Almost blind | Haobin

71| shame |71

The scent of old wood was the only thing filling the courtroom. Every creak of the benches sounded louder than it should. Dozens of people had gathered.. some curious and others hungry for scandal. So many faces that Hao didnt even recognize watched him closely. ome were from Julson's family, others probably old colleagues or just strangers who came to witness the downfall of a once-respected man. The story had already spread across the media, even though Hao never wanted that. But what could he do? Julson was a well-known doctor in this town. Of course, the trial would explode the moment someone accused him of what really happened.

But what stung the most was the sound of people whispering Julson's name with sympathy. Cheering him on as if he were the victim. Hanbin sat among the audience. He was tensed and restless. His hands were balled into fists in his lap as he listened to the quiet murmur behind him.. snide remarks, cruel jokes and words aimed straight at Hao's back.

It was ridiculous. All of it. The way people could twist something so dark into entertainment made his stomach turn. His eyes flicked toward Hao who was sitting a few meters away beside Taesan, who was quietly talking to him and flipping through a thick stack of papers. Hanbin felt helpless. After months of tears and waiting, it had all come down to this day and now he could only hope it would finally end in justice.

Hao, on the other hand, sat still. His palms were damp against his knees but his expression stayed calm as he listened to Taesan. "Remember," Taesan whispered, leaning slightly closer. "They might talk to you like you're the one who did something wrong. Thats what they want..to shake you, to see if you'll stumble. But you have to hold on to your words. Dont let them twist anything."

"I know," Hao murmured, his voice was low but steady. "You're telling the truth. That's what matters. They'll test you and Julson's lawyer will too. Just breathe and stay calm, alright?"

Hao nodded again. He trusted Taesan completely. After everything they'd been through, Taesan was the one person who made him feel safe. The man had prepared everything... papers, evidence, notes, even reminders of what Hao shouldn't forget to mention. Seeing all that made Hao feel like he wasn't alone in this anymore. Even someone who had once been a complete stranger was now standing up for him.. and Hao couldn't be more grateful. In that moment, he silently thanked Yujin for introducing him to such an incredible lawyer like Taesan.

Across the room, Julson sat beside his own lawyer. Unlike Hao and Taesan, they weren't speaking at all. Julson looked composed, wearing a black turtleneck and perfectly styled hair. He always looked like that. Polished, controlled and super charming. That was the worst part. The man looked like he belonged in a magazine, not in a courtroom. Hes handsome. There was no doubt of that.

Hao hated that. Because it worked. People believed him. His composure, his subtle smile...sweet talk..it was infuriating how much it made others forget what he'd done.

Beside him, Julson's lawyer sat with an almost emotionless face, flipping through his notes with quiet precision. Hao didn't hate him; he couldn't. The man was just doing his job. But the thought that someone could defend a man like Julson..for money, for reputation..made Hao's skin crawl.

It was sick.

He had no idea what Julson's lawyer would be like. Sharp-tongued? Cold-eyed? Ruthless? He had no idea..but he had to stay calm. Just like Taesan told him. Hao exhaled softly, running a trembling hand through his hair, trying to find some piece of grounding in the chaos. Everything around him still felt unreal. The old wooden walls, the hum of whispers, the judge's seat.. it was all too vivid and too distant at once, like he was living someone else's nightmare.

He was really sitting there. In a courtroom. A lawyer by his side and Julson..that man.. just a few meters away, watching him with eyes sharp enough to cut through bone. Hao felt that gaze pierce into him. No one else seemed to notice but he knew. He knew that stare too well. The stare of a man who'd already ruined lives, who'd done unspeakable things while smiling as if he hadn't. That was the stare of the predator who had made his life a living hell. And now he was looking at him again.. calm and collected, as if he still held control.