sorry this took forever 🤒 it's another long chpt.. and this book'll be 28 parts instead of 27, hope that's ok!
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ps, that last chpt was defo my fav of the book, I loved writing it so I'm grateful you liked it <3 Thanks for the love, pls leave a vote /comment!

They've been keeping Taehyung and I separated in lockup for 14 days.

14 days of being alone... No family, no friends, no one to talk to except the baby I'm carrying whom I don't even know is well, yet all I've done at that is cry and apologize for not being a better protector.

I have court today, but as soon as I got the call that Mina woke up they said I could visit before my trial... Escorted by a team of authorities of course.

Walking through the pasty hospital corridor, I enter her room alone and shut the door behind me. A smile brightens her features the second she sees me, so much that she could cry. Her face is still disfigured and rearranged to look like Seulgi's amongst swollen stitches.

Nevertheless, I sit beside her with a warming smile. No matter who she looks like, she's still Mina.

"Hey sleepy head."

"God, you have no idea how happy I am to see you Lilo. I didn't think you'd come..."

"Of course I'd come. I know you didn't mean to hurt anyone Mi." I case her hand in mine. "How' you feeling?"

"...Like I got attacked by a pack of wolves." She laughs weakly, but I only frown.

"Kidding. It looks worse than it is, really. I guess I still owe Jimin an apology for breaking his arm. I don't even know how I did that. Anyway, how are you? I hear the big trial is today."

"Yeah, in two hours. We've had questionings individually but this'll be the first time I've seen Taehyung in weeks. I don't wanna go back to jail... I'm nervous."

"Don't think of the worst-case scenario. Focus on the fact that you'll get to see him today and that you'll both get the chance to finally clear your names."

"Yeah, you're right." I nod... Then lower my brows in realization.

"Speaking of togetherness, why are you here alone? Where's Jin?"

Her face is suddenly so sensitive, as if I'd struck a nerve.

"...I... I don't know. I'm not sure if he even knows I'm here. It's making me worried."

"Why—?"

"What if he doesn't like me anymore?" A withheld tear runs down her cheek. "What if he breaks up with me? I mean look at me. I don't even look like the girl he fell in love with anymore, I'm a total stranger to him. Who wants to kiss a girl who's face is covered in bruises and stitches?"

"Mina..." I wipe her tear, but she distances her head.

"I-I finally found a guy I really like and then this happens! Honestly, I don't blame him for not being here. He looks like a God and then there's me... A botched freak. He deserves more."

"If there's one thing I know about my cousin, it's that he might joke about vanity but he's got a kind heart only special people get to see. If he's really the one, he'll oversee the scars. Jin isn't like your exes, Mi. He really likes you."

She looks into her lap and nods miserably when suddenly the door bursts open. As if on cue, Jin stands there with heavy breath and a fruitful gift basket in his grip.

"J-Jin?!"

"Mi!" He runs to her side with both hands clutching hers. "I'm so sorry I didn't come sooner. Those stupid receptionists kept giving me the wrong room and I had to search like three floors to get here. Are you okay? Does anything hurt?"

Mina just ogles at him with parted lips. Her eyes lower to his hands, then back at his face.

"You... You don't think I look disgusting?"

"What? Do I look like I care about that?! You're fucking alive!" He flicks her forehead, going into mother-mode for a second.

"Look, I'm sorry somebody did this to you when I wasn't around. I was panicking like crazy not being able to find you but I'm here now. I'm not leaving your side until you're better."

There's complete silence. With her gaze still scanning his face, Mina's slowly crumbles until she's trembling with tears and Jin nests her in his arms.

"I t-thought you were gonna b-break up with me..." She bawls into his shoulder, "I thought I'd have to start all over again..."

"Well you don't. I love you more than anything. And to prove it—" He reaches into the gift basket and takes out a teddy bare made entirely of red roses, emitting a fresh floral scent.

"Jin, it's beautiful!"

"Look closer."

