The Devil Judge [BL Version]

Chapter 28: Attack on Soo-Hyun

Ga-On's voice trembled as he struggled to process Yo-Han's unexpected response. The room seemed to have grown quieter, the storm of accusations giving way to a tense silence.

"How can I believe you after what I just saw on the news? Minister Cha announced that you're suspected of bribing a witness who's now missing. It's all over the media, Yo-Han."

Ga-On stammered, his anger waning as he considered the possibility that Yo-Han might not be responsible for Soo-Hyun's injuries. "I don't know what to believe anymore."

Yo-Han's gaze remained fixed on Ga-On, his own emotions a complex blend of frustration and concern. "I've kept things from you, Ga-On, but I promise you, I didn't hurt her."

"Never attack me," Yo-Han continued, his voice steady but filled with a dangerous edge. "You may think you have a reason, a cause, but remember that I have my reasons too. And I won't hesitate to defend myself."

Ga-On swallowed hard, as he found himself in a position of vulnerability.

Yo-Han stepped closer, his presence even more imposing. "I've seen good people turn bad, and I've seen bad people turn worse. It's a fine line we walk, Ga-On. Don't cross it."

Yo-Han's heart ached as he saw Ga-On, overwhelmed and exhausted by the weight of their tangled circumstances. He couldn't just walk away, not when Ga-On looked like he needed support more than ever.

Kneeling beside Ga-On, he reached out, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. His voice was soft and filled with sincerity as he pleaded, "Ga-On, please, trust me."

Ga-On, his eyes heavy with tears and uncertainty, leaned into Yo-Han's comforting presence. He rested his head on Yo-Han's shoulder, closing his eyes.

 *

The next day as Yo-Han and Ga-On drove to the courtroom, the atmosphere in the car was heavy with unspoken tension. Yo-Han noticed the sadness and confusion that still lingered in Ga-On's eyes, a constant reminder of the doubts that had come between them.

When they reached the courthouse and parked the car, Yo-Han turned to Ga-On with a determined expression, "I know what needed to be done to address the growing rift between us." 

Ga-On, perplexed by Yo-Han's sudden resolve, followed him into the courtroom. The minute Yo-han steps into the lobby area, he's accosted by reporters. Sun-ah and the SRF gang watch him on TV and figure they can just recast his role.

Yo-Han steps up to the podium and, in a surprising move, admitted to the allegations of bribing a witness. The room buzzed with disbelief as he bowed deeply in apology, taking full responsibility for his actions.

Ga-On, witnessing this dramatic turn of events, rushed to Yo-Han's side, offering to stand beside him and share in the responsibility, as they were both judges. But Yo-Han stopped him, his voice filled with a solemn determination. "Today, I'm on this stage as a defendant, not as a judge."

"Judge Kang did nothing wrong!". Suddenly Ki-hyun marches in and announces, "Judge Kang took pity on me and my family after I was fired for being a whistleblower. Judge Kang checked up on me after the trial and started helping me."

Yo-han puts a hand on Ki-hyun's shoulder, "No matter the reason, I acted in a way that diminished the public's trust. I ask the public to vote. I'll step down immediately if the public has no faith in me."

Over 4 million citizens who had cast their votes, with an overwhelming 92% believing in his innocence. Yo-Han turned to the audience, his voice unwavering as he spoke directly to them. "I promise to honor the people's will," he declared, his eyes reflecting his sincerity.

"Now, I want to introduce you to the Dream Village project," Yo-Han continued, capturing the audience's attention. "But I've received a tip, a whisper of corruption."

Images of powerful individuals appeared on the screen: Minister Cha, President Heo, Chairman Seo, Chairman Park, and Chairman Min. Yo-Han's gaze remained steady as he addressed the allegations. "The money donated by you, the citizens, may not be reaching its intended destination. It seems it's lining the pockets of those in power."

He leaned in closer to the microphone, his voice filled with determination. "I promise to personally compensate anyone with information on what's really happening with that money."

As chaos and panic erupted in the room, Yo-Han's gaze found Ga-On's, who appeared both shocked and conflicted by the unfolding situation. Ga-On's expression was a mix of surprise, concern, and uncertainty.

In response to this, Yo-Han couldn't resist a subtle smirk, a hint of arrogance in his demeanor as he seemed to revel in the display of his authority and control. It was a moment of unspoken tension between them, a silent acknowledgment of their complex relationship.

The world around them faded away, and it was as if there were only the two of them, their gazes locked, emotions laid bare, and an unspoken connection that transcended the turmoil of their surroundings.

To be continued...

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