Manager Park found them ten minutes later.
Haejin had calmed down. Was sitting against the wall. Eyes red. Face blotchy.
Soorin sat beside him. Still close.
"Court's resuming," Manager Park said quietly.
"I can't go back in there."
"You don't have to. The members can represent—"
"No." Haejin stood. Wiped his face. "I need to hear the rest. I need to know."
"Haejin, you don't—"
"I need to know if Jung Sejin was my father. I need to hear what else she says. I need—" His voice cracked again. "I need answers."
Manager Park looked at Soorin. She nodded.
"Okay. But if it gets to be too much, we leave. Understood?"
"Understood."
They walked back. Haejin between them. A broken man held up by sheer will.
★☆★☆★☆
Courtroom. Afternoon session
The gallery was buzzing. Jiwon's confession had thrown everything into chaos. Press frantically typing. Public whispering. Even the judge looked rattled.
Soorin watched Haejin sit down in the front row. He looked like a ghost. Pale. Hollow.