Mina wipes her lids to rid the blurry filter, but gasps when a sparkle strucks her eye. Her fingers reach in to pinch and draw out the beautiful diamond ring that was hidden inside.

The distraught and insecurity from two minutes ago is immediately replaced with shocked and euphoria. Our mouths fall wide when watching Jin kneel on one knee.

"You're still the most beautiful girl I've ever met. And that'll never change. I want to make you feel beautiful everyday, so it's only right that I ask..."

He takes the ring and slides it on her finger, already predicting her answer by the huge smile on her face.

"Will you marry me, Kim Mina?"

"—YES YES YES YES!" Her arms swing around his neck, both of their lips beaming unconsciously through their passionate kiss. My head tilts with a warmed smile. In all the years, I've never seen her this happy.

"I'm engaged! I'm FREAKING ENGAGED! Omg what theme should we do?! I was thinking a light coral for the dining tables, then for the hall— Oh! Sorry Lilo. This was meant to be your visit."

I shake my head cheerfully. "Seeing you this happy is warming enough. It makes me excited to see Taehyung..."

I accidentally look down and smile with a hand on my stomach. But before I can quickly pull away, she's already caught me with a loud gasp.

"WHAT?! YOU'RE PREGNANT?!"

"Pregnannntt?!" Jin howls like a dumbfounded grandma.

"You're pregnant! MY BEST FRIEND IS PREGNANT AND I'M ENGAGED! This is perfect, I'm so happy for you! Have you told Taehyung yet?!"

"Shh, not so loud!" I laugh nervously. "H-he knows, but we haven't talked about it yet. It's complicated."

Mina grabs my hands with her fingers locked between mine excitedly.

"This is awesome! I can't wait to be a God-mommy! Is it a boy or girl?! Can I plan your baby shower?! Have you thought of names—?!"

"Time to go." An officer opens the door. A slow frown tugs both our lips.

I look back at Mina and rest a hand on hers momentarily before standing and waving the happy couple goodbye.

Mina gives me an enthusiastic wave back before giving a mini one to my belly, and Jin dramatically blows his signature kiss at it. I can't help but chuckle.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ☀️
—LATER—

The drive to the courthouse is rather intense. I sit in the limo surrounded by police officers as well my attorney, Amanda. Our tinted windows block any sunlight from getting in.

"Is Taehyung there yet?"

"Again, I don't know Lilo." She sighs. "Here," then hands me a mask and shades.

I furrow my brows, "What's this for?"

"You'll want to put them on." She puts on her own shades before an officer opens the door—

"LILO! OVER HERE!"

"Hanson, where were you hiding these last nine weeks?!"

"Do you have any comment on today's court hearing?!"

"Can you tell us about the murder of—?!"

"—Are you and Taehyung really planning an open marriage after infidelity rumors?!"

As soon as light floods the car, we're bombarded with blinding flashes, as well as shutters going off at lightning speed and yelling reporters. I instantly shield my face while Amanda leads me through the crowd with a hand on my back. I had no idea the case was this popular...

Large doors close behind us once we're inside, rippling an echo through the lobby. I sigh and pull down my mask after having subconsciously been holding my breath.

That is until, more flashes and yells from paparazzi erupt minutes later.

"KIM! KIM OVER HERE!! DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENT ON— THIS WAY! TAEHYUNG!"

The only reporters who yell are men, because every female fell into an automatic trance at his celebrity-like entrance and beauty. His skin is clear, hair is flawless and face doesn't look beaten down at all. He's facing the world without covering anything. He's perfect.

"There's Taehyung! Can I see him?!"

"Lilo, you know I'm not supposed to let you near each other." Amanda rubs her forehead.

"But I need to tell him something important. I might not see him again after this... Please Amanda, just two minutes. I'm begging you."

She sighs and looks at Taehyung who has now spotted us too and asks his officers for the same.

"...Two minutes. That's it. No hugging, no kissing, no sneaky whispers."

