Third person's pov

After 1 day, it was the day when the case had to be presented in the court.

In the courtroom, tension hung thick in the air as Taehyung prepared to present the case against Lee Minsuk. The judge's gaze signaled the beginning, and Taehyung stepped forward, outlining the details with precision.

"Your Honor, the evidence we've gathered points unmistakably to Lee Minsuk and his associates. We have eyewitness accounts, medical reports, and security footage from the night in question," Taehyung explained, projecting a sense of determination.

Minsuk's lawyer, Mr. Park, rose to his feet to counter the accusations. "Your Honor, my client vehemently denies these allegations. There is no concrete proof tying him to the incident."

The courtroom buzzed with anticipation as Mr. Park, began presenting their witnesses to establish Minsuk's alibi. The first witness, a maid from the Lee household, took the stand. Mr. Park approached her with a composed demeanor.

"Can you please state your name for the record?" Mr. Park inquired.

"I'm Kim Mi-sook," the maid replied, casting a glance toward Minsuk,

Mr. Park continued, "Ms. Kim, were you on duty at the Lee residence on the night of December 24th, between 11:40 PM and 1 AM?"

"Yes, I was," she affirmed.

"And during that time, where was Lee Minsuk?"

"He was at home," she stated confidently.

"Can you describe what you observed? Did you see him at any particular moment during that time frame?"

"Yes, I saw him around midnight. He was in his room, reading a book," Ms. Kim testified.

Mr. Park nodded and thanked the witness before calling on additional witnesses to bolster Minsuk's alibi.

As the witnesses spoke, Mr. and Mrs. Lee exchanged satisfied glances. It seemed as though the defense was successfully building a case in Minsuk's favor.

Taehyung, however, maintained his focus, knowing that cross-examination would be crucial.

When Mr. Park concluded presenting his witnesses, the judge nodded, signaling Taehyung to begin his cross-examination. Taehyung approached the maid with a measured expression.

"Ms. Kim, you stated that you saw Lee Minsuk around midnight. Can you specify the exact time?"

Ms. Kim hesitated for a moment, then replied, "It was around 12:30 AM."

Taehyung took note of the timing and continued, "And you're certain that he was in his room, reading a book?"

"Yes, that's correct," she affirmed.

Taehyung, pressed further, "Were there any other witnesses to confirm his presence in the room at that specific time?"

Ms. Kim seemed slightly flustered. "Well, no, it was late, and everyone else was asleep."

Taehyung then turned to the judge, "Your Honor, I request permission show a CCTV footage of Lee Minsuk and his friends."

The judge, curious about the sudden shift, allowed Taehyung to present his findings.

"Your Honor, I'd like to submit evidence that contradicts the testimony provided by Ms. Kim," Taehyung announced, gesturing to the large screen in the courtroom.

As the CCTV footage played, it showed the exterior of the Lee residence, capturing the movements of individuals entering and leaving the premises. The timestamp clearly indicated the night of December 24th.

Taehyung directed his question to Ms. Kim, "Ms. Kim, can you explain why the footage shows Lee Minsuk leaving the house at 12:20 AM on the night in question, contrary to your earlier statement that he was in his room at that time?"

Ms. Kim stammered, "I... I must have been mistaken. He did leave briefly, but he returned to his room shortly after."

Taehyung maintained his composure, "Ms. Kim, there is no footage of him returning. Can you provide any other witnesses who can confirm that he returned home?"

Mr. Park, intervened, "Your Honor, this is a clear attempt to discredit a reliable witness. Ms. Kim might have misunderstood the timeframe, but her overall testimony remains consistent."

Taehyung, however, wasn't deterred, "I urge the court to consider the significance of this discrepancy. If Ms. Kim's testimony is unreliable, it casts doubt on the entire alibi presented by the defense. Lee Minsuk left the house at 12:20 AM and didn't return until later. We need to question the validity of the statements made by other witnesses as well."

The judge was listening attentively.

Mr. Park, with a confident tone, addressed the court, "Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we understand that the alleged victim, Mr. Jeon Jungkook, is a person with autism. However, it is our contention that he may have orchestrated this entire incident to garner attention."

Taehyung's eyes narrowed at the audacity of Mr. Park's claim.

Mr. Park continued weaving his narrative, "We have gathered information suggesting that Mr. Jeon has a history of seeking attention through various means. His social media presence is filled with posts designed to gain sympathy. We believe that this incident might be another attempt to draw attention to himself."

Taehyung, unable to contain his anger, stood up abruptly, "Your Honor, this is an outrageous claim! This is not only disrespectful but deeply insensitive to my client's trauma."

