Spring Day // Kim Taehyung ( V )

Chapter 2 - Goodbye Spring Break Dream

Previously

Her expression didn't change. "I understand your feelings, but my decision is final. We'll talk about this another time."

I sat back, my chest tightening as a wave of disappointment mingled with stubborn resolve. I wasn't going to back down—not without a fight. I looked her straight in the eyes, unwavering. "I see. Well, I guess I'll have to find another way. Because I'm not giving up on this."

The room fell into a tense silence, my heart pounding with frustration and determination. I knew this wasn't over, not by a long shot.

******

The words hung heavily in the air, but I couldn't find the strength to respond immediately. My mind was flooded with chaos—thoughts swirling about what this all truly meant. My mother's voice was calm, but there was an undercurrent of vulnerability I hadn't heard before.

"George, it's not that I don't want you to go," she repeated softly, "but your dad and I have plans. Big ones."

I froze. My heart pounded in my chest as I processed her words. Wait—did she just say Dad? And what did that have to do with my trip? I couldn't understand how her plans now, their marriage, somehow intertwined with what I thought was just a simple vacation.

"Did you say Dad?" I asked again, voice trembling, trying to hold back the surge of emotion.

I knew I sounded rude—that was the truth—but the words felt like a betrayal. I had always been cautious around Eun Gi. Despite their years together, I didn't feel comfortable calling him Dad unless they were officially married. And honestly, I didn't see that day coming anytime soon. My mother knew how I was around unfamiliar men, especially those I didn't fully trust.

She exchanged a quick glance with Eun Gi, who responded with a gentle, reassuring smile, taking her hands softly in his.

"Stop that," I snapped, rolling my eyes. "Stop exchanging looks. Just share what you're feeling—be honest with me."

In that moment, something caught my eye—a reflection, a glint from her hands.

Fingers.

I stared, fixed, until reality finally sank in.

"What's that, Mom?" I asked softly, voice barely above a whisper.

Even as I said it, I hoped I was wrong. But I knew better.

My heart sank—she's getting married.

"George," she finally revealed, her voice trembling with vulnerability, "Eun Gi and I are getting married."

The words hit me like a wave—so sudden, so unexpected. The room felt smaller, heavier.

Eun Gi, ever the gentle presence, reached out and placed his arm around her shoulders in a quiet gesture of support and reassurance.

I was stunned—completely overwhelmed. My mind spun, grasping for some response, some semblance of control. I didn't feel anger, nor happiness. Just... blankness. An emptiness that filled every corner of my mind.

Was that wrong?

"Oh... wow, Mom," I managed, voice hollow. "Congratulations, I guess?"

But even as I said it, I knew I was struggling to find sincerity. My thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion.

"So... how does this relate to my trip with my friends?" I asked, voice faint, almost disconnected.

She hesitated, then softly added, "We're going to Korea. The wedding is there, and everything's happening quickly."