I nod impatiently and hurry down the corridor. Once I grow close, Taehyung approaches me to reveal his wrists handcuffed in front of him while giving me a half-smile.

"Hey."

"Hi." I smile sheepishly. "You look well."

"I mean... Could be better." He lifts his hands, making the chains rattle. "How are you? I miss you."

"I miss you more." I frown. "I hate seeing you like this. Why can't they just free you..."

"You mean free a young, rich Asian man with a family history of illegal weapons dealership? I see no reason not to."

"Tae..."

"I'm kidding. I got us the good lawyers Li, because there's no way I'm gonna be that father who only sends over money like mine did. I'm gonna be as involved as I can, because I'll escape every week to see you if I have to."

My eyes flutter as tears begin to stack. My gaze lowers and jaw locks.

"Tae... There's something I have to tell you."

"What?" His expression turns serious. "Is something wrong with the baby?"

"I..... I don't know....."

"What do you mean you d—?"

"I didn't tell the cops I was pregnant." I finally huff, "Nobody knows. I told them I ate something bad so they wouldn't take me to the hospital."

"What? Why wouldn't you tell them?! Jaebum kicked you, remember?" He whispers.

"I-I know that! But the second I tell them I'm pregnant, they'll take our baby away and jail us both. You think I wanted to not tell them? They'll never let two suspects like us be parents... So please don't say anything until court is over. I can't let them take our child Tae. It's not fair."

He looks around in thought, tongue sweeping his lips.

"Okay, I understand. But at least tell me how you've been feeling. Has your stomach hurt at all? Any bleeding?"

"No... It hurt the first day but now I don't feel much." I look down.

My wrist suddenly meets my eye as my voice breaks, "Sorry, I said I wouldn't cry. I just... Really wish I could hug you right now. So much has happened..."

"I know. And you've done such a good job and keeping it together. I really wish I could hug you too." He tilts his head at the sight of me, noticing the small tremble in my lips.

"Don't ever cry because you think I'm drifting away. Neither of you are losing me ever, okay? We're gonna go in there and tell them everything, but whatever happens, I'm still here. Remember that."

He's such an incredible man. After taking so many beatings and saving me from literal fire, he still had the energy to fight for me and in the end, only cared about getting me to the hospital. He never got tired or irritated.

With rapid blinking, I retract my tears with a nod. The urge I have to sink into his chest is indescribable, yet here he is in handcuffs, the very thing I turned myself in to avoid.

"You know," I sniff, making sure the coast is clear. "...This could be the last time we're together."

He lowers his brows in confusion but then raises them when I bring his hands under my shirt and place them on my belly.

"If it's alive... It can sure feel you right now." I smile softly. "Their daddy."

Taehyung's eyes don't break from mine, as he smiles at me like I'm the most beautiful Gem in this world. He then looks around before squatting to whisper against my torso.

"My little baby bear... If you can hear this, daddy loves you so so much. I'll see you soon."

The single word is enough to have me smiling uncontrollably. Taehyung... A dad.

I hear Amanda call me from behind now that it's time to go and we're soon pulled away, but not before exchanging sneaky I love you's.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ 🕰

"—Shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth." Taehyung's hand raises from the bible.

"Would the defense like to give their opening now?"

"Yes your honor." His attorney stands.

"I'll be representing the defendant in the city of Daegu guidelines. This man has been accused of unlawfully breaking out wanted suspect Lilo Hanson and now, being the actual culprit of thus murders. However, Taehyung's past actions were in self-defense. We ask for the verdict of not guilty."

"Thank you. Will the prosecution please give their argument."

The prosecutor stands and holds a hand at Taehyung accusingly.

"Your honor, with all due respect this man is obviously deranged and deeply troubled. He didn't just break out Hanson, but hid her for two months after conducting an insane police chase that caused multiple freeway damages and even injured fellow officers. I certainly believe that it was in fact Lilo Hanson who killed his father, and Kim is just taking credit."

"Well will Kim Taehyung please explain everything truthfully from his perspective, and the prosecutor will bring up any questions he has."

