LOVE YOU TO DEATH | TAEKOOK

12. I Bet It Stung

*content warning for adult themes, language, mention of suicide (not graphic) & mental illness, unlawful behavior*

TMZ: Actor Kim Taehyung was seen running out of a courthouse after JJK shouting apologies in the author's direction. No word yet on what he might be sorry for, or the nature of their relationship. More to come on new developments.

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Taehyung wasn't sure if he should go back to the courthouse that afternoon after the bomb had dropped about Jimin. He wasn't sure if Yoongi was ever going to speak to him again, either. But he figured that he was going to go crazy without seeing what was going on so he waited an hour or so and got in a cab.

When he walked in, Yoongi and Hobi weren't there, so he sat alone counting the seconds until Jungkook came back. When he finally showed up, flanked by Sejin, Lili, and Soomin, Taehyung knew that he had royally fucked up.

Jungkook's head was down and his hair was a mess. He looked oddly grey as he slouched into the courtroom.

Namjoon followed close behind, though he was without Jimin. Taehyung ached to get a look at Jungkook's eyes though he didn't look anywhere but the floor.

When the judge walked back in, she put on her glasses and examined Jungkook for a moment before speaking, glancing up as the door banged open and Jimin stumbled in; his pupils dilated and his face a splotchy pink color.

"Welcome back folks. It sounds like this afternoon, we're going to hear testimony from two people who are going to speak to the defendant's mindset at the time of the alleged crime. Mr. Park, you're right on time, we'll start with you," she announced, looking at her notebook.

Taehyung whipped his head to the left when Hobi put a hand on his shoulder as he sat down. But, he said nothing and he was alone, which Taehyung didn't have the heart to ask about. They both watched as the judge tapped her pen on the desk in front of her.

"Also, just a reminder to stick to the facts. This morning was a lot to digest for everyone and though I'm here to uphold the law, I'm not cruel, either. So, let's just remember we're all human," she spouted, looking sternly down at Sejin and then at Jay, though there was a distinct softness in her voice.

Taehyung held out a hand, hoping that Hobi would get the message. He did, reaching to squeeze Taehyung's sweaty, shaky, hand in a silent assurance that this was going to be fine. Which, to both of them, felt like a lie.

"I didn't know he was up today," Hobi muttered out of the corner of his mouth.

Taehyung made a tense face and nodded, "Me either. Thanks for coming back, though," he muttered, which Hobi didn't react to.

Jimin strolled up to the witness box, trying to look more confident than he felt. He glanced around the room from his new vantage point, feeling more than a little concerned about Jungkook, who wasn't looking back at him. Not that he expected him to. He wasn't sure what to expect at all.

The prosecutor rose, buttoning his oxblood suit jacket, smiling at Jimin, "Good afternoon, Mr. Park," he greeted.

Jimin nodded, "Good afternoon, Mr. Ahn," he replied, listless and blank.

"Call me Jay. Thank you for responding to the State's subpoena and being here today," he led, opening a hand towards the court.

Again, Jimin nodded, "Okay, then," he mouthed.

"Can you tell me about your relationship with your father?" Jay started, wasting no time at all.

Jungkook peeked over his shoulder at Lili, who wore a faint grimace and a black Dior suit. Why did this feel like a funeral?