Seoul Central District Court. Day five.
The courtroom was packed beyond capacity. People standing in the aisles. Press section overflowing. Security everywhere.
Today was different.
Today, Kang Jiwon would testify.
Soorin sat in her usual spot. Hands clenched in her lap. Daehyun beside her looked equally tense.
"This is insane," he whispered. "Her own lawyer is letting her testify?"
"Mental state defense," Soorin said. "They're arguing trauma. They need her story."
"That's risky as hell."
"Everything about this trial is risky."
Haejin sat in the front row. Hadn't slept. Soorin could tell from the way he held himself. Like he might shatter at any moment.
The judge entered. Everyone stood.
"The defense may call its witness."
Jiwon's lawyer stood. "Your Honor, the defense calls Kang Jiwon."
A ripple went through the courtroom.
Jiwon stood from the defendant's table. Prison orange. Short white pixie cut. No makeup. She walked to the stand calmly. Too calmly.