He looks at the camera recording him briefly, then stares into his lap to gather his thoughts.

"When I was 9, I killed my father. Lilo had never met him. He was beating my mom but I was too small and weak to do anything. I saw the bottle and panicked."

"Then how did Hanson know all the details?"

"I told her everything, obviously. I just had no idea she'd take the blame for it. I'd never pin that on someone I love."

"Well you provided evidence that Sergio recorded during his and your father's last call. Let's have a listen." The judge says.

The recording starts, and the entire courtroom falls to a flatline. Taehyung's childly screams air behind thuds and splats, before the explosion of broken glass introduce his father's gurgles...

His eyes flutter at his lap with a clenched, popped jaw. Meanwhile I listen with tears in my eyes.

"See. I tried telling the cops it was me but nobody listened. I couldn't let Lilo rot in jail for something she didn't do, so I broke her out and we ran away."

"Which means you also taught her how to use a gun, shot Lim Carmine and Sergio Pennyworth, who was a longtime family friend. Why?"

"They were responsible for manipulating my dad. Carmine was a drug-lord and Sergio was a traitor, I acted out of anger and panic. After killing Sergio, it brought back trauma and I would see the dead, even talk back to them. My sleeping pills grew ineffective so I... Switched."

"What did you switch to?"

Taehyung glances at me subtly with guilt, then looks ahead again.

"Cocaine."

"And how many of that did you possess?"

"20g. I kept it a secret from Lilo but after seeing how devastated she reacted, I sought therapy and threw the rest away. I haven't touched it since."

"A mutual friend of yours recently died. Have you... Sought therapy since that?"

"...No, but that doesn't mean I used it again. I didn't." Taehyung states sternly to the man's suspicious tone.

"Well thank you for being honest. Can we now have detective Min give his statement."

I didn't even realize Yoongi was sitting behind me. He swaps positions with Taehyung, and doesn't hesitate to speak his mind before the persecutor can even question him—

"I think it's dumb you're even trying to arrest him."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"He was a kid. A clueless kid just trying to save his mom. A nine-year-old committing manslaughter in self-defense shouldn't face repercussions this deep."

"Why are you now sticking up for him when you were the lead man on the case? Hasn't he committed other crimes since then? One being assaulting a police officer?"

He points to Yoongi's stitched nose and cheek scar that has my eyebrows raising. Taehyung and Yoongi got into a fight?

"I obviously never intended to let him run... But I made that choice as a cop because I wanted to. I saw no reason in chasing them when they weren't out to hurt anyone, unlike others. He's not crazy, he's just... A man who goes to the extreme for the ones he loves. After Hanson and his mother, I think that should be apparent by now."

The persecutor lowers his brows at Yoongi before adjusting his tie, not expecting the prior statement. "That'll be all."

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ 🕰

My turn went up, but I didn't have to do much. Amanda already did a good job at defending me, and the whole court knows by now I didn't murder Taehyung's dad.

I explained the timeline of everything major that happened to me; like meeting Jaebum at the ball, being kidnapped by him twice, taken hostage at the warehouse, fighting that intruder he sent, being kidnapped again and exposing Jaebum's scam to 'turn me in', getting trapped in a burning store and finally, killing Jaebum on that rooftop in self-defense.

Of course, leaving out the fact that there's been a baby inside of me for most of that.

It's finally time to give our closing statements, which relieves me somewhat. I just want to get out of here.

"Taehyung and Lilo, according to South Korea criminal act IX article 147; a person who forcibly abducts one who is in lawful custody or who causes such person to escape, shall serve imprisonment for up to 10 years. Under South Korea penal code section XIII(367); A person who destroys property used to interest the public shall also face imprisonment for up to 10 years, or pay an estimated fine. The charge for possession of Grade A drugs is punishable for up to five years, and lastly, the charge for manslaughter may range from three to eleven years, or in certain cases deem life incarceration. Do you have any final comments before the jury discuss their verdict?"

