Anger never builds; it only tears down. In the heat of a single moment, it can feel like strength, an armor to hide behind. But when the fire fades, all that's left are the ashes of what once mattered. Anger doesn't solve anything-it devours patienc...
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And maybe someday, you’ll thank the dark for showing you how bright you could be.
Chapter 47: The Verdict
The heavy doors of the Seoul Central District Court swung open, letting in a flood of light and murmurs that quickly turned into silence. Every seat in the gallery was taken. Reporters from every major outlet sat shoulder to shoulder, pens poised, their cameras banned but their eyes sharp. On the right side sat Jungkook, accompanied by Jin and Yoongi.
Unfortunately, Taehyung wasn’t able to accompany them to the trial, as he was still in the process of recovery. The doctor had advised him to rest and avoid any emotional or physical strain. After being discharged from the hospital, he returned to Jungkook’s villa—his safe haven—where he continued to heal under quiet supervision. Though his body was recovering, his heart remained restless, knowing the moment of Gaeul’s judgment was finally happening without him there to witness it.
And at the very center of it all— Jung Gaeul.
She sat in the defendant’s chair, wrists bound lightly by a restraint chain, dressed in the pale beige uniform of the Seoul Detention Center. Her posture was perfect, chin slightly raised, as though she still owned the world. But her eyes—cold, calculating—betrayed a hint of unease. The faint tremor in her fingers as she adjusted her sleeve did not go unnoticed by Jungkook.
“All rise,” the clerk announced.
The presiding judge entered, followed by two associate judges. The room collectively rose. The sound of chairs scraping against marble echoed sharply. When everyone sat again, the silence was absolute.
Judge Kim Namjoon began to speak, his tone grave yet unwavering.
“Defendant Jung Gaeul, the Seoul Central District Court has reached a verdict.”
Even those who had heard hundreds of verdicts before felt the sting of those words.
Namjoon continued, reading from the decision like a blade cutting through the air.
“After a thorough examination of all evidence—financial records, witness statements, digital forensics, and confessions from co-conspirators—this court finds beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused, Jung Gaeul, was the principal orchestrator in a series of deliberate and premeditated crimes.”
A gasp rippled through the gallery.
“These include the murder of Jeon Junghyun and Jung Miyeon, the murder of Kim Kyushu, extensive embezzlement of corporate funds, bribery of public officials, obstruction of justice, and illegal narcotics trafficking. The court acknowledges the gravity of these crimes and the irreparable harm inflicted upon the victims and their families.”
The words hung in the air like smoke, dense and suffocating.
Jungkook lowered his gaze, his jaw tightening. His father. His mother. Taehyung’s mother. Their names spoken aloud—not as ghosts—but as victims whose justice had finally arrived.
