Bad Blood || K. Jongin

32| Free At Last

A/N: I hope you enjoy the last chapter! (P.s im not a lawyer and know nothing about law so this is probably not entirely accurate.)

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(Lyra)

I was wearing a skirt for the first time in months, clothes that actually fit me. My clothes.

It would have been grand, and I would have appreciated it more if I wasn't currently awaiting to speak in court on Jongin's behalf.

"Im so nervous." I whispered to my mother, as we waited outside the doors. Korean law was different than what we were used to in the US, and frankly, we had no idea if my witness testimony would help or not.

Sung Min, our personal agent stood off to the side, wearing a neutral expression. He knew everything about the law, but this particular situation is unique, it could go either way.

"You have every right to be." He acknowledged. "But I'm sure you'll do great, just answer their questions truthfully. Whether the court likes it or not, they owe Jongin for taking out their extensive gang problems."

I nodded, trying my best to understand. "How long could he be in prison if it goes wrong?"

"Five years maybe? That's if he's convicted of manslaughter. The defense is trying to play the narrative of duress. From what I've been hearing, the limited jury may lean towards probation or community service. But if all goes well, he'll be granted amnesty since he helped you and other women. This case is getting news coverage, so if he's wrongly convicted in the eyes of the public, there will be an uproar."

"What do you think will happen?" My mother questioned.

"I believe he won't receive prison time. Especially since the US and South Korea are allies. There also isn't a prosecution, nobody is testifying against him. It looks to me as if everyone here is supporting him."

"Let's hope that's the case." I sighed, watching as officers opened the doors to let me in.

"Good luck." My mother whispered, releasing my hand as I followed Sung Min into the packed courtroom. He was right, the publicity was growing on this case. There were at least 4 different news stations trying to document my reactions, all of them pointing their cameras at me.

I suddenly felt exposed, my trauma on display for everyone to see.

I stepped up to the witness stand, hands shaking from all the stares piercing my way. I'd never had so many eyes on me before. Though I had been through so much, my heart still raced under the pressure of speaking in public.

My skirt was only knee length, so the jury and people of the court could see my handcuff scars, and the multiple rope lacerations that scraped up my legs.. My injuries were still noticeable, and so was my discomfort.

The judge gave me a sympathetic look before addressing the people of the court.

"Members of the jury, your duty today will be to determine whether the defendant is guilty ornot guilty based only on facts and evidence provided in this case."

My mind was racing as I followed through the procedures, pledging my allegiance and cooperation to the courtroom, and being introduced to everyone as one of the people he saved. Our romantic relationship remained hidden from the court.

"You may begin, Lyra."

I could feel myself starting to panic. How do I even start? It's not like I was able to prepare, I had just escaped captivity!