Human rights groups estimate that anywhere between 12.3 million and 27 million people are enslaved in forced or bonded labor, child labor, ual servitude, and involuntary servitude at any given time.

“27 million people in the world, at this very moment, being enslaved and tortured. 27 million people among these 7 billion people of us who are being trafficked illegally, and we are doing nothing about it. 27 mllion people.” He emphasised. “And among these 27 million people, 18.9 million are female, 8.1 million males, where more than half of these are under the age of 16 years old. Children. Yet, here we are, turning a blind eye, pretending that this problem is not going out of hand. Acting as though this exploitation is not happening right in front of us. We should come together. To rise as a union and stop human trafficking, because these 27 million people have been deprived from their rights, deprived from their childhood, deprived from their freedom. The freedom we have taken for granted, the freedom that they crave, but can never grasp, all because we are all too ignorant to address this issue, as a major problem that is becoming worse, as we continue our lives each day in naivety and oblivion.” He concluded.

Silence filled the room, as the male calmly sat back down.

A short nod of acknowledgement could be seen from the jurors who sat professionally in the jury box.

“It’s time for the jury to make their final verdict.” The judge announced, after they had silently walked back in. The foreman walked towards the judge, handing him a piece of paper with a stoic expression.

The lawyer’s heart began to beat quicker. It was a topic that meant a lot to him. He stared at the paper that was being handed. The paper that determined whether he had won, or lost.

“Mr Foreman, members of the jury, have you reached this verdict unanimously?”

The members nodded, “Yes, your honour.”

The lawyer gripped onto the hem of his blazer, awaiting anxiously for the final verdict, his face showing no emotion.

Everything from then on, happened in a blur. Everything had seem so surreal. He couldn’t fathom how heartless people were.

“Request for government to implement a committee against human trafficking has been overruled. We will not be taking actions for this problem.”

The lawyer stood up in anger, quiet murmurs of shock and disapproval filled the courtroom, and the three loud bangs of the hammer were heard. “Why?!” the lawyer yelled in anger, “There are so many people’s lives right now, who can’t even live as a human. So many people treated as animals, serving for disgusting people! They can’t even live normal lives, and you won’t give them that? You can’t even help them do anything? What kind of people are you?” The lawyer yelled in disgust. “You’re no better than those traffickers.”

“Silence!” The judged yelled, “The verdict has been made, this case is over.” He said, leaving his seat. Slowly, the members of the jury stood up from their seat and walked out one by one. All except one.

“I apologise for this decision.” He said.

“I don’t need your apology.” He gritted, “You’re no better than the traffickers.” He repeated.

“I was on your side.” The juror continued, “But my stance were overruled. I suggest you find more evidence. That was the main reason. You did not have enough evidence. Everything you said were valid, however you did not have enough evidence to support it. I can see that this issue affects you greatly, so I would like to help as much as possible.” He replied, pulling out a card, and handing to him. “My name is Kim Sunggyu. Give me a call if you have any queries.”

He took the card and bowed, “Thank you.” Although he was frustrated and disappointed, he understood the juror’s intentions and were grateful for it.

The stared at the card that was given to him, holding tightly to his now cold coffee.

“Myungsoo.” The lawyer glanced up, giving a short smile to the male taking a seat in front of him, “How was it.”

He shook his head, “They didn’t allow it.”

“Why not?”

“Not enough evidence.” He sighed.

The friend nodded, before looking at the card, “What’s that?” He asked, snatching the card.

“A member of the jury. He said that he’d like to help me.”

“Oh, Kim Sunggyu.”

“You know him?”

“Everyone knows him. I’m surprised you don’t, considering that you’re a lawyer and stuff.”

He glared at the other, “Woohyun.”

The said man smiled, “He’s a well-known lawyer.”

“Oh. So you think he can help me with this?”

“Probably. I don’t know how this lawyer thing works, but I know for sure that he’s won at least 95% of his cases. Contact him. I’m sure he can help.”

~

He stared lifelessly at the men who walked in and out. 16 years. He had spent. 16 years. In this inhumane place. Sold countless of times. He was devalued. Made into an object, a toy, where they could do anything to him. He told himself he wasn’t going to give up. He told himself that he was going to escape. To seek the freedom that he should have been given. To live the life he was supposed to live. But now, after 16 years, he was still here. Still the lost, vulnerable male. Still the male everyone chose to hurt. And he had almost lost all hope for humanity.

Almost.

~

“I’m so glad you gave me a call.”

“Thank you so much for helping.” He smiled, shaking the other’s hand.

“No worries. I only accept cases that matter to me, and I can see my determination in you. That’s why I couldn’t just leave you like that in the courtroom.”

Myungsoo smiled and nodded, “Thank you so much.”

Sunggyu returned the smile and laughed. “Anyways, I’ve researched a bit on these things, and I feel like in order to win this case, you need witnesses, victims and people who have insight in these things.”

“We can’t find that. No one would talk.”

“Although you want to win this case as soon as possible, I suggest you hold the next hearing until after a year’s time.”

“A year’s time?!” He shouted in disbelief.

“You need to gather evidence and people.”

“I won’t be able to find anyone willing to talk.”

There was a short moment of silence, before the experienced lawyer gazed determinedly at Myungsoo. “That’s why we’re going to buy one.”

First chapter is up! So I don't know how the terminologies and stuff work in court, so I just wrote what I have heard and read online huehue. I hope it isn't too bad. Don't worry, it'll get more interesting!

Please do comment on how you thought of it :)

Thank you! Till next time, I hope you are all safe and warm and everything!