Taehyung speaks, but only after giving me an apologetic glance.

"Just that although I take for responsibility for the lives I've taken, none were with malicious intent. I don't want any more confusion regarding my father's death after this, because whether I go to prison or not, I'm paying for that every single day of my life. I'm sick of going over it again and again when my only... My only concern is being there for my pregnant girlfriend. You've already sent the city after her and painted her in a bad light. You won't have this affect our baby too."

My eyes widen and lips part when everyone looks at me with puzzled expressions.

"You're pregnant? How far?" The judge asks—

"Objection! Your honor they're obviously lying for sympathy. She doesn't even have a bump."

"But it's not a lie..." I say.

"Do you have a scan?"

"N-no because I was in hiding."

"So you fought an intruder, fought your brainwashed best friend, were kidnapped, dealt with another friend's death, jumped out of a moving car, got trapped in fire, and kicked in the stomach... All while pregnant? And no scan? Ms. Hanson, that's very hard to believe. And even if it were true, letting you raise a child with a man who's grown his entire life around guns already sounds like a dangerous environment to bring a child into."

"That child would be the safest baby on this Earth." I reply almost argumentatively. I know he's just doing his job, but I can't help but get angry.

"Look, it's the truth. I did all that while pregnant, and the only reason why I'm alive is because of Taehyung. I need him... Because I know I'll fail as a single mother." I accidentally croak tears. "He's been through enough, so there's no reason why he shouldn't be with his child. He doesn't deserve any of this."

"Objectio—!"

The judge hits his gavel, "I've heard enough. Jury, please make your verdict so I can determine the convictions."

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ 🕰
—25 MINUTES LATER—

10+ 10 is 20... + 11 years... That's 33. But he might not get the full 11, right? So 40 + let's say... 3. But then there's those 5 years for drug possession— Ugh! I don't fucking know anymore.

Equations tangle in my mind as I compulsively try to compete with the court by working out any possible conviction.

I'm going to pull my hair out. I want this to be over already...

"Lilo Hanson."

Shit. Shit. Shit.

"On the account of manslaughter and the murder of Lim Jaebum, you have been found not guilty. You'll be required to take an emergency ultrasound, and keep custody of your possible child if thou complies to receive visits from a social worker at a schedule of twice a week during pregnancy starting from 6 months."

"As a result of harboring vital information regarding a police investigation and helping the suspects, Detective Min Yoongi will be suspended of work for a duration of 20 weeks as part of the Daegu disciplinary procedure."

"And finally, Taehyung."

He doesn't even look up, staring at the table with a blank gaze.

My toes are curling from the dramatic pause alone...

"On the charges of drug possession, property damage and an inmate breakout... We, the jury, find the defendant, Kim Taehyung, guilty in violation of penal codes—"

No.....

No no no.....

"—Will be expected to pay a fine of $190,000 for property damage caused to North-bound freeway. Regarding the remaining two charges, the court is allocating you a suspended term of imprisonment. After today, you will receive 30 days freedom with monitored probation, before serving a sentence of seven years with minimal paid imprisonment."

Taehyung's eyes screw shut at the number spat at him, while my head shakes desperately and teeth clench below watering eyes.

I don't know how to feel. I'm shocked and somewhat thankful that he only got seven years... But seven years is so much to spend behind bars. Especially when I couldn't even last two months.

He's going to miss seven years of his first child's life...

Seven years of our new life together...

That is,

If we even have a child anymore.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ 🕰

The second I'm released from the room, I run up to Taehyung with swung arms. My nails claw at his neck while he holds me tight without handcuffs and we're inhaling each other's scents.

"I know 7 seems bad, but compared to 38, I'd say we got lucky, right?" He whispers.

I don't respond so he pulls his head back to look at me. "Li?"

That's when he notices me sobbing and whimpering furiously into his neck. His hand rubs my back soothingly.

"Li don't cry... You're free. You don't have to hide anymore."

