Chapter Text
“There is no client as scary as an innocent man”
“Heard you were selected for the Kim case” and Jungkook hummed in response flicking through the papers in his hands, focused onto the case he had to memorize before meeting the suspect he was about to represent.
“It’s a rather intriguing case” San insisted which make him jerk his head up meeting his eyes, and that smirk on his lips that made Jungkook adjust his reading glasses, “How so?” he found himself asking.
“This is probably Kim’s second time making an appeal for his sentence ever since he has gotten himself convicted” and San sat in the chair right in front of his desk, never wavering his mocking stare, “even after all these… what? Five years? He is still keeping his word and trying to reduce his sentence, pleading for his so-called innocence. We are bound as public officers to provide him with his rights, so I guess now it’s up to you. Have you found the files interesting or what?”
Jungkook returned his eyes to the paper files, flipping them until he found the paper that had Kim’s mugshot, and all the records he had presented in court, from his trials ever since he had been convicted to the numerous appeals he had made just in the last couple of years, - but something was not right - he had this strange feeling that there was just something missing.
“How about the records of the lawyer that used to represent him from the very beginning? Are they up in here as well?” he checked upon his messy desk to try and find them, “or any sort of tape records that can help me study more about this case?”
Jungkook was not there to joke around, he had one job to be done. Although it was a public right, and he could find himself sometimes defending the worst human beings possible, there were some rare exceptions where he could defend an innocent and help justice being made.
It was those rare times that made him proud of his job, and that warmed his lonely heart.
“Woah take it easy man, you’re taking this way too serious” now those words made him scowl at his partner, who seemed to take his job as if it was a leisure.
But he knew how San acted like he didn’t care much about anything and when it came to get committed, he would take the house down with his arguments - winning most cases, - San was definitely the ace in their law firm and Jungkook was only in second place for a tiny gap.
“It’s my job to be serious, besides this is one of the longest and most socking cases we’ve had in hands to represent, tell me, how can you not take this one seriously?”
The other just shrugged reclining back into the seat, “Because I’ve done my homework on that case already” he said unbothered.
“And?” Jungkook asked impatiently tapping his fingers on top of the desk while eyeing the male.
“Let’s just say it seems to be the typical case of pleading for innocence when everything proves contrary. Everything presented to the case compromises Kim to the act he was accused, it’s only his word and no other solid evidence that can prove his sworn innocence, so you’re really going around in a goose chase of the typical cry wolf tale.”
“So, you’re telling me everyone considers him to be guilty?” but Jungkook was not convinced.
“You’ve seen the proofs, you’ve read the statements and the same ones I did, so you tell me”
They stayed silent for a couple of minutes, as if they were defying each other, until Jungkook sighed and took his glasses cleaning the lenses with a small cloth.
“I need more evidence” he simply stated to San’s surprise, “all I see here are facts and some rich words that convicted a man to a crime he believes himself to be innocent”
“Innocent until proven guilty” San commented absentmindedly.
Jungkook stared back at him, looking straight into his eyes “Well can’t be any worse than before, plus he’s already in jail serving the time. However, pleading for justice for all these years, it has to mean something, and that is our job, to hear them, to listen and to be their voice in the fields of Justice. If the man is only asking for one more chance, who are we to deny him of such?”
And for a first time San had no quick reply to that question.
***
Jungkook was feeling anxious, and usually he was a collected man.
When attending cases, he was mostly competitive and confident in his own skills, there was also the factor that most that he had the privilege to work with had been normal, having general enough evidence for him to work with and clients that he could actually read like an open book, either they were telling him the truth or simply lying right at his face.
Because although the mouth could cover a lie to be an undeniable truth, the eyes could not.
There is a reason to say they are the windows of the soul, - for being highly expressive – so he always preferred to analyze his clients in a conversation, while staring them in the eyes.
He studied their reference picture, and records before engaging in any meeting with his clients.
Jungkook had seen the black and white picture, - the same standard one like all the others, - but those eyes seemed dull, with a hidden glimmer that he wanted to uncover.
Nervously but trying his best to stay at bay he checked his briefcase, knowing fully well that all the required evidences and were inside, - he had made sure of it, - Jungkook was methodic in his line of work, - he liked to be on top of things, - despite his desk becoming chaotic at any given point in his researches he was always on track, with every single detailed information that he could get or study.
He was that committed to his job.
