"Officer, this is the real evidence." Min-ah spread the notebook across the table.
It was the ledger Bo-hyun had meticulously kept for three years. 1,095 days of cold, hard evidence.
"This is the record of research fund expenditures my senior kept every single day. Look here—1.9 million won for club expenses in December, marked as 'unsettled.' It was the same until yesterday!"
The investigator took the notebook, flipping through the pages.
"Student Min-ah." The Professor’s cold voice sliced through her words.
"I saw that notebook a few days ago. Bo-hyun brought it to my office, begging for a larger scholarship." Professor Han produced a thick file of his own.
"Officer, these are the complete records for my lab’s bank account. Cross-reference them with Bo-hyun’s notes if you please."
He pointed to specific entries with a practiced finger. "The May symposium expenses? Bo-hyun wrote 780,000 won, but I gave him 800,000. September conference fees? He wrote 450,000, but I paid 500,000. In every instance, I provided more than what he recorded."
The investigator began comparing the two documents. Min-ah’s fingertips trembled. The Professor’s bank records looked... perfect.
"Bo-hyun intentionally under-recorded the amounts I gave him," the Professor continued, closing the notebook with a thud. "He wanted to trap me. This isn't evidence, Officer. It’s a work of fiction."
The notebook slipped from Min-ah’s hand.
Thump.
Three years of records hit the floor. The investigator’s gaze shifted. Doubt turned to understanding. Anger turned to pity.
"Officer, I will cooperate fully," the Professor said, donning his coat with practiced elegance. "But I ask that you strictly investigate this tragedy—of a student burdened by debt attempting to frame his mentor."
As he passed Min-ah, he leaned in and whispered, "It’s not too late. Tell them Bo-hyun used you."
He walked toward the door. At that exact moment—
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Knock, knock, knock.
A frantic rapping came from the other side. The Professor opened the door, and a silhouette appeared against the backlight. It was Na Bo-hyun.
For a split second, the corners of the Professor’s mouth twitched upward—a 'glad you're here' smile. But Bo-hyun didn't smile back. His eyes were bloodshot, and he clutched a worn-out bag.
"Bo-hyun, you’re here. Come in," the Professor said smoothly.
Bo-hyun didn't answer. He brushed past the Professor and entered the room, dropping his bag onto the table.
THUD.
An even heavier sound echoed this time. "Officer," Bo-hyun’s voice shook. "I’m sorry I’m late."
He unzipped the bag, and a deluge of documents poured out. Notebooks. Receipts. Photos. And a voice recorder.
"This is the actual evidence." With trembling hands, Bo-hyun pulled out a second notebook.
"This is the second ledger I’ve kept hidden for three years. The one the Professor knows about? That’s the fake. This is the truth."
The smile vanished from Professor Han’s face. "Bo-hyun, what on earth are you—"
"Professor," Bo-hyun cut him off. "I can't do this anymore."
He placed the recorder in front of the investigator and pressed play. —Static.
Through the white noise, a voice emerged. "Bo-hyun, take this money and clear your credit card debt." (Professor Han) "Professor, this... this is for the club expenses." (Bo-hyun) "Club expenses? Does that matter right now? You were about to become a credit delinquent. Use this to put out the fire. In exchange, we need to settle the Parvez matter. Make sure Min-ah doesn't go to the Labor Office. Understood?" "..." "And don't write this down in the ledger. It’ll be troublesome if it comes up later."
Silence fell over the room. Bo-hyun continued pulling out papers. "These are the original receipts for the club. 3.8 million won. Senior Tae-soo and I split it."
He produced a bank statement. "This is my account. I did receive 1.9 million won from the Professor on January 3rd. However..."
His voice cracked. "That wasn't for club expenses. That was the price for betraying Min-ah."
Bo-hyun looked at Min-ah. "I’m sorry, Min-ah. I was scared. The debt, the Professor... it all terrified me. I was going to try and convince you to give up on Parvez."
A single tear fell. "But I can't. Not anymore."
He opened the second ledger. "This is the real one. Every cent the Professor never actually paid back is here. The 1.9 million for the club, the 780,000 for the symposium, the 450,000 for the conference... all of it is unsettled."
The investigator replayed the recording. The Professor's voice filled the room again: "Don't write this down. It’ll be troublesome."
Professor Han stood by the door. His face was a void—no sadness, no anger, no disappointment. Just empty.
"Bo-hyun," the Professor finally spoke. "Is this really how you want to..." "I’m sorry, Professor," Bo-hyun bowed his head. "But I can't lie anymore."
The Professor stared at him for a long time, then gave a slow, chilling nod. "Fine." His voice was ice. "This was your choice. Don't regret it."
He opened the door and walked out. Watching his back disappear down the hallway, Min-ah realized something. He didn't look like a defeated man. He looked more dangerous than ever.
The real war had just begun.
[Next Episode Preview] Labor Office Investigation Result: Insufficient Evidence. "Difficult to prove the Professor's specific intent."
The counterattack begins. The Disciplinary Committee is summoned.
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