Spring Day // Kim Taehyung ( V )

Chapter 3 - hello Korea

Today marks a pivotal moment in my life—one I've anticipated yet dreaded with equal measure. The day I must leave everything familiar behind—my home, my memories, the comfort of the place I've called my sanctuary. Even the smallest spaces, like my room, have woven themselves into the fabric of my existence. This space has witnessed my quiet moments—sleep, tears, lazy afternoons—and countless memories that I hold dear. It's astonishing how something so ordinary can become so significant.

The thought of saying farewell to my entire home—where I grew up, studied, and achieved milestones—feels almost impossible to accept. How does one simply let go of the familiarity, the routines, the moments that have shaped who I am? It's a profound challenge, and honestly, it's more painful than I expected.

Why do goodbyes always seem to come so suddenly? Why must we part ways, even temporarily, with those we love?

This is it, George. You can do this. Please, hold back the tears. Stay strong.

"I'm going to miss you so much," Angela's voice cracked as she fought back tears. Her words echoed the ache I was feeling inside.

I wrapped my arms around her in a comforting hug, even though my own heart was trembling. Her grip tightened, and I found myself overwhelmed by emotion—my tears escaping despite my efforts to stay composed. We both cried in that moment, the unspoken pain of farewell heavy between us.

Joan gently handed me a CD as Angela pulled away. "Please, keep this, George. It's from all of us. Play it whenever you feel lonely or miss us." Her voice was tender, filled with warmth and hope. I didn't speak; I could only nod, overwhelmed by the weight of the moment.

In that silence, I clung to them all, unwilling to let go. The fear of losing these precious bonds, of distance eroding what we've built, was almost suffocating. I love these girls—my friends, my family—and leaving them feels like tearing a part of myself away.

Yet, they all offered reassuring smiles, their eyes saying that everything would be okay.

"They're waiting for you, George. Remember, greater opportunities await when you embrace a new chapter," Joan said—her words always wise, a guiding light in uncertain times. Her presence is a constant source of comfort, a steady reminder that growth often comes through change.

"I love you all... no goodbyes, just see you again," I managed, my voice thick with emotion. I embraced them once more before stepping into the car driven by Eun Gi.

As the door closed behind me, I watched them slowly disappear from view. The ache of separation hit hard—more intense than any breakup I've known. My chest tightened, and I pressed play on my earbuds, the song 'Always Be Together' by Little Mix filling my ears, a bittersweet soundtrack for this moment. For now, sleep seemed like the only refuge.

The morning at the airport was a blur. My mother's gentle voice stirred me awake. "George, wake up. We've arrived."

Disoriented, I looked around—realizing we were already at the airport. A deep sigh escaped me. Part of me wished I were still dreaming, holding onto the illusion that this was all a dream. But reality was undeniable.

Eun Gi carefully unloaded our luggage, and I noted how I had left most of my clothes behind—rationalizing that I wouldn't need as much in Korea. Smart, I told myself.

The inevitable was approaching. We all knew what to expect at the airport, yet it didn't make it any easier. I took one last glance at Los Angeles—my hometown—before walking inside.

Once aboard the plane, I settled into my seat, pulling out my laptop to revisit the CD Joan had given me. Despite only a few hours since I watched it, I already felt a pang of longing. I inserted the disc, and the images began to play, pulling me into a flood of memories.