However out of all of his clients he had worked with, - thus far, - never any of them had made him feel this uneasy, no one like the man who had just entered through the door in the company of a prison guard. Because no picture did any justice to the prisoner who was before his own eyes, he was indeed more beautiful than most men he had ever seen in his life, but his eyes still seemed dull and emotionless. A lifeless stare that had could cause shivers.
Jungkook observed the way Kim hesitated, before heading to the chair in front of him almost as if he was feeling the stare the guard was giving him scorching his back from its sheer intensity.
“Mr. Kim, I am your new assigned attorney for your new appeal, my name is Jeon Jungkook” he presented himself getting up and giving his hand to the other who remained still, - not taking his handshake, - although Jungkook did notice the slight way his client’s eyes turned sideways as if to see if the guard was still checking them out. It was so brief that he could only be assuming things, but then again, he was always observant of the smaller details, “alright, please do sit down, we have many things to discuss, and I would like to start right away, if you don’t mind.”
The prisoner remained oddly quiet but complied, slowly sitting himself, and with his hands still cuffed, as Jungkook now understood why the other was not able to retribute his gesture before.
“Could you take away the handcuffs of my client?” he addressed the guard who for the first time ever since he entered stared up at him, the sneer in his face was clearly visible as his fake smile when he shook his head, “I’m afraid that’s not possible. I have orders, that state otherwise, sir”
That certainly made Jungkook poke the inside of his mouth with his tongue, - a habit he had when things didn’t go in his way, - the man was sure testing his patience, but he refrained from losing his temper and smiled, “Well I’m afraid I am here to represent my client and am in need to talk with him, I would require if you could uncuff him so we could have a decent conversation”
“He can still talk. His mouth is always free, but the hands stay cuffed.” the guard said, with a slight mocking tone that was still perceptible to Jungkook’s ears, and the way his client seemed to shudder tense in his seat could speak volumes of what could happen in between four walls.
“I understand we don’t talk with our hands, but I’ll require he use his to point out and sign some papers I do have to present him, also there is always something called human rights and decency. I am here to represent my client and to give him those rights of expression, now I can’t certainly do that if he is with his hands tied. From his record he is not a violent prisoner, never has been in all these years serving his time, so I would stress that, in order for you to consider your supposed high orders and listen to my own since I too serve Justice. And before you use the cards of your position or of any higher officer, I will also inform you that I do have connections too, some from higher places among the Justice field and some might even be related to this very prison you work in, so again with courtesy I do ask you to release my client’s hands.”
Jungkook was not in the mood to keep up with the immaturity that the other could possibly give him, and he was not one to refrain from saying whatever could help him get things done, he preferred to consider himself to be resourceful and confident, and most importantly of all – he never used empty threats.
He did in fact knew quite a lot of important people in the field, from his few years of serving in the field he had gotten to know many figures that were indeed helpful whenever he required some services or potential favors. But he never did like to abuse power like many did.
It was not in him to do so.
The guard advanced with a scowl, and complied taking a few keys from a keychain and being a bit more brute than Jungkook would like, he released the prisoner and was ready to return to his position when Jungkook interrupted him, “And I would also like to ask for you to leave us, I need some privacy with my client.” that made the other turn around to face him this time with a livid stare.
“I have orders to stay inside of this very room.” the guard seemed convicted.
Jungkook again smiled, but his dark eyes remained onto the guard who was only a few feet away from him, his eyes then went to the tag shinning bright in the man’s uniform, “Officer Choi, I’m not suggesting. I am informing you.”
And he really was not, there was only so much he could tolerate.
His client was clearly uncomfortable in the presence of the said man, and he wanted to get the job done, therefore any sort of distractions was dispensable and, - in that room - right now besides the damn handcuffs was the guard who did not seem pleased by his own demands.
“Well, my client’s confidentiality is only one of the things that I take quite serious in my job, and right now your very presence in this room is defying that very belief. I am speaking for myself and for my own client, we both would prefer if you stepped outside of the door so we could start our meeting before our hour is up, which I am afraid you’re already costing us, so do keep in mind to add at least ten more minutes past the hour because of your lapse.” Jungkook said confidently, although it was easier said than done if he only remained staring at the guard’s face, since he could feel Kim’s intense stare right at him, as if he was also evaluating his every word.
That intensity that made him weary of what to expect from their session, but ever so curious to what he was going to find.
***
“Now that we are finally by ourselves, we can start” Jungkook went to grab his briefcase taking some papers into the table, as the other observed him in that deafening silence between them.
