Episode 95 : The Morning Storm and the Courtroom Fire
The gentle sunlight spilled through the curtains, painting golden streaks across the bed. Dohee slowly opened her eyes and instinctively reached out to the other side of the bed—empty.
She sat up, confused, brushing her messy hair back. "Micha?"
The room was silent. She slid off the bed, wrapped her robe tightly, and padded barefoot to the hallway. Faint sounds came from the kitchen—cutlery clinking, soft humming.
She followed the sounds, surprised to find Micha bustling around, setting the breakfast table.
"Micha?" she called softly.
Micha turned around with a radiant smile. "Oh! Dohee unnie, please come and sit. I made breakfast for all of you."
Dohee blinked, pleasantly surprised. "Wow! You made all this? For us? Micha, thank you so much!"
Just then, Alex entered, yawning and stretching. As soon as his eyes landed on the food, he exclaimed, "Whoa! Micha, thank you!"
"You're most welcome, brother," Micha giggled. "Take a seat and enjoy."
Dohee sat down and glanced around. "Where's Minjae? He hasn't come yet. He should eat with us too."
Alex replied, munching toast, "Oh, Minjae? He went for a morning walk and is showering now."
Dohee nodded and picked up her phone, distracted. Today was her court day. She began discussing something over a call, her voice low and focused.
Alex looked at Micha. "Hey, Micha, can you go call Minjae for breakfast?"
Micha froze. Her smile faltered. Yesterday's scene—Minjae's wild kiss—flashed in her mind. Her heartbeat sped up. But after a deep breath, she nodded and walked toward Minjae's room.
The door was slightly ajar.
She peeked inside. "M-Minjae?"
There was no response.
She stepped in carefully. "C-Come downstairs and have your breakfast! Everyone is waiting! M-Min—"
Suddenly, the bathroom door opened with a soft creak.
Minjae walked out, a towel draped over his shoulder, his wet hair dripping. He wore nothing but a loose pair of trousers, water droplets trailing down his chiseled six-pack abs. His tattoo glistened on his muscular left arm.
Micha's breath hitched. She stepped back instinctively, eyes wide.
Minjae smirked. "Ah, good morning, chemical girl."
"I-I said come downstairs," Micha stuttered, trying to stay composed.
Minjae tilted his head. "Only if you bring me a lollipop."
"What?! Are you crazy? Lollipop in breakfast? I don't have any!"
He stepped closer.
Micha turned to run, but Minjae grabbed her wrist and pinned her lightly against the wall. His voice dropped to a teasing whisper. "I liked yesterday's flavor. Can I have it again—my way?"
"You bastard!" Micha gasped, struggling. "Why can't you be normal? Let me go or I'll scream!"
Minjae chuckled darkly. "Scream? You don't even know how dirty my mind can get."
His eyes flicked down to her chest.
SLAP!
Micha's palm connected with his cheek.
"You jerk!" she hissed. "I thought you were different. I came to you yesterday thinking maybe—just maybe—you weren't like others. But you're worse."
She stormed out, slamming the door.
Minjae touched his cheek, chuckling. "Noisy, stubborn kitten. Once this mess is over, I'll teach you properly... for slapping me."
A few minutes later, he came downstairs, casually taking a seat. Micha avoided looking at him.
Alex looked up. "Why did you take so long? Come eat! Micha made everything."
Minjae leaned back and smirked at Micha. "So, chemical girl can cook too?"
"Minjae, don't tease her," Dohee scolded. "She made all this for us."
Then she added seriously, "You don't need to go to court today. I spoke to a police friend. He's replacing you in the report. We've deleted the CCTV footage too. He'll testify that he was the one who hit the harasser. Since we all work in the legal and medical circle, no one will question."
Minjae narrowed his eyes. "Tell me the truth, Dohee noona. Did my father call you?"
Dohee's tone grew firm. "It doesn't matter. You shouldn't be involved in this. You're from a powerful family. We can't risk public chaos now."
Alex nodded. "Dohee's right. If her police friend takes over the case, we're all safe."
Minjae sighed, reluctantly agreeing. "Fine."
After breakfast, Alex left for work.
