Chapter 195
Chapter 195
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 195
Chapter Title: With the God of Law
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The final press conference, formally held at the Namyangju Branch of the Uijeongbu District Prosecutors' Office.
This was Kang Hyun's closing briefing on the case, and his last direct encounter with the numerous reporters.
Murmurs filled the air.
Unlike previous conferences held in makeshift rooms beyond the gates near the entrance of the government building, this one took place formally in the largest conference room, visible after passing through the wide hall paved with marble.
"We'll take the next question!"
Click! Click!
Excluding the opening ceremony, this was the biggest press conference yet.
It was partly because this was the first case to deliver a verdict on a major celebrity defamation incident.
However, the real reason was something else entirely.
Kang Hyun.
The man who swept up every big and small issue in the legal world had swiftly and clearly resolved his second major case without any hitches, proving his abilities once again.
"Reports indicate that the Namyangju Criminal Division 1 attempted a so-called 'shady investigation' to cover up singer 'Jack Daniel's' involvement in a drug case. Do you have any comments on this?"
"There was no leniency in the investigation due to internal or external pressure."
"Then, was the Namyangju Criminal Division 1's decision to halt the drug investigation and Prosecutor Kang Hyun's emergency arrest of 'Jack Daniel' merely a coincidence?"
"No. It was not a coincidence—it followed proper procedures without any flaws."
"We've obtained information that instructions had already been given to the division chief and below. Doesn't that suggest conflicts arising from missed directives or communication failures?"
The reporter's persistent follow-up question drew a gentle smile and a wink from Kang Hyun.
"No."
In fact, on the morning the Namyangju office decided to halt the Jack Daniel investigation, Kang Hyun had grabbed the guy by the collar during a secret meeting at the Central District Prosecutors' Office and dragged him in.
It was somewhat shocking, to say the least.
Given the media's reaction without knowing these internal details, it was obvious that any bombshell statement from Kang Hyun would cause an uproar.
Just mentioning that 'Deputy Chief Park Min-seong intentionally pushed for a halt via backroom orders' would spark a massive scandal.
Kang Hyun would earn public acclaim for exposing the prosecution's corrupt abuse of investigative powers, while Park Min-seong would face media backlash and vanish.
Yet Kang Hyun chose to postpone that opportunity.
"None of that is true. The investigation proceeded by the book. Regarding the separate case from the Central District Prosecutors' Office drug use incident, where Jack Daniel's failure to appear wasn't a one-off, and if he continued refusing summonses up to the date in question, it had been pre-agreed at the criminal division level to issue a nationwide wanted notice equivalent to a naming and shaming while halting the investigation. The procedures followed that exactly. Separately, at the moment of the halt, the suspect location check from Room 323 led to an emergency arrest and seamless merger with the pending case. That's all there is to it."
Click! Click!
"No coincidences or conspiracies disrupted the case."
The reporters fell silent at Kang Hyun's words, nodding in acknowledgment.
In a way, Kang Hyun had the chance, right there in front of all these journalists, to dig Park Min-seong's grave and bury him alive.
Park had concealed the intelligence on Jack Daniel's disappearance that he should have relayed and rushed the halt to use it as leverage in negotiations with Chief Prosecutor Jeong Jung-hun.
But Kang Hyun repeatedly explained with a calm expression that there was absolutely no issue.
In simple terms, Kang Hyun had protected Deputy Chief Park Min-seong.
Not out of old ties or a numbers game.
Kang Hyun had his reasons for this decision. A thought flashed through his mind.
'To wrap this up on my terms, Deputy Chief Park Min-seong can't go down yet.'
Even so.
In front of all these reporters, he needed to issue a small warning to Park Min-seong. Kang Hyun added a lengthy follow-up.
"I trust that, regarding ongoing issues in Namyangju, the criminal division and all prosecutors' offices below will continue sharing investigation updates transparently with the media, ensuring the public's right to know. If not, I will step in without hesitation or restraint to set everything straight—so please leave it to me."
Flashes erupted, shutter lights scattering across Kang Hyun's face.
Park Min-seong was surely hearing that warning loud and clear.
In this way, surpassing everyone's concerns, Kang Hyun had swiftly concluded the celebrity defamation investigation.
It was possible only because he had bulldozed straight ahead, setting aside all the other considerations.
This would expand his position as a prosecutor beyond what any ordinary prosecutor could achieve, granting him even greater freedom.
He had proven to all that he possessed exceptional skill and ingenuity enough to win over the media.
"Then, one more question!"
"Yes."
Kang Hyun turned to another reporter.
"There's still one part where the facts haven't been fully clarified."
"Which part is that?"
"The rumors about Prosecutor Kang Hyun and Miss Yoon Haneul's alleged romance."
Click! Click!
Shutter sounds rang out once more.
"Miss Yoon Haneul strongly denied the dating rumors with Jack Daniel. But regarding Prosecutor Kang Hyun, there was no special clarification or statement of facts. You've only mentioned that it's unrelated to the defamation case. So, what's the relationship between the two of you?"
Kang Hyun wore a thoughtful expression at the reporter's question.
"..."
The current top prosecutor, who had answered every question fluidly without hesitation, suddenly paused, fumbling for words—it was quite a sight.
"Uh..."
The live broadcast breaking news cameras zoomed in on him as he trailed off.