“From what I’ve been informed, it’s in your best interest to present another appeal to the court” he commented while flicking the papers absentmindedly trying to search for the right sheet, “you have been serving five out of a total of thirteen years, and it’s your second appeal so far…”
“Third,” the soft yet low voice made him turn his eyes to meet the prisoner, “it’s my third appeal”
“Right, I’m sorry for my mistake there. It’s your third time appealing to the court, and from the other two previous attempts I see you’ve failed to present any more concrete evidence that could turn the case around, sticking only to your word and consistent story from the beginning.”
“That’s correct.” Kim’s voice was deep and yet melodic, strangely soothing and pleasing to Jungkook’s ears as his eyes travelled to the male’s hands, delicate and slender fingers almost the hands of a skilled pianist, oddly to be associated to a criminal.
“And in those times from what I could figure out, you were represented by the same lawyer that has been assigned and accompanying you from the first trial?”
“I was,” he seemed to be a man of few words, but it showed progress that he was engaging into a conversation, maybe today in the first session Jungkook could actually get to understand the mysterious man in front of him, “I mean… I had no choice” he almost whispered in that small room, but was high enough for Jungkook to hear, making him stare back while tilting his head.
“What made you choose to change your representant all of a sudden, Mr. Kim?” he was curious as to why after so many years Kim had discarded the one person who had tried to back him up in court, it just did not add up to the synergy in the case at all.
“I didn’t” it was all the answer that he had got from the other, and once again Jungkook could read the tension written all over his body, adjusting into the chair, “but I guess it happened.”
“It happened?”
“Yes. The point is I want to try again, maybe for one last time to plead for a new chance, and I cannot do so without help, I mean that’s why you are here isn’t it? So, will you? Will you help me?”
“You do realize Mr. Kim that every evidence is against you?”
“I do.” his voice was suspiciously calm and steady for a man discussing his future, but then again evaluating that he had been locked for five years the perception of time and space had changed, and Jungkook could tell this had to be a strong front to give to him, - those damn first impressions, - “and please enough of Mr. Kim, I am not that old, ever since I last checked.”
“Well, you are my client, it’s to be expected some courtesy among us. Calling you by your personal name implies a certain familiarity that I am afraid, we aren’t bound to be having in this short affiliation between us.” Jungkook tried to reason with him in the best way he could.
“It would certainly be different from what most people call me, it’s been a while ever since someone used my first name when addressing me.” The man confessed much to his surprise, almost like guilt tripping him into complying to the suggestion he was given, “so how old are you Mr. Jeon?” his change of pace was unexpected, but Jungkook refrained from being taken back to the bold question. Most of his clients had their fair share of questions and some even had been inappropriate at some point much to his annoyance, it was the trouble of being a public officer.
“I’m 25 years old” maybe by giving him his age and being candid, he could expect the other to do the same with him, at least he would be the judge of that, “and before there is a complaint about my age paired with potential inexperience as a concern, I can assure you I am one of the most promising young officers in my law firm. I might be young but have worked with a fair number of cases and am dependable enough to take upon this case, hence why I took it.”
That earned a scoff from the prisoner, who placed his elbows forward onto the table, “Then I guess that makes me your hyung, since I am two years older than you, how about that?”
“What about it?” Jungkook was confused by the sudden question.
“Well, you don’t accept treating me by my first name, then how about calling me hyung? Don’t you think that is even more personal? See the use of a first name it is not always because of the proximity between two people, but it is about the amount of trust one puts into another. To know a name, it is not only about control and confidence in using it. You know my name, I know you do, it is plastered in bold letters in those reports you have there and have probably read before. And you have presented your name earlier, so that means, an attorney and a client can have a certain dosage of trust in order to create a balance into the source of communication.”
He was certainly witty, as Jungkook licked his lip and adjusted himself slightly into his seat.
“I see your point, but did you used to allow your previous representative to call you like that?”
Kim reclined back to the uncomfortable chair, his expression still impassive facing the young man in front of him, “No, we weren’t like that. Even after all this time, he liked to keep it professional and create a distance between him and his clients, it was after all, only business.”
“Then what makes you think, that with me will be any different?” Jungkook asked curious, just as the man stared straight into his eyes.
“Because you’ve defended me, back there with that guard, you’ve went out of your own way to do so even when I said nothing about needing any help.”
“It’s my job to defend people, and I’ve been assigned to defend you, there’s no surprise in there”
“You were. However, your job is to do that in court. Not everyone has the courtesy to defend someone who hasn’t voiced that need to be helped.”
