Lookism X Reader

Reader: The Murder Pt. 1

Note:  A court AU based off "Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney", because I'm in love with it. They/Them pronouns.

~•OBJECTION•~

The court was quiet.  On the stand was Eun Tae Lee, Vasco.  His memory wasn't one to be trusted, but it was all the prosecuting side had to work with.  He was the only witness.

That didn't mean the defense was off the hook either though.  (Full Name) the defense attorney was sweating bullets.  Eun Tae Lee was a friend of their client, but he was unpredictable.  His testimony would determine the fate of (Name)'s client, Daniel Park.

The heavily tattooed man took the stand.  "Your name?" The prosecutor asked.

"Vasco".

"No, you're full legal name," the prosecutor clarified.

The witness looked confused for a moment "Eun Tae Lee".

"Excellent.  You attend Jae Won High School.  Is that correct?  Along with the defendant Mr. Park?"  Vasco nodded in response.  "Mr. Park is here because it is believed he committed murder.  You witnessed this?"

Vasco looked like he was uncomfortable.  (Name) could tell he didn't trust himself, but Vasco answered "yes" anyway.  (Name) knew they had to press him.

"I see.  You saw the defendant Daniel Park kill the victim Johan Seong?"  Another solemn conformation came from Vasco.  "Please, tell the court exactly what you saw!"

(Name) locked in, as they would have to cross-examine the witness's testimony.  "It was lunch time.  I went to the back of the school to find Jace.  When I got there Jace was missing, but I saw Daniel.  He hit the other guy, and that guy fell into some bushes.  He got up out of the bushes and ran at Daniel with a knife.  Daniel dodged him.  He kicked him, and the other guy hit his head on the metal fence around the school.  After that he didn't get up.  I never saw him reappear. He was dead".

(Name) smirked.  Vasco's account was nearly perfect, but there was a hole. The judge gave the defense permission to start the cross-examination.  "Mr. Lee, you say the victim had a knife when he charged at Mr. Park?  If this is true Mr. Park only attack in self defense.  Additionally, you say the fight ended with the victim hitting his head?  That completely contradicts the case evidence" (Name) pulled out the autopsy report.  "This says the cause of death was multiple stab wounds.  Care to explain?"

"Objection!"The prosecutor stepped in "The witness left out an important part of his testimony. Please fill in what you missed, Mr. Lee, as we went over before".

Vasco looked embarrassed. It seemed like he really did forget something important. He retold his testimony. "After he fell behind the bushes and hit his head, Daniel walked over to him. That's when he killed him".

The fix was small, but (Name) already knew what to aim for. Wagging their finger (Name) retorted "Mr. Lee you say you saw Mr. Park walk over and stab the victim, but before you said you never saw the victim reappear! Care to explain? Did the victim leave your sight?"

"Objection!  This is trifling at its best and a waste of time at its worst.  This is merely a matter of wording".  The prosecutor interjected.

Vasco interrupted.  He answered (Name) like it was the most obvious thing ever. "He disappeared behind the bushes. They line the school fence."

(Name) felt triumphant.  It was time to close this case.  "Exactly. You couldn't have seen Mr. Park stab the victim because they were both obscured from your sight by the bushes! Ergo you did not see Daniel Park kill the victim. You only assumed he did!"

"Objection! Your hono-"

"Objection! The witness has proven to have not seen the murder. He only saw a fight between Mr. Park and Mr. Seong".

"Objection! The defense is speaking out of turn! The witness clearly must have another reason for believing the defendant was the murderer. For instance a scream or the smell of blood!  The suspect was the only other person in the area!"

The judge hummed. "Very well. The prosecutor's point stands. Witness, is there any reason we should believe Mr. Park is the murderer? Even though you were not able to see the events occur".

Vasco looked at the floor in shame. "No".

The judge hummed.  "If that is all, and the prosecutor has no more evidence against the defendant, Daniel Park, I will give my ruling."  All was silent.  "The court finds the suspect Daniel Park not guilty.  The case will be examined further in the upcoming days".