Bandaids & Punches ✔️

15. A Promise Fulfilled

15 September, 10:00 A.M.

"Your honor, this is a simple case of murder, there is no need for the trial to be prolonged any further," the prosecutor announces, holding an evidence bag, a knife in it. "Park Dae Ho's fingerprints were on the weapon and his call history shows interaction with Moon Bae." He turns to Dae Ho and looks back at the judge. "If you may, I'd like to ask him some questions."

"You may," the judge replies, "Park Dae Ho proceed to the witness stand."

The prosecutor walks to the platform and questions Dae Ho. "Did you meet Moon Bae on 28th August?"

"Yes."

"Why did you kill him?"

"I-I didn't." Dae Ho shifts uncomfortably under the accusing eyes of the man in front of him.

"You did. You have a strong motive for murdering him."

"I did no—"

"Your honor," the prosecutor cuts in, facing the judge. "Park Dae Ho has a long history with the victim. A resentful history, if I may add." He eyes Dae Ho before continuing, "Moon Bae was involved in gangs and transport of illegal commodities. He took Mr. Park under his wing and was his benefactor. Your honor he is an old criminal, the-"

"Objection your honor! The prosecution is bringing up events from the past for which my client has already been charged and detained. He had been sent to juvenile and served his sentence. This accusation holds no value anymore." Lee Jihyuk objects standing up from his place.

"Objection overruled. The jury requests the prosecution to focus on the current trial."

"Why did you meet Moon Bae? What happened that day?" The buff prosecutor asks Dae Ho.

"He asked me to work for him again and threatened my family when I refused." He meets Haneul's eyes in the crowd, the man nodding his head slowly, encouraging Dae Ho to narrate the event, a small smile on his face. So, the fighter starts, leaving no detail he completes his story.

Haneul sits in the spectator area, taking in Dae Ho's words. The courtroom is silent until the prosecutor speaks again.

"Your honor, Mr. Park is lying. The forensics report shows that the victim had multiple stab wounds. If it was not intentional and he did stab Moon Bae in the heat of the moment, he would've done it once, not again and again. He killed the man in cold blood!"

"Does the defense have anything to add?" The judge intertwines his fingers together and rests his chin on them.

Jihyuk walks and stands beside the prosecutor. "Your honor, Moon Bae's death is estimated to be around half-past eight. Park Dae Ho was not present at the scene during the time. To confirm this, I'd like to call Kim Haneul to the witness stand."

Haneul's nerves rise as soon as he hears his name being called out. Taking a deep breath and calming himself down, he slowly walks to the stand.

"Mr. Kim, can you recall the time you and Mr. Park spent together on the night of the murder. Please tell me the details."

"I-I was supposed to meet Dae Ho at Brera restaurant around 7:30, for dinner. I called him a few times and he came half an hour after the meeting time. Then we had dinner and left."

"Thank you, you can go back."

"Your honor," Jihyuk starts again, "this proves that my client was not at the scene when Moon Bae died. According to the reports, he died after eight. Park Dae Ho couldn't be in two places at the same time." He gives a few pictures of the fighter entering the restaurant along with the time the CCTV footage taped him.