Collision of Verdicts

Standing By His Side

The weekends had become something Taehyung and Jungkook quietly looked forward to. From leisurely breakfasts in the kitchen to evenings spent cooking dinner together, their companionship had grown stronger over the weeks. Despite the occasional threat still trickling in, Taehyung was slowly feeling more secure in Jungkook’s presence, and the sense of comfort they’d found in each other made the stress of their professional lives easier to bear.

Jungkook, in particular, had started to appreciate these moments more than he expected. He loved watching Taehyung focus while chopping vegetables or humming softly as he stirred a pot on the stove. They had established a comfortable routine, helping each other out with small things around the house and just enjoying the simple peace of each other’s company.

“You’ve gotten pretty good at making these dumplings,” Jungkook commented one Sunday evening, watching as Taehyung expertly folded the dough in neat little pleats.

Taehyung grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Well, I had a great teacher,” he teased. “You’re lucky I’m around to help you out in the kitchen, otherwise you’d be eating instant ramen every night.”

Jungkook feigned a dramatic sigh. “How could I ever survive without you?”

Their playful banter had become second nature, but beneath the light-heartedness, there was a deeper connection growing, something neither of them fully acknowledged yet. They spent their weekends like this, just the two of them in their little bubble, away from the world.

But their peaceful routine was interrupted by the whirlwind of a scandal that exploded online.

---

Jungkook’s intense courtroom demeanor had always been part of what made him such a formidable lawyer. His sharp arguments, no-nonsense approach, and sometimes ruthless attitude toward opponents earned him respect, but also criticism. When footage of his latest court trial leaked online, showing him fiercely defending his client, some netizens weren’t pleased.

The clip circulated quickly, and soon, social media was flooded with discussions about Jungkook’s attitude in court. People began labeling him as arrogant and disrespectful, twisting his professionalism into something darker.

“Who does he think he is, acting like that in court?” one comment read.

“Such a devilish attitude, no wonder people can’t stand him,” said another.

Jungkook, however, barely flinched at the backlash. He had never been one to care about public opinion. To him, as long as he won the case and did right by his clients, nothing else mattered. But Taehyung, watching from the sidelines, couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of worry for him.

It wasn’t just the comments that bothered Taehyung, it was how the negativity was affecting Jungkook’s loved ones. One evening, as Taehyung was passing by the living room, he overheard Jungkook’s video call with his mother.

“Mom, I told you, don’t worry about it,” Jungkook said calmly, his voice a little firmer than usual. “People online always have something to say. It doesn’t bother me.”

His mother’s voice was soft but full of concern. “But Jungkook, it’s not just about you. You know how your father and I feel when we see these things. You’re our son, we hate seeing people say such terrible things.”

Taehyung paused at the doorway, his heart tightening as he listened. He could hear the worry in Jungkook’s mother’s voice, and although Jungkook was trying to reassure her, Taehyung could sense the tension in his usually composed friend.

After the call ended, Jungkook sat back on the couch, rubbing his temples as if trying to shake off the lingering stress. Taehyung walked in quietly, sitting down beside him.

“Everything okay?” Taehyung asked, his voice gentle but concerned.

Jungkook shrugged, his expression unreadable. “Yeah, it’s fine. Just some people online stirring things up. My mom’s worried, but it’ll blow over.”

Taehyung nodded, but deep down, he wasn’t so sure. He knew how relentless the media and the public could be, especially when someone like Jungkook was involved. As much as Jungkook didn’t show it, Taehyung could tell that the situation was getting to him.

---

The next day, after wrapping up another court trial, Taehyung stepped out of the courthouse, exhausted but relieved. He was barely a few steps out when a group of reporters and onlookers swarmed him, microphones and cameras shoved in his face.

“Mr. Kim, what do you think about Jungkook’s recent behavior in court?”

“You’re known for being calm and collected. Do you think Jungkook’s attitude is appropriate for a lawyer?”

They were relentless, firing question after question, clearly expecting Taehyung to disapprove of Jungkook’s approach. But instead of feeling cornered, something inside Taehyung snapped. The anger he hadn’t realized was brewing bubbled to the surface.

He stood tall, looking directly into one of the cameras. “Jungkook is one of the best lawyers I know,” he said firmly, his voice unwavering. “He does whatever it takes to win his cases and protect his clients. His actions in court were justified. Just because someone is assertive in the courtroom doesn’t mean they’re in the wrong. In fact, it’s that exact attitude that makes him an exceptional lawyer.”

There was a murmur among the crowd, and the reporters exchanged glances, clearly taken aback by Taehyung’s defense. He had always been known for his calm, almost gentle demeanor, but seeing him stand so strongly in support of Jungkook sent shockwaves through the media.

“Does this mean you support Jungkook’s courtroom behavior?” one reporter asked, almost in disbelief.

“Yes,” Taehyung replied without hesitation. “I do.”

---

Later that evening, as Taehyung walked back into the office, Jungkook was waiting for him by the door. There was a mixture of surprise and gratitude in his eyes as he approached Taehyung, hands in his pockets.

“I saw the footage,” Jungkook said quietly. “You didn’t have to do that.”

Taehyung shrugged, playing it off like it was no big deal. “I wasn’t going to let them talk about you like that. You were right in what you did.”

Jungkook stared at him for a moment, his expression softening. “Still, thank you. It means a lot.”

Just as the moment grew more serious, Taehyung smiled mischievously. “I had to stand up for my devilish lawyer, didn’t I?”

Jungkook rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I’m going to get a reputation because of you.”

“You already have a reputation,” Taehyung teased, bumping Jungkook’s shoulder. “I’m just here to back it up.”

As they both laughed, the tension of the past few days slowly dissipated, replaced by a sense of warmth and understanding. They may not have said it out loud, but in that moment, both of them knew they would always have each other’s backs—no matter what the world threw at them.