“And yet you have voiced it, going on the third time now trying so.” Jungkook said with a faint smile inciting the other to do the same, and for a few seconds he could swore he almost did.
“Sadly, not everyone sees it that way. To most I am nothing but a criminal, barging and wasting my time when everything seems to be against me. It is hard for me to give up, because I do know the truth and it’s to that conviction that I am holding on for so long, it keeps me sane in here.
I know how this works.
You say you were selected for this job but in my point of view you have had no choice in here but to accept it. You are a public officer that gets cases and is forced to comply to your orders, you represent those who have rights even if they aren’t saints but wolves in sheep’s clothing.
My case probably fell upon your desk before you could even refute and here you are.
Isn’t that right, Mr. Jeon?”
Jungkook tapped the table with his index finger, while analyzing every detail he could absorb from the man’s presence, “Indeed,” he had to admit it had happen to fall right into his desk, and since he has always been a curious soul and one keen on trying new challenges, he had found the case intriguing if such, “you’re partially right, I am bound to represent those who want a chance and from my point of view right now, that’s you. Your case might have fallen in my desk before I could say anything, but” he had Kim’s undivided attention now and he knew it, “I’ve accepted because I believe there’s more than meets the eye here, and I would like to help you.”
“You do?” and the way he asked with that hint of uncertainty made him soften his expression to the man, - although slightly, - he was still a prisoner and despite being his client Jungkook still did not know the man good enough to trust his fair judgement.
“I do, Taehyung” there he said it, mainly testing the grounds, but earning a small smile from the other man did made his heart skip a beat, because right in front of him for a glimpse of a moment he could see who Kim Taehyung truly seemed to be.
A man pleading for innocence for five long years.
Jungkook had been interested in meeting the man in person.
And now that he did, he could see it clearly, that hidden gleam of hope that shone in his eyes.
***
“This happened years ago, why are you asking me this now? The culprit has already been convicted. So why open old wounds? Haven’t enough harm been done already with all this?” the man said with a certain annoyance in his tone that was not unnoticed by Jungkook.
“I’m sorry to bother about such subject but I’m here to represent my client and would like to ask you if I could take a few minutes of your time, just to ask you a couple of simple questions.”
Jungkook noticed how the other stared at him, with that doubtful stare as if he were not willing to comply to his humble request, but in order to partially comprehend Taehyung he had to do this.
“Are you sure you’re not a cop? I mean this seems to be a job a cop would do” the man shrugged.
Jungkook simply shook his head with a small smile wandering on his lips, “I’m an attorney. I am simply trying to understand the case I have been assigned too by exploring the options here, I’ve read the articles, but I would like to have a word of the witnesses and their word in person instead of reading allegations made years ago. Time changes, and with it so do people.”
“And do you think he changed after all this time?” the sudden blunt question made Jungkook stare at the man for a couple of minutes, pondering on what to answer without triggering or causing consequences he could later on regret, he needed his statement, not for an official record since he was not even supposed to be doing this but for his personal understanding of everything.
“I’m not the best person to answer to that question. I know about the case but was not into deep in it to get to know who he was years ago and how he is now. Although I have met him recently, I have no clue if there is a difference to be looked upon. If you are asking me if he regrets his actions or if he changed his words ever since he has been convicted than that’s a different story.”
“Did he?” and that question again intrigued the younger attorney, as he truly eyed the man in front of him, able to see the way he fidgeted with his hands slightly as if he were nervous.
“No.” it seemed the right way to answer if the other seemed to be blunt, he was sure it would respond better if he was the same in his answers, “he still believes himself to be innocent.”
“I see,” and it didn’t pass by him unnoticed that faint sadness that was heard on the man’s tone of voice, “well I don’t know what else do you want me to say that I haven’t said before already.”
“You knew him.” And it was not a question, it was a statement. He had studied the witnesses and he knew the man had been close to his client, until the act itself they had been close friends. Maybe the other had thought he did not know his friend well enough, to fail to perceive him as he was out to be, - a criminal, - or maybe he had been blinded by the perceptions of others.
“I did, we were close back then” Jungkook noticed the young man’s wavering lower lip, bitten to refrain from saying anything more, and he studied how uncomfortable the other seemed to be as they advanced into the conversation, it was almost as if the other knew more than he had told, - than he was telling him, - hiding in between the layers of uncertainty, “we, huh were roommates once, best friends even ever since high school.”
“You speak in the past tense as if you aren’t anymore.” he could not help but to push the other.