"If it's a difficult question, you can give a brief answer and move on."
The reporter withdrew slightly, seeing Kang Hyun's discomfort. After all, the main topic of this final conference was the 'defamation' case, and the Yoon Haneul romance rumor had fizzled out with the 'two-timing' gossip resolved—it was a minor issue that a simple denial could end.
However.
"It took a moment to organize my thoughts, but I'll answer."
-What?
-There's something there?
-Huh?
People who had been casually chatting on phones, texting, or jotting notes froze and looked up at Kang Hyun.
Even the staff who prepared the conference reacted the same way.
"What? Do they have something going on?"
"They said they're just acquaintances."
"Doesn't seem like that's what he's about to say."
Gulp.
All eyes locked on him.
"Well..."
Everyone waited, shifting slightly, as Kang Hyun's lips parted.
He made a sheepish face for a moment, then composed himself.
He answered in his usual nonchalant, calm tone.
But his words were a shocking declaration that contrasted with his expression.
"I like Yoon Haneul."
"There she is."
As he turned onto the path, Yoon Haneul waved. Kang Hyun chuckled awkwardly and scratched his head.
She was dressed casually like last time—tracksuit, mask, hat pulled low—but something was different.
No matter what she wore, it suited her, but this was a vibrant, lively outfit with bright colors that stood out.
Behind her stretched the Han River, with people strolling leisurely by.
The riverside park at dusk was beautiful.
"Is... this okay here?"
"Yeah."
"Still, maybe a cafe or something would be..."
"Shh. That's more dangerous. Trust me."
She grabbed his arm and pulled him close. At her words, Kang Hyun nodded vigorously.
"Sit here."
"Okay."
As Kang Hyun plopped down on the bench, Yoon Haneul looked like a dog owner. Naturally, the image of her dog 'Man-seok' back home popped into his mind.
"M-Man-seok doing okay?"
"No."
"Sorry..."
"He's sick and had surgery. Might need to go home for a bit."
"Go home? Good call. Your mom and dad will be worried... Wait, no, Man-seok's sick?"
Yoon Haneul giggled at Kang Hyun's rambling, finding it cute.
"Dummy. Why did I ever think you were a genius?"
Right after the conference, she'd called, and Kang Hyun had put in for leave as if entranced, rushing to meet her.
He'd been vigilant the whole way, checking for tails, but it seemed unnecessary.
That bombshell at the live press conference.
Entertainment reporters were churning out articles daily, but her voice on the phone had been surprisingly calm.
Maybe even a bit amused.
The public reaction had been more positive than expected.
Sure, there was backlash, but the support and praise for Yoon Haneul were beyond imagination.
Every article with their photo was flooded with comments.
-Why do they match so well?
-Told you it wasn't a delusion?
-What's with their eyes in the pic? Damn.
Her SNS followers, already in the low millions, had skyrocketed unimaginably within hours. The popularity surge was tangible, and the ad industry saw it positively, so no fallout there either.
He had put her in a tough spot, but bluntly, it wasn't that bad.
Just one conversation left between them.
A subtle atmosphere hung over them as they sat in silence for a while.
Kang Hyun spoke first.
"We walked here a lot. Played tennis, hit cafes."
"Yeah. It was fun."
"Yeah."
He looked up, meeting her eyes. They were moist and beautiful.
He could tell.
She was waiting for something too.
"I've realized lately how much our past memories take up in my life."
"...Yeah?"
"We took tons of pics, ate all kinds of good food. When things got busy or tough, you'd naturally come to mind."
Kang Hyun himself wasn't sure what he was saying, but he couldn't stop.
He fumbled out his wallet and showed her a photo.
An old Polaroid from the beach, snapped by chance.
Faded and creased, but they were smiling brightly in it.
"You still carry this?"
"Didn't think I'd keep it this long either."
She took it from him in wonder, their fingertips brushing. The faint touch tingled.
A spark passed between them. Rough yet heart-fluttering, ordinary yet possibly magical.
"What I said at the conference... that I like you. It didn't bother you, right?"
"It was good."
"Wasn't it awkward?"
"Just good."
"Then... should we date?"
Yoon Haneul blinked at his words, as if pondering her response.
It was clear.
Kang Hyun was confessing.
"I'm kinda clumsy right now..."
"No. Not clumsy."
"Then what am I?"
"Honest, warm. I like it."
Kang Hyun scooted closer. He felt her body heat mingled with sweat.
"How long have you liked me?"
"Since way back."
"Way back?"
"Older than you can imagine."
"But I might waver. I'm more unstable and hurt than before. I could ghost again, get snappy."
"It's fine. I'll catch you anytime. Pick you up, stick around, no running or dodging. And above all..."
Poof.
As his words trailed off, Yoon Haneul slipped into his arms.
Her arms around his waist let him feel her heartbeat through her fingertips.
Kang Hyun wrapped his arms around her neck.
Her breath on his nape tickled, her familiar scent dizzying his senses.
"Haneul, I'm confident I can love you from now on. Even if you say no..."
"No. I like you."
Buried in his chest, Yoon Haneul cut him off shortly. He felt her nod through the touch.
In the sunset glow, only their silhouettes showed, but the subtle, ticklish energy between them couldn't be hidden.
After a long time, they had reunited like this.