Dong Seok's words echoed around the courtroom.
"Leo has been running Geumryong High into the ground, several of my classmates have to return home in bruises scared if tomorrow will be worse. Taejin is the one who saved us by stopping this mad tyrant."
Leo's smug grin faltered for a split second.
Kim Min Jae's lips curled into a smile, "Your Honour, are we really entertaining testimonies from teenage delinquents"
The room erupted into whispers.
"Another thug defending a thug"
"Tch...how do parents let their kids grow up to defend a scumbag in court"
No one wanted to hear the truth-not from kids like them.
Only one person on the jury listened to Dong Seok's words, the others quickly shut it down.
"Objection " Dong Seok snapped fists clenching at his side" I came here to tell the truth not to be insulte-"
"Sit down, Mr.Dong Seok "the judge said flatly "The court has heard your statement. It will be considered"
But it wouldn't. Everyone in the room knew that.
Leo's grin returned to his face.
[Geumryong High Class 3-B]
"Why isn't it being broadcasted" A student said frustratingly.
"Are you sure its today"
"I think so"
"Anyways where's Dong Seok"
"He never misses school"
"He must be sick or something"
the room was crowded with classes 3-B and 3-E merging to watch the trial. But it wasn't there.no livestreams. Nothing.
[The Courtroom]
The courtroom was suffocating-a heavy silence pressed on Taejin. Every pair of eyes stared at him. They were cold and unforgiving.
A newcomer entered it was none other than Francesco D'Amore. A blinding light emerged from him.
Taejin looked at him. It was the first time he's seen a big shot in person. "He's the real deal" he thought to himself.
"Sorry I'm late, I had business to attend to" He spoke firm and loud.
"That's alright Mr. D'Amore, a man of your status should not worry about such trivial matters "The judge beckoned for him to take a seat.
He towered over everyone as he walked to his seat.
"So this is the calibre of the heroes who place in the top" Taejin pondered quietly" this aura, it makes this courtroom even more suffocating"
He sat at the opposing end. He was buff, his curly hair coiled around his head perfectly and his face had features that worked in perfect harmony.
"Is that really Leo's father." was the collective thought of everyone in the room.
"I heard there was someone who testified against my son"
The jury sneered pointing at Dong Seok who looked like he wanted to retreat into a shell.
"You got guts kid. Are you interested in becoming a hero"
Jaws dropped across the courtroom.
"Mr. D'Amore did I hear you correctly "A juror asked
"I apologise did I not speak clearly enough" Francesco replied
"He's nothing but a thug I think you should reconsider" The judge intervened.
"Are you doubting my judgement?" Francesco said sharply.
"No sir" The judge responded submissively.
"The authority shifted quickly with his appearance" Taejin thought "I doubt I will see someone as strong as him again."
"Are you sure Mr.D'Amore" Dong Seok said shakily.
"I believe you have what it takes young one. You remind me of my golden days"
[9 years ago]
I was 32 when it happened.
The Napoli incident. A core memory in not just my life but in the criminal underworld of Italy.
The major mafia families were having a meeting.
I received a tip on the whereabouts of the Verucci and Romano families whereabouts. It was anonymous but accurate. They were meeting at the vineyard in Naples.
I knew it better than anyone When mafioso break bread, blood usually flows.
My Late wife the truth to this statement.
The night was cold, the moon glowed in the streets.
I went alone. No back up. After all risking one's life for the greater good is a hero's job.
The vineyard was quiet, too quiet. No cicadas, no wind just the emptiness and silence.
Until I heard them
"Francesco D'Amore"
"He's been a thorn in our sides"A Verucci family member said
"We the Verruci family would like to propose an alliance to you the Romano's" The Verruci leader exclaimed.
"Tomorrow we kill him for good"The leader of the Romano's said as they shook hands.
Their plan was quick but I was quicker.
The newspapers called this night "The Napoli Incident".
It was the cause of my rank shooting up to the Top 100 and before I knew it I was the national hero of Italia.
I had to manage being a big shot with being a single dad .I sometimes found myself coming home in the late hours of the day, tired.
Every time I looked at my son my heart ached. I couldn't be there for him all the time. Italy needed a hero.
[Leo's perspective]
"I hate my father"
"I can't really call him a father. But I have to otherwise the media will have a field trip with it. He was never there for me. Everyday I came from school I look at other children enjoying their time with their parents. But me? I had no one. Even the stray cat from across the street ran away from me"
"However, having a famous father has it's benefits. I was untouchable in school. The bullies bowed down to me. The girls came flocking to me. Life was so easy."
"Until, I came to Korea. It was the same thing at first for my first two years. Everyone called me king. But this time there was no girls coming to me. I set my eyes on one girl Soojin Kim. But she's playing hard to get. Or so I thought. Turns out I've been chasing her for no reason. She didn't look my way once. I was too caught up in delusion"
"That bastard Taejin is to blame, if he didn't beat me I would still be king of Geumryong High. It was unfair, I didn't deserve what happened to me. But Taejin on the other hand. He will suffer for every second he lives and I will enjoy it down to the nanosecond"
"Why is he acknowledging Dong Seok instead of me. Does he think that loser is better than me"
[Courtroom]
Francesco received a call
"Sorry, I have to leave early. I got business to attend to"
The judge nodded "Of course, Mr. D'Amore thanks for your time"
He strode out without even glancing back.His footsteps the only sound being heard in the silent room.
Leo's anger has reached its boiling point and rays of red aura was beginning to emit from his body.
Just when his aspect Fury Surge was about to be activated Kim Min Jae intervened.
She placed a hand on his shoulder and whispered in his ear "Don't cause trouble now, we are already winning this case. Just look as that boy suffers as his punishment is handed to him"
The judge cleared his throat "Mr.Jae Taejin how do you plead"
Taejin stood up from his seat and announced.
"Guilty"
Dong Seok grabbed his arm "Why?"
Taejin shrugged and then exclaimed "I won't lie and say I haven't done wrong. But don't get it twisted, I did what I believed was right. I don't ask for forgiveness. But I ask for all of you to understand why I did what I did. I won't deny the pain I've caused but I also won't apologise for standing up to injustice" His voice was filled with resolve.
The jury roared "Proud of it heh...You'll regret this decision in juvie"
Taejin didn't pay attention to the words being passed by the jurors, instead he shot a sly smile at Leo.
The judge smiled "Very well. Mr.Jae Taejin you have pleaded guilty for aggravated assault"
There was a beat of silence.
"The court hereby sentences you to one year ofimprisonment. Your legal guardian has been notified of this."
Taejin didn't flinch. Leo on the other hand was about to give in to anger. He expected Taejin to try fight this trial but no he just ended it like that.
BANG!
The gavel fell signalling the court's final verdict.