“Well, I huh, it’s… complicated” now that was unexpected and at the same time, he was waiting for something like that, it was usual for cuts in relationships when someone was convicted. Not many people stayed around to support a criminal, much less a killer. People were driven by fear and some even to keep a certain image, to be associated with someone that was in jail did not fit well into societies’ standards. “After what happened, it was difficult for me to see him like that.”
“Like what? Perceive him like the media made him out to be?” maybe he had hit a nerve, because he had seen how the other closed his fists slightly, but to judge so sudden and on someone that was close enough to him, seemed petty of the other.
“Imprisoned.” Was all the smaller male said, staring right into his eyes with a hidden resolution.
And Jungkook could not say more about that, choosing to aboard the man in a way that could benefit them both without causing more emotional damage. The case itself had done plenty. Destroying lives and severing relationships that had made him wonder how everything had gotten to that point where not even time healed all wounds, but made them deeper instead…
***
The doorbell rang taking him out of his own thoughts and his eyes from the screen of his laptop to check the time, - it was late, - and he had not order anything to be having visitors at this hour.
However, he made his way to the door checking on who was on the other side.
“Woongs? What are you doing here?” the shorter male beamed him with a smile while shaking a big plastic bag in his hands, “Heard you have a new case, so I brought us food” it was all he said as he made his way inside the small condominium, leaving Jungkook to close the door behind him.
“I bet you’re so focused into the case that you’ve forgotten to eat properly, and before you start defending your own eating habits, may I remind you ramen is not a daily meal you should be having.”
Jungkook chuckled while making his way to the kitchen as the other placed the bag and took several takeaway containers, “What do you want to drink?” Jungkook asked while opening his double door fridge and leaning in, checking the interior, “I have water, couple of beers and Soju too, want anything?”
“Yeah a beer would be nice, thank you Kooks” Woong took the rest that was left into the bag and started filling the fridge humming to himself, “I’ve made a lot this time, Kino was complaining that we’re out of space at our place, so I’ve brought you some” Jungkook smiled at the excuse his friend liked to use when it came to filling his pathetic empty fridge.
“You spoil me way too much. You know it’s not like I starve myself or anything.”
“Right, says the one who has a big ass fridge mostly empty” Woong snorted, “alcohol and instant meals or takeaways aren’t vial food to consume on a daily basis and you know it. If I have to look out for you and bring you food, so be it. I’ve used spare takeout boxes I had around and brought you enough food that can last you for these couple of days, mainly side dishes so you can balance your meals however you like, am just worried for you after all, you aren’t getting any younger.” he teased seeing the other glaring at him.
“We’re the same age, whatever you use against me works for you too Woongs”
“Well at least I know how to cook, can’t say much about you” he mocked with a laugh.
“I don’t have the time to spare and improve my cooking skills, besides, I manage well in the kitchen whenever I feel like it, thank you very much for your concern.”
Woong chuckled while he opened the boxes allowing the air to be filled with appetizing and mouth-watering fragrances that made the young attorney’s stomach growl in approval.
“See, I was right you have been skipping meals. Come on let’s get you some food and meanwhile you can tell me about the case you know I love to learn more about what you work with.”
Jungkook rolled his eyes but complied in following the other to the living room area where his short table had his laptop and scattered papers that he passed onto the couch, giving them enough space to place the food and beers, “You do know this is confidential information, I can’t just spoil you the details.” and this made the other roll his eyes in return.
“I know Kooks, but maybe you can talk more about your insight of your client, am a curious soul here. Don’t leave a guy hanging, is he hot? Who is he? Is the case more important than the last?”
Jungkook chuckled by his friend eagerness, while he tried out a bit of the food to satiate his rumbling stomach, “I am sure you’ve heard about that case that happened almost 6 years ago, the one that shocked everyone and was all over the social media.”
Woong sipped on his beer, trying to remember, “Oh! The one where the guy got like 13 years of sentence without parole? Kim something, what was his name again?”
“Taehyung” Jungkook said casually sipping in his beer now too, “Kim Taehyung”
Somehow the name rolled on his tongue in a way that warmed his heart when saying it.
“That’s the one, everyone was shocked to hear that he had committed such a crime back at the time, he had a clean record, yet everything was leading for him to be the principal suspect.”
Jungkook nodded his head at the statements, he had re-watched the news from 6 years ago, and old tapes that talked more about the case, and he was even allowed to watch the police surveilling cameras and access to the files of when Kim had been interrogated at the station.
Everything was clean, pointing at him to be the only criminal.
It was a perfect match, that and given that he was close to the victim.
