CH 35

Yoonshin searched Sehun’s face with narrowed eyes, then looked down. As he watched the sleek line along his nose bridge and lips, it occurred to Yoonshin that if Sehun hated this conversation, he would have already sent him away. After all, Sehun had the power to do that.

Feeling braver, Yoonshin asked, “I looked through the documents for the case and found a clear lack of evidence. Plus, the witness statements all match up to each other. Evidence and witnesses are crucial in s*xual assault. The accused seemed to have kept that in mind and defended accordingly.

“You’re right. The majority consistently and precisely said the same words. Your client was the only inconsistent one.”

“Yes, everything seems to be completely against the client, enough to make me think that the lawyer who submitted the claim was a thug wanting to rip out money. Honestly, I was wondering if we should leave it be. I thought that maybe settling at this point mitigates the most risks.”

Deciding to drop the charge meant that the prosecutor couldn’t find evidence to pursue the charge. The police investigations couldn’t uncover evidence that she was s*xually harassed. But even at this point of the situation, Yoonshin’s client continued to protest that she was being wronged.

“Is there any piece of evidence that you can trust?” Sehun asked.

“Hmm, well the manager is consistent in her statement that she was s*xually harassed. She went to see her therapist after every business trip she went with the president. She submitted records of her visit as part of her evidence. However, that is simply her consultation history, so it could be used against her as proof she was intentionally acting out—that she went to get consultations to back up her false claims against the president as revenge.”

Sehun sighed in agreement. “This is why the police and her lawyer didn’t believe in the client.”

“The complainant was the only one saying something contrary to the majority with no substantial evidence at all to back her claims.”

“Do you believe the police disclosure? Rather than your client’s words, you seem to believe the conclusion of the government administration.”

“But they already investigated it… and if I don’t believe the disclosure, I can’t do anything as a lawyer. You know that.”

“No, sometimes lawyers can do more than the prosecution,” Sehun said.

Yoonshin stopped and stared at Sehun. Surprisingly, Sehun also stopped. He leaned against the wall of a building’s enclosure and stood crookedly, waiting for Yoonshin to continue. Their eyes were glinting with professionalism. It was then that Yoonshin finally understood why he was given this case. It wasn’t as simple as defending the client against libel.

“Do you expect me to completely turn the case on its head? We’re at a disadvantage no matter how I see it.”

“Therefore, if you show me how you win, your life at the firm will be around 0.1% smoother.”

“I also want to believe in my client—I truly do—but what can I do when the court is where evidence speaks for itself? It’s plain to see that we’re holding back a guiltless person. Of all people, I want to find something.”

Unspoken rules and moral exceptions existed in society; however, everything about law relied on evidence. The client was the only one claiming s*xual harassment yet couldn’t prove it. On the other hand, the president was probably obtaining evidence that demonstrated that the manager was lashing out with vengeance for his counterclaim of libel.

Directionless and deep in thought, Yoonshin gnawed on his bottom lip.

Just then…

Sehun, who was also lost in thought, took one step forward. Then, he staggered like he sprained his ankle. He lost his balance and extended one of his long arms toward the ground. He barely managed to steady himself, but perhaps because he was in an awkward position, he ended up grabbing Yoonshin’s bulge over his pants. As if that wasn’t enough, he squeezed it with considerable force.

“Gasp, are you okay—what are you, urgh! Are you nuts?!” Yoonshin flinched. The briefcase he was holding dropped loudly. With both hands now free, Yoonshin grabbed the other’s firm shoulders to push him away. However, the moment he pressed forward, the hand which grabbed Yoonshin’s member rubbed the outline of his shaft over his pants. Yoonshin felt his arms grow weak.

Yoonshin’s face grew red, and he gasped. “W-wait, ah, ngh! Senior Attorney!”

Regardless of how bewildered the other was, Sehun kept at it. Confusion filled Yoonshin’s eyes as he looked up at Sehun. The other’s eyes were void of guilt.

Not knowing what to do, Yoonshin staggered backward. Then, his trembling hands clutched the other’s shoulders. The fabric of the older man’s sweater crumpled and its softness tickled his palms.

“Let—go, agh! Angh!” Slap! Yoonshin mustered up all the strength that he had and whacked the other’s shoulder. Sehun finally let go without looking very affected. Yoonshin slumped on the ground. He panted heavily, heated breaths escaping his lips.

It was the first time Yoonshin was the target of something like this, so he had no idea what to do. He was so stupefied that he sat there like that for a while. When he could finally get back to his senses, he merely stared at the slim legs in front of him. He slowly looked up and saw Sehun’s unabashed face looking down.