The judge sternly addressed Taehyung, "Mr. Kim, you will have your turn to respond. Sit down."

As Mr. Park continued, he painted a picture of Jungkook as someone who craved sympathy from others. He cited social media posts and even interactions with people.

Taehyung seethed with frustration but managed to keep his composure, knowing that his turn to counter these baseless claims would come.

Finally, the judge turned to Taehyung, "Mr. Kim, you may respond to these allegations."

Taehyung took a deep breath and addressed the court, "Your Honor, members of the jury, and everyone present, I find it deeply disturbing that we are entertaining such unfounded accusations against a victim. Mr. Kim Jungkook is a person with autism who has already endured a traumatic experience. Suggesting that he orchestrated this for attention is not only cruel but lacks any basis in reality."

Taehyung continued with conviction, "We have evidence of the assault, medical reports, and witness testimonies. It is crucial that we focus on the facts rather than concocting baseless stories. I implore the court to consider the trauma he has suffered and not allow his character to be maligned in this manner."

The judge, warned both parties to stick to the evidence and refrain from personal attacks.

" Your Honor may I call Mr. Kim Jungkook to the podium?"

" You may."

Jungkook stood up from the chair and went to the podium.

Mr. Park questioned, "Mr. Jeon, would you agree that the world of social media can be a platform for seeking attention?"

Jungkook, responded, "W-Wel-ll, I me-ean pe-eop-ple sh-hare t-things abo-out the-eir lives."

Mr. Park persisted, "But you did post about feeling lonely and neglected, didn't you? It seems like you were yearning for someone to notice you."

Jungkook, growing more agitated, tried to clarify, "I-I n-never s-sa-aid that th-hey wer-re my f-fee-elings, I j-just post-ted s-some quo-otes o-on-nce or twi-ice a year."

Mr. Park, maintaining a manipulative tone, continued, "And how would you describe your relationship with your family? Do you feel understood and supported at home?"

Taehyung, increasingly frustrated, objected, "Your Honor, this line of questioning is irrelevant and invasive. We are here to discuss the assault, not Jungkook's personal life."

The judge sternly warned Mr. Park once again, "Mr. Park, stick to relevant questions related to the case."

However, Mr. Park aimed to exploit Jungkook's emotional vulnerability, "Mr. Jeon, did you hope that by becoming the victim of such a heinous crime, you would finally gain the attention and sympathy you long for?"

Jungkook, on the verge of tears, stammered, "N-no, th-hat's no-ot tr-rue."

Taehyung, retorted, "Your Honor, this is preposterous. Mr. Jeon is the victim of rape, and these baseless accusations are an attempt to divert attention from the actual crime."

The judge, recognizing the manipulative tactics, addressed Mr. Park, "Mr. Park, I've warned you repeatedly. Stick to the relevant facts of the case, or I will have to take further action."

Mr Park apologised to the judge.

Taehyung, determined to counter Mr. Park's damaging narrative, called the doctors to the stand. The courtroom fell silent.

Taehyung addressed the first doctor, "Dr. Kim, were you present when Jungkook was brought to the hospital on the night of the assault?"

Dr. Kim nodded, "Yes, I was on duty that night."

Taehyung continued, "Can you confirm the authenticity of Jungkook's medical reports?"

Dr. Kim responded, "Absolutely. We conducted a thorough examination, and the injuries documented in the reports are consistent with a violent assault. There's no question about their validity."

Mr. Park, questioned the doctor, "But could these injuries have resulted from any other situation? Accidents, perhaps?"

Dr. Kim responded, "No, the nature and pattern of injuries indicate intentional harm. These are not accidental injuries."

Taehyung then turned to the second doctor, "Dr. Lee, can you testify regarding Jungkook's psychological state when he was brought to the hospital?"

Dr. Lee affirmed, "Certainly. Jungkook was in a highly distressed state, both physically and emotionally."

Mr. Park, trying to sow doubt, asked, "How can you be sure it wasn't a pre-existing condition or perhaps attention-seeking behavior?"

Dr. Lee clarified, "Our evaluation considered various factors, including Jungkook's immediate emotional state and the consistency of his account. It pointed to acute distress resulting from a recent traumatic incident."

As the doctors provided strong testimony in Jungkook's favor, the atmosphere in the courtroom shifted.

Taehyung, seizing the momentum, addressed the court, "Your Honor, the medical experts have confirmed the legitimacy of Jungkook's injuries and the severe emotional distress he was experiencing. These facts cannot be dismissed as mere attention-seeking."