Of course, everyone would turn to him being the sole culprit.
The case was closed in a record time, almost as if no more investigation were required than usual because everything was right in front of everyone’s noses, - Kim Taehyung was guilty, - and that had been proof enough in court when the juries voted with a majority inclined to have him convicted and to have a heavier sentence than the one, he was given.
Jungkook knew vaguely about the case at the time, he has been studying for his exams back then, so he refrained himself from seeing much television or anything that could be a distraction from his goals of having a perfect score and delay his possible scholarship in an internship.
But he had seen the papers whenever he was walking on the streets and Kim’s face on the big Seoul screens whenever the news popped up.
He had seen those dull eyes before.
Somehow, he could never forget them even after all those years, so when the case fell on him, he took it gladly, probably thinking he could learn a thing or two with this experience.
“Indeed, that’s the one."
“Have you met the guy already?” Woong served himself of a bit of the sweet and sour pork, dipping the tender piece into the sauce just how he preferred before eating.
“I did, we had a couple of sessions now.”
“And?” Woong pressured with a half-smile when he saw the faint smile on the other’s thin lips.
“We’ve been working on a strategy to present to the court, this is his third appeal, we can’t blow it off and have the juries give him the same answer without checking any more information.”
“So, you believe he is innocent?” it was a simple question, but it held so much at the same time.
Did he trust him?
He had heard the same story from Taehyung’s lips, the stories matched but there was just something there missing, something that could be crucial to help them out.
“I believe in defending my client.” He chose to answer wisely, “if he believes himself to be innocent, it’s my job to make them believe he is so. You know how Juries are usually common working people who are assigned to judge others and help the formal judge to convict, it is their word based onto the facts that we present in court that make them choose their own judgement and what they want to believe in. However, what they should be considering is that, whenever they do so they are convicting a life, putting someone behind bars and that can affect others around the one affected as well.”
“I see, makes sense.” Woong glanced towards the papers and with his free hand he turned the laptop screen to check something. A bunch of tabs open, from blogs and sites all related to Kim Taehyung and the way he was so easily convicted, “It’s almost surreal though, the way a life can change from a single bad decision, you know? He doesn’t seem to be the criminal type either…”
“Most men who commit such acts don’t look like ones either…”
“But you’ve said you believe in him.” Woong turned his head to face the other who was now staring at the laptop screen to an old picture of his client.
“I said that I believe in defending him,” Jungkook said weary, “because after a couple of sessions I too would like to have the same faith he does.”
“What’s stopping you?
Look Kooks I have known you for years now, and I’ve seen you from college to where you are now. You are a very hard-working and quite the stubborn guy, and when you have something in mind you will not stop until you do it. The way you are committed to this case screams that into every tab opened here” and he pointed to the screen, to every single tab “you are trying hard here not because it is your job to do so, but because deep down inside you want to believe in Justice, and you clearly want to believe that Kim Taehyung is as innocent as he claims.
Now I do not understand much about every procedure in your line of work, and every single technical problem here with all the evidence, but I am not blind.
I believe that if there is one thing, you’re really good at, is reading people, you go into details and evaluate more than you should, more than anyone ever does, and that’s one of your many qualities Kooks.”
“You really think so?” he could not help but to pass his hand on his neck embarrassed but at the same time comforted by the words of his best friend.
“I know so, you’ve never been wrong before. Don’t let others cloud your judgement, this is a difficult case and I know time is running short, but I do know you won’t let that stop you.”
“It’s just… Aish! I don’t even know. Everything seems obvious but at the same time it is not. I feel like something is indeed missing here, and I can’t see it clearly as I should. It’s frustrating me.”
Woong remained silent, noticing the small dark circles that were starting to form under Jungkook’s eyes, how unkept the apartment seemed to be, and the cigar tips onto the ashtray as if the anxiety had him smoking more than he should, the case slowly taking its toll on him…
“How long until you have to present this to the judges?”
“Until next month, they have scheduled the audience already, with luck we can wrap it up in one session, if not it might be rescheduled for another date or maybe the Juries might want to finish quickly, after all the appeal hasn’t changed throughout the course of these years.”
“Oh, there’s one thing that changed, and that might be the key point Kim needed in his favor.”
“What do you mean?” Jungkook was confused for a moment, he was just tired from restless nights trying to figure out the case, and that sickly gut feeling that something was wrong, and he just could not guess or find what exactly.
“You” Woong cracked a wide smile at him, “the only change in this case is you Kooks, and I bet you are going to make one hell of a difference in that courtroom.”
