you stood outside, inhaling the crisp Seoul air, you tried to shake off the unsettling feeling that came with seeing Namjoon again. But no matter how hard you tried; his presence still lingered like a shadow.

Jackson appeared by your side moments later, his expression softening when he saw the look on your face. "You, okay?"

You nodded, but deep down, you knew the storm was only just beginning.

"Let's get out of here," Jackson said softly, offering you a smile as he gently tried to steer you away but, you shook your head and whispered " We got a case to fight Jax" 

You tried to snap back but no matter how much you tried your mind was in chaos between past and present. 

"Y/N!" 

Jackson's words snapped you out of the whirlwind of emotions you had been spinning in. His hands firmly gripped your shoulders, forcing you to focus.

"Y/n, just focus on this case. We can't take this unprofessionally," he spat with urgency. His gaze was sharp, filled with concern, but also a steady determination you knew well.

You swallowed hard, still reeling from the encounter. "But... how dare he—"

Jackson cut you off, his tone harsher now, but you knew he wasn't angry—he was trying to pull you back to reality. "Listen here, Y/n. He's the same man who insulted you in front of a hundred students. Do you really want to seem weak in front of him now? After all these years?"

You felt your throat tighten, but his words cut deep because they were true.

Jackson leaned in closer, eyes burning with intensity. "Show him the change you've gone through. Show him you're not that naive girl from six years back. Don't give him the satisfaction of seeing you hurt."

He was right. Why the hell am I crying? This wasn't like you anymore. You weren't the girl who would crumble under pressure. You were a lawyer, a professional, someone who fought for justice and never backed down. You weren't the version of yourself from six years ago—and Namjoon had no power over you now.

You straightened up, inhaling deeply as a wave of newfound resolve washed over you. "Thank you, Jackson." You stepped forward and pulled him into a hug. He patted your back, offering quiet support, just like he always had.

"You've got this. Let's win this case," he said, stepping back with a smile.

The past may have come knocking, but you weren't the same girl it once tried to break. This time, you'd face it head-on. And you'd win.

You entered the courtroom with determination, your steps steady and confident. As you scanned the room, your gaze fell on him—Kim Namjoon. He was already looking at you, a faint smile playing on his lips. You frowned. Why the hell was he smiling like a fool?

You shot him a cold glare before taking your place, refusing to let his presence rattle you. The magistrate entered the room, and everyone stood and bowed respectfully before taking their seats.

"Greetings to all presents. Let's begin today's proceedings," the magistrate announced, his voice echoing through the courtroom. "The prosecutor and defense for the case of Byun Byun-jae vs. Kim Ja-Kyung, please lead the court."

"Greetings, my lord. I am Kim Namjoon, the lawyer defending Kim Ja-Kyung," Namjoon introduced himself with a confident tone.

You stepped forward, voice steady and clear. "Greetings, my lord. I am Min Y/n, defending Byun Byun-jae." From the corner of your eye, you noticed Namjoon looking at you once again.

This time, though, you didn't falter.

"From the records, I see that your client, Byun Byun-jae, has filed a petition to review the previous judgment. Is that correct, Ms. Min?" the magistrate asked, his eyes focused on you.

"Yes, my lord. My client believes the previous judgment overlooked certain critical points," you replied firmly.

"Objection, my lord," Namjoon quickly interjected.

"Proceed," the magistrate nodded.

"My lord, the previous judgment was passed due to the lack of solid evidence and credible witnesses from Mr. Byun's side. Continuing this case wastes the court's valuable time," Namjoon stated with authority.

"My lord, may I respond?" you asked, and the magistrate gave you a nod to proceed.

"Mr. Kim, the previous judgment lacked the autopsy report of Byun Baekho, and a ruling based on incomplete evidence cannot stand, my lord," you stated firmly, your tone unwavering.

Namjoon smirked, leaning slightly forward. "Are you challenging the lawsuit, Ms. Min?" he asked with a hint of provocation.

You smiled, unfazed. "My lord, a verdict without all the proper points can't be considered just. I formally request the case be reopened."

The magistrate considered your words before asking, "Ms. Min, state some of the key pieces of evidence that were missing from the previous judgment."

"Firstly, the autopsy report of Byun Baekho. Secondly, substantial proof supporting that the death of Byun Baekho was, in fact, an accident," you listed confidently as you handed the documents to the court.

The room remained silent as the magistrate reviewed the evidence you'd submitted.

"My lord, the evidence was not submitted by Mr. Byun's previous defense lawyer on time," Namjoon objected smoothly.

You didn't wait for the magistrate to respond. "My lord, I request another hearing date. I assure you I will bring the proper evidence by then," you said confidently, cutting through Namjoon's smugness.

Namjoon smirked at you, but you held his gaze. Silence hung in the courtroom as the magistrate reviewed the case. After ten long minutes, he finally spoke.

"From today's hearing, the court acknowledges that the points raised by Ms. Min is valid. The previous judgment was passed without the necessary evidence. This court apologizes for the oversight. The case will be reopened, and the second hearing is scheduled for next Thursday."

A victorious smirk tugged at your lips as you glanced at Namjoon. The magistrate stood up.

"Court is adjourned till the next hearing."

You collected your belongings, turning to Namjoon. "See you next Thursday, Mr. Kim," you said with cool confidence. With Jackson following close behind, glaring at Namjoon, you rushed out of the courtroom without waiting for his response.

"See you, my lady" he whispered to your retreating figure

"Thank you for coming back in my life Y/N" 

_______________________

TBC

the courtroom procedure in this book is not 100% accurate but still they are here after a good research, they do not in any way represent any country's procedure 

VOTE 🥺

[EDITED ✔]