The judge,asserted, "Thank you, doctors. Your statements will be considered in the proceedings."

Soon the doctors left the stand,

Mr. Park, undeterred by the setback, resumed his defense of Minsuk. As he presented his arguments, Taehyung, with a focused determination, started questioning the validity of Mr. Park's claims.

Taehyung asked, "Mr. Park, you've argued that Jungkook orchestrated this incident for attention. Can you provide any substantial evidence to support such a claim?"

Mr. Park hesitated for a moment before responding, "Well, it's a matter of interpretation. Look at the timing, the circumstances. It's not uncommon for people to fabricate stories for sympathy."

Taehyung countered, "But, Mr. Park, we have medical reports and expert testimonies that verify the severity of the assault. How can you dismiss concrete evidence in favor of mere speculation?"

Mr. Park attempted to deflect, "Sometimes, injuries can be exaggerated or manipulated. People have been known to fake these things."

Taehyung, pressed on, "Fake injuries, Mr. Park? I have doctors who have spent years in their profession, attesting to the authenticity of Jungkook's injuries. Are you suggesting they're all part of a conspiracy?"

Mr. Park stumbled over his words, "Well, I wouldn't go that far. I'm just presenting alternative possibilities."

Taehyung, seizing the opportunity, asked, "Alternative possibilities without any basis? Do you have any evidence to suggest that Jungkook has a history of seeking attention through such extreme means?"

Mr. Park evaded the question, "I'm merely pointing out that people can act unpredictably. We can't always trust what we see."

Taehyung, unyielding, continued, "Your Honor, we're not dealing with baseless claims here. We have concrete evidence, medical reports, and expert opinions. Mr. Park's attempt to discredit the victim is unfounded and lacks any substantial backing."

The judge, growing impatient with the defense's lack of concrete evidence, intervened, "Mr. Park, if you don't have any substantial evidence to present, I suggest you reconsider your defense strategy."

Taehyung, calmly addressed the judge, "Your Honor, we have concrete forensic evidence that links Minsuk and his friends to the assault on Jungkook. These DNA reports clearly show their fingerprints and DNA on Jungkook and his clothes."

Mr. Park, with a dismissive tone, retorted, "Your Honor, DNA evidence can be manipulated. We've seen cases where labs make mistakes or deliberately alter results."

Taehyung, with a hint of frustration, responded, "Mr. Park, these reports have been cross-verified by multiple independent forensic experts. Accusing them of manipulation is an insult to their professionalism and integrity."

The judge, sternly addressing Mr. Park, said, "Mr. Park, baseless accusations against the credibility of forensic experts won't strengthen your case. If you have any concrete evidence to present, do so. Otherwise, refrain from casting doubt on reliable scientific methods."

Mr. Park, realizing the judge's disapproval, shifted tactics, "Your Honor, we don't deny that Jungkook was hurt. But the question here is the intent. Was it a premeditated attack, or did it escalate from a simple altercation? We contend that Jungkook's actions may have provoked a different response."

Taehyung, addressing the court with conviction, stated, "Your Honor, Mr. and Mrs. Lee attempted to influence the course of justice by offering a bribe."

Mr. Park, skeptical, responded, "Do you have any evidence to support this claim?"

Taehyung smirked and played a recording revealing Mr. and Mrs. Lee's attempt to bribe him. The courtroom fell into a tense silence as the recorded conversation echoed through the room.

Mr. and Mrs. Lee's expressions shifted from confidence to shock.

" This bullshit. I should have known it better." Mrs lee mumbled under her breath.

In the recording, Mrs. Lee's voice echoed, "Take this money, and let the case go. "

Gasps rippled through the courtroom, and Mr. Park, trying to regain composure, argued, "This could be a misunderstanding. People say things in stressful situations."

Taehyung retorted, "Your Honor, this recording exposes a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice. The Lees were fully aware of the severity of their son's actions and sought to manipulate the legal process."

The judge, stern-faced, addressed Mr. and Mrs. Lee, "Attempting to influence the legal proceedings is a serious offense. This will be taken into consideration."

Taehyung, spoke, "Your Honor, I would like to call my final eyewitness."

The courtroom hushed as the door opened, revealing the elderly man who used to engage in conversations with Jungkook at night.

Jungkook's eyes widened and a gasp left his mouth.

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So that was all for today's chapter, I hope you enjoyed reading it.

What are your views on it ?

Taehyung is smart, ain't he ?

And what do you guys think about the old man ?

How did Taehyung found him ?

What will he say ?

Let me know your thoughts!

Borahae,
Byee.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