now, was posing a hindrance for a disguise.

NJ : Nothing serious. I just picked on it.

BODYGUARD : (-after settling on Kim's seat-) Shall I stop at some pharmacy?

SEOL AH : (-before Namjoon answered-) Yes, please.

BODYGUARD : Okay. (-starts the car-)

NJ : (-to Seol Ah-) That's not necessary.

SEOL AH : It is to prevent infection. Look at it; the cuts are flashed open.

Namjoon, weak at any more debates, didn't counter and plopped his gaze outside the window. The recollections of his cuts tuned him back to the audio he had recorded in his system.

Meanwhile, Seol Ah watched Kim getting into a taxi. He had a visible tension in his mien. To that, she quietly wished his sister was alright.

• The same night, after dinner •

Although, keeping herself occupied in some or the other thing during the day she could prevent it. The night, laying flat on the bed and out of reasons to be engaged at, the overdue backlash of her senses tendriled her mind. It slowly snaked down in all directions and cramed her to a side, the duvet creasing alongwith her folds.

The traumatic stimulation paid her a visit just then as she crippled in anxiety at the undue perception of all the scenes from that night. Not exactly paralleled, she experienced the same fear that quivered around her heart when she was lying on the floor in tremors.

Initially, Seol Ah fought back her tears as she tightened her grips on the sheets pressed close to her heart. But, at that hour, anything she did against an ugly sob just summed further to it.

As she had been defeated to an inaudible cry, Seol Ah tried to toughen herself reminding of the other women who had been assaulted. She wished to justify debating, that they suffered far more than she did.

But, was it really justified?

Why were there degrees of assualt when it caused the equal mental harm to all the victims?

It was no less a disgrace comparing the degrees and Seol Ah's conscience was witty to catch that quick.

She tried to muffle her slowly growing hawls and said to herself, she would sob today, sob tomorrow, sob even after a month, maybe a year too. But one day, she would stop. She would, most definitely, overcome the torment.
She pacified herself with this belief and didn't fight the flow of tears anymore.

Outside her room, Namjoon obediently listened to the sounds perceived from the inside.

Head titled down, back reclined to the wall beside the door. He stood there at ease, but was ironically so much unsettled. A small tear of helplessness dropped down from his eyes.

How he brought himself to walk there, mustering up the courage to ask if she was okay about the audio.
Her now distinctive mourn answered all his questions.

Yet, he found himself too weak to lend her a shoulder.
He was unable to break free from the lifetime incarceration he had locked himself, being constantly resented. Remorsed at, for being the reason, they were both in a moment like present.

_______

:(