"But what does that matter if I can't be with you?! I'd rather live in a cave together forever than live in this world separately Taehyung... I can't be alone again..."

He cups my face with one hand and meshes our lips into a slow, buttery kiss.

It pains me to know that he planned for this. That he knew he'd go to jail sooner or later, and sobered up so he wouldn't lose his mind in there.

It hurts that I couldn't postpone the inevitable any longer.

"Lilo... It's okay. I'm not sad. Coming clean and knowing you don't have to live in hiding or fear anymore is all I wanted." He pecks my lips. "30 days is still enough to go to an ultrasound. We'll get to find out what's going on. Together."

"Ultrasound?!"

We turn to see Hoseok, Jungkook, Jimin and Winter with open mouths. Jungkook proudly lands a hand on Taehyung's shoulder.

"Here we came to see surprise you guys, yet you surprise us. I knew you'd knock her up one day bro."

"Shut up." He pushes his hand.

"Wait, you're actually pregnant??" Hoseok points. I nod softly while admiring my stomach, then Taehyung's Godly features.

"Yep. Schools plays, birthdays, trick or treating, missing teeth and Christmas morning... That's gonna be us." I can barely believe the words coming out of my mouth. "Right?"

"Right." Taehyung assures.

"Don't forget the puke, shitty diapers and tantru— Ow!" Winter elbows Jungkook in the gut.

"So that means you're both free?!" Jimin gapes.

My smile slowly fades into a frown, and eyes fall to my feet.

"I'm free. T-Taehyung's..."

They all soon reflect my frown before motioning to Taehyung who swallows nauseously. The guys all surround him with hugs.

"You know what? I'm proud of you anyway." Hoseok says, "In the span of two months, I got to learn what an incredible, badass friend I have. You seriously taught us a lot."

Jungkook's nose turns pink with glassy eyes and wet cheeks once they pull back. "I don't want you to go man..." He sniffs. Jimin back-hugs him with his good arm for comfort, the tears in their eyes triggering Taehyung's.

"And I don't wanna leave you guys... But we still have time to hang out before I go. Seven years isn't so long... It'll feel like I was never gone."

Out of nowhere, a group of cops approach Taehyung while Amanda grabs my arm.

"They still have to take Kim to the precinct,
plus we have to go."

"I'll see you later." Taehyung beams me a warm smile.

"Yeah. See you later."

After waving the others goodbye, Amanda leads me outside only to be crowded by reporters and flashing lights again. I shield my face on the way to the car.

"Lilo! Lilo! Will you sign?!"

"Sign?" I turn curiously despite Amanda's resistance, noticing a group of teens holding papers.

"Yes! Will you sign my book?! Please please please!"

"You... Mean like an autograph? Why? I thought the city hated me."

"What?! No way! After that police chase footage, social media was rooting for you! You and Taehyung are like Bonnie and Clyde— You have fan pages! We wanna be just like you Lilo Hanson!"

"Alright, that's enough." Amanda moves me along.

Little girls and teenagers are looking up to me? Me?

I don't know if that's flattering or worrisome.

"Where are we going?" I ask.

"The broadcasting station that aired your police chase wants an interview to clear any
false allegations."

"Can't that wait another time? I have more important things—"

"Like your test, I know. This'll only take an hour."

"Fine. Just as long as I don't have to mention Taehyung or my friends." My back slumps against the car seat. Shutters and muddled yells blare behind the tinted window before we drive off.

My eyes stare before me aimlessly as I recall the events of today, wondering just how I'm going to live life normally after this. Everyone's already seen a false image of me... Facing them will be hard.

—Stop being so negative Lilo. This is what you wanted. You no longer have to rely on the others to go grocery shopping, no longer have to stay in the house 7 days a week...

Because you're free....

I'm free.

...But what use is freedom if Taehyung can't be here with me.

It's ain't over yet ;) sorry if that trial was lengthy, I didn't wanna just gloss over it. I wanted to bring you along too since it would be a pivotal point in their lives 💜