***
“I’ve told you everything.”
“No, you’ve told me the same things you’ve been telling everyone from the very start.”
Taehyung stared to the younger biting his lower lip, “Do you think I am hiding something?”
“Not necessarily.” to be honest he was not sure, his job wasn’t to doubt his client or the case itself, it was to take upon everything he was given and make it work to benefit in their favor.
Thing is how could he do so if everything seemed to be against them?
And in a way that made him weary, the case had been solved much to quickly for something that had blew up into high proportions by the media, that he found himself doubting anything nowadays, from the witnesses’ statements, to the poorly investigation done by the police.
Somehow everything felt rushed and inconsistent.
But what did he know?
He was merely an attorney, which should only stay focused on doing his job.
Why would he want to do more than that?
To uncover everything that seemed to be wrong.
“I’ve met Park Jimin,” that made the other stare at him, - really look at him, - the usual poker face slowly crumbling mostly to the spark in his widen eyes that only lasted for a few seconds, before Taehyung tried to mask it again with his indifference, “I needed more information regarding the witnesses, and I knew he could be of help, so I attempted talking with him.”
Taehyung cleared his throat, “And?”
“We talked.” Jungkook shrugged although a small smile made his way to his lips.
“He t-talked to you?” the vulnerability so faint but present in his tone was what made Jungkook nod his head, still remaining silent, so that Taehyung had a moment to collect himself.
“I see.
He stopped visiting me, after a couple of times in the beginning he just never showed again.
No one did.
Doesn’t look like it now, but I was quite social back in the days, people found me friendly and kind, maybe even charismatic.
Truth is, I have always liked being helpful and surrounded by good friends.
I hated to be alone, to feel lonely was one of my biggest fears.
Now that I am looking at it, I realize I was dumb to consider that everyone would stay or see the real me if things ever went wrong… and they did, because my fear turned out to be true
I am truly alone now.”
“That’s not true” Jungkook managed to say amid the small silence that settled in between them, “you have me now, right?” he emphasized with his soft voice.
That earned him a chuckle, one that he returned back with his own.
“Why are you doing this, Jungkook?”
“Doing what?”
“Going out of your way to help me. Mostly everyone so far has only listened to what they wanted to listen too, believed in what they wanted to believe in, but you, you’re different.”
“Is that such a bad thing?” his heart beating in his chest to what the older was saying, it should not affect him, - but it did, - somehow, he wanted to know what the older thought of him.
“No, it’s not. It’s more than I could ever ask for.” and Taehyung showed him a smile, a genuine one for the first time that made his heart take a leap, “I’m not used to kindness, not anymore.”
And with that he lowered his head, his bangs covering his eyes and his lips in a thin line, but the sad aura he was giving was more than enough from his slump shoulders. He looked defeated and nothing like the criminal they made him out to be, so Jungkook rose up from his seat still not gaining any reaction from the older male that seemed emotionally unstable at the moment.
“I don’t do this out of pity or the goodness in my heart, Taehyung. I do it because it’s my job, and because it’s true to my own convictions, and therefore I like to know on what I am working in order to give my all when bringing cases to court. I might know the general about your case, but I would rather listen to you, to take in your version as well. Everything that might be crucial to advance in this case. You don’t get to make appeals and not see a change, as your attorney I am here to see that change and in order to do so I will need you to cooperate with me, all right?”
Jungkook slowly lifted Taehyung’s head, with his fingers on the other’s chin, seeing the brim of that swirl of emotions almost shinning into his eyes while they reflected him like a mirror.
“You just have to believe in me, and most importantly of all, you have to believe in yourself.
Only then can you truly overcome this, Taehyung.
Only then will you truly be free.”
***
“How is it going along with Kim?” San’s voice made him glance up from his computer screen and cease to type on the keyboard, accepting the steaming cup of coffee the other was giving him.
“It’s progressing slowly” was all he could say before blowing a bit of the steam and taking a sip.
“You’re really dedicated to make this one work huh?” he could not help but notice the mocking tone, but he shrugged it off while drinking the bland black coffee he been given, his eyes back to the screen as he typed in the last couple of notes regarding his conversation with the witness.
“Not sure on what you’re implying here San, but I always take my job seriously, this is no exception.” and it was not, he was working hard just like with any case, the thing that he could admit that was different would be the dynamic with his client.
Taehyung had been a first to break down the pattern of professionalism that he would like to keep, by addressing him to his first name. But if that helped the other or eased this case in the slightest, then he was content to oblige despite not being a thing he was used to do.
