The investigator closed the file with a definitive snap. "I will now announce the results of the investigation."
Min-ah and Bo-hyun held their breath.
"We have reviewed the submitted recordings and ledger entries. We also examined the dual-ledger kept by Na Bo-hyun for the past three years and the recorded conversations with Professor Han Do-yoon."
The investigator looked directly at Min-ah.
"However..."
That single word said everything.
"The phrase 'settle the Parvez matter' in the recordings is subject to interpretation. It could mean helping with a visa extension, or it could mean obstructing it. Similarly, the instruction 'don't write this down' could be interpreted as a request not to record personal funds in official research expenditure logs."
Min-ah’s hands began to shake. "But the Professor clearly—"
"Student Seo Min-ah," the investigator cut her off. "Legally, proving 'intent' is extremely difficult, especially when the dialogue is as ambiguous as this."
He pushed the file toward her. "Conclusively, the charges against Professor Han Do-yoon for labor law violations are dismissed due to insufficient evidence."
Min-ah’s vision blurred.
"However," he added, "we will forward a recommendation to the university that improvements are needed regarding lab management and the payment of student labor costs."
A recommendation. That was it.
Three years of meticulous records. Bo-hyun’s betrayal and subsequent courage. Parvez’s sacrifice. Everything had been reduced to a single line of "recommendation."
[January 15, 2004, 5:00 PM / University Administration Building, Conference Room]
Professor Han was seated in the President’s office.
"Professor, the Labor Office contacted us. Insufficient evidence," the President said. "That’s a relief. But..." His expression hardened. "Now that the students have acted this way, we must take measures. For the honor of this university."
"What kind of measures are you suggesting?" Professor Han asked calmly.
"We will convene a Disciplinary Committee. For students Na Bo-hyun and Seo Min-ah."
Professor Han gave a slow, measured nod. "A wise decision."
[January 16, 2004, 10:00 AM / Min-ah’s Phone]
[Received Message] From: Office of Student Affairs
Notice of Disciplinary Committee Hearing Time: January 17, 2004 (Sat), 10:00 AM Location: Administration Building, Small Conference Room Subject: Na Bo-hyun (3rd Year Ph.D.), Seo Min-ah (Master’s Program) Reason: Violation of faculty rights and defamation through false information.
Min-ah dropped her phone.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
Violation of faculty rights. Defamation. Despite the recordings. Despite the ledgers. Suddenly, Min-ah and Bo-hyun had become the aggressors.
[January 17, 2004, 10:00 AM / University Administration Building, Small Conference Room]
The doors opened to reveal seven professors seated behind a long table. All middle-aged men. Professor Han was not among them, citing a conflict of interest. However, a man in a sharp suit sat beside the table—the Professor’s legal representative.
"Na Bo-hyun, Seo Min-ah. Please be seated," the Chairman said.
The two students sat side-by-side. Behind them, rows of empty chairs stood like silent witnesses.
"This committee has been convened to deliberate on the petition filed by students Na Bo-hyun and Seo Min-ah to the Labor Office and their related actions," the Chairman began. "First, we will hear from the students. Na Bo-hyun."
Bo-hyun stood up. His voice was shaky but clear. "For three years, I recorded the unfair treatment in that lab. Unpaid labor, misappropriation of research funds, and the sabotage of a foreign researcher’s visa. It is all true."
"Do you have proof that it is 'true'?" a committee member asked.
"Yes. The ledgers and the recordings."
"The Labor Office deemed that evidence insufficient, did they not?" another member interjected.
"That was... a matter of legal interpretation, as I understand it."
"Legal interpretation?" The Chairman let out a cold laugh. "Doesn't that simply mean your claims were found to be false?"
"No! The recordings clearly show—"
"Student Na Bo-hyun," the lawyer interrupted. "On January 3rd, did you receive 1.9 million won from Professor Han?"
"Yes, but that was—"
"Answer with 'Yes' or 'No.' Did you receive 1.9 million won?"
"...Yes."
"Did you use that money to pay off your credit card debt?"
"Yes."
"Then didn't the Professor help you in your time of need?"
Bo-hyun bit his lip. "That money was for my silence. To convince Min-ah—"
"Is there evidence it was 'hush money'? Did you sign a contract?"
"It’s in the recording—"
"The recording already failed the Labor Office’s scrutiny," the lawyer said, spreading out his documents. "Rather, you exploited the Professor's goodwill to spread false rumors. You have severely tarnished his reputation."
"I..."
"Sit down," the Chairman commanded.
Bo-hyun slumped back into his seat, his hands trembling.
"Student Seo Min-ah. Your statement?"
Min-ah stood up. "I believe everything Bo-hyun has recorded is true. And I believe Senior Parvez’s visa was rejected because of the Professor’s interference—"
"Student Seo Min-ah," a member cut her off. "Mr. Parvez’s visa rejection was a decision made by the Immigration Office. The reason cited was a lack of research performance. How exactly did Professor Han interfere?"
"He intentionally delayed the publication of the paper."
"Evidence?"
"...I don't have physical proof. But Parvez told me—"
"And where is Mr. Parvez now?"
Silence.
"So, without a witness and without evidence, you are accusing a professor?"
Min-ah couldn't answer. The committee members exchanged looks. "We will deliberate. Please wait outside."
[20 Minutes Later]
Min-ah and Bo-hyun sat on a bench in the hallway. The winter sun streamed through the windows. The campus was eerily quiet; being a Saturday, there were few students around.
"Min-ah," Bo-hyun whispered. "I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"I should have stood up to him from the very beginning."
Min-ah shook her head. "No. You spent three years recording him. I know how terrifying that must have been."
"But we..."
The door opened. "Please come in."
The Chairman unfolded the verdict. "This committee has reached the following decision." His voice echoed in the sterile room.
"Student Na Bo-hyun is sentenced to Expulsion (Dismissal)."
Bo-hyun’s face went white.
Expulsion. It was the permanent revocation of student status. His records would be erased, with no chance of re-admission. Three years of doctoral work, gone in an instant.
"Student Seo Min-ah is sentenced to Indefinite Suspension and Deferral of Graduation."
Min-ah’s legs gave out.
"These two students have framed the honorable Professor Han Do-yoon with false information, an act that severely violates faculty rights and tarnishes the university's reputation." The Chairman put down the paper. "That is all. You may request a re-examination within two weeks, though it is unlikely to be granted. You are dismissed."
Min-ah and Bo-hyun stood in the hallway. Dust motes danced slowly in the shafts of sunlight.
Bo-hyun collapsed against the wall, sinking to his knees. "It's over... it's all over..."
Min-ah couldn't speak.
Expulsion. Indefinite Suspension.
Three years of records. Bo-hyun’s courage. Everything had been trampled under the name of "Faculty Rights." Min-ah looked out the window. The campus was still peaceful, as if nothing had happened at all.
[Next Episode Preview] [January 18, 2004 / The Next Day]
Students whisper. Colleagues turn their heads. Yesterday’s "family" has become today’s "criminals."
A scarlet letter is branded upon those who tried to record the monster.
Rating the story—it helps others find us during these tough times!
Checking out my Patreon for early access to the revenge arc. I promise the payoff is coming.
NekoRina for the recent vibes!