Dohee and Micha left for court. Minjae called after them, "Good luck. Call me if you need anything."
---
Later – Seoul District Court
The courtroom was packed. The air was tense—one side filled with silent supporters of Nayeon, the other crowded with Jung Woo's political family connections, eyes cold and calculating.
Dohee stood tall in her formal black suit, poised and calm. Her sharp eyes scanned the room with purpose. Behind her sat Micha, fingers clenched tightly on her lap, trying to steady her breath.
The bailiff entered.
"All rise. Honorable Judge Han is now presiding."
Everyone stood. The judge entered, his presence demanding silence.
"You may sit," he said. "Proceed with the case."
Dohee stepped forward, voice firm.
"Your Honor, we are here today regarding a grave matter. A young woman, Nayeon, was raped by the accused, Jung Woo—the son of a powerful minister. The victim remained silent out of fear, but today, with evidence and courage, we seek justice."
The defense lawyer immediately stood.
"Your Honor, these accusations are baseless. There is no medical confirmation or direct video of the act. My client is being targeted due to his family background. This alleged incident happened weeks ago—why the delay in reporting?"
Dohee didn't blink.
"Because another girl almost became his next victim."
She turned to Micha and gave a small nod. Micha rose slowly, walking toward the witness stand. Her voice was unsteady but brave.
"I was helping Dohee unnie investigate this case. We went to Jung Woo's mansion pretending I was… interested in him. It was a plan to distract him while we searched for evidence."
Judge Han leaned forward, eyebrows raised.
Micha continued.
"But when I was alone in his room… he locked the door. He grabbed me, tried to force himself on me. He pushed me down—I screamed and fought back. Then a man came into the room and shut off the hidden camera we had planted."
Gasps rippled across the courtroom.
Dohee held up a flash drive.
"This USB contains the partial footage. It's enough to show his violent intent. Enough to prove that Micha was assaulted. Jung Woo's behavior was not isolated—it's a pattern."
The judge gestured toward the technician.
"Play the footage."
The projector screen lit up. The court watched Micha enter the room, Jung Woo flirting, then turning aggressive—grabbing her, forcing her down. Her cries echoed. The camera shook—then a man entered the room.
The video cut off.
Whispers rose.
Dohee stepped forward. "That man, Your Honor, is a police officer who was working with us undercover. He stopped the assault and struck Jung Woo in defense of Micha."
The defense lawyer jumped up.
"This is illegal surveillance! This footage was not authorized!"
Dohee's voice remained calm.
"Your Honor, when an attempted rape is caught on camera, we don't throw out the evidence—we act on it. Micha could have been the next victim. And that's not all."
She turned toward the room.
"There's been confusion over who assaulted Jung Woo that night. Some rumors claimed it was Minjae. That's false. The police officer involved will testify that he was the one who beat Jung Woo—after witnessing him try to rape Micha."
The judge stared at the USB.
"Does this device contain anything else?"
Dohee nodded.
"Yes. Hidden inside are several other videos—of Jung Woo harassing girls, many of whom likely never came forward. He filmed them without their knowledge. It shows a clear pattern."
Judge Han took a long breath, silent for a moment. Then he spoke.
"After reviewing the footage and the testimony presented, this court accepts the USB as valid evidence. The behavior shown is violent and criminal. The case against Jung Woo will proceed to full trial."
He banged the gavel.
"Jung Woo is hereby taken into police custody for attempted rape. Bail is denied. This court stands for justice—not power. Court adjourned."
Gasps. Cries of relief. Shuffling feet.
Jung Woo stood up, face pale. As officers moved to cuff him, he turned and spat venom.
"You think this is over? Dohee! Micha! You'll regret this!"
Micha flinched, but Dohee stepped in front of her, eyes blazing.
"No. You'll regret being the monster you are."
---
Outside the Courtroom
Micha leaned against the stone wall of the hallway, her legs weak, tears finally spilling—not from fear, but from release.
Dohee came beside her and gently put a hand on her shoulder.
"You were brave."
Micha whispered, "I thought I'd break... but you stood by me."
Dohee gave a soft smile. "You didn't break, Micha. You fought back. That's more than most people ever do."