Collision of Verdicts

Victory and Shadows

The courtroom was packed. Taehyung stood at the front, poised and calm, his sharp gaze fixed on the judge as the tension hung in the air. This case had taken everything out of him and his team—late nights, endless paperwork, and a sea of challenges that felt like they would never end. But today was different. Today was the day Taehyung would either win or lose his first major case—the murder of the schoolgirl, which had been disguised as a suicide. His heart raced, but he kept his expression neutral, confident.

The opposing attorney, a grizzled man in his fifties, paced in front of the jury, throwing accusations and trying to punch holes in Taehyung’s arguments. “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, this so-called evidence is circumstantial at best. My client is innocent. The idea that this case could be anything other than a tragic suicide is nothing but a fabrication.”

Taehyung stood, adjusting his suit jacket and stepping forward with calm determination. “Your Honor, the evidence we’ve presented isn’t circumstantial. It’s clear, and it’s damning.” He turned to the jury, his voice soft but firm. “The victim had no history of depression or self-harm. But she was connected to powerful figures who had much to lose if she spoke out. The bruising patterns on her body, the tampered phone records, and the eyewitness testimonies… They all point to one conclusion: she was murdered.”

The jury seemed attentive, hanging on Taehyung’s every word. He continued, his tone measured but cutting. “And the defense wants you to believe this is all coincidence. But justice isn't built on coincidence. It’s built on truth.”

There was a stillness in the courtroom, the kind that followed an undeniable truth spoken aloud. The judge looked over at the jury and, after a long pause, delivered the verdict. “We find the defendant guilty on all charges.”

Taehyung’s heart skipped a beat. He had won. The victim’s family broke into quiet tears, relief evident on their faces. Taehyung could feel the weight lifting from his shoulders. After weeks of intense pressure, they had done it.

As he collected his papers and prepared to leave the courtroom, the opposing attorney, red-faced and fuming, approached him. “You think this is over?” he spat under his breath. “You and your team won’t be safe for long. People who go digging where they don’t belong end up regretting it.”

Before Taehyung could respond, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

“Is there a problem here?”

Jungkook stood just outside the courtroom, leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed and his expression hard. He had finished his own case and had been waiting for Taehyung. Seeing the scene unfold, he immediately stepped in, his presence commanding.

The opposing attorney sneered but backed off. “I’m just warning your little friend here.”

Jungkook took a step closer, his voice cold and unyielding. “And I’m warning you. If you or anyone you know goes near him or his team, you’ll be the one regretting it.”

The man glared but eventually turned and walked away, muttering something under his breath. Taehyung, still processing the encounter, felt a wave of unease wash over him.

“Hey, you okay?” Jungkook’s voice softened as he placed a hand on Taehyung’s shoulder.

Taehyung nodded, though his mind was racing. “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just... it’s never easy to hear something like that.”

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed, concern flickering across his face. “Let me drive you back to the office.”

Taehyung didn’t argue. As they walked out of the courthouse, side by side, Jungkook glanced at him every so often, his worry deepening. He could sense that the attorney’s threat had rattled Taehyung more than he was willing to admit.

---

The drive back to the office was quiet, save for the hum of the engine. Jungkook kept glancing over at Taehyung, who was staring out the window, lost in thought. It wasn’t like him to be so silent. Something about the threat had gotten under his skin, and Jungkook didn’t like it.

As they pulled into the parking lot, Jungkook finally spoke. “I don’t like this, Tae. You know threats like that are serious. I think we need to let Namjoon and Jin know.”

Taehyung sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I know. It’s just... I wasn’t expecting it to escalate this quickly. But yeah, you’re right. Let’s talk to them.”

They walked into the office, and Jungkook immediately sought out Namjoon and Jin, briefing them on the incident. Both managing partners listened intently, their expressions growing more serious with each passing word.

“This isn’t something we can take lightly,” Namjoon said, his voice steady but firm. “Taehyung, we need to be careful. If they’re threatening you, there’s no telling what they might do.”

Jin nodded in agreement. “We’ll take steps to ensure your safety, and we’ll have security around the office. But for now, don’t go anywhere alone.”

Taehyung appreciated their concern but couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that had settled in the pit of his stomach. It wasn’t just about him; his team was at risk too. And that thought terrified him.

---

The next morning, Taehyung woke up to something unexpected. Along with the usual stack of newspapers outside his apartment door, there was a plain white envelope, sealed but unmarked. His heart sank. He knew immediately what it was.

He tore it open, and his worst fears were confirmed—a threat. It was vague but chilling, warning him to back off the case or face the consequences.

Without hesitation, Taehyung called Jungkook, his voice shaking. “I got a threat this morning.”

Jungkook’s response was immediate. “Stay there. I’m coming to get you.”

---

Within minutes, Jungkook was at Taehyung’s door, his face a mixture of anger and concern. He took the note from Taehyung’s trembling hands, reading it over. “That’s it. You’re staying with me until this blows over.”

Taehyung hesitated. “Jungkook, I can’t just—”

“No arguments,” Jungkook cut him off. “This isn’t up for debate. I’m not letting you stay here alone when people are threatening you.”

Taehyung sighed but knew Jungkook was right. He couldn’t risk staying alone, not when things had escalated this quickly. Reluctantly, he nodded. “Okay... but just for a few days.”

Jungkook’s expression softened. “As long as it takes.”

---

That night, Taehyung found himself once again in Jungkook’s penthouse, but this time, the circumstances were different. He had brought a small suitcase with him, unsure of how long he’d need to stay. Jungkook, sensing his unease, did his best to make him feel comfortable.

“Make yourself at home,” Jungkook said with a small smile. “You already know the layout.”

Taehyung chuckled weakly, trying to lighten the mood. “Yeah, but this time feels... different.”

Jungkook’s eyes met Taehyung’s, a quiet intensity there. “It is different. But you’re safe here. I’ll make sure of that.”

For the rest of the evening, they tried to maintain a sense of normalcy—Jungkook ordered takeout, and they worked on some paperwork for their cases. But there was an undeniable tension in the air, the weight of the threats looming over them both.

As the night wore on, Taehyung found himself growing more comfortable in Jungkook’s presence. Despite the fear and uncertainty, there was something calming about being around him. It was as if, in Jungkook’s home, the outside world and its dangers couldn’t touch him.

And as they settled in for the night, Jungkook’s quiet assurance echoed in Taehyung’s mind. He was safe here—safe with Jungkook.

For now, that was enough.