“Sure, keep telling yourself that.” San mocked while accommodating himself in his own chair and turning his attention to his own work, not noticing the glare Jungkook launched his way, but before he could even say anything the phone started ringing, making Jungkook turn to look at the screen and widen his eyes to the contact number displayed.
“Sorry have to take this, I’ll see you later and give regards to Wooyoung, been a while ever since I’ve last seen him!” he said in a hurry taking both his briefcase and jacket in his hands, “thanks for the coffee though!” leaving the office in a hurry not even giving San a chance to reply, as this was one important call he could not dismiss, he had been waiting most part of the day for it.
***
He checked the photos and the papers in his hands, more information that could be helpful.
“Listen I don’t usually do this, so consider it a special case of helping a friend out, but this is strictly confidential, you would need a permit and let’s just say a bunch of papers and orders to get your hand into that kind of evidence you have in your hands right now. So don’t mess this up and get me any trouble, for all we know I’ll get you some last-minute papers in case we need to present them to justify how you have your hands on those, but give me a couple of days for that, until then keep your mouth shut or only share it with your said client, you got me Kooks?”
“Roger, Mingyu and relax it’s not like we’re newbies here.” Jungkook chuckled while staring at this friend, still wearing his police uniform, “I’m working against the clock here, reason why I’ve asked you this as soon as possible, I’ll file the papers as soon as you give them to me, okay?”
“I know you aren’t but just letting you know, as you want nothing interfering your line of work and reputation the same goes for me. This is a serious case, that you’re working with right now.”
“Were you the one who interrogated Kim?” it was making him curious now seeing the other so nervous, it was so unlike him, to the confident friend he would joke around with.
Mingyu shook his head, “No, it wasn’t me, I was at the Academy at the time remember?”
Right how could he forget, his friend was still in formation when all happened, although he might have known who the officer was at the time.
“Bet you know who did it, or if anything, you might find that out for me huh?” Jungkook tried his luck with his friend, who simply gave him a fed-up look in return. “I mean who took part of the investigation team at the time and made the case closed”
“You seriously want my ass on the line, you annoying brat” but the tense moment was clear when they both broke into laughter, as Jungkook punched him playfully on the arm.
“Yah! You’re only a couple of months older than me, we’re from the same year what’s your deal calling me a brat, when you’re just the same and sometimes even worse”
“Am not!”
“Oh, you certainly are, see right now, you are being a brat” he pointed out as the other had his arms crossed and was looking at him with a pout, it was easy and fun to joke at Mingyu, because despite everything they did they hardly fought with one another.
“Tsk, okay I’ll see what I can do about it, but I make no promises. This case blew a bit out of proportions at the time, and there are some mixed reviews within the squad when it comes to it, so am really busting my ass if I go around poking into this kind of business.”
That certainly had gained his interest though, mixed reviews on a case that had been closed so quickly under the investigation at the time. There had to be more into it than they let it show.
“Mixed reviews as in?” he hated to be the one to pressure for answers when it took to his friends.
Mingyu shrugged, “You know the whole deal, when the damn media gets into deep and starts poking on and about stuff, things can get messy quite fast and leaked information is something one cannot allow to happen here for numerous reasons. Everything was almost settled to the evidence that were collected and I guess there wasn’t much to be done with, so maybe it was wrapped up quickly to avoid certain situations like those. I don’t know many details about it, although I can ask around see if I can get some new info to share with you.”
“Thanks, I would appreciate that man.” Jungkook said while taking out the cigarette packet from his suit pocket and offering one to his friend who just shook his head at the very tempting offer.
“Been trying to cut it down or quit it for a while now” he admitted softly with a smile, “you know well enough just how Wonwoo gets whenever I smoke, so I want to try out seriously this time.”
“Tsk, I know right, he is such a meanie” Jungkook teased while igniting the cigar in his mouth the nicotine already invading his palate, as he exhaled the smoke to the air, seeing it fog in the cold evening weather, “am just kidding, I know he intends well and you’re doing good maybe if you succeed it rubs me off to do the same, who knows I might attempt to follow your footsteps.”
Mingyu laughed at the statement, shaking his head, “It would probably be the best thing you would do in your life, because those aren’t helping you at all just dragging you down slowly.”
“A man either needs an addiction or a distraction in his life, and especially if work takes a toll.”
Jungkook only wondered in which one of those he could relate Kim Taehyung, when the other just popped up right into his mind…