LOVE YOU TO DEATH | TAEKOOK

15. Knife Going In

*Trigger warning in big bold letters. If you are sensitive to discussions of violence or trauma, just skip this chapter and send me a message instead to be caught up.*
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ABC7 News: The trial of JJK continues today with testimony from the author himself. Many thought he wouldn't take the stand, but his lawyer has put forth an affirmative defense and is supposedly relying on this testimony for an acquittal. JJK arrived at the courthouse a few minutes ago but neither Park Jimin or Kim Taehyung have arrived yet. No word on whether or not they will be here today.

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"Morning kiddo," Soomin whispered, putting a hand on Jungkook's shoulder and shaking as he slowly came back to life.

Jungkook groaned, stretching and blinking the sleep from his eyes, "Hey, Mom."

Soomin was vibrating with kinetic energy, generated by anxious anticipation. She was already dressed in a smart, hunter green pantsuit with her dark, flyaway hair blown dry.

"Sejin wants to talk to you, kiddo," she softly announced, tipping her head in the direction of where he was presumably waiting.

Jungkook agreed with a reluctant nod.

He got out of bed, quickly showered and dressed, and sat down in front of Sejin at the dining room table with damp hair, tie still loose.

"Mr. Jeon, I just wanted to review with you how today is going to go," he began, pushing a cup of coffee over to Jungkook with one finger.

"We're going to get you sworn in and first, I'll ask you some questions. I'm going to try and keep things concise," Sejin recounted, though they had been over this several times.

Jungkook showed very few signs of life other than his eyes being open. He felt several pounds worth of nausea settle into his stomach like steel.

"Most of my questions are going to be centered on Jimin and what was happening when his dad died, alright? The goal is to tee this up for the prosecution to be focused on Jimin as well when they cross-examine you," the lawyer nodded, trying to convince them both.

Sejin looked down at his phone and eyed Jungkook, "Are you going to be alright today? I realize that these things aren't easy to discuss," he granted with a tentative smile, trying to meet halfway.

Jungkook shook his head and looked at the light fixture hanging from the ceiling.

"I guess we're going to find out," he shrugged. It was uncharted territory.

Logically, he knew that if he wanted to stay out of prison, this was his best bet.

More practically, he wasn't sure if he was going to be able to say what Sejin wanted him to. Not in front of the people that mattered. Not to anyone.

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That morning, Taehyung woke up with a wretched hangover. He hadn't come to any sort of conclusion on whether he should show up to court. It wasn't clear if his presence would help or hurt Jungkook, and frankly, he wasn't sure if he cared. The loose ends felt like barbed wire tethers.

YOONGI: Should we plan
to see you today?

TAEHYUNG: I'm not sure

YOONGI: Still? Wow

TAEHYUNG: It's hard to know
what the right thing to do is

YOONGI